A SIDEBAR
'We're in this together'
By Pastor Rock Pifer

The recent rash of Cameron County drug busts primarily involved prescription medicines, mostly painkillers.

Alcohol is almost always the introductory drug which often leads to experimentation with other drugs.

Several people may have been prescribed medication for legitimate problems. The "street value" of these drugs is pretty high. So if you have some of these pills left, then the opportunity to make a quick buck offers great temptation.

You may visit the houses of friends and family and take a look at their medicine cabinet. If you are really desperate, you might even break into a home.

These people are not really "dealers" per se, but are looking to make a few dollars, and almost always within their peer group.

Occasionally, the law enforcement agencies find users or distributors and pressure them with the option to become an informant. The alternative is to do some jail time. A "sting" operation is put into place and small buys are amassed together into one large gathering of arrests.

Most, if not all, of the dealers bringing in the cocaine, heroin and marijuana don't even live here. These people are very good at what they do, and rarely get caught. Unfortunately, even if they do get caught, there's always someone to meet the need.

My wife and I are willing to talk to anyone who has been affected by substance abuse. Unfortunately, the awesome job the police are doing will be shortlived unless we get to the "heart" of the issue. We need to address the problems and issues that bring about drug and alcohol exploitation in the first place. Only then will we see a lasting change in our community.

We also need to find ways to help those who are predisposed to drug and alcohol use, helping to avert problems later on in life.

At the Cameron County Christian Center, we have formed a support group for those who are struggling with drug or alcohol addictions. If you or someone you know want to join our group, please stop in, call 486-1841, or send an e-mail to pastor@cameroncounty.org.