In April, 2016 my then 23 year old daughter told me she was an addict and asked for my help. This began a journey of heartache, frustration, fear, and anger. My desperate search for information yielded a vast array of quackery, fraud, greed, and sometimes well-meaning individuals spewing opinions based on little evidence. After careful consideration and copious research, I completely reversed my opinion about how to deal with our problems with drug abuse. Below is part rant, part pleading, but … [Read more...] about A Call for Free Market Solutions to Our Addiction Problem
My Daughter, The Dragonslayer
We all have voices in our head. It's our subconscious talking to us. What happens when that voice gets loud and won't leave you alone? I'm not referring to the the psychotic disorder of schizoprenia. No, it's more like our conscience, but for some, it can be more like a demon.A year and a half ago, my then 24 year old daughter began a journey toward sobriety. It wasn't her first try -- she had tried and failed several times and succumbed to that voice. Today, she's standing proud, celebrating … [Read more...] about My Daughter, The Dragonslayer
There’s Nothing Wrong With a War on Drugs – We’re Just Doing it Wrong
I am a proponent of legalizing all drugs. Not just marijuana, but everything including heroin, cocaine, meth, etc. Those of you who know me, know that addiction has become a sad part of my family's life with a daughter who is addicted to opiates and opioids. You might ask, how could I possibly be a proponent for legalizing something that has been the root of so much pain in the lives of my family? The answer is, drugs are not the root of the problem. They are merely a symptom of a much … [Read more...] about There’s Nothing Wrong With a War on Drugs – We’re Just Doing it Wrong
What I’ve Learned About Drug Addiction
No one disputes that addiction is a growing problem. The rate of growth is alarming and calls for solutions are becoming more frequent and louder. These solutions are often framed under a public policy umbrella. My views on public policy have changed substantially since addiction has affected our family, but only because I've taken the time to research it more thoroughly. It is understandable, but unfortunate that a healthy knowledge of the subject is missing from public opinion. This is … [Read more...] about What I’ve Learned About Drug Addiction
You and Your Kids Should Probably be in Jail
Take a close look at the infographic below. Stew on the statistics a while, then read on.(See end notes for sources).Now let's consider the unknown implications of these facts. Many of these people are and always will be labeled as criminals, carrying with it not only the stigma, but the likelihood of diminishing their opportunities for employment. Some have their family lives destroyed and some must struggle unnecessarily to overcome the barriers our society has placed upon them … [Read more...] about You and Your Kids Should Probably be in Jail