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Naperville
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Share hope and understanding every season, every day

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In November, Positively Naperville devoted a page to the stigma of mental health and the addiction to opioids. We noted local initiatives such as Connect for Life and the Crisis Intervention Team offered by the Naperville Police Department, two programs focused on creating awareness to help protect all ages from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.

A few days after publication, a reader called, printed issue in hand, she said, to express concerns about the omission of alcohol abuse in the story.

And we couldn’t help but think how many times we’ve suggested “Celebrate safely” throughout our pages to encourage responsible drinking. Or the times we’ve included “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” to remind drivers not to drink and drive.

Our family has been challenged with alcohol addiction for four generations that we know. We can report recovering alcoholics, but are saddened that some are still struggling at risk.

Mind-altering substances that change personalities are a growing challenge in our world. Let us also add addiction to social media via electronic devices to the list.

Recent reports say on average, teens spend nine hours with digital devices in hand—even more time than sleeping. Some adults aren’t far behind, but most adults spend about two hours.

Results of a Carnegie Melon study 20 years ago that appeared at the top of the front page of the Daily Herald on Aug. 31, 1998, warned of depression that could be created by Internet use. Yes. All those years ago researchers began to note deleterious effects even before many of the social media platforms used today became so popular and addictive.

Finding the balance in the use of just about everything legal makes a difference, whether imbibing, gambling, eating, texting or any activity that can lead to addictive disease.

Consider becoming engaged in conversations about ways to help free family and friends from addiction whether illegal drugs, prescription medication, alcohol, electronic devices and other compulsive harmful behaviors.
This community provides resources and continues to host public forums and workshops to address issues.

Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with gratitude right here where many individuals support services with their generous gifts in order for others in need to harness local resources for behavioral health assessments on the road to recovery.

Let’s resolve to be mindful of our personal responsibility to work together to conquer the stresses and distractions that are creating painful lives for too many. Let’s respect the help of others.

No matter what, addictive behavior is a disease and often leads to tragedy. Maybe if we eliminate the stigma of mental health through conversation, we’ll begin to understand why addiction for pain relief seems to be growing among all ages. Perhaps compassion, new strategies and sobriety coaches offered by local initiatives will encourage individuals to get the help they need without fear of arrest or judgment.

Maybe someday we’ll find the answer to “Why?”

We appreciate that safety columnist Julie Smith devoted her column to some recent facts about craft beers and wines. Take her advice. Be responsible. Don’t drink and drive.

Enjoy safe and peaceful holidays.

–PN

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PN Editor
PN Editor
An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.

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