Courageous Efforts To Address Substance Abuse

To the Editor:

Thank you for publishing the thought-provoking and informative commentary in your August 15 edition entitled “Nicer in Newtown –– Not Never in Newtown.”

It is with both admiration and gratitude that I applaud the courageous efforts put forth on the part of these two passionate and caring women to address the seriousness of the substance abuse issue facing our town today. Rather than hide behind the veil of anonymity due to feelings of shame or fear of judgment, they have chosen to share their personal experiences, regardless of past pain and loss, in the hope of saving others from such suffering. How fortunate we are that they are willing to afford us the benefit of their knowledge and experience in such an open and honest way. Taking one’s own tragedy and using it to a positive end is a selfless and rare gift.

Their effort to resurrect The Parent Connection is certainly an idea whose time has not only come, but is way overdue. I recently attended a couple of small information gathering and brainstorming sessions held in preparation for their upcoming open forums and programs that are in the planning stage. I found myself in disbelief at some of the facts and statistics on alcohol and drug use among our youth being discussed by very reputable sources. This prompted me to obtain a copy and read through the entire substance abuse survey that was conducted during the Spring of 2002 in both the middle school and the high school. If you haven’t seen it or heard about the results, it would be well worth your time to do so. I know I was astounded at some of the numbers.

It’s a natural tendency to delude ourselves when faced with such matters, that things aren’t really that bad, and it will never touch us. Honestly speaking I believe that most of us know alcohol and drugs are prevalent everywhere these days, but I found the amount, ease with which they can be obtained, and age at which our children are starting to experiment to be alarmingly shocking. I hope that all residents, no matter how old, whether in the throws of raising a family, or, like yours truly, enjoying the “empty nesting” life, will take advantage of the opportunity to become part of this grass roots effort to become educated in the issue, and help work toward a solution to this troubling problem. I trust that our community leaders from all avenues, political, educational, law enforcement, professional, and religious will do just that, by coming forward to lead the way and lend a hand in helping The Parent Connection in this tremendous undertaking.

Newtown can fight this seemingly uphill battle and win if we stand together in solidarity and support. I am proud to personally know both Dorrie and Donna, and I wish them God’s blessing and great success in this very worthwhile mission.

Sincerely,

Dolores White

7 Wendover Road, Newtown                                August 17, 2003