The first thing we need to do as a community is to stop blaming others and to address the issues at hand. The person abusing the substances. Like I said in the previous letter to the forum. We as parents, brothers, sisters, friends and significant others in the substance abusers life have to take a step back and see what your role is in that relationship with the chemically dependent person. Are you causing more harm than good by being manipulated or enabling the addict? Are you in complete denial? Do you have a guilt trip, because the addict told you if you did not give them money or other things that they would kill themselves? I suggest if you are in a situation and you feel like there is nothing more you can to do seek professional help for yourself first to help you understand your loved ones illness and to help you learn appropriate coping skills and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. It may be by seeing a substance abuse counselor or attending an ALANON meeting. Their are several competent Board Certified Substance Abuse Counselors in this area who can help.

We also need to remember as a community that our small town has changed. Our law enforcement officials are paralyzed by the limited amount of narcotic detectives and the political connections that some influential people have to sweep certain breaking of laws under the carpet.

Another important thing that most people do not know, because they live in their white bread world in their sheltered houses is that people who are claiming detox symptoms from opiates, (Oxycontin, Oxycodon; etc) will not die from the detox symptoms, they will have flu like symptoms, tremors, sweating, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, irritability and anxiety, not able to sleep and poor appetite. Usually after a few days they begin to feel better. When a person is detoxing from these substances they may also have elevations in their blood pressure and heart rate. All these signs and symptoms are treated with medication for the symptoms the person is exhibiting.

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I have learned the two substances that you can die from detox is alcohol withdrawal and benzodiazepine withdrawal (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan). The problem with Methadone is you do not feel the full effect initially and think that more is needed or use another substance to accentuate the Methadone, but what happens is the Methadone is released slowly and with the combination of other drugs usually causes an overdose.

If you are interested in information about ALANON meetings, which are support group meetings for the family of the addict, you can contact 232-HELP. They are an organization that has a wealth of information about self help groups and other organizations for the community.

I agree that their are actions that need to be taken to address this epidemic of, "accidental overdoses." Sometimes the person abusing the substances are what is called, "self-medicating" which is the person may have some underlying psychiatric issues and the substance abuser uses alcohol or other drugs to, "numb" the pain. Sometimes it comes down to tough love.

I hope my information I have provided is helpful. I say a prayer every night for the families that have experienced this type of loss, because everyday I see a family torn apart by someone's addiction.

God Bless,

Cheryl Lejeune