There Doesn't Have to Be a Drug Culture

     To paraphrase Jim Lovell, “Naperville: we have a problem”.  Our rather-affluent suburb has a drug problem.  Some of our young, promising adults are dying under the influence of powerful, illegal drugs.  This awareness has sparked a recent meeting at the 95th Street Library which was packed.

      It’s time for us to recognize that, like almost every community, we have a drug problem.  The drug culture spawns from the hypnotic notion that we are not good enough, or feel pressured to take drugs.  Even the rush of its use or the feeling of getting away from reality, is just a short-lived escape.  The problems are always still there, and now compounded by drug use.   Each of us must do what can to break this spell.  To any young person that may be facing the lure or captivity of drugs and to all parents hoping and praying that their children can find the strength to overcome that temptation, you have my prayers.

     Each teen - for that matter each of us, no matter our age - has a promise of great things in life.  There is a power higher than each of us, a power of love that reveals hidden talents and opportunities for all.   Amid the pressures teens feel when growing up (and I understand that the pressures are greater than ever), there is a seed in all of us of courage and strength to face every obstacle.

     To find some level of acceptance may be a great challenge, but cannot be reached through drugs.  The empty promise of drugs is just that – empty.  And it leaves us feeling bare and blank when the promised, but short-lived rush, is over.  There is a way to feel good about oneself.  There are ways to progress in life.  It is called spirituality.  It is to find your connection with the power of good.  You may find this in a church, synagogue or mosque.   Or you may find it in a yoga class or in an exercise program.  You may find it in volunteer work.  You may find it in the quiet reading of a book – but it is there for everyone.

     Need a definition of spirituality?  For me these qualities are a definition of spirituality: love, joy, goodness, gentleness and meekness, among others.  I have written them down and striven to live them each day.  It is not easy, but it is satisfying and empowering.  It gives one the strength and courage to say no, and to walk away even when ridiculed.  Try this.  Find the inner strength of spirituality.  You know there are many of us in Naperville who love you very much.  Our love is close to unconditional – but we are not going to just turn the other way anymore.

     The use of heroin, cocaine and other illegal drugs is just that – illegal.  There is never a good ending to the story, only broken promises, heartbreak or death.  Find someone outside the drug culture to talk to.  Talk to a counselor at school, a minister, a coach, a neighbor, a friend.  Let us help – bend our listening ears.  We love you too much to want any more drug-related death statistics in Naperville.