Substance Abuse – A Serious Problem in Our Country

I just saw a commercial for prescription substance abuse help and immediately had to vent about this:

I once was a young person who felt like life was always over. “Oh no, my boyfriend broke up with me, my life is over…” or “Ugh, my best friend is moving away to another state… my life is over…” I was melodramatic, depressed and over emotional. And as depressed as I was (whatever that means when you’re in your 20’s) never led me to abuse alcohol, narcotics or prescription drugs. Granted, I did try the antidepressant thing, but I was a zombie and hated that feeling. I did try therapy, and it was okay, but it got expensive. I felt like it was hopeless… like my life was pointless… But I eventually realized that life, though we joke that it’s too short, is really REALLY long. And that THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

So, basically this rant is about young people today and how they seems to resort to “quick-fixes” like alcohol, narcotics and prescription drugs to “numb” their “pain” instead of facing them head on.
Those who know me personally know that I wasn’t dealt the best cards in life. We had some really rough times (my Mom and I) and I lost my dad very early in life. I had some rough moments of hysteria, crying fits, suicidal thoughts… the whole nine yards. Who hasn’t felt that way, right?! Well, as I got older, these issues started diminishing. And other problems started to surface. I did feel like I was drowning for a long time, but I convinced myself that my life is good. And it IS! I have a roof over my head, a husband that loves me, a quasi-lovable dog and a great job (sometimes, LOL). And I never found the need to drown my life in substances that “numb” me temporarily. Because that’s just it, it’s TEMPORARY! And hence, the addictions… it’s so sad. I guess my point is that I feel so bad for the folks, especially the young ones, that feel the need to escape into a bottle of 151 or Meth or Percocet. No one should have to live like that. And no one should feel like life is completely hopeless when there’s a silver lining in every situation. They just have to brush themselves off and start again. And they need to get away from the issue that is causing them grief. It just takes patience and calm. So, if you know anyone who is depressed and abuses substances, be a friend and try not to alienate them. They need to know that they are loved and that someone is there for them.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. – Buddha