Opiates have become epidemic everywhere and our suburb is no exception. It’s important to know what opiates are, how they work and what to do if you suspect a family member of using them or if you yourself need help. All opiates are highly and severely addicting, both physically and psychologically. The story I hear as a counselor is almost always the same: It begins with a little pot in high school and by end of freshman year, they are smoking regularly. Pot these days is unbelievably potent and is in many ways a distant cousin to the opiate high. By sophomore year, they’ve tried a few Norcos, Vicodin or other prescription pain meds. By junior year, these are gobbled in small handfuls and used more regularly and by senior year they get turned on to Oxycontin, a powerful synthetic opiate that is crushed and snorted. The high is great, but Oxy’s are expensive so pretty soon they smoke a little heroin. Many of them don’t know the difference between opium and heroin — there isn’t one! Heroin is cheaper and soon they’re smoking regularly and severely addicted. By the time they realize there’s a problem it’s too late. These drugs are everywhere, as is Xanax, which is another highly addictive drug that is becoming epidemic. Our laws do not protect us. Thirty percent of prescription meds are on the streets. Drug companies are nothing more than legalized dope cartels, killing our children.
Look out for your kids and adult children who are heavy pot smokers and have their marijuana medical cards; this is often the precursor to opiate use. If you suspect something, you can try to confront them in a caring way. If they are listless, volatile and moody, ask if they need help. Are they spending money they don’t have, staying very busy without a job? Most readers know how I feel about our local drug treatment centers (they suck and rehab doesn’t work). Most addicts want help and they want a program that will be supportive, allow them to live at home and break their addiction without treating them like punks or kids. You should always begin with a phone call for an evaluation with a professional. Make sure the program they attempt is one they feel they will respond to and not the same old thing.
Scott Spackey is a California Registered Addiction Specialist, Interventionist, Life-Coach and Clinical Hypnotherapist. For more information, please call 661-299-1966 or e-mail: Scott@Life-Mind.com .