This is not meant to be a pretty poem.  It is based on my own life's experiences.  When I was about 18 years of age, I was indeed offered a needle at a party but I chose to say NO.

Some years later, as a Police Officer I was to deal directly with those who had fallen victim to drug abuse.  Many crimes are committed by drug addicts trying to find a way to support their habits.  Sadly this is not isolated, and can and does happen every day.  There is always someone who will try to get a person addicted so they have a market for their drugs.  These people make enormous amounts of money at the expense and suffering of others, but they rarely if ever use drugs themselves.  They simply use street dealers who are desperate for a drug supply to do their dirty work for them.

Look for signs of drug use in your children, they may not be obvious, but they are there if you look.  Who are your children spending their time with?  Do they seem like they are either over-tired or always seem wide awake?  What do they spend their money on?  Have little things or money gone missing from your home?  Does your child always wear long sleeves, even in warmer weather?  These are some of the more obvious signs that are easy to see.

Talk to your children about the use and abuse of both prescription and illegal drugs, education is the best answer to our ever increasing drug problem.

Please do not let your child become a victim.