TWO OUT OF TOO MANY?

Two young men, vital and handsome men, men who I have known, died this week from overdoses of illegal substances. Both men had rehabbed and been without drugs for over six months. Both men died at home. Both men were loved. Both men had work and were respected. One man had children. Both men left parents and siblings as well. Both deaths cause the pain of a knife in our hearts.

Both men suffered from their addiction. We, who do not have an addiction, may wonder how or why it happens. We want help for them. I am appalled at our lack of long term treatment for those addicted. The statistics show close to a 72% rate of returning to drugs after rehab even with a serious of follow through programming. Experts say the most successful programs follow the addict through two years of programming. Where do we find affordable two year programming? We don't. And if we did how do we support the connected families through the two years. This kind of programming mostly does not exist or if it does, there are not enough programs.

As a society, we are losing some of our best and brightest. I understand that many think it is a moral problem; that the addict has lost his or her sense of right and wrong or is just chasing a high or ....There are many or's!

My heart dies for the loss of these loved ones and for their families and friends. I try in my own way to help. It is not enough. I don't even know what direction to take when I see someone in my world in trouble.

I am saddened

K. B. Pellegrino, Author