Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment
20/20 Parenting. Recognizing and mitigating early vulnerabilities and risk factors.
Letters to Kerry
Stories of Victory, Struggle, Tragedy, & Workplace Concerns
September 7, 2005:
Donna has the right idea here: equipping her son BEFORE he is pressured by peers to use drugs and alcohol. I would only add that that equipment includes a strong self-esteem and strong healthy body/mind/psyche. Drug education is not enough if these are weak and hindering wise self-governance. In other words, brain dysfunction and/or feeling bad about oneself often leads to care-less-about-oneself thinking, in turn leading to self destructive behaviors. - K
I just wanted to start off by introducing myself, Donna. I am a 28 yr old mother of three children (ages: 2, 6, 9,) living in Coquitlam B.C.
I just saw your story on the 6'oclock news, and immediately went right to your website. I too am very concerned about the rampant meth (among many other drugs) used in our cities. I, myself a recovering addict from crack cocaine and clean for the past 10 years, am absolutely horrified by what children are now, and what my own may be up against, in regaining control and winning the WAR ON METH.
I have been personally affected by meth as I have a first cousin 17 yrs old who is still suffering with her addiction to meth. I have watched her over the past year mentally/physically deteriorate, and now she is so far into it she has been living on the streets and isolated herself from almost everyone who cares and loves her. This is only one of several loved ones that I have to heart-breakingly watch destroy their lives, and know that without their willingness there is not much I can do.
My heart goes out to you and I can’t even imagine your unbearable pain with the loss of Ryan.
My hope is that if you think I could help in any way that you will please let me know, and that by the time my 9 yr old son is faced with the peer pressure and the offer, I have equipped him with all the knowledge he needs to say NO Thanks! and that our society and government, parents, teachers etc. start to wage this war on a very serious level. We as parents are the front line and I am going to hold on with everything I have. Thanks so much for your time, effort, and caring concern.
Sincerely and with Best Regards,
Donna (A VERY Concerned Mom!!!!)
