This concern for alcohol and “other drug” abuse has been a part of my fiber for over three decades. As a teacher and a friend, I have witnessed individuals, young and old, suffer from their battles with alcohol and other drugs. I have helped them however I could, with good counsel, research, and referrals – always coupled with a big dose of love, encouragement, and compassion.
As everyone knows, it is not just the addict who suffers – it is also their loved ones. It is also important that support for those individuals be enriched in our respective communities.
As a teacher, in an effort to help find solutions to these problems in the past, I took the initiative along with an active group of civic leaders, staff members, and parents to start County Friday Night Live (FNL) and the 24 Hour Relay Challenge at San Luis Obispo High School. These programs are still enormously successful under the umbrella of County Drug and Alcohol Services.
I believe that education and prevention and intervention efforts at a young age are critical to support students now, more than ever. As a society, we have to continue to combat the glorification of alcohol and other drugs on the television, in movies and in social media.
The education for drug abuse prevention and intervention needs to be continued in our public school curriculum with the assistance of the site administrators, well-trained counselors, engaged PTA’s and a supported staff. Also, every effort needs to be made to facilitate the excellent work of San Luis Obispo County Drug and Alcohol Services and the County Mental Health Department.
Let’s publicize numbers for the free crisis “Hotline,” and the wide variety of options for support. Let’s make sure that the free meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Al-Anon are broadcasted through print and social media so that established residents, and new college -aged students, are aware of the education and support that exists to stay healthy and safe.
I honor those who are in recovery, who are choosing the path to sobriety and good health every single day. I applaud those who are making an effort, through recovery, to enhance their self-esteem and self-confidence through jobs in the community, volunteer work, and recreation, and those who are mending severed family relationships and friendships.
You are on the road to success and inner peace!
May all of life’s blessings be yours!
Respectfully,
Mila Vujovich-La Barre
Sunny Acres Board Member
