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Anecdote 4: Marijuana Residue in Pipe

Stigma—Drug problem compounded

The problem of drugs is compounded by the stigma that drug use carries.  This stigma and survival instincts lead drug users to hide their drug use.  This stigma drives parents to shame and hide the fact that their child is a drug user.   This very stigma makes schools toughen their stand on the “fight against drug use in school” and hand in hand schools do not advertise the problem that runs rampant within their walls.  This stigma is also responsible for our politicians to avoid the talk about sensible solutions to our drug problem, nor do politicians talk about drug related deaths due to overdose in their districts. (I feel, though, that some politicians, as of late will do some—to the best of their ability, in the way of sensible solution.  It is a start!)

Worse yet some in the law enforcement workers are frustrated by the failure of the “war against drugs” and double down to increase punishment, despite the fact that increase in punishment does not curtail or stop the drug use and abuse.

Conclusion

The way we can change the system is to either wait for the drug problem to hit enough of our elected officials so that one of them will step out and attempt to “risk it all” and champion sensible solutions, or else we can collectively keep on pounding on our officials and demand, over and over again, that the law will keep in step with the changing currents in society.  Even more important to changing the law is the need for education.  Many of us live in denial of the drug problem in our homes, neighborhoods, schools and towns.

What you can do

Get involved and help us through donating some efforts, a little bit of your hours and/or a little bit of your money.

Also, write a letter to three of your elected officials and cc us at info@BTFMovement.com.  When we reach a significant number of letters sent we have a lot more leverage to find a politician that will champion a change in the law.  (Soon coming is a template for a letter to your officials and where to find your official).

 

Previous: part three     Next: What to do if you suspect that your child is using drugs, part one