Other Resources
"Kill the Heroin Epidemic Nationwide" is an excellent online resource with information about legislation, stories of encouragement, and recommendations of rehabilitation centers. The community is large and very active. There are many voices to be heard and there is a place for you among them.
With astounding research, Johann Hari describes experiments with rats (caged rats with heroin vs. “the rat park”) and compares it to a program in Portugal that decriminalized drugs. The talk, which is easily understood by ages ten and up, is inspirational and informative. Hari inspires the viewer to become an advocate in his or her community to help those facing addiction, and perhaps take the chance to fix a broken system. Anyone who has already become familiar with “THE SYSTEM” in the United States is aware of “the broken system.” This talk gives undeniable evidence that there is a way to fix it. If surroundings are changed, addiction wanes. Currently, addicts are, in many cases, jailed for their addiction. However, we know this approach does not work. In Portugal, drugs were legalized, and the money used for incarceration was used for rehabilitation and job placement. Almost immediately, drug abuse went down forty percent. Hari gives a message of hope reminiscent of FDR’s “Give a man a job…” speech. The heart of the problem is this: Give an addict hope.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services can help you get the services you and your family needs. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Addiction is a nightmare. The only way to avoid it is to prevent it. The only way to do that educate yourself and your family before the cycle begins. Even with that, there is no tried and true way that a family can stay drug-free. As we know, knowledge is power.
If you suspect a loved one of addiction, get your family help now.
