Swine, Flu, and Heroin

How many people have died of swine flu in the Unites States in the last 3 weeks? How much news coverage has been given the pandemic responsible for a handful of deaths in the US?

In contrast, how much news print has been devoted to older news concerning addiction deaths? I know I'm comparing apples and oranges but today my frustration with Sarah's addiction qualifies for a "yellow alert".

With Mother's Day just hours away I recall a conversation with Susan today. " I just have to stay busy so that I don't think about how horrible Sarah's situation is." (That's the very short version)

Yesterday Sarah was creeping in traffic while driving BF's car. Boom. Rear-ended another car. Now no transportation to work or school unless taxi-mom comes to the rescue or.....BF#2 drives her. The drama. The lies which put Mom between Sarah and BF #1 and BF #2.

For fun, let's describe #2. Early 30's with a special needs child of about 13. May be divorced or not but definitely behind on payments. A real rock solid citizen.

Don't judge. Okay. What then? A new fear! We still fear her accidental death from an OD or just the effects of Heroin addiction. Now we fear the dynamics of BF#1 vs. BF #2 with la stupido in the middle.

Finally tonight a little vignette: Plans are for a breakfast brunch tomorrow to celebrate Mother's Day. Sarah was scheduled to work but found a sub. She'd like us to reimburse her for her lost wages and tips. These are the times when we have a very clear picture of the addict who for the time being, inhabits the body of our youngest daughter.

In related news:
On May 7th, Vice President Joe Biden announced the Senate had overwhelmingly confirmed Seattle Police Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske to oversee the nation's effort to control illegal drugs. Early indications are that policy will shift from a focus on incarceration to one of treatment for drug-related crimes. Kerlikowske's top deputy is expected to be A. Thomas McLellan, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania medical college and the chief executive of the Treatment Research Institute in Philadelphia. The selection of these two men may underscore the administration's philosophy of rehabilitation and outreach.