BLOGS BY BOB

There is an issue in America that Presidential candidates and other politicians do not want to talk about.  It is an orphan issue, not unlike the metaphorical elephant in the living room.  Everyone walks around the pungent pachyderm because no one wants to admit it is there and/or take the responsibility of doing something about it.  They’ll do anything to hide good old “Jumbo.”  Some even wrap it with a pleated skirt topped by a fancy vase.  Regardless of the illusionistic attempt, though, “Jumbo” is still there.  “Jumbo” you see, is substance abuse.  It is not only illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin; it is also tobacco, prescription and over the counter drugs, and alcohol. 

 

 

Substance abuse is an issue that dwarfs the war in Iraq in terms of death, injury and depletion of national treasure. It is so huge and so pervasive that it affects virtually every corner of our society and every part of everyone’s life.  Do you know of anyone who is not affected in some way?  Why don’t Obama and McCain address it?   The answer — they must think the issue is too complex to explain never mind boiliing it down to a TV “sound-bite” so like the elephant in the living room, the issue is just ignored.    

 

 

 

 

I am not suggesting a return to the prohibition era of the ‘20’s and ‘30’s of the last century but rather a recognition that substance abuse is the single-most dangerous threat to the economy, public health and national security and a commitment to do something about it being as the “War on Drugs” is a colossal failure.  The so-called war has failed and will continue to fail because it doesn’t attack the problem, it attacks the symptoms only.  The solution is a lesson in economic simplicity, diminish the demand and the suppliers will disappear.  Our wrong-headed approach attacks the suppliers but ignores those who are threatened and need help.   

 

 

So, Senators McCain and Obama — invest in America by embarking on a massive drug and alcohol education program coupled with the dollars needed for effective treatment.  Want a sound bite?  Here it is,   “Education and treatment,” Senators,   “Education and treatment!”   Commit to that and we can begin to address a problem that is causing us to decay from within.  Want proof of the magnitude of the problem?  Read this startling data from The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): http://www.nida.nih.gov/about/welcome/aboutdrugabuse/magnitude/

 

Economics:

      Substance Abuse Costs Our Nation More than $484 Billion per Year.  The Costs of Drug Abuse are as Substantial as that of other Chronic Conditions:

o         Diabetes costs society $131.7 billion annually

o         Cancer costs society $171.6 billion annually

 

Consequences of substance abuse:

 

Deaths:

   In 2000, approximately 460,000 deaths were attributable to substance abuse and smoking.

   Each year approximately 40 million debilitating illnesses or injuries occur among Americans as the result of their use of tobacco, alcohol, or other addictive/destructive substances. 

 

Crime:

   As many as 60% of adults in Federal prisons are there for drug-related crimes.

 

Child Abuse:

   Approximately 50% to 80% of all child abuse and neglect cases substantiated by child protective services involve some degree of substance abuse by the child’s parents.

 

 

While I am not an expert on the economy, public health, national security or addiction, I am an expert at becoming addicted.  I am a recovering alcoholic (1982), recovering Oxycontin user (now) and former smoker (1991).  Recently I wrote a brief blog about my dependency on Oxycontin a prescription drug I used that killed the pain I suffered and now threatens to kill me.  I am currently going through detox and all is well so far but would I be if I was not informed, not insured and had no access to either?  I doubt it.  I also know the pain and suffering I have caused my family and friends during my periods of abuse. 

 

Education and treatment, Senators, education and treatment!

 

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