Addiction is like an Entity; it possesses a person without them even realizing it. Often not only destroying you in its wake but also those you love most. Often loved ones don’t notice subtle warning signs of drug abuse until the addiction has a strong hold on the addict. With proper resources it is possible to get your life back. No matter how hopeless you think your case may be. Sadly, the United states has seen a staggering amount of Overdoes Despite efforts to control the problem. Even the illegality and threat of incarceration often proves to pale in comparison to the grip this devastating illness has on some.
Since before I was grown I was convinced the only thing I needed to be happy in life was to marry the boy across the street. As I grew so did my Adoration for him, so that’s just what I did. We were married before my 17 birthday. I overlooked the pills. With a heart like his he would never be one of those people. Within 6 months of me joining the military the love of my life was indeed one of those people. Upgrading to Heroin he began to spend our money on more and more drugs and less bills. While on the phone with our daughter one day I hear “Daddy’s dead mommy!” Being stationed in Mississippi with them in 600 miles away I didn’t know what to do , I got on a friend’s phone while staying on the phone with my daughter and called 911 to the house. After much rehab and many relapses, my husband had stopped trying to get better. She has stopped asking for him. We still pray for him, I’m not sure I will ever loss faith in his ability to beat it.
More than 8 million children live with an addict in the home. Statistics say these children are 12% more likely to develop an addiction as opposed to children growing up in a addict free home. They are also 6 times more likely to suffer from neglect, and 8 times more likely to suffer from abuse. With numbers like this it is no surprise that Overdoes is the United States leading cause of accidental death yearly. Numbers Increased 37% a year between 2010 and 2013.
While the numbers are intimidating it’s important to remember addiction can be beat. There are several resources such as The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) are available for addicts seeking help as well as their family and friends. Using these Resources coupled with the ability to recognize warning signs of addiction, such as but not limited to Bloodshot eyes, Changes in appetite or sleep patterns and sudden weight loss, can help to prevent and treat Addiction.
Drug related criminal charges vary greatly in sentencing. For example, being in position of one kilogram of heroin can result in a maximum of $10/50 million as well as 10 years to life in prison. Where position of 50 grams of methamphetamine’s maximum sentencing is 10/50 million dollars in fines and/or 10 years to life in federal prison (Yeh 2015). Clarence Walker Informs readers of a recent development in drug charges across the nation.
“In recent years, a number of states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington, have enacted or revised laws aimed at punishing dealers for the overdose deaths of their clients. Known under monikers such as "drug dealer liability" or "drug delivery resulting in death,"
-Wlake
Bringing to light the responsibility that lands on the shoulders of the people whom are distributing the various drugs across the United States. Walker goes on to explain while some argue the delivery of drugs is not the same thing as intent, many are agreeing that if you are sailing and or delivering something you know is deadly you are guilty of manslaughter.
Addiction Takes full control of a person’s being. And has become out of control in the united states. Not only causing destruction to addicts, but also those they know and love. There are cases where the Person loves what they have become. But what about that person that just needs help? We can overcome this affliction Together as a Nation If we educate ourselves.
We can overcome this affliction Together as a Nation If we educate ourselves.
Works cited in this blog:
National instatuite on drug abuse
American Society of Addiction Medicane
Yeh, Brian T. Drug Offenses: Maximum Fines and Terms of Imprisonment for Violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Related Laws. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, 2015. Www.fas.org. 20 Jan. 2015. Web. 24 May 2016. https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL30722.pdf.
Wlaker, Clarence. "The New War on Drug Dealers: Charging Them With Murder When Their Customers Die of Overdose." Online posting. Www.alternet.org. 31 May 2015. Web. 24 May 2016.