Stay informed, connected to peers to prevent drug abuse

Red Ribbon was dedicated to raise awareness on alcohol, drug abuse and the associated violence that affects communities across the country. It began with the killing of Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena while working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1985. Residents of Camarena’s hometown of Calexico, California began showing their support by displaying red ribbons. First Lady Nancy Regan gave the movement national recognition in 1988 as it became Red Ribbon Week. Thirty years later, the movement to fight against the harm substance abuse can cause continues here on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and the surrounding communities.

“Substance abuse is a lot more prevalent than we want to believe,” said Jennifer Attila, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Lejeune-New River substance abuse prevention specialist. “My biggest concern is the young Marines we have now who grew up in a culture where drug use was ok and normal.”

Attila referred to the media landscape of the past decade which has had many instances of well-known celebrity figures and songs that conveyed the message that using drugs was a fun, natural activity. The normalization of what can be a catastrophic endeavor raises concerns for Attila and the substance abuse counseling center.

“Drug use has had a place in the culture for a long time,” said Attila. “However, the messages are not encoded anymore but very explicit. When people grow up in impressionable years hearing and watching that, it has a very powerful effect. It can change your moral system and our challenge is getting people to readjust that system.”

Many dangerous trends occur in the drug using/selling market. These include drugs laced with highly toxic synthetics and being mixed with alcohol or household substances.

“I’ve changed my own approach to tackling this issue with service members,” said Attila. “Under the commandant’s own recommendations, we are sitting together in small groups and having these tough yet honest conversations. I ask them if they or someone they know has been affected by drugs. Many of them raise their hands.”

A direct and personal approach has been advised in part due to the level of misinformation that currently exists. Many individuals are not aware of the tactics drug makers use to deceive unwitting consumers. Often, banned substances will be listed under a different name. Substances that are thought to be safe are laced with harmful ingredients.

“It starts with your attitude towards drug use,” said Attila. “If you get lax towards socially accepted drugs, it can be a slippery slope. I want people to be mindful that even the drugs others think of as ‘safe’ are really not. Drugs often have been synthesized with toxic ingredients by the time they reach consumers. What you thought was going to be just a relaxing high turns potentially lethal.”

To anyone who is struggling with substance abuse or just wants to learn more, Attila encourages them to reach out.

“It is not worth your career in the Marine Corps, your family or your life,” said Attila. “Do not take the risk. We want people to enjoy their life and have fun. Just realize you do not need drugs to do that.”

For more information on the Lejeune-New River substance abuse counseling center, visit www.mccslejeune-newriver.com/substanceabuse or call 451-2865.