DRUGS DESTROY FAMILIES

Did you ever wonder why it seems that the most powerful nation in the world
is having difficulty winning the war against drugs? Could it be our own
attitudes regarding these crimes? All too often, the view is that there are
no victims. "The buyer is only destroying their own self. The dealer is
only providing what the buyer wants. So what, let them both destroy each
other."

Wrong. What they both destroy is a family. Think of the spouse who is left
to pick up the pieces of their children's lives, as well as their own. The
economic loss can be horrific. If it is a child user, it is no less
harmful. The family is no less destroyed.

It is time to speak out. It is time to act. Too often families are afraid
to attend trials of the dealers who have destroyed their lives. The reasons
are obvious. This allows the attitude that there are no victims to persist.
We have all seen that the families of other crimes have had a great impact
on the conviction and sentencing of criminals by attending the trial. Our
judicial system needs a boost. Our law enforcement officers need our
support. Families Against Drugs (FAD) is here to help.

If you fear to attend the trial of the dealer who destroyed your family, we
will try to provide a victim's advocate to attend the trial and request to
speak on your behalf at sentencing. FAD will be a presence for all the many
families who have suffered at the hands of that one dealer.

If you need assistance, or want to volunteer your time to be an advocate,
Families Against Drugs needs to hear from you. Call 888-408- HELP, or
499-9971. It is time to make a difference one dealer and many families at a
time. Volunteer now.

Ann Klein

Milan