I've been seeing a lot of things in the media recently regarding drug addiction. Articles/video links have been posted on various blogs from the LA Times, ABC News... etc...
In my novels I read (murder/mystery/thriller genre) I've seen more and more references to oxycodone abuse.
There have been many *probably* prescription-drug related deaths of famous people in the past year, 2 in the past month or so, generating even more media attention.
Here in Florida the government *seems* to be working on the prescription drug problem. One article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel cited 308 overdoses in 2008. If the video on that link is still working, the newscast also cites that in Palm Beach county the sheriff's offices "handles an overdose death every 27 hours".
April 25th at 9pm on CBS will be a movie about Lois's life (Lois Wilson co-founder of Al-Anon) called "When Love isn't Enough".
I find myself getting so excited that substance abuse is FINALLY getting media attention. Then I wonder... has it always been and I'm just now seeing it b/c of my situation? If I wasn't in Al-Anon I'd probably not know about the upcoming Lois movie, would I have watched it? Would it have made me REALIZE that I needed help? Have I been seeing these news articles all along but only SEEING them now?
I guess it's really neither here nor there but just something that has gone through my mind recently. I just have HOPE that parents are seeing these articles/newscasts/references in books and movies and are GETTING it and GETTING out of denial sooner.
'bout me: third set of visitors in a row just left yesterday (happens when you live in Florida), wasted a bunch of time yesterday and today, now once again getting back to things (like laundry!). Had a set-back in my "me" stuff, the gym I joined where I was working with a personal trainer, and working out for the first time in my life, CLOSED with NO NOTICE last Thursday (and of course I had paid in full for everything in advance). Very shady, just up and closed (the day before the 2week payday for the employees). My trainer is now looking for a job - she has a child to support. I am actually more upset for her and the other employees I had gotten to know than for myself, but I am writing here to mention the set back it gave me... mentally, all my Al-Anon tools went out the window, even sat through a meeting Saturday obsessing about THIS, unable not to :( when I should have been using the time to grow. Same with the church service this morning. The "wasted time" the past two days was me obsessing/controlling visiting every health club in the vicinity (5 including the Y) to see where I can go and trying to get my trainer on too (which I know I am not in charge of her life too! ahhhh). I'm hoping I have a better time getting a grip tomorrow and "be there" for the Al-Anon meeting tomorrow night. I need it!
'bout Heather: still talking to her, small conversations, she sounds good for the most part. Last Tuesday she went to an Al-Anon meeting (I'm not writing about her father on this blog, but unfortunately she would qualify for Al-Anon AND AA/NA). She said it was emotionally draining and the topic was detachment. She brought 3 friends with her (gotta smile at that!). Last time I talked to her she said she still plans to go to an AA meeting. I'm not analyzing any of this (after all I have a health club and health club employees to obsess over!), but was glad to know she went to an Al-Anon meeting - it can only be good.
God bless.
It is torture for us all…
4 days ago
Personally I think that the topic of addiction is one of those that most people prefer to not think about and hope (or believe) that it will never strike their loved one. But if it does, you suddenly become hyper-aware of it. That said, I do think there is much more talk about it today because its a bigger problem than ever. Now that perscription drugs are so "popular to abuse" and a few famous people have lost their lives (RIP Heath - awesome actor) or are in rehab, its in the media often.
ReplyDeleteI think its terrible about your gym! Very like you to worry for the others, you have a warm compassionate heart, it shows!
I had to smile at this: "I'm not analyzing any of this (after all I have a health club and health club employees to obsess over!)." At least you still have your sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteAs far as noticing things, I find that once I'm aware of something it seems to be everywhere. I believe that God puts what I need to see/hear in front of me when I'm ready to see/hear it.
Be gentle with yourself. The term, "progress, not perfection" comes to mind. I think you're doing great. Hugs.
The gyms have gotten very competitive where I live. Too many opened, and now not enough people to join. One closed without notice here also, right after a friend of mine bought 4 yearly memberships (for her, husband, and 2 sons)! She is having a terrible time getting her money back.
ReplyDeleteI think the Y would be a great idea, you know they won't go out of business. I hope you find something and don't let this sidetrack you. You were really on a roll!
PS Mind if we come visit....LOL
I think addiction is more prevalent now because of prescription pain medicine. I also hear about it everywhere! I'm also side-lined by a pulled back muscle right now.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about the difference between when you first started blogging and now - things are so much better for you now!