(AP) Republican Gov. Chris Christie says it's time to quit the notion that there's shame in being addicted to drugs.

Calling addiction a disease, Christie said at candlelight vigil on Wednesday that as long as he's the governor, the state won't "give up on people."

Christie spoke briefly at the vigil staged on the statehouse steps, standing alongside former Democratic Gov. Jim McGreevey and other state officials. They were joined by residents celebrating their sobriety and several members of Christie's cabinet.

Christie has made combatting the stigma of drug addiction a priority of his administration.