Some drugs should

be legalized

I believe we should legalize “less serious” drugs, such as marijuana and Ecstasy. These two substances actually help people. Marijuana is used to treat and relieve the pain and nausea of some types of cancers as well as glaucoma. This drug is not as potentially harmful as many other drugs because there is no possible way to overdose. Also, while under the influence of marijuana, you have full awareness as to what is going on in your surroundings. You are able to be a completely responsible parent and proficient at school or work.

Ecstasy is used for sexual enhancement. This could be the next huge breakthrough for reproduction, and it can definitely help the men and women who want to be sexually active but have problems with their performance.

The more serious drugs, however, should not be considered for legalization because many people overdose and die from substances such as cocaine, heroin, PCP, crystal meth and angel dust. Under the influence of these drugs, you do not have full awareness of your surroundings or your actions.

The children of marijuana and Ecstasy users do not even have to know that their parents are using drugs. The parents are fully capable of behaving responsibly before, during and after the use of these substances. However, parents should have a sense of discretion and step out of the house, wait until the children are asleep, or even hire a babysitter while they’re using the drugs. There is a time and a place to use drugs responsibly, as is the case with alcohol.

It is probable that a majority of Americans will stay away from the use of drugs. In the beginning stages of legalization, there may be an increase in use, but the average adult will get bored and cut down or even quit. Today, many Americans smoke cigarettes and drink coffee, but there are also many that do not.

The legalization of marijuana and Ecstasy will, in the end, help the economy and the quality of life in North America. It is just a question of responsibility among human beings, and the wisdom to know when enough is enough. – Tasha H., Bangor

Protect our youth from methamphetamine

In recent months, reports of methamphetamine sweeping the country have become a common focus of law officials and drug agents. It has been projected that in the coming years we will see an increase in “meth” use in New England and in Maine. What does that mean to us and to our youth?

Methamphetamine is not a new kid on the block. In fact, meth has been around for many years, and in the 1980s a smokeable form known as “ice” was particularly popular. But what about today? What are the dangers that we are looking at in this growing drug trend?

Methamphetamine is a powerful psychostimulant that is extremely addictive and dangerous. Some of the dangers of meth include increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to heart failure. High doses can elevate body temperature to lethal levels. Longer-term effects include liver, kidney, and lung damage that can also lead to death.

Addiction is one of the foremost effects of methamphetamine use. Violence runs high in meth addicts. Paranoia can lead to suicidal and homicidal thoughts and behaviors. Meth users who abuse the drug via needles also risk contracting diseases such as HIV or AIDS. Meth addicts often suffer with insomnia and other disorders.

How do we deal with this growing problem? Education is a start. Our youth need to know the side effects of methamphetamine and the dangers that using this drug involves. They also need to believe that they deserve a better life than a future filled with the misery of drug addiction. They need to be loved and taught that they are worthy of reaching for their dreams and goals. It is our job as adults and community members to support our young people.

If you are an adult in a young person’s life, never underestimate the power and effect that you have.

– Jessica Naylor, substance abuse prevention educator

Please join our weekly conversation about Maine’s substance abuse problem – we welcome comments or questions from all perspectives. Mail letters to Finding a Fix, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04401. Comments also may be phoned to the column response line, (207) 990-8111 or emailed to findingafix@bangordailynews.net. You may choose to remain anonymous or to have your name used. If you need help getting your thoughts down on paper, column editor Meg Haskell will be happy to work with you. Call Meg at (207) 990-8291 or toll-free at (800) 432-7964, or email her at mhaskell@bangordailynews.net.