An ode to drugs

To the Editor,

I've often thought back to Nancy Reagan's motto to drugs: "Just say no."

Guess what, Nancy; it didn't work, and we have the statistics to prove it. I've found a better approach to deter drug use among kids, and it consists of the words of wisdom from someone who's been there and back who has lived through the power of the foe's deadly grip. My daughter is involved with a group of ex-addicts on Facebook. This is a Christian group of believers who overcame drug addiction. She read this to me recently, and I wanted to share it with young adults and children. Too many people pay the price of drug abuse directly or indirectly; many with their very lives. Thank God my daughter is finally free from drug use, but the scars and the memories mixed in the wake of chaos she left behind remains.

Hello, my name is Drugs.

I destroy homes; tear families apart; I take your children and that's just the start ...

I'm more precious than diamonds, more costly than gold; the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.

If you need me, remember I'm easily found. I live all around you; in school and in town.

I live with the rich and I live with the poor. I live down the street, and maybe next door.

My power is awesome; try me, you'll see: But if you do you may NEVER break free.

Just try me once and I might let you go; but try me twice, I'll take your soul. When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie. You'll do what you have to just to get high.

Oh the crimes you'll commit! My narcotic charms will be worth the trip from the pleasure you'll feel in your arms. You'll steal from your mother and lie to your dad and when you see tears you won't feel sad.

You'll forget your morals and how you were raised. I'll be your conscience; I'll teach you my ways.

I take kids from parents and parents from kids; I turn people from God and separate friends.

I'll take everything from you; your looks and your pride. I'll be with you always, right by your side!

You'll give up everything; your family, home and friends and your money; You'll be lucky to live.

If you try me, be warned: this is no game; if given the chance, I'll drive you INSANE. I'll ravish your body and control your mind.

The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed; and the voices you'll hear from inside your head: The sweats! The shakes! The visions you'll see! I WANT YOU TO KNOW, THESE GIFTS ARE FROM ME.

But when it's too late you'll know in your heart that you are now mine and we'll never part. You'll regret that you tried me; they always do. But you came to me, not I to you.

You knew this would happen. Many times you were told, but you challenged my power and chose to be bold.

You could have said NO and just walked away. If you could live that day over, now what would you say?

Now I'll be your master and you'll be my slave. I'll even go with you, right to your grave. Now that you've met me, what will you do? Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.

I can bring you more misery than words can tell; come take my hand and I'll take you to HELL.

@$:

Faye Ruckhardt

Nesquehoning