We interviewed a fellow student, who we will hereafter refer to as "John Doe", about his past, his reasons, and his new thoughts on drug use and addiction. When asked what kind of environment he was raised in John replied "Bad, the house was full of drug users and alcoholics. People who liked to rob, and felt they were above the law."

Then we asked him why he was involved with these kinds of people and problems. He said "I felt like I was raised in that environment, I felt like I had to act like them to be cool. I felt I had to do that to fit in with family and friends."

Eventually John went on to say he was only eight years old when he first got involved with drugs. Just eight years old!  Within the next four years he was charged with vandalism and petty theft, and all by the age of twelve. That just goes to show what kind of influence drugs have had.

We, as a united community, need to think about a solution to the problem, but not just in southern Ohio, but throughout the region, the state, the nation, and the world.  We must take action.  Next we asked John, who is a recovering addict, what it feels like now to be drug-free. He said "Physically I feel better, I look better, and my attitude is better."  Then he stated "Drugs disgust me. No one needs them -- no matter the pain you are in."

According to one Ohio-based detox facility, Sunrise Detox, "Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana and Methamphetamine are the primary drug threats in the state of Ohio."  So, how can we help teens to make the right choice and not do drugs?  We asked a few adults here at our school, and here are some of their thoughts: -- People turn to drugs because they see less employment opportunities in this area. 

-- If there were more jobs, maybe there would be less drug dealing.
-- More funding to this area would help so that task forces can afford new training and equipment.
-- Bring back the D.A.R.E program. It could help. It seemed to be effective, according to school staff.

Relevant Links:
Drug Czar Comes To Southern Ohio
Ironton Tribune, January 10, 2012

Ohio Gets New Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force
Ohio Votes 2011, January 10, 2012

Pharmacist Gets 2 Years on Ohio Pain Pill Case
ABC News, January 9, 2012

Portman Fighting For Federal Resources To Help Combat Drug Abuse in Southern Ohio
Rob Portman, US Senator, Ohio, April 30, 2011

Prescription Drug Epidemic Brings Southern Ohio County To Its Knees
Cleveland.com, February 26, 2011

Where to turn for help?
Ohio Department of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services

Sunrise Detox - Get Your Life Back

Drug Rehab in Ohio - Narconon Drug Abuse Rehabilitation