HELP, DON'T HINDER,THE RECOVERY OF DRUG ADDICTS

It's funny how so many people turn a blind eye to society's problems until
they're affected by them personally.

Unless a member of their family has a fatal disease or addiction, they
never contribute to or support a cause to find a cure or help solve the
problem. They want to hide from the problem, hoping it will go away.

Addictions come in all forms, and they affect people from all walks of
life. It isn't just the person in the gutter with a hand out. It can be the
person sitting beside you at work.

As long as we ignore the issues, the problems will get worse. The example
of finding a location for the methadone clinic is a perfect example.

These people are looking for a place where they can get help for a very
serious problem. It takes a lot of strength to admit that a problem exists
and to seek a cure. We need to help them become contributing members of
society again, instead of turning our backs and wishing they'd just go away.

It's time to walk a mile in the other man's shoes before condemning him to
walk it alone.

Don Ridenhour II

Roanoke