Tell Me About It: Advice For The Under-30 Crowd

IF DRUGS DON'T RUIN YOUR LIFE, YOUR FAMILY MAY

Dear Carolyn:

My cousins in their late twenties are doing drugs recreationally, as is
their dad. They are educated and wealthy and think this is okay. No getting
through to them -- I'm told, "Well, that's your opinion." Morally, I've been
told, I should turn them in to the authorities, no matter how much money
they have. What do you say?

Boston

So -- to make sure drugs don't ruin their lives, you're going to ruin their
lives. Sounds like a plan.

Morally, I can't see how money has anything to do with this. And maybe I've
seen "The Godfather" too many times, but unless they're pushers, rapists or
Unabombers, turning in family doesn't pass my sniff test. Just say no to
squealing.

You said your piece, they ignored it. Fine. Now act on your own moral
imperatives. Do you feel compelled to help? Then keep protesting -- focus on
the cousin you're closest to -- and watch for deepening trouble. Treatment
is the solution here, not jail.

Or do you feel compelled to disassociate yourself? Then leave them to their
own decay.