METH SERIES COULD BE A LIFE SAVER

I've been reading, in this newspaper, the series Monster Meth, written by
my friend and colleague, Steven Stiefel. If any of you reading this column
haven't read the series about methamphetamine, it would be worth the effort
to go back and read it.

If you happen to be reading this at a friend's house, a doctor's waiting
room, or somewhere else, and you don't get the paper at home, then go on
line to www.times-journal.com and check out this series.

If you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, parents or friends
who may be experimenting with anything called meth, ice or crystal, by
snorting, smoking, injecting, or heaven forbid, cooking it, you should take
immediate action.

This stuff in the right quantity can blow up half a city block. It's
dangerous - in more ways than one.

To understand the effects of this monster drug on people, read Steven's
series. You might be dismayed, distressed, or even angry after reading this
in-depth account.

As some of you know, I've spent much of my life in the entertainment
industry. I've seen the results of various drugs on the lives of some of my
associates - some of my friends - and even on a couple of members of my
extended family.

It's a sad thing to watch someone with great talent, who is the envy of
millions, successful at something others would give almost anything to
accomplish, seem to be in a great hurry to just throw it away.

It's just as sad to see a young person, who has yet to begin his life's
accomplishments, rush headlong down that same road to destruction.

I do understand the peer pressure exerted on entertainers and on young
people to "try it just once."

I've been there. The powder of choice my peer group was snorting was
cocaine. I just never could bring myself to snort something into my head
that could put out my lights forever.

Maybe it's because I never wanted to be "out of control," anymore than I
already was.

I've been well acquainted with two persons, who would be considered
"superstars," who lost their lives because of their drug addiction, and
I've known, over my many years, several families who have lost loved ones
because of drug experimentation.

It really isn't worth it. But don't just take my word for it, read Steven
Stiefel's Monster Meth series and get the facts from people who have "been
there," and had the good fortune to make it back, though not unscathed and
not unscarred.

Good job, Steven You may have saved someone's life.