FIGHT FOR OUR YOUTH

To the editor: I am addressing this letter to all citizens in this area who
need to be aware of the ongoing drug problem that is taking over our quaint
neighborhoods. Do you know what it is like to lose someone you love to drugs?
Can you fathom the idea of your son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter,
niece/nephew, friend or co-worker never waking up again because they took one
too many pills? Why should you? We live in small towns with friendly neighbors
and breathtaking scenery. Those kind of things just don't happen around here.
That's where you are wrong. It's time to wake up and face the reality that your
neighbor may be the very one supplying the "good stuff" to those who so desire
it.

I lost my 19-year-old nephew this past week to a drug overdose and I refuse to
sit back and watch this continue to happen. How many more youth, as well as
young adults, do we have to bury before we, as citizens, step up and take
control? The drug problem runs rampant in many counties across Southwest
Virginia. It is in our homes, our back yards and our schools. Most of you are
misinformed or often uninformed of the type of drugs that are taking control of
many lives. When you hear about a drug overdose, what do you automatically
think? Marijuana? Cocaine? Heroin? You need to think again and go check in your
medicine cabinet. There you will find your answer. Prescription pills are
becoming the drug of choice for most any user. It's not illegal to possess
these drugs. They are a controlled substance approved by the FDA. How do these
drugs wind up in the wrong hands? Where does a 19-year-old get Valium, Xanax,
OxyContin, and Methadone? Very rarely would these be prescribed to a young
person, yet they easily fall into their hands. The problem doesn't arise with
our youth and I challenge you to not put the blame on them. They are the
victims. Who sells these pills to our youth? You might be surprised to know the
truth. It's not your "average" drug dealer.

Yes, I am bitter and angry that because someone out there chose to sell their
prescription pills for money, I had to say goodbye to my nephew, my best
friend, my heart and soul. Nothing will ever bring him back to me. I want to
encourage each and every one who cares to not sit back and pretend that it
doesn't exist. Drugs are real and they are killing our future. You can't deny
when a problem exists and sugar-coat it. No amount of tourism will make the
problem go away. It's only a cover-up. Fight for our youth and a better
tomorrow. It's our only hope.

Kristen Widener Eller

Damascus, Va.