October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.  The following link will provide you with alot information about substance abuse prevention:

http://www.samhsa.gov/prevention/nationalpreventionmonth/


I can say that I personally know alot of people in St. Albans who do not abuse substances of any kind.  This might be news to some people who have only heard of the negative news reports about St. Albans regarding the substance abuse/addiction problems some people are struggling with. 

I would like to personally advocate to anyone in our community who is abusing substances to stop, and get help if they can't stop on their own.  After talking with a couple of young people near where I live, I think a big part of the problem for those who do get caught up in it is that substance abuse/addiction is believed to be a cultural norm, and therefore acceptable, and safe.  However, it really is not a cultural norm, because many people choose not to do it for very good reasons.  It is very destructive to the most important organ you possess, your brain.  It literally impedes your ability to be a critially thinking, grown adult.  Other good reasons many wise people choose not to abuse substances is that they can, and often do, kill people. 

Often, teenagers do it because they see or hear about their peers doing it, so they think they can or should do it too.  What they don't realize is that there are also many of their peers who do not use drugs, and never will.  This is because they know they want the best life has to offer them, and they want to be as healthy and capable as possible. 

I do not abuse substances of any kind and neither does my fiance.  I would not choose to be involved with someone who did.  That is not what I would want in my life, or my family's life.  If anyone offers you drugs, refuse them, and do not associate with that person.  They will only bring misery and suffering into your life.  Seek out people who strive to live a healthy life-style and who pursue excellence in their education and/or profession.  These are the people who will bring goodness into your life.  God bless.