The 90% Problem

The Sheriff told me yesterday that 90% of law enforcement problems are related to drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. That is a huge number and startling indictment of the emotional resolve and spiritual state of our community. The reverberations of this problem don't stop at the court or jail; they extend to the family, schools and workplace. Addiction weakens and eventually ruins emotional and physical health. The problem is even worse than the Sheriff sees for there are many addicted who have thus far evaded detection but whose lives are nonetheless saddened by their crippling dependence on drugs. How do we as a community deal with this problem? Every way possible! First we need to realize it is serious business, this "falling away at the center" of our community vitality. We need to fire every bullet at this enemy...law enforcement, jobs, education, treatment and rehabilitation. But most importantly, and perhaps the most difficult, we must no longer be silent or tolerant of this problem when we see it.