In today’s world nearly everyone is either related to or knows someone who is mixed up in illegal drug abuse. This type of abuse ruins lives. Every individual has the choice. YOU have the choice. Will I get involved with illegal drug use? If I already am involved, will I do something about it? If I know someone who is involved will I stand on the sidelines and do nothing? Will I fight? What are YOU going to do? The lines have been drawn. The sides have been separated. Where do YOU stand?
In 2005, about 20 million Americans over age 12 were reported to be currently using drugs. An estimated 22.2 million persons ages 12 and above were classified as being dependent on illegal substances in the past year, according to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (2005). The problem of illegal drug abuse effects a broad spectrum of individuals from the victim child born into the wrong home under the worst of poverty-stricken circumstances to the wealthiest, most exposed opportunistic business man. Due to the many different types of drugs, the symptoms experienced are of a vast array as well and range from stimulantion to depression. While the symptoms of many drugs are of a large quantity, there is a single symptom that they all have in common and that is the destruction of the quality of life. Treatment of this life-threatening problem can range from self-imposed abstinence, the envolvement of rehabilitation centers, interventions, and at times even medical attention. Researchers are currently working on aquiring a cure for the intense, out-of-control addiction that illegal drug abusers experience.
In short, the road from addiction to recovery is a long, dark, winding path that is both dangerous and trecherous and is one that has and continues to claim many lives.
