DePaul’s Post

On public pecking orders: A few days back I opined about GenAI and its place in the world, how ultimately the people shall decide (as they always do in history). With respect to things that are illegal today and legal tomorrow, I exampled marijuana. A few people engaged me on the side, all assuming that used marijuana, and that I clearly did not understand the dangers of marijuana usage. I shared with separately that while I have never used marijuana, my communication about legalization was not about my personal preferences or predilections, but historical observations. Society eventually finds that coercion by the whole group for what the individual is allowed to do, is usually examined with a "rear view mirror" as being detrimental. Detrimental (for all) compared to letting the individual do what they want to do with their own life... even with the adverse impacts to themselves and even with their personal choices having effects on those around them (example family and friends). I run into very few quantitative minds that would claim that drug usage has no negative affects. The general public finds larger groups championing more "partisan" sides; where drug usage is either presented as being mostly good for the individual, or presented as mostly bad. Smoking products in America has seen quite the change for public awareness and perception in the last 60 to 70 years. We went from being allowed to hand out and smoke cigars in hospitals to celebrate the birth of a baby, to having very few indoor public places where it is legal to smoke. Alcohol I argue somehow has managed a "better public image". Where it being debated whether publicly admitting say marijuana usage than it is admitting alcohol usage.* Despite the clear cut evidence below about the much larger impact, you can still see large groups of individuals react to the topic of alcohol (and even smoking) as lessor than opiates in impact on the community. Much like whether you are for/against GenAI proliferation, is more about cultural norms, I argue injection of similar norms for drugs (opiates) versus drugs (alcohol) versus food . Given the slide below: Imagine a third column for unhealthy dieting/eating: Is anyone not aware that poor diet kills more people (though slower) than alcohol and drugs combined? Percentage of population do you think researchers estimate misuse food ? What percentage of population has a food addictions ? Emergency room visits tied to poor dieting? Deaths (chronic and acute) ? Why are more groups against drugs than alcohol (search for yourself), more against alcohol than food? (answer: acute versus chronic-- drugs can kill faster than alcohol on average, alcohol can kill faster than food on average. The cultural question is our "weighting" of acute versus chronic. *disclaimer use alcohol and smoke cigars

This graphic tells an important story about the need for more alcohol awareness and education on the dangers and risks that come with alcohol. The opioid crisis takes lives each day and we are working really hard to raise awareness to this because it is important work saving lives. Something to think about, we have normalized the use of alcohol, and it is acceptable to use in public and social settings, hence increasing its use. When we think about the push to legalize marijuana use and make it more acceptable, even changing the name to cannabis, shouldn't we be concerned about the risks, harms and deaths that can come of that too for future generations? This is why prevention work is important now.

This week, I sat down with Georgia leaders to discuss the opioid crisis. In the Augusta area, opioid overdose deaths have surpassed homicides and traffic fatalities. The biggest threat, Fentanyl. The Augusta (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Perry Broadcasting of Augusta joined forces to get the word out about this issue, prevention methods, recovery options, and destigmatizing the problem in order to curb the crisis. https://lnkd.in/eqgsXVf3

Do you know that WV spends over 1 billion a year on the opioid epidemic? http://bit.ly/2zLxVTY #westvirginiapersonalinjurylawyer #morgantownwvpersonalinjurylawyer #wvopiodepidemic #druggeddriving #duiaccidents #wvcaraccidentlawyer #attorney #lawfirm

Explore the impacts of drug abuse on society and the efforts needed for prevention in our latest blog post. Understand the depth of the issue and join the conversation for a better future. Read more at: https://ift.tt/DRtqgw4.

Listen to what Dr. Stephanie Widmer, DO has to say about the current state of drug abuse in our area, what we can do to help combat this epidemic, and more. Join our Live Q&A on our next #SJRHWebinar. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/ekaRjmeG #SJRHRiversideTalk #CommunitySTRONG

Today, June 26th, is #WorldDrugDay!  This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the global issue of drug abuse and the illegal drug trade... Millions of people worldwide are affected by drug abuse, impacting individuals, families, and communities. This year's theme focuses on overcoming stigma and promoting evidence-based treatment and prevention strategies. **What can you do?** Educate yourself: Learn about the dangers of drug abuse and the resources available for help. Spread awareness: Share this post and encourage others to join the conversation. Show compassion: Support those struggling with drug use by offering encouragement to seek help and understanding. Demand action: Advocate for policies that prioritize treatment and prevention. #EndDrugAbuse  #TreatmentWorks #PreventionMatters #SDG3goodhealthandwellbeing

The threat is real, and so is our commitment to keeping our communities safe. 🖤 Opioids, like fentanyl, are often sold disguised as street drugs or even candy, posing a deadly risk. Keystone's mission is to educate and raise awareness about this epidemic. Visit our web page https://loom.ly/k85NryE to learn more about fentanyl and join us in the fight for safer communities! ✔️ #OpioidAwareness #Keystone #CommunitySafety #FentanylAwareness

Today, on World Drug Day, let's come together to fight drug abuse! The evidence is clear: investing in prevention, especially in marginalized communities, is key to addressing this challenge. Let's prioritize a scientific, evidence-based approach that supports prevention and treatment. Together, we can make a difference! #WorldDrugDay #DrugAbusePrevention #EvidenceBasedApproach #MarginalizedCommunities

Recipe of Result: Each day, being brutally honest in the classroom, to extract this leadership, teamwork and professionalism of students outside the four walls of classroom. Thank you, Hannan Firdous Yatin parashar Ansal, Mehraj, and all other learners, for continuing professionalism as a practice. Way to go!✌🏼😇 I'm blessed to be the wind beneath your wings. 🤜🏼🤛🏼 #iilmuniversity #IILMGreaterNoida #IILMengineering #communicationforengineers #youngengineers #engineersasprofessionals #engineersinthemaking #personalitydevelopment #motivation #career #mindfulness #softwareengineering #culturalawareness #culturalintelligence #drugabuseprevention #stopdrugabuse #saynotodrugs #crosscultural #youngleaders #professionalismmatters #youngprofessionals #identitymanagement