The controversy over the new gun control laws has the country in an uproar.
Whether it is a wise move to put citizens' rights to bear arms in check is the topic for another article; however, consider this: in a substantial number of gun-related deaths, alcohol or hard drugs is involved.
Perhaps it would be wise to consider exploring the root of the problem.
The Facts About Alcohol Abuse On the list of preventable causes of death in the United States, alcohol is third.
Gun-related deaths, on the other hand, land much farther down on the list; and not only that, many of these gun-related deaths are in fact alcohol-related suicides.
Alcohol abuse causes approximately 80,000 deaths per year.
Yet it is the most popular drug among American teens and adults.
Because it is so socially accepted, most people don't know they have an addiction to alcohol before it is too late.
Watch for the following signs of alcohol abuse in yourself or loved ones: • A safe amount of alcohol is approximately one drink per night.
If someone begins to increase this dosage every night, having three or four drinks and binge drinking, this is cause for concern.
• If the user starts drinking earlier in the day, such as in the early afternoon or even the morning.
• If cravings begin, and the user finds himself needing it on a regular basis just to feel normal.
• If life becomes threadbare because of drugs or alcohol--the user may begin missing appointments, dropping out of activities, and may begin neglecting personal hygiene.
Prohibition It is evident from American history that laws that infringe upon the personal rights of citizens are not very popular, nor successful.
The Prohibition period in the early twentieth century was one of these.
The consumption and distribution of alcohol was outlawed, but it never stopped--in fact, bootlegging became big business and speakeasies sprouted all over the country.
As with all situations, including illicit drug use, the proper target is in educating and rehabilitating citizens--not necessarily forbidding it.
If more people knew about the influence of drugs and alcohol on violence, suicide, and psychotic behavior, perhaps more would focus on drug rehabilitation instead of gun control laws.
The Solution Prevention is easier than treatment.
Drug education like that provided by Narconon is essential to reversing the drug epidemic in this country.
Parents, educators, political leaders and citizens would be prudent to teach others about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol and the subversive influence in society.
Those in the grips of drug or alcohol abuse may need support to face and handle it.
Intervention from friends and family greatly increases the likelihood of recovery.
If you have a loved one who is suffering from addiction, be supportive and help them find the courage to get the help they need.
Continuing to set a good example and live a drug-free life yourself can also make a profound impact.