Early in my police career I responded to a drug overdose of a young professional woman. She and her boyfriend had been drinking and snorting cocaine. Sadly, later that same month we were called back to her home. We found her convulsing on the living room floor, eyes rolled back. Her boyfriend, with cocaine still ringing his nostrils, hysterically asked us to help. Paramedics did what they could, but failed to save her life. I never forgot that tragic night.
This young professional woman was well educated, owned her own home and had a great career. But the allure of getting high and escaping whatever gnawed at her soul, extinguished her inner radiance. Forever.
Make reality your crutch
English comedian, actor and writer Russell Brand wrote: “Drugs and alcohol are not my problem, reality is my problem, drugs and alcohol are my solution.” Conversely, the late Robin Williams had this to say: “Reality is just a crutch for people who can’t handle drugs.”
All things considered, leaning on reality is the healthier choice. But, it is not always the easiest. Why? It’s because so many people have a hole inside them. They turn to drugs, alcohol, pornography or other destructive escapes. And when they do, their lives often spiral out of control.
The false promise of booze and buds
Medical marijuana, dispensaries and drug legalization are all in the news in recent days. Experts debate the benefits of marijuana taxation and the unintended black markets caused by it. Law enforcement is concerned over the spike in hash oil explosions and environmental degradation due to illegal grows. Not to mention the uncertain effects of marijuana on developing brains.
Proponents praise the medicinal value of marijuana, despite the absence of FDA approval. Everyone is studying the experience of states like Colorado, Alaska, Oregon and Washington, which have legalized recreational marijuana.
Meanwhile, consumption of alcoholic beverages continues to result in increasing numbers of drunk driving arrests, fatalities, fights and broken lives. Even for those free of addictive tendencies, many marinate regularly at residential wine parties and bars. And then they complain about their weight, lack of free time and unrealized goals.
The larger questions we should ask are these: What kind of life should we craft for ourselves? What do we wish to accomplish in our lives? How do we achieve deeper happiness?
The false promise of drugs and alcohol is that they cheat us from achieving our best selves. Yes, many people are able to use them responsibly. They make people feel better and induce a bit of conviviality. But over time, partying becomes the routine as the endless weekend goal. Perhaps we should reach deeper inside ourselves, and embrace healthy alternatives like sports, artwork, music, literature and film. We can also take hikes in the woods with our spouses and our kids.
Encouraging news about teen drug use
According to a September 2015 article in US News & World Report, “The latest data released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that teens are drinking and smoking less, and reducing their use of prescription pain killers.” Other studies are showing that teen pregnancy is down, and that teens are delaying sex. There’s no consensus on why, but some point to education and effective harm reduction policies. Also, teens today are immersed in their cell phones, and have far more information available. Perhaps today’s youth are wiser than the rest of us? Maybe they aspire for more in their lives?
Promoting healthy lifestyles
For over 30 years the Scotts Valley Police Department has offered educational programs to encourage healthy lifestyles. The Drug Abuse Resistance and Education program is taught to 5th graders locally. The program has an updated curriculum that includes lessons on drugs, alcohol, bullying, and making good choices. Some question the long term impact of DARE, but we’ve found it provides valuable information and builds rapport between police, students and their families.
The SVPD offers a summer “Junior Police Academy” program for middle school aged kids. The Police staff teaches participants about the law enforcement profession; value of exercise; visits the Fire Department and does a beach or river hike/clean up day. The program builds rapport and shows kids that there are healthy ways to have fun.
Every October, the Scotts Valley Police Department celebrates “Red Ribbon Week” to bring awareness to healthy living and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. We join the many other agencies across our nation that also participate in the Red Ribbon campaign to teach kids to respect themselves by staying drug free.
Additionally, we have a School Resource Officer assigned to our local high school, to further build rapport and support our local youth. Because we want them to succeed in life, despite the ocean of pop culture and media images that glamorize alcohol and drugs.
As 2016 unfolds, the SVPD will continue to do all we can to encourage our citizens and youth to adopt healthy lifestyles. We believe happiness springs from good health, strong families, close friends, meaningful work and fulfilling passions. To that end, we encourage you to pursue these areas of your life, and not settle for the false promise of drugs and alcohol.
John Weiss is the Chief of Police of the Scotts Valley Police Department.
