Coroner sees how drug abuse can affect anyone
Editor's note: This story originally ran on March 3, 2002 as part of the Daily Herald's "Hidden Scourge: Heroin in the Suburbs" series.
By Richard Ballinger
Editor's Note: The Daily Herald asked DuPage County Coroner Richard Ballinger to give his thoughts on the impact of illegal drug use.
The recent articles on teenage drug abuse by The Daily Herald have merely begun to illuminate the problems society has in coping with drug abuse. However, with additional education we can supply a more stringent awareness regarding the daily abuses of drugs that affect us all.
Drug abuse is a constant problem that affects every resident of DuPage County. Drug abuse has no prejudices. It does not discriminate against race, age or gender. Drug abuse affects the wealthy, poor and middle income. We have initiated education programs that target every age group. These programs begin with the young and forge onto the elderly. There are task forces developed to stem the use of drugs. The reality is drugs are a debilitating problem to all of society.
A number of years ago I testified before a public hearing dealing with drug abuse hosted by Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan. At that hearing, I spoke of the grave losses drugs cause. The economic losses and family disintegration merely reflect the beginnings. I spoke of the greatest loss: the loss of life. Unfortunately, with over 30 years in my field, I have seen this loss firsthand.
The buzz theme at the time was a "war on drugs," which has followed the theme of "Just Say No." All of these themes, ideas and task forces have one goal: to eliminate drugs from our lives. Any program that reduces drugs in our society deserves recognition. However, a theme of a "war on drugs" is merely a theme. If in fact it is a war, it is a war we cannot win. You cannot legislate, dictate or force anyone to do anything they truly do not want to do. This includes stopping them from using and abusing drugs. In the context of this war, we must reduce the number of casualties and thenumber of fatalities. We must emphasize how precious and fragile life is.
Strong and progressive law enforcement measures have been taken against drug dealers and suppliers. Legislators have enacted hundreds of laws and have greatly increased penalties for distribution. This has been an added deterrent for some suppliers, but not for the majority. The financial reward of dealing proves to be more important than the risks. If there is a demand for drugs, there will always be dealers.
We need to reduce the demand. We must eliminate the use of various drugs. The only way to do this is through education. Education is more than a mere slogan, it is of greater importance than a theme. We need to break down the myths of drugs. We need to talk with our youth, not lecture them. We must stem the problem before it becomes addictive. There are many individuals, groups and programs that participate in this process. This newspaper is one great source in helping spread the message. Recent articles on club drugs have helped to raise awareness.
Everyone needs to talk about drug abuse. The consequences have to be expressed clearly. Society should be aware of the medical consequences of long-term illnesses and realize they are not invincible. There is an ultimate consequence. These drugs can kill. Every day I witness the loss of life. Eventually we will all die, but there is no need for it to happen prematurely. I have seen the full spectrum of drug-related deaths; from prenatal addicted newborns through to some elderly abusing prescription drugs. I have seen deaths of the addicted to deaths of those who socially experimented.
Life is already too short. There is no need to shorten it by taking unnecessary risks.