Drugs Kill

Drugs.

It's crazy how much my family & I have been affected by drug use.

And no, not the good needed-for-medical-problems kind.

I have had three relatives killed by drug overdose (2 by ODing on illegal drugs, one an accidental OD of prescription medication).

I have 2 other relatives who have been thru alchohol abuse programs.

The father of a close friend has struggled with drug addiction for 30+ years.

The husband of another friend has been struggling with drug addiction for around 10 years.

Two of my nephews, both less than 25 years old, are struggling with drug addiction.

One of my ex-boyfriends was a recovering alcoholic & recovering narcotics addict (16 yrs clean when we dated).

And that doesn't come close to counting those that I personally know or have suspected of abusing illegal or prescription drugs.

There's not really a point to this post, just to say that the drug problem in our country is very real. It damages people, families, relationships. It kills.

Let me say that again:

Drugs kill.

So, just don't do it. Don't start. Don't take one hit because you think you won't be the one who becomes addicted. Don't share prescription meds because you think they're harmless.

No drug is harmless.

Not illegal, not prescription, not even over-the-counter. They all have differing levels of risk.

Don't take any medication that isn't yours.

Don't give away or sell any of your medication.

Read labels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

If you're struggling with addiction, seek help. See below for a list of places that can help.

Take care of yourself. Please.

NarcAnon

Teen Challenge

Addiction Tribe

National Institute on Drug Abuse

As always, thanks for checking in