Peer Pressure ~ Parents need to Know

For All Parents ~ Knowledge is Power ~

Another interesting article~

Another interesting post by Dr. Richard Keller with regards to his findings on Morphine overdose ~

Please click here if you would like to read the article ~

Blue's

I got the blue's and it really isn't fun.

Me & My Baby ~ Big Baby ~

Lake County Daily Herald TODAY ~

Lake County law enforcement officials say they're seeing a disturbing trend: an increase in heroin traffic.

The evidence county officials point to is the amount of heroin seized and several overdose deaths so far this year.

Keith Frederick, deputy director of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group -- the county wide drug enforcement agency --said heroin traffic increased possibly because the drug is cheap enough for younger users to purchase.

"It's also becoming more popular because there are different ways of ingesting it," Frederick said. "You don't just have to snort it or use a syringe, so it's easier to use."

It costs $10 to $15 for a quick fix of the drug, he said. One gram is equal to about 15 doses.

So far this year, 20 grams of heroin have been seized in Lake County. Four grams were seized in January and February, but 16 grams were taken in the past two weeks.

That's below the 31 grams seized in Lake County in all of 2007, and roughly the same amount -- 21 grams -- as in 2006, Frederick said.

"It's something we are definitely keeping our eye on," he said. "It seems like it's becoming more popular out here."

Lake County Coroner Richard Keller said there's also been a spike in fatal heroin overdoses.

Five heroin-related deaths have been recorded in 2008, and 12 in the past six months, Keller said. In all, heroin overdoses accounted for 18 deaths in 2007 and 16 in 2006.

"I am really concerned," he said.

Just this week, two Fox Lake residents died from what is believed to be a heroin overdose. Keller said he's awaiting toxicology reports for an official cause.

Across the border in northern Cook County, Palatine Police Cmdr. Alan Stoeckel said cocaine and heroin were found at the scene of two separate deaths in the past three months. They also are waiting for toxicology results before announcing an official cause of death.

Frederick said the deaths may occur because users do not know the purity of heroin being consumed.

Chemicals are used to dilute heroin because the human body cannot handle ingesting the drug in its purest form, he said.

"When you get heroin, you essentially don't know what you are getting," he said. "It's like playing Russian Roulette because you aren't sure on the purity or what's been used to dilute it."

While heroin use may be on the rise in Lake County, state drug officials said it is dropping nationally and remaining constant in Illinois.

Tony Rapac, head of the Illinois MEG Directors and Task Force Commander Association, said dealers in Lake County are trying to move in on new territory after leaving other territories.

"This sounds like it's one or two counties," he said. "And, it's probably one or two groups trying to make inroads in there."

Quote per Dr. Keller on the article above

My intent of the longer quote I gave him was that if this is indeed a trend of increased heroin use and death it is concerning on many levels.

Beyond just the toll of the heroin itself, its use is associated with increased participation in crime and violence, certainly negatively impacting the community. To address this problem we need a multi pronged approach with targeted law enforcement, and social prevention programs with treatment availability, to mention just a few parts of the attack. We must also be mindful that this is but one of the many problems that need to be addressed, but if we look for commonalities in approaches we might be able work effectively using a broadened scope and work under a rubric of community healing and wellness beyond individual wellness.

Your comments are welcome ~ thank you...

Erica said it too!

Nothing lasts forever, so live it up, drink it down, laugh it off, avoid the bullshit, take chances, never have regrets because at one point everything you did was exactly what you wanted.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you can eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
-Marilyn Monroe

Don't make somebody a priority who only makes you an option...
every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Never regret anything because at one time... it was exactly what you wanted.
Anything worth wanting is worth waiting for

"The only people you need in your life are the ones who prove they need you in theirs" ♥

Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.

RIP Johnny Boy.
December 26, 1986- November 30, 2007
You will always be in my heart.

Always be yourself, because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind.

An original is always worth more than a copy.

I am who i am... your approval is not needed.

Never to Old for a Lullaby~ In memory of a dear friend ~

My dear friend ~
I have lit this candle for your love ~ his sudden passing saddens me so ~ I shall grieve with you, I shall pray you have the strength to keep on truckin!

This lullaby is for you to sing to him ~ yes you are old ~ and death comes when least expected. You are never to old for a lullaby.


Remember, you can always call your neighbor in the middle of the night and she shall comfort you as she did I when Jon passed.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!

He is just fine! He has Jon to keep him busy ~

Look up as he looks down at you, keeping you safe, telling you that each day gets that much more closer to remembering the good, all the Joy & Sparkle you brought to each other, and all the yelling about you spending money on big ticket items!

I love you sweetie with all my heart. I am here too, to always give you a hug if you need one.
Breathe, know that you have the support, just ask for it!

In good times & bad times, this is what Friends are for!

Dear Vonna,

My DH, will be just fine, it will just take a long time for him to recover.
YIKES!!!!!!!

I am so glad that you are taking a short trip to a warm place. I think it will do you good to be with people that you enjoy being with and that also enjoy the same thing as you do.

I understand what you are saying about family, but don't loose hope. They are big enough to take care of themselves especially when you need a break.

As you know everyone grieves differently; it will take a long time for the sting to decrease. Be around positive people that will encourage you.

I know that you miss Jon. He was a huge part of your life. It is a big hole in your heart that will never heal completely.

Your voice will be heard, if it doesn't happen the way you want, it may be in another way. You just don't know right now. Something good will come from this sad time.

Love ya,
anonymous!

I dedicate this to you my girl friends ~ So g/f's who is who! Laughing I am!