If addicted young people are going to be made out to be victims of some sort or another, can we at least admit that it's because liberal society leaves them ill-equipped to make rational decisions?

I am a parent, do cannot possibly understand the loss of your child. However, I have had a number of friends with addiction problems including three who died. Every one to the letter had parent/parents who pretended there was no problem, or pretended it was some one else's fault. The children had no accountability of any kind and were generally handed the money they need for their drugs ( this is from their teenage years all the way until their mid thirties when the last one died from cocoaine). You want to stop this problem? Make your child stand on their own two feet before they develop a drug problem- coddled babies with no responsibility fail at life.

With All Due Respect to Ms. Boxman, and I’m not saying in any way, shape or form, what happened was cased or preventable by her. I do, in fact, commend her for the effort she is making to show how devastating drugs can be. That said, she is fighting an uphill battle of epic proportions, and frankly until we start to get back to the morals found in our Judeo-Christian heritage, things will only get worse.

To Tom’s point, there is not a liberal in the world who will admit their “Whatever Floats Your Boat,” life's philosophy is the root cause for problems like this. Nope, when the results of the “Whatever Floats Your Boat, “or "Party Today, Don’t Worry About Tomorrow," lifestyle comes around and predictably bites someone, the very first things the liberals do is look to blame anything else, outside of their own ungoverned lifestyle.

Frankly we can see the rotting thread of that way of life by simply looking around at how many people think it is more important to party, than buy health insurance, and then when they get sick expect the doctors, nurses, and hospitals to heal them for free, so they can go party again!

Wow, I was not aware of any statistics showing drug related deaths higher in liberal households. Nor any showing lower statistics in judeo-christian households. Would love to see them.
All three of the above comments have nothing to do with the article. It is becoming tiresome to see people use any discussion, even the loss of a mother's son to start divisive, religious right blather.
There is an epidemic in this country of presrciption drug overuse and abuse. Americans take pills for everything and then wonder why kids in this country are abusing them. The drug companies have one of the largest PACs in the country and need to be reigned in. A good start would be to ban commercials for prescription drugs.

um.. you do know Kattie Perry comes from a conservative christian household right? and lady gaga's mom is very conservative...
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being liberal is NOT the same as 'anything goes' ... it is being OPEN to ideas, understanding them then making INFORMED decisions.
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We are 'liberals' but my daughter strongly feels drinking is bad (and I mean ALL drinking) since most people are willing to have 2 drinks and drive, she feels people need to be happy with who they are stone cold sober or change.
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yes, drug addiction is a illness (physical for some mental for others), and it's hard to stop... only way to stop a user is for the USER to want to stop. If you bail them out, they continue using...it SUCKS...but the best way to prevent drug mental additions is to insure you get help for your kid the SECOND you think something is wrong..don't say "oh, no what will the neighbors think if my kid is in therapy" just do it... for physical addiction, it's probably in the family, so educate your child and make sure they never start... SOUNDS EASY IT'S NOT! ... but it's not "society's" fault.
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that said we need to NOT support media that makes it OKAY to drink excessively, do drugs, and be out of control. We need to NOT get drunk/high as adults, that is substance abuse. We need to KNOW what our kids are doing, we are not their friend we are their PARENT.
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okay let the hate begin ....

This has nothing at all to do with bad parents, Judeo-Christian morals or, god-forbid a parent's political leanings. As sad as is this story is, it cries out for perspective. While tragic, this story is the exception and not the rule - that's why it's news. But consider that it was legal, prescribed drugs which are relentlessly pushed by big pharma and all the doctors they have in their pockets which led to this child's addiction. It was not marijuana or cocaine or even booze. Yet we continue to elect politicians who take massive contributions from the very companies that push this poison, while they refuse to even consider legalizing street drugs. Long ago politicians decided it was no longer appropriate to advertise hard liquor on television. Same with cigarettes. Yet it's virtually impossible to watch tv for more than 30 minutes without seeing a commercial for prescription drugs. So how anyone can be shocked that kids are dipping into their parents' medicine cabinets the way they used to dip into the liquor cabinet is beyond me. As for the pathetic argument that is because of "liberal" views on life, how does that square with conservative dogma which calls for little or no regulation, and unfettered freedom to do whatever we want without interference from the government? Perhaps if there was more willingness to regulate openly nefarious drug companies and the television networks that run their ads, kids would not be stealing the pills their parents can't face life without

Colleen, why is it so difficult to lay the responsibility where it belongs ... with the individual? Expecting some corporate entity, whether it be the government or a private company, to take care of or protect oneself is exactly the kind of moral immaturity that makes this "epidemic" possible.

Too many people have put God in a Tupperware container, and stowed Him away in their pantry. They are not brave enough to throw Him out completely, because, you know, OMG, what if you really do need Him? But in the meantime they’d rather not have Him watching over their life, so they’ll store Him away in the panty, and run there if there is trouble.

BTW, I am not a religious fanatic. Believe me, I will be the very first to agree modern day religion has made huge mistakes, some of which may be their very undoing, but at the end of the day we really have to remember that church down the street in not God. Only God is God!

Joshua 24:15
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Tom, in your prior post you write, "liberal society leaves them ill-equipped to make rational decisions?" How is that placing "responsibility where it belongs - with the individual?" You seem to be saying it's the fault of a "liberal society" and NOT the individual? And can you cite a single example of a "liberal society" leaving children "ill-equipped to make rational decisions?" How does that account for the great majority of kids who are raised in the very same society, yet each and every day make the rational decision to NOT take drugs - legal or prescribed or otherwise? In other words, what the hell are you talking about?

TCG, why is it that you are apparently willing to allow the government to regulate corporations — which by extension is a regulation of all citizens? It is not the government's place to interfere with an individual's liberty in that manner ... assuming the US Constitution has relevance any longer. Conversely, why are traditional religions attacked for providing moral guidelines to which individuals may or may not voluntarily adhere?

That conveniently ignores you condradicting yourself, but here is my answer. I am no fan of government regulation. But some is neccessary because history tells us that without corporations (ie: banks, pharma, insurance etc) will abuse their power, rip off consumers and sell products that are dangerous or harmful to our health. The Constitution provides for both federal and state powers to regulate for just this reason. Are you suggesting no speed limit? No voting age? No regulation of food safety? I'm all for less regulation, but some is clearly needed for without it we would face anarchy. Further, it's interesting that you don't want the government to interfere with an individual's liberty yet you whine about the byproducts of a so-called "liberal society." Tough to have it both ways. As for "traditional religions" they are rightfully attacked because they never ever live up to the morals they preach. See the rampant child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Instead of adhering to their own teachings on morality, the church spends millions to cover up the sexual abuse of children by priests and proceeds to lie about it. As with Penn State, preaching about morals and character while condoning and protecting pedophelia tends to make the target of attacks.

1. Per Article 1, Section 8: "The Congress shall have power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof." Freely translated, that is the power to regulate at will which is what congress does each and every time they pass a law. Laws are nothing but limitations on liberty. Thus we are free to drive, but not 100 mph. We are free to consume alcohol, but not to excess when driving - both "freedoms" being heavily regulated. Do I need to explain the power of congress to limit free speech as they have done on many occassions (see yelling fire in a crowded movie house.) Where did congress get the power to establish the FDA if not from constitution?
2 - We live in tyranny? Can you provide a legitimate example? What freedom would you care to excercise that has been crushed by tyranny?
3 - If you think Joe Paterno did nothing wrong, I urge you to read both the transcripts from the Sandusky trial and/or the Freeh report. Paterno knew about Sandusky in 1998 and did nothing. Even after Sandusky left, Paterno allowed him unlimited access to the very facility where Paterno knew the rape was taking place. Of course Paterno was Catholilc which explains why he'd have no objection to Sandusky raping young boys.

Mrs. Boxman is a woman who tragically lost her son and is using her voice for prevention of it happening to others. Is she Jewish, Catholic or agnostic? I don't know. Is she a republican or democrat? I don't know. One thing I do know is that she is a mother trying to prevent a loss that holds no socio-economic boundaries. I would love to see the study showing the statistics that liberal agnostics are at greater risk of drug abuse. That is a crock. And you know what, she could be June Cleaver whose son fell victim to this insidious disease for reasons we do not know. Everything doesn't warrant a finger pointing festival. God Bless your son, Mrs. Boxman.

Speaking from the side of an addict, some of these comments blow me away. I'm clean and sober 4 years as of ten days ago, and it wasn't society that made me do pills, it wasn't anyone's fault but mine and the drugs. I was prescribed Percocet for an injury. when the recommended does wasn't enough, I took more and so on. Eventually, I was buying Oxycontin and Roxicodone, Morphine, Methadone, anything I could find to feed my body's need so as not to get "dope sick".

Getting and staying clean is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. As I have, my heart goes out to anyone who has lost someone to this disease. These pills are a horror. something has to be done to cut down on them. More needs to be done for certain.

Dose*

@Stacie why are you the only one who gets the point? My parents did nothing to cause my sister to be who she is IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE AT ANY TIME. This woman is broken by her loss and I can only imagine that every day she wonders what else SHE COULD HAVE DONE TO SAVE HIM.
Drug abuse affects democrats, republicans ,blacks, whites, hispanic rich and poor.
OPIATES ARE AN EPIDEMIC . who started it ddosent matter WE ALL NEED TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER TO STOP IT.

I agree Tom

I WANT TO MAKE A COMMENT TO TCG! WHAT IS YOUR FAITH? WHY MAKE AN IDIOTIC STATEMENT ABOUT JOE PATERNO NOT SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT SANDUSKY DID, BEING ROMAN CATHOLIC & RAPING BOYS? FOR ARGUES SAKE, LET'S SAY SANDUSKY WAS JEWISH & YOU'RE A JEW. WOULD YOU HAVE MADE THAT SAME COMMENT INSERTING HEBREW OR JEWISH IN THAT SENTENCE? MANY ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIESTS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR MOLESTING CHILDREN(BOTH GENDER), BUT BOYS A LOT MORE. AS WITH NOTRE DAME THE CATHOLIC CHURCH COVERED UP THESE DESPICABLE ACTS DONE TO THESE BOYS & YOUNG MEN. SO GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT TMG. ALL PEDOPHILES MALE & FEMALE(YES, FEMALES MOLEST TOO!) ARE SICK. AT LEAST 98% OF PEDOPHILES WERE MOLESTED WHEN THEY WERE YOUNGER. IT'S A CYCLE THAT CONTINUES UNTIL AN OFFENDER STOPS & ASKS FOR HELP, TAKES ONES OWN LIFE, OR GETS CAUGHT & PUT IN JAIL. BUT DO NOT DRAG THE ROMAN CATHOLIC RELIGION INTO THE SANDUSKY/PATERNO SCANDAL, UNLESS YOU SPEAK POORLY ABOUT THEIR PASTORS, RABBIS, ETC. BECAUSE THERE IS ONE BAD APPLE IN EVERY BUNCH!

Folks,

Love the conversation. Gentle reminder: keep it civil please.

Addiction has nothing to do with liberal or conservative.....a child with an addiction problem can kick his or her problem or fall to the drug.....and possibly die. Addiction is an illness, few survive.

I WOULD LIKE TO COMMMENT ON SELENE'S RESPONSE. I HAVE TO DISAGREE WITH THE LAST TWO WORDS SHE WROTE "FEW SURVIVE"! SHE WAS 100 % CORRECT WHEN SHE SAID ADDICTION IS AN ILLNESS AS IS ALCOHOLISM! IT TOOK MANY YEARS FOR THE AMA TO FINALLY ADMIT THAT ALCHOLISIM IS A DISEASE. TILL THIS DAY PEOPLE WILL SEE AN ALCOHOLIC OR AN ADDICT AN SAY "HE/SHE IS JUST WEAK" OR NOT MY SON/DAUGHTER". A "NORMAL" PERSON(IF THERE IS SUCH A PERSON) WILL AFTER A FEW DRINKS WILL SAY NO TO ANOTHER BECAUSE THEY ARE STARTING TO FEEL THE EFFECTS. A PERSON WHO HAS TRGGERED THAT GRAY AREA IN THE BRAIN WILL CONTINUE TO DRINK UNTIL THEY GET VIOLENTLY SICK OR PASS OUT. THERE IS MANY TYPES OF DRINKERS; HAPPY, SAD, VIOLENT, BLACKOUT & PASSOUT! IT'S THE SAME WITH A DRUG ADDICT. PEOPLE USE PRESRIPTION DRUGS & ILLICIT DRUGS TO EXPERIMENT, "HAVE A GOOD TIME", HEIGHTEN SEXUAL PLEASURE, TO ESCAPE A PROBLEM, WHATEVER. AGAIN, THE "NORMAL" PERSON WILL NOT LIKE THE EFFECTS, BECOME ILL, ETC. & STOP. THE DRUG ADDDICT WILL USE HERION FOR THE 1ST TIME, ENJOY THE HIGH AND AGAIN TRIGGER SOMETHING IN THE BRAIN THAT CONTINUES THAT PERSON TO CONTINUE(GOING AFTER THE 1ST HIGH HE/SHE EXPERIENCED/CHASING THE DRAGON). THEN IT'S A SPIRAL RIDE DOWNWARD FILLED WITH THE LOSS OF FAMILIES, JOBS, RESORT TO STEALING, PROSTITUTION(MALE & FEMALE) TO SUPORT THEIR HABITS. YES, UNLESS THEY DO NOT GET SOME FORM OF TREATMENT SELENE THEY WILL EVENTUALLY THEY WLL DIE FROM THE DRUGS, BY SICKNESS(AIDS, HEP C)

@LVMom CIGARETTE SMOKING IS THE WORST. I am proud to say I am no longer a slave to nicotine.

As far as pot, and this probably won't be a popular thing to say...I'm all for medicinal marijuana. I don't understand why it's even a question. That is not my liberal thought process, it's simply true. people doctor shop constantly for pain meds which thy are not using for pain. People drink excessively and not because it goes wih their lovely fish dinner. Pharma companies are big business and it is unfortunately at our expense. But the point is...consider marijuana as a CDS and have it regulated and controlled just like any other drug as long as it serves a therapeutic purpose. But we all know, if people want it, they will get it no matter what regulations are enforced and if they simply want to get high.

Louis - turn off the caps lock - everyone gets your point - its annoying

Just a quick addiction story folks. My dad had a bad back problem 5 years ago. He never drank smoked or used narcotics ever. His doctor gave him oxycontin, well about 2 months later when he didnt have anymore he was threatning to kill us all . These are powerful drugs that can take any one of us over and destroy our lives. Thankfully my dad is ok but it can happen to anyone.

Kudos to Longtimeresident! You have chosen to be a victor and not a victim! I commend you in your recovery and wish you continued strength.
Those seeking help, NA does work and can be a great support system which is ongoing. Keep going back! Remember it's people, places and things.

Substance abuse of any form knows no race, religious or political boundaries … it doesn't care who you are, where your from or how you were raised. Any opiate based drug has the potential on turning anyone into an addict if not monitored and/or used properly. Most often the “gateway” starts with pot or alcohol and leads one on a mission to find a better high, be popular, experiment or just satisfy their own curiosity ending in addiction. My heart goes out to the Mom that lost her son and I commend her for speaking out about it. Too many times people hide from addiction and remain in denial while they are victims of it as is the addict. Unfortunately the addict must realize they have a problem and seek help... but that doesn't mean that family and friends sit and wait for that to happen. Fight it... don't enable it! The use of the “demon drug” heroin continues to grow and is wide spread across our town and the country, it is an epidemic. For those of you with juveniles, lock up the liquor and medication, monitor their activity, know their friends and their parents and ask questions about everything. Those with older children or family... don't enable them use tough love!

@Stacie I cannot tell you how many times doctors have tried to give me percocet, oxy and all the other crap. I learned to take 12 motrin a day for pain I had after a surgery and I was fine. I also cannot tell you how many times people have asked me if I had prescriptions so they could buy them from me.

oxy, and Percocet is what they give my mom she REFUSES to take more then one day of meds per 1.5 weeks...she marks a calendar and everything...because at one point she took for TWO weeks and realized she was getting the shakes when it was time to take more... stopped cold turkey (not pleasant after just 2 weeks according to her) ... and is SOOOOO careful now.

LVMOm it is so physically addicting that crap. so is xanax.

think i'll stick to a glass of wine after a particularly hard day of homeschooling

Addiction is a human tragedy and not a political debate. It impacts all cultures and people who are wealthy and poor. Addictions are often people who are self medicating an emotional pain or depression. Our mental health is geared to getting someone clean and then discharging them without treating the underlying issue. This can take significant time, especially with a teen, of residential treatment. This is not covered by insurance so not everyone can afford this level of treatment. That said never give up hope and look for grants and funding to save your loved one. It is complex and never think it is caused by simplistic reasons.

Very well said, Concerned!

@Stacie xanax is an anti anxiety drug. I imagine it would help with opiate withdrawals but it is addicting all by itself. My sister pops xanax , cymbalta , vicodin smokes crack and drinks. I will tell you if she has no xanax watch out!!!

I am a pharmacist in a small pharmacy a few towns over from Westfield. I have seen people of all ages and backgrounds "doctor shop" for prescriptions and even go so far as to forge prescriptions for oxycodone. In my little pharmacy we have teenagers, moms, dads and even grandparents hooked on oxycodone. It is so sad and these people need help. So many of them started taking Vicodin for a legitimate pain issue and then just ramped right up to Oxycontin or oxycodone. They might not have even realized that they would be starting down a slippery slope. I have told my entire family...forget the opiates...just take Tylenol!

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