The Surrounding Area and the War on Drugs

It’s an ugly subject, but we cannot turn a blind eye. I would venture to say that just about everyone reading this has been impacted by the devastating effects of heroin addiction. Whether it be a neighbor, a friend of a friend or a personal situation of your own, whatever the case may be, it’s everywhere.  It effects every economic status, every race and every age right in front of our eyes.  This drug has such a powerful impact on the brain that if you survive even “just trying it once,” you eventually end up with a lifetime battle.  The effects of this are immediate and the addiction is devastating to everyone around the person involved.

U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld has been doing an exemplary job in battling the drug dealers that are bringing this into our neighborhoods and making it so accessible, but he needs our participation, too.  We have a duty to work together in this fight for the lives of so many innocent people in our town and surrounding areas.

A couple weekends ago, some 18 people overdosed, including three deaths in one night in Washington County, Pennsylvania.  I read something in the newspaper daily about a drug bust and the most common drug of choice seems to be heroin.  I know our local news stations seem to have a top story nightly revolving around this vile drug, not to mention the very powerful locally advertised commercials that we have all seen.

With eyes wide open, this drug comes in many different forms.  It can be sniffed, snorted, smoked or injected.  Many times it’s mixed with other drugs, as well.  Its power overcomes the user.  Within seconds, it enters the brain and the euphoric feeling, hours later, is followed by unbearable withdrawal symptoms that keeps the user seeking more.  Supposing you survive, continued use only increases because now you need it.

Convulsions, abnormal heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, suicidal behavior, criminal behavior, kidney failure, death – sound like a good time?  I don’t think so.

If you have never tried a drug, that is a wonderful thing and may you always keep it that way.  If you have, go to someone and get help because it’s not an addiction you can beat alone.  You need support from family, friends and professionals.

Report any suspicious activity.  Families need support.  They need not be ashamed – this is no time to judge.  Be proactive with what may seem to be tough love at times because you may just save a life.

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