Drug and Alcohol Awareness

I had to honor of attending the

 4th Annual Community Drug Awareness Day

 

 

 

 

To say the very least this was an eye opener.  These people are saints and I felt small in comparison. I had no idea what they dealt with, and how amazing they are at their work. They are involved professionally and emotionally in every way and I have the utmost respect for the Houston Police Dept, Drug Enforcement Agency, Rice University, MADD, The Texas Alliance and the many other enforcement organizations,  and sponsors.

 

In particular, there were therapists, scientists, and personal recovery and experience stories.  Honestly I don't know how anyone could pick up another alcoholic drink or ever take drugs after listening to what these people have been through.

 

 

One of the panels was a combination of a developmental psychologist from Rice University who discussed how alcohol and drugs affects the maturing brain. The old theory that the brain is full sized at around 18 is completely wrong, the age for a grown up brain is 25 according to the National Institute of Health. So, partying in high school and the first few years in college really does effect your brain's growth to maturity, and how your brain perceives pleasure. 

A development psychologist, a therapist, and a recovering alcoholic/addict were there also and discussed their different roles in the program at Rice University. The most significant thing I got from the discussion was the new way they are treating young people, and hearing the story from a young lady who has been through it. The young lady is now becoming a drug treatment counselor. She has made it her life mission. She entered treatment at 19. The interesting thing was she came from a stellar family, was an athlete, had a high GPA, got into a good college, had plenty of friends but still developed an addiction.

The newest treatment consists of putting kids in peer group of other kids that are recovering and sober so that there is a like minded consistency. They make friends and have fun doing things together, sober. They develop bonds and stay sober together!!! Awesome!

At the conference there was also MADD(Mothers Against Drunk Driving). There was a couple there whose son was a victim of a drunk driving murder. I call it murder because that is what it is! He was murdered!!!  He was around 24 and in the  prime of his life. He had just left from visiting his girlfriend, and was heading home when he was T-boned and killed at an intersection. They driver of the other car was barely injured and got off with a little jail time and probation. Listening to the Mom and Dad tell the story was heartbreaking and there is no worse pain than losing a child. Unbelievable!

Well there is more, so much more reason to stay sober every day!  So glad I am in this place and setting a good example. My next stop is an AA meeting and to volunteer for one of these programs! I can't wait!