Kudos to Michelle Hines of Lake Zurich, Illinois

They say if you look hard enough you can find the positive in any situation.  I don't know if I agree with that statement, especially when it comes to a drug overdose resulting in the death of a young person.  Yet, sometimes its the most tragic events that spur someone into action.  

I just read about this mom who is having a forum to educate other parents in her community about the dangers and prevalence of heroin use among high school students there.  There were THREE heroin ODs in Lake Zurich in the last 14 months (population aprox. 20,000).

Everything I've been learning and experiencing over the last few years has prompted me to take some action too.  Mostly just little things, like this blog, but maybe some bigger things coming up soon.  I'll keep you posted.

Here is an excerpt from the article about Michelle Hines and the work she's doing to spread the word, the full article is here.

A big part of the problem is the prevalent "not my kid" attitude, Hines said.

"There have been so many parents who believe this would not happen to their kids. Their kids are in sports. Their kids are in every activity, and there's no sign of foul play," she said. "The signs aren't the same anymore."

Needle marks on the arms used to be an indication of heroin use. But now, heroin's high purity means it can be smoked or snorted. A single dose can kill, or start a life-destroying addiction.

Peace, Hope and Love,
Barbara

What I Want for My Birthday:

Ok, there are only a few hours left of my birthday and here I am making a "gift list" of what I want.  But you don't even have to move from where you are sitting to do this, I just want everyone to read today's post by Dad and Mom over at "An Addict in Our Son's Bedroom".  Its important stuff.

If you don't know someone who's been directly affected by drug addiction, you are very fortunate and becoming part of a minority.  Its spreading fast and wide and SOMETHING must be done.  We can take some action.

"It has come to be my belief that drug usage needs a more personal face. Parents, brothers, sisters, friends and everyone connected needs to stand up and demand more accountability from our governments for drug addiction. Politicians find it easy to pound their fist about drug addiction and it is easy to brag about how many addicts and dealers they have put in prison on their watch. Addiction is a disease. We need our leaders look for new answers, our current methodologies of dealing with addicts once they are in the system are only marginally effective. The power of every person touched by drug addiction is to big for our leaders to ignore. This affects us all.

I am asking everyone that reads this blog, when you are done here go to your U.S. Representatives website and e-mail them, ask what they are doing about drug addiction. For those from other countries, do the same with your government, if you are allowed to do this. I do see there are visitors to our blogs from some very repressed countries, do what is safe for you in your place. We all need to be heard more loudly and with a larger voice to get something done."

Read the entire blog post HERE.

Find your State Rep. HERE.