August 3, 2017 at 7:35 p.m.

Can we really make a difference?

Letters to the editor

To the editor:

The following is in regard to Jennifer VanSkyock’s letter to the editor from July 27.

I do believe she is a passionate individual with respect to what she believes, however, it would appear to me that she is out of touch with reality. The reality of life is it is about choices. Some of the every day choices made come with consequences which haunt the person and their loved ones.

She points out that using drugs is a disease and a choice. I believe we all understand it is a choice which leads to the disease. She makes the point that you cannot love them, incarcerate them or force them into treatment. I think we all understand, and hope, that support will ultimately lead to that second choice of overcoming the addiction.

The question remains as to how long do you beg, plead, cry and support a loved one, when the outcome is questionable at best. There are countless cases of loved ones riding that runaway train, in support of their addicted love one, only to sacrifice their personal well being.

She seems to think that we should care and do more to lift these victims of addiction out of their self made hell. I think we have tried, for a number of years, to educate, guide, direct and support, to no avail. We, at this point in time, find ourselves sinking deeper into the abyss of drug use.

As long as there are humans on this planet there will be those who delve into the unknown for that ultimate thrill or drug high. They make that choice of their own free will and do not want assistance escaping.

It sounds good and makes a decent letter to the editor to espout the virtues of the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition, but what have they accomplished?

I think the average citizen of Jay County would love to see a decrease in drug use, but no matter the effort expended it will not happen. The reality is that drug use has always been with us and will continue no matter what measures we use to prevent it.

Instead of reminding us of all the various groups involved in support of addicts, it would be interesting to see their success rate.

She ends her letter by stating that together we can make a difference.

The question is what difference has been made so far?

James Coleman

Portland
PORTLAND WEATHER

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