Letter to the editor: Early detection key for addiction

Having read the article “2020 brings increase in Westmoreland overdose deaths” (Jan. 10, TribLIVE), I would like to provide the following information.

The worst threat to the United States is not its political divisions or its economic crises or its health care policy. It is the brilliant minds and talent being destroyed by the use of illicit and prescription drugs and deaths from drug overdoses.

Since 1999 more than 750,000 people have died from drug overdoses. That is greater than the number of Americans who died in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined.

Overdose deaths involving opioids, including prescription opioids, heroin and synthetic opioids (like fentanyl), have increased almost six times since 1999.

Too many brilliant minds have been destroyed. How much better would our country be if we had the skills, talents and brilliance of these individuals focused on solving the very real problems of the economy, the health care system and political discourse?

Detecting early signs of addiction is vital to turning this scene around. Narconon Arrowhead offers help in detecting the early signs of addiction; visit www.narcononarrowhead.org for information.

Jo-Ann Richardson

Canadian, Okla.

The writer is director of legal affairs for Narconon Arrowhead.