Therefore But by the Grace of God Go I
Most of us think that people who struggle with alcohol and/or other drugs can just fix themselves. But that is not the case any more than a diabetic can will herself to become non diabetic. Part of the thinking that addicted people can fix themselves lies in the belief that they brought it on themselves, as well.
Where’d All Those Drugs Come From?
On October 17th a number of agencies came together to hold the community’s first “Prescription Drug Round Up.” The event, in response to a growing prescription drug abuse problem in the community, was held at 5 sites in Reno and Sparks and invited anyone to bring in prescription and over the counter drugs to one of our sites.
You Really Have to Want it to Get Better
Everyone has been exposed to alcoholism and/or drug addiction through a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor. Because of that, everyone has experiences, thoughts, and usually opinions about the issue. Probably the most common response I get is, “Isn’t it true that a person has to really want it in order to get better?” Of course, that’s not really a question as much as it is a declarative statement. Then the “you-have-to-want-it-to-get-better” comment is followed up with something like, “I have an uncle that’s been to treatment six times and he’s still drinking and using drugs. He just isn’t motivated.”
These comments and questions are all understandable because each person that has an experience with someone else’s addiction has often had a heartbreaking and emotionally painful time with that person.
The War on Drugs
In 1989, the first President Bush declared “war” on drugs. It didn’t require Congressional approval but everyone seemed to agree that declaring a state of war on a drug was […]
Methamphetamine – Haven’t we already dealt with that?
Methamphetamine or “Meth” as we more affectionately call it has been in our collective consciousness in northern Nevada for at least the last 5 or 6 years. We’ve been exposed to stories of thin, unkempt young people with scab and pock marked faces, dental issues that defy description (and that are a major gross out), and an insatiable compulsion to use the drug despite the inevitable consequences. We have been shown people who give up spouses, careers, and even their children to use this scourge of a drug.
It’s Just a Pill
As I look back on my career I think about some of the “drug epidemics” America has gone through. Some of these include heroin in the 1960s and 70s, LSD in the 70s, cocaine in the 80s, and more recently, methamphetamines. These are all drug trends that the media and popular culture have used to send shock waves through our collective consciousness by showing graphic details of illicit drug use, crime, babies affected by mother’s drug use while pregnant, and more.
Today, we still face challenges with all of the drugs I’ve named. But as we speak, a “new” trend is coming upon us and it’s one that at first glance doesn’t look so threatening. That is, the illicit use and abuse of prescription drugs, particularly the Opioids, which include drugs such as Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Methadone, and more. These are all powerful painkillers that have great potential use in treating many ailments and controlling pain.