Overcoming Substance Abuse - Tolerance Is Not The Answer
Good day everyone. I rarely ever post in this forum, however after spending the past eight months in the Los Angeles area I have noticed many troubling events in regards to the substance abuse epidemic. I would like to address that I am. a firm supporter of substance abuse recovery;having witnessed wonderful results for several who have journeyed through such programs with the true intentions of breaking their habits.
What truly disturbs me about Los Angeles in particular is the blatant disregard and what seems like general condoning of substance abuse is how frequently individuals can be witnessed in public alongthesidewalks and in parks around children actively using substances such as methamphetamines and fentanyl. Police do not get involved and most often private security are the ones to engage typically only if the abuser is acting hostile. Narcan is readily available in various areas throughout Los Angeles and it's difficult walking around downtown without being asked if you have or if you want fentanyl.
In addition to this is the crude behavior of those who publicly abuse such substances around children without any consideration. It is truly a sad sight and honestly more needs to be done to address these issues. Tolerance which is what I have seen much of is definitely not working.
@Understandingempath
It's quite a serious problem and I understand where it's coming from. As someone who regularly visits DTLA and takes public transportation around, you only need about 10 steps before running into someone who is abusing substance. It's discouraging and displeasing to see, and I think our ignorance stems from the fact that it's uncomfortable to interact with them no less even see such use out in public streets. It's a sad situation and it definitely exacerbates the homelessness crisis further.
