The silent epidemic of drug abuse

As a mother and a grandmother, I guess I wanted to believe that the rumors I have been hearing about the use of drugs among young people are untrue, and just that – rumors. But when you start hearing and seeing lives torn apart because of heroine and cocaine usage by close friends, neighbors, family persons, you are awakened to the realization that this "thing" is in our own community! 

Folks don't want to talk about it, don't want to think about it, as long as it does not affect them. In every county and suburb, the drug problem is becoming rampant. I am sure it is difficult for safety forces to find the sources, and then what?

We have so many marches for wonderful causes, car washes, young people banding together, social services getting deeply involved, what is the answer? How can we end this epidemic? Perhaps many of you reading this have some constructive thoughts, if you do, write about it, perhaps about your own experiences. 

And while you are doing that, keep the name Patrick in mind, for he is one of those statistics who just spent many months withdrawing from some of these horrific drugs. Patrick is my grandson, and remembering the little boy with the gentle sweet nature and loving heart, it is difficult to fathom this could have happened to him. 

But it did happen to him. And to other good kids with predators just waiting in the shadows, for a chance to get them hooked. I thank God that he is alive, and at least has a chance to have a life, but others have not been that lucky.

shirlee mangan

Hi! I am a retired nurse, enjoy writing, painting, volunteering at Eliza jennings Home in Cleveland Ohio, and an animal advocate!

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Volume 4, Issue 16, Posted 10:26 AM, 08.07.2012