Day 3: Drugs and Alcohol

Yea, this post is going to sound a little preachy. I absolute hate and despise the use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol. One of the repetitive statements I use in my classroom is "Drugs are bad, don't do drugs." My students laugh at the lightness of the statement and then I get real with them because there were people in my life growing up that didn't have their priorities straight and it not only affected their lives, but mine as well.

According to the Florida Institute of Technology: Drug use in America is also more commonplace than it once was. In today's teenage population over 90 percent have used alcohol. Over 50 percent have used marijuana, 17 percent admit to trying cocaine and 12.5 percent have used some form of hallucinogen. Furthermore, the average age of first experimentation with drugs is 13, and for alcohol it is even younger. Drug use has been classified as a major problem for kids as early as fourth grade by the students themselves.  Alcohol is the most widely used drug in America. It is the third largest cause of death in the United States, second only to heart disease and cancer. Alcohol and tobacco use are a significant "risk factor" in heart disease and cancer.  It accounts for over 100,000 deaths per year in this country alone. It is also the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Are you freaking kidding me!? And this was only one fact sheet! What is this world coming to? Where are the positive role models? Lord, be with us all!!

I understand that addictions are diseases and those who use them regularly are in need of both medical and psychological counseling and therapies. I am not trying to debate that fact at all. My stance on the topic is firm. Get help or you won't be in or apart of my life or my family. I will pray for you, love you from a distance, but I won't enable you. I will not be dragged down by your choices.

It is stupid to use drugs. You make bad decisions when you are on drugs. You hurt people (and yourself) when you are on drugs. Grow up, sober up and get a grip. Deal with your issues don't bury them (again see aforementioned statement on medical and psychological help).
If someone you know or love is suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction, please encourage them to get help! As hard as it might be, do not ignore the signs.

Please know that their problems are not your fault. Their addiction may have affected you and impacted you, but you are not alone. Life can get better for you and for them with a simple, yet significant choice.

For more information on drug addiction treatment in Florida, or for a confidential consultation call toll free at: 1 800-960-5041