Pubdate: Fri, 22 Aug 2003 Source: Bristol Herald Courier (VA) Copyright: 2003 Bristol Herald Courier Contact: http://www.bristolnews.com/contact.html Website: http://www.bristolnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1211 Author: Kristen Widener Eller FIGHT FOR OUR YOUTH To the editor: I am addressing this letter to all citizens in this area who need to be aware of the ongoing drug problem that is taking over our quaint neighborhoods. Do you know what it is like to lose someone you love to drugs? Can you fathom the idea of your son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter, niece/nephew, friend or co-worker never waking up again because they took one too many pills? Why should you? We live in small towns with friendly neighbors and breathtaking scenery. Those kind of things just don't happen around here. That's where you are wrong. It's time to wake up and face the reality that your neighbor may be the very one supplying the "good stuff" to those who so desire it. I lost my 19-year-old nephew this past week to a drug overdose and I refuse to sit back and watch this continue to happen. How many more youth, as well as young adults, do we have to bury before we, as citizens, step up and take control? The drug problem runs rampant in many counties across Southwest Virginia. It is in our homes, our back yards and our schools. Most of you are misinformed or often uninformed of the type of drugs that are taking control of many lives. When you hear about a drug overdose, what do you automatically think? Marijuana? Cocaine? Heroin? You need to think again and go check in your medicine cabinet. There you will find your answer. Prescription pills are becoming the drug of choice for most any user. It's not illegal to possess these drugs. They are a controlled substance approved by the FDA. How do these drugs wind up in the wrong hands? Where does a 19-year-old get Valium, Xanax, OxyContin, and Methadone? Very rarely would these be prescribed to a young person, yet they easily fall into their hands. The problem doesn't arise with our youth and I challenge you to not put the blame on them. They are the victims. Who sells these pills to our youth? You might be surprised to know the truth. It's not your "average" drug dealer. Yes, I am bitter and angry that because someone out there chose to sell their prescription pills for money, I had to say goodbye to my nephew, my best friend, my heart and soul. Nothing will ever bring him back to me. I want to encourage each and every one who cares to not sit back and pretend that it doesn't exist. Drugs are real and they are killing our future. You can't deny when a problem exists and sugar-coat it. No amount of tourism will make the problem go away. It's only a cover-up. Fight for our youth and a better tomorrow. It's our only hope. Kristen Widener Eller Damascus, Va. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk