Pubdate: Tue, 18 Oct 2005
Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX)
Copyright: 2005 Amarillo Globe-News
Contact:  http://amarillonet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/13
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n000/a335.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

DRUG ABUSERS 'JUST SAY NO' TO PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

A feature in the Friday Amarillo Globe-News showed why such
politically correct terms as "recreational" and "experimental" should
no longer be used in reference to drug use. The article "Cranky Kids"
detailed the dangerous effects of drug abuse, specifically from
methamphetamine.

While just making the drug, much less ingesting it, can be deadly,
there is also the unintended consequences that drug use has upon
innocent children.

The Panhandle Assessment Center and Child Protective Services are two
of the organizations that are a haven to children who, tragically, are
proof that drug abuse harms more than just the user.

If the kids are lucky, the loss of money to finance a drug habit that
could be used on food or school clothes is the worst these kids will
experience. Often, that is not the case, though. In the case of meth,
simple exposure can be deadly.

According to CPS, at least 80 percent of child-abuse investigations
are related to drug use by a parent or guardian.

See the connection?

Drug legalization has long been a national debate, but there is no
arguing that drug abuse, at the very least, prevents parents from
fulfilling their responsibilities.

You want recreation? Go for a jog.

You want to experiment? Take a science class.

No man is an island, and neither is a drug user. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake