Friday, September 07, 2007
National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month
As a person who struggles with chronic illness, I need to take dozens of prescription medications just to function each day. Without them I not only don't feel well, but I have great difficulty keeping respiratory infections away. I simply could not fathom the concept of "recreational" drug use. It was completely beyond me why anyone would willingly put illicit drugs into his or her body.
I was ignorant and judgmental of those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.
I have since learned that people abuse drugs not because they want to "feel good" but because they prefer not to feel at all. Something in life is too much of a burden (emotionally, spiritually, physically) and drugs offer an escape. As one person once put it "drugs aren't my problem; drugs are my solution."
Alcohol and substance abuse is running rampant in today's world. Individuals as young as 12 years old are using cocaine, psychotropic pain medications, Ecstasy, marijuana, LSD...the list goes on. Programs like D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) are failing. Drug abuse in affluent populations, particularly among teens is on the rise. Drug-free homes are fast becoming a mere myth. Parents who tell themselves "it won't happen to MY kid" need to educate themselves about what's out there.
Here are some great resources to help you get started:
2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Addiction Overcome
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Happens in the Best of Families
Christian Recovery Ministries
Medication Assisted Treatment
Words Can Work
I was ignorant and judgmental of those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.
I have since learned that people abuse drugs not because they want to "feel good" but because they prefer not to feel at all. Something in life is too much of a burden (emotionally, spiritually, physically) and drugs offer an escape. As one person once put it "drugs aren't my problem; drugs are my solution."
Alcohol and substance abuse is running rampant in today's world. Individuals as young as 12 years old are using cocaine, psychotropic pain medications, Ecstasy, marijuana, LSD...the list goes on. Programs like D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) are failing. Drug abuse in affluent populations, particularly among teens is on the rise. Drug-free homes are fast becoming a mere myth. Parents who tell themselves "it won't happen to MY kid" need to educate themselves about what's out there.
Here are some great resources to help you get started:
2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Addiction Overcome
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Happens in the Best of Families
Christian Recovery Ministries
Medication Assisted Treatment
Words Can Work
