The 2012 election has brought many issues to the forefront, but what about those related to addiction? One topic that hasn’t been given much attention is our country’s drug problem and the role our southern neighbor plays in meeting our demand for illegal substances.
In the past six years, an estimated 60,000 people have died in Mexico due to drug-related violence, according to a recent report by CNN.com. We share a 2,000-mile border, and yet it’s an issue that hasn’t earned a mention in the debates and stump speeches leading up to Election Day.
It’s understandable that the corruption and violence in Mexico isn’t the top issue on the candidates’ agendas. What with terrorism, the economy and the nuclear threat, there are bigger issues to worry about. But to think it’s not America’s problem at all would be a mistake – especially since that violence and corruption is fed by the constant demand on this side of the border for illegal drugs.
What happens in Mexico does affect us. It affects immigration rates, our own war on drugs and the rising cost of addiction treatment as more US citizens get hooked to deal with the stresses of unemployment, terrorism and an unknown future. For now Mexico’s problems seem to be getting lost in the shuffle of an election year where more media-friendly issues are garnering the spotlight.
Drug Abuse Help at La Paloma
If you or someone you love needs addiction help, call La Paloma at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
