Posted by MH on April 02, 2002 at 07:55:24:
In Reply to: Are we better/worse than average ??? posted by Jimmers on April 01, 2002 at 15:48:05:
I agree with your assessment of the way the local scene used to be, Jimmers.
Historically speaking, Kittanning and the area has been about 5-10 years behind the times (fashion, etc) than from the major metropoli (sp?)(specifically NY and LA). *Please don't take this as an insult, I'm just making a point here*
The only way that the sub-cultures of those other regions could reach Kittanning was by: 1) TV/Movie industry, 2) Magazines/Books or 3) *most importantly* by having people either visit the other regions and return with what they 'picked up' or by having people move FROM these areas into the Kittanning area and bringing their sub-culture with them.
Unfortunately, this is Historically speaking.
In today's 'get all the information you want at your fingertips' e-world, we are faced with an ever growing population of young people looking to be classified as the 'IN' crowd. (Not to say this hasn't ALWAYS been the case.) But, if you look around at what is considered 'IN' in the other regions (esp 5 yrs ago and even today), heroine use was escalating at an alarming rate. So, with the availability of such glamourous stories of these other regions, of course young people are going to try an emulate that society, whether they understand the consequences (even care about them) or not.
The fact that there was an article printed about heroine use in the Leader Times is enough to scare me - and I don't live in the area anymore!
Heroine is one of the most addictive, life destroying drugs out there (not pot, not even cocaine!!!) Unfortunately, I feel that we've been on this road for some time now with our 'lenient' views on other 'illegal' drugs. First, pot usage became 'acceptable' and getting caught was a slap on the wrist. Next, cocaine was a little more 'underground' and the penalties were a 'little' stiffer. But why should anyone be swayed to stop there if the penalties aren't fierce?
I've watched people (friends) throw their lives away for the drug and there's not much that can be done. Once you are hooked, the statistics show that you might as well stick a fork in yourself because you are done.
The school district/counselors should be promoting the effects of drugs on livelihoods (by having speakers, films, etc.) Not the happy story speakers we always had in high school, but rather the 'Hi. I'm hooked on heroine. I'm now dead.' films that are out there.
This is a very scary topic with very scary ramifications.