Pubdate: Sun, 21 Apr 2002
Source: Times Leader (PA)
Copyright: 2002 The Times Leader
Contact:  http://www.leader.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/933
Author: Dolores Baynock

DRUG ADDICTS, LOVED ONES NEED COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT, NOT ITS CONDEMNATION

A few weeks ago I read in the SAYSO column a comment about drug addiction 
not being a disease, people do this to themselves and they should all 
overdose and die. Everyone has a right to an opinion, but would this person 
feel the same way if the person that overdosed was someone they love? Most 
people view drug addicts as the "dregs of society," dirty people who steal 
and break the law.

Drug addicts do break the law, but not all are what they seem. They are 
people. They are someone's child, parent, sibling, friend or co- worker. 
Some are professionals, students, or hometown people from all walks of 
life. All are living with a secret turmoil knowing something is wrong but 
not being able to stop it. Some may not want to stop it, depending on 
factors in their life. For whatever the reason there is too much of this in 
our valley. People are dying every week because of drug addiction. The 
valley seems to make believe it is "not around here," which also makes it 
"not our problem."

An article I read a few days ago stated "19 deaths so far this year." That 
is about five people a month dying because of drugs. To the person who felt 
that this is the answer: You are wrong. I bet you any amount of money that 
your opinion would disappear if you were on the other end and your child or 
family member was found dead of a drug overdose.

On April 17 it will be two years that my 19-year-old niece died of a heroin 
overdose. I was on the end of the receiver. That is one phone call you 
don't forget and repeats itself every time you hear of another death due to 
a drug overdose. Drug addiction is here, it is in our communities, schools, 
places of work and maybe our homes.

Take the time to know what is going on with your children. Learn more about 
signs of drug abuse or behaviors that may be sending hidden signals of 
abuse. Attend a drug rally or pick up some pamphlets to educate each other 
on drug abuse. Do whatever you feel you can to help someone. We need to 
realize the problem before we can debate the solution. If you are someone 
with a drug problem, don't be afraid to ask for help, You will be surprised 
as to how many people would be willing to help you and support you. I wish 
my niece did.

Dolores Baynock

Kingston
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