It’s a fact that more alcohol is consumed during the Holiday Season than any other time of the year. Dealing with people who abuse illegal drugs, it’s my experience that more drugs are used during that time. What’s the reason for this kind of behavior?

The spirit of the

season – “Let’s drink and be merry” – could be one reason. Also,

it could be said that people with problems want to have one last fling of their destructive way of living before they decide to go straight.

In January, more people seek help for drug abuse than in any other month.

Six weeks ago, I met a young man at a drug treatment center who shared that his drug of choice was heroin. “You shoot up (intravenously)?” I asked. He admitted that he did. Heroin use is becoming an epidemic among young people, especially white men. “Are you ready to change your lifestyle?” I asked. “I need to,” was his answer.

This young man completed the 28-day in-house program and was released two weeks ago. Last week, I visited the drug center again and was told that he died of a drug overdose.

I have no doubt that this young man had a desire to live a drug-free life. I wonder if maybe he felt like he wanted one last fling at feeling the effects of an artificial high. It really was one last fling, not before he quit the drug habit, but before he died.

I’m reminded that the drug addict’s desire for drugs is never satisfied. I pray this message will reach someone who is putting off quitting and make them realize that the time is now before it’s too late.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.