By By Lisa Tindell – News writer
Brewton and East Brewton, as well as surrounding communities, are fighting the battle against drugs. In making an effort to bring the battle to the attention of potential soldiers in the fight, area schools and other ogranzations will be taking a full week focus on the problem.
Red Ribbons will be decorating the halls of area schools this week in recognition of Drug Awareness Week. The annual event is scheduled for Oct. 23 through 31 this year and will be filled with speeches, activities and information about drugs and their effects on users and their loved ones.
In today's society, everyone is aware of the drug war being fought by law enforcement agencies across the United States.
Drugs affect men, women and children across the nation. Statistics show that pre-teens usually begin their drug use with alcohol and could possibly move on to other drugs as they grow older.
There are facilities situated throughout the gulf coast area that specialize in the treatment of drug users.
Internet activity revolving around the sale and production of drugs is growing daily and is a multi-million dollar industry, Smith said.
A website hosted by the United Nations Information Service states the International Narcotics Control Board is scheduling meetings among heads of states to help find a solution to the problem.
These prescription drugs often contain narcotics and psychotropic substances with properties similar to illicit drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Demand is high for some of these controlled pharmaceuticals, which are often abused by drug addicts as their first drug of choice. Others may become unwittingly dependent on drugs if they take them without medical supervision. In practical terms it is easier to access drugs via online pharmacies, which are just a mouse-click away, than by seeking professional help or by forging prescriptions or by theft, the site said.
Escambia County Schools and Brewton City Schools are planning activities throughout the week to promote awareness concerning drug use. Information concerning programs and activities planned at each school can be found in a special pullout section in today's paper.