A recent article praised New England for managing to avoid the meth epidemic. In a nation where meth use and production are on the rise, have New Englanders hit upon some sort of magic meth repellant that frees citizens from this terrible drug?

From veterans who return home addicted to painkillers to the 2.7 million children currently on medication for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, overmedication is invading all areas of health care in the United States. Medications are just one avenue we should offer to assist someone, and he or she should always be provided with adequate clinical and support services to help him or her achieve a better quality of life.

When 15-year-old Alexis was five months pregnant, she was addicted to speed and weighed less than 100 pounds. When she miscarried her daughter, she hit rock bottom–and slowly began her journey to recovery.

Parents, through their words as well as their actions, instill values in their children. By demonstrating positive behaviors and articulating your reasoning in front of your kids (“No thanks, I can’t drink tonight—I’m driving”) you’re setting the stage for them to make their own smart choices later on.

The tenth anniversary of 9/11 is a time to remember that our ability to cope is greater if we’re sober. Recovery—whether on a national or personal level—is worth the effort.