What makes me angry? The drug problem in St. Mary’s County. I know other places have this problem, but being born and raised in this county, it really hurts my heart to log onto TheBaynet or listen to 102.9 and see/hear about people whom I’ve known my whole life. The confusing part is that a majority of these people AREN’T bad; they are people who I’ve grown up with, graduated with, laughed with, and partied with. It just doesn’t make sense and the randomness of it all makes it hard to even pinpoint the cause. What I hope these people will come to realize is that everyone is facing some sort of battle in life. Whatever you’re going through, however bad, drugs are simply not the answer. I may just be stuck in the old 5th grade D.A.R.E mindset but the best decision one can make is just saying “NO.” This decision doesn’t only affect you; it affects your family, friends, significant other, people who look up to you, your future children and your future life.
So many people express hatred towards TheBayNet for posting mug shots, when in reality they have shocked a lot of users back into reality. This is a SMALL town! If you don’t want a bad reputation then don’t make dumb decisions. It’s as simple as that! I know people who have been featured on TheBayNet, been humiliated, and then cleaned up their act because of it. THANK YOU BAYNET!
PARENTS, I know that you aren’t as blind as your pretending to be. If you are still giving your kids money, make sure they are working, in school, or making strides towards their future. I know too many addicts who have great lives and come from great families. It’s time to remove the wool from your eyes. Too many second, third and fourth chances have been given when the parents damn well know their son/daughter has a problem. STOP.
BE A ROLE MODEL. If your friend(s) have a problem HELP THEM don’t JOIN them. You may feel pressured, left out or you may be looking for a little escape yourself. Please stand your ground. Help your friends get help, talk to them (or their parents if necessary). We can only fix this problem by stopping it at the source.
SELF RESPECT. Whatever reasoning you have for being involved in whatever you’re doing, please know that you are too beautiful of a person to become a part of, or continue down this path. You’re not just hurting yourself; you’re hurting the people who care about you the most. They may not at first, but drugs will change you. They will change you so much that one day you’re going to look in the mirror and wonder who you are, where the time went and how badly you’ve treated people.
I am not a writer or a drug expert. I am not a counselor or in any way qualified to talk in depth about this subject. Most importantly, I have never been an addict. I don’t mean to offend anyone with my rant and I know that I haven’t even begun to cover every aspect/exception of this issue.  I am simply a person who is on the outside looking in. I can’t offer a solution; I just wish people would wake up and help each other. It’s never to late to change your life. 
 

Frustrated in St. Mary’s