The shocking premature deaths of Michael Jackson and Pimp C along with the well-publicized drug addictions of celebrities like Lil Wayne and Eminem, have returned to the forefront because September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
The King of Pop died unexpectedly in his Bel Air, Calif., home in June, setting off a worldwide marathon of mourning and tributes on a level rarely seen before. Pimp C died in Los Angeles from a lethal combination of cough syrup overdose and sleep apnea. Several other notables have been the victim of prescription drug addiction. DJ Screw, notorious for ingesting codeine-based cough syrup, died of a heart attack at age 29.
Obama cautioned the nation that untreated drug and alcohol addiction wrecks not only lives, but families, communities and cities.
“We must work together to provide access to effective services that reduce substance abuse and promote healthy living. Without effective treatment, abuse of alcohol, illicit drugs or prescriptions medications can devastate the mind and body,” Obama said. “With treatment, substance use disorders can be managed, giving individuals the effective tools necessary to address their addiction. This year’s theme, ‘Together We Learn, Together We Heal,’ calls us to unite and encourage drug-free living. Treatment programs, family members, and neighbors can all help assist those who experience addiction.”
Only through a united effort can the nation help sober itself up. –terry shropshire
