Pubdate: Tue, 11 Feb 2014
Source: Buffalo News (NY)
Copyright: 2014 Monica Farrar
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/GXIzebQL
Website: http://www.buffalonews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/61
Author: Monica Farrar

LET'S ALL DO OUR PART TO END DRUG EPIDEMIC

Aren't all drug-related deaths tragic? If so, why do we as a community
and a nation tend to ignore the 38,000 overdose deaths in the United
States each year until it claims the life of someone with celebrity
status? Whether it's Philip Seymour Hoffman dying of a heroin overdose
or Whitney Houston from cocaine abuse, are their lives more important
than the life of your friend, relative or neighbor who may have also
succumbed to drugs?

Perhaps the media coverage of Hoffman's recent passing is a good
thing. We need to shine a spotlight on the drug epidemic that is
sweeping through Western New York right now, paying no attention to
the social status of the victims in its path.

Local media outlets in recent weeks have been telling stories of
Western New Yorkers who have fallen victim to a deadly heroin mix. But
these are not celebrities; they are our children, siblings, co-workers
and loved ones. Sadly, addiction not only touches the people using the
drug, but all others who are a part of their life.

As a substance abuse counselor, I know many people who struggle with
addiction every day, hoping they can continue the battle tomorrow.
Unfortunately, I also know several people who have not been able to
defeat those demons and are no longer with us.

If you know someone who is abusing drugs, step in and make a
difference because it could save the person's life. Any of us can do
that. Parents and grandparents, please clean out your medicine cabinet
on a regular basis. Talk to your family members about drug use; this
needs to be an ongoing conversation, not a one-time occurrence.

The good news is there is help for the individuals addicted and those
involved in their lives. And while these services continue to save
lives every day, it's not the type of news that typically generates
headlines.

Monica Farrar

Program Director

Resource Training Center, Amherst 
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