May 24, 2013

Letter to the Editor: Drug Addiction Resources in Heard County

August 16, 2012 by 3 Comments

I have had my battles in the past with drugs and alcohol. And realize what it is to have a problem, and overcome that problem. And over the past few days I have thought about the options of help for those who have a problem.

Pathways is a great program that gives an option to people here in Heard County who may have a problem. Although I have other options such as A.A, N.A, Overcomers Outreach, and Celebrate Recovery on my mind for the people of Heard County.

I had the pleasure to experience each of these self-help groups while I lived in Dalton, Ga. And I do understand that was Dalton and that this is Franklin. I also know that there are these groups in other towns that are close by.

But an addict would rather go up the road five minutes and get their drug of choice. Rather than themselves or someone else drive them around 15-30 minutes for a self-help meeting.

I just would like to see there be other options for those who wanted help for the problem of todays life. The reality is that addiction is running rampant in the world of today, every place you go, and even here in Heard County.

Think about this… Every single person is either directly or indirectly affected from drugs or alcohol. Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Aunts and Uncles are all included in this category. With that being said… I would love to see some of those groups be put into place here in Heard County.

It would be a great thing for those who do want to better themselves.. And just want someone that understands them be there for them. I have two years of sobriety that I am truly thankful for.. I give all the credit to Jesus Christ!

And being able to have the kinda support systems I have had the privilege of being a apart of. I would love to be apart of a group of people who could be dedicated to helping those who just need a little of encouragement.

And not just be wrote off by society as just that “addict” or “junky” that everyone knows. I know that if I can change anyone can… So I challenge us all to try to step up and help the helpless… And reach the unreachable… And make a difference in our own world today!

Michael L. Noles

Heard County

Filed Under: Letters to the Editor, OPINION

Comments

  1. Shelly says:
    August 17, 2012 at 10:48 am

    I agree with you 100% Mr. Noles. I will go a step further, though, and suggest that we need a facility for those who need to detox in a clinical environment and those people usually don’t have insurance.
    Being one of those you mentioned who has been affected by drug use ( helplessly watching siblings, a parent and ex-spouse), I know the challenges a person faces when they do admit they have a problem and want to quit. Detoxing can be quite dangerous, even deadly. I’ve personally witnessed the horrible effects withdrawals have on a person including (but not limited to) vomiting, cold sweats, dehydration, and seizures. When I and other family members tried calling for help, the very few non-profit places were full and hospitals won’t take you without insurance.
    Society needs to start treating it for what it is, a medical problem, and not a criminal problem, especially for non-violent addicts. They also face the fear of losing their jobs and children (if they still have either) if they do ask for help. In this day and time, people are addicted to many different drugs (legal and illegal). I can count on two hands the people I know who’ve become addicted to prescription drugs after having a medical procedure performed or going through a long-term illness. It’s destroying families and wreaking havoc in communities. The failed drug policies of our society are partly to blame. I’d go so far as to say those policies have made things worse. Just the humble opinion of one person who has lived through the havoc and has more compassion, as a result.

    Reply
  2. Michael says:
    August 20, 2012 at 11:33 am

    I want to thank you for responding to my letter to the editor on here. There are many different people who have a story.. Just only a few will stand up and share that story with others. Doing so it gives those who feel like they don’t have a voice… It gives them a voice! It will make them feel like there is someone who understands them. Someone who can relate to where they are in life at that time. It can inspire them to reach out for those places of refuge to get the help they much so need. Although you are right about the facilities and there availiability of being open to those with those problems. More times than none the places are full… And have a waiting list for sure. In the mean time families are being destroyed one by one… I wake up everyday and live with the effects of what my addiction has cost my own family and myself. Addiction does not care about race, gender, or class! And it will always take more than you ever think you want to give.. My own experience is what is the driving force behind this all. To try to help others just as I was helped by someone else who cared about the well being of others. It would be great for people to not look at the money being made.. And look at the families, lives, and homes being tore apart piece by piece.. But we live in a greed filled society that money is the force behind everything. So I ask that you will pray for me as I move foward in getting something established here for the people of Heard County. And for every husband, wife, mother, father, brother, sister, or child that has been affected by this epidemic. God Bless

    Reply
  3. anonymous says:
    September 2, 2012 at 10:20 am

    God Bless. Forgiveness is the key. Forgive yourself, and others after all is said and done.

    Reply

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