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Choose LIFE!
By
Alexcia N. James
Miss Black Iowa USA 2011
The key to success lies in the power of the
decisions we make on a daily basis. Many times a
simple decision has the potential to alter our
lives forever. At some point, most people are
forced to make a critical decision about using
illegal substances. Unfortunately, were
presented with the choice by peers that we look
up to and most people contemplate whether the
risk of substance abuse is worth temporary gain.
The truth of the matter is for some people it
only takes one time to create a habit whose
consequences are both mind altering and
physiologically deteriorating.
Drug use can affect people of any socioeconomic
level, ethnicity, educational background, or
geographic location. The consequences, both
emotional and financial, affect not only the
individual, but families, communities, and
friends of loved ones struggling with addiction.
Forty five percent of Americans know someone
with a substance abuse problem. However, most
American’s feel that these substance abuse
problems should not be their concern. In
reality, even with the best rehabilitation
programs substance abuse recovery is a lifelong
challenge. This challenge requires the help of
family, friends, and the community at large to
help in the rehabilitation process as well as
provide education and support to prevent drug
use in the future. The most alarming problem is
the recent increase in illicit drug use,
tobacco, and alcohol consumption in the youth.
Drug addiction in adolescents poses a risk for
lifelong drug use and complications. Prevention
now can save a life later.
In 2007, 51, 000 Iowans reported drug dependence
or abuse in the past year. That number has
continued to increase. This increase is fueled
by the increase in prescription medication
abuse, resurgence in methamphetamine use, and
the emergence of synthetic marijuana products
such as K2. Although Iowa has made great strides
in law enforcement policies and pharmacy
practices that serve to arrest potential users
and distributers, limited resources are aimed at
prevention, rehabilitation, and support. It is
imperative that as a community we focus on
prevention and support for people struggling
with addiction and their families.
Education is the cornerstone for prevention in
adolescents and young adults. Some studies
suggest that information about the potential
effects of substance abuse should be introduced
as early as the age of eight. Providing
education programs that create a comfortable
learning environment for discussion, allows for
free exchange of information and feelings.
Substance abuse poses a significant threat to
the achievement of goals. The physical as well
as physiological effects of substance abuse are
often life changing. Thus members of the
community should be well equipped to provide
education and support so when a child is
presented with a choice to use drugs, the answer
is always no.
I have personally witnessed how drug abuse can
steal the potential of your future. I have
watched relatives that I love battle addiction
for fifteen years. I have watched this path of
addiction destroy families, end lives, and crush
self worth. I have went to prison visits and
stared at loved ones through the glass wall as
they told me, they just needed one more hit. I
have participated at one rehabilitation center
family day after another praying that this time
he would be free of his addiction forever. I
believe it is time to stop this cycle of self
destruction. For the children of today, I want
them to remember that someone encouraged them to
choose life.
During my reign as your Miss Black Iowa, I want
to dedicate my service to helping and
encouraging individuals struggling with
addictions as well as encouraging children to
avoid substance abuse. No matter what your
addiction may be, if it hinders the possibility
of success choose life instead. Choose LIFE
extends beyond just say no to drugs. It empowers
each person to make choices that benefit future
endeavors and add quality and enjoyment to life.
I plan to speak to as many children in local
communities to promote awareness of the risks of
substance as well as promoting the development
of a healthy lifestyle through building positive
self esteem and effective stress management. I
will speak at local churches, community events,
schools, and organizational events. Anywhere
there is a need, I will be available to spread
the message. I also want to be involved in
community events celebrating the accomplishments
of children throughout the state of Iowa. Armed
with the tools, of education and a positive
sense of self worth adolescents and young adults
will have the power to say now when the time is
right. |
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