Drugs, Drugs and more Drugs! When is enough ~ enough?

Today I’m going to revisit an article that I wrote and posted on our blogspot on November 28, 2007. The article was titled ‘The War on Drugs’ and I encourage you to pull it up and have a read (simply visit our blogspot and check out November archives).

I am again reminded of this vicious War and all out attack on our children, young adults and older, by the recent death of actor Heath Ledger. Drugs are changing our world and we must encourage open conversations in our homes and through our extended relationships about the danger of drugs and the affect they ARE and CAN have in all of our lives.

The harsh and sad reality is that drugs are made available to all of us. Not only are they found on the school ground, the street, in the work environment but they are in our own homes in the form of prescription medication ~ a new way to use, that is rapidly growing (again I urge you to read our article called ‘The War on Drugs’ for more information about prescription drug use).

The average age of regular drug usage is lowing daily. According to a report I heard recently only 50% of parents talk to their children about illegal drugs and only 30% talk to them about prescription drugs. This problem is real and none of us are exempt. Our children are being exposed earlier and we as parents and in some cased grandparents or care-givers aren’t talking about it enough which is causing our children to be ill equipped to handle the pressure and influences they face on a daily basis. We MUST keep the lines of communication open.

We need to stand up taller, speak louder and know that our voice matters both on the macro side of this WAR and the micro (in our homes). Talk to your children, show them examples of what drug use CAN and WILL do to them. Don’t be afraid to show them the reality that may lie behind the first hit of anything. Lives are hanging in the balance.

Heath Ledger a 28-year old young man and father is gone. I believe he will be remembered as a great actor and all that he brought to the world of entertainment, however louder than his acting ability will be the fact that his early death was caused by ‘suspected drug use’.

Let’s not put up with anymore ‘useless’ deaths, let’s not run the risk with our children anymore. When was the last time you talked to your children, whatever ever their age, about drugs? Do it today and keep them safe.

Susan