North Shetter - Letter to Editor

My wife and I want to thank the M & M Community Foundation for hosting a program Tuesday at NWTC that highlighted the ongoing crisis of synthetic opioid drugs (such as Fentanyl) becoming widely available nationwide.   The presenters were local individuals who had either lost family members to

Fentanyl overdose or were recovering from addiction that included Fentanyl.  The crisis is here in our twin counties.

The program pointed out that no one in their right mind chooses to become a drug addict.  The disease of addiction stems from, and is stimulated by, many factors.  Lack of self-esteem and a dysfunctional family situation are two significant elements.  The participants pointed out that they did not perceive that their initial use of drugs was risky behavior. They were just looking for something that made them “feel better”.  One thing led to another and drug addiction became a way of life – or death.  Three of the participants have been able quit drugs and now live in a state of recovery – after much difficulty.  Two others died of Fentanyl overdose and were represented by parents.

The point of this letter is two fold.  First, Fentanyl is here in our community and is a killer.  Get informed about it and have a heart to heart discussion about the danger of drugs with your family. There are plenty of resources on line that will provide information and guidance about discussing this issue with children.  Start early and keep it simple.  Age eight is not too early.   Second, speak out against more Cannabis/Marijuana outlets in Menominee. 

Apparently there is no chance of stopping retail sales in our community.  However, we need to confirm to our city council that what we have allowed now is more than enough.  Not every Marijuana user is, or will become a drug addict.  However, ask any drug addict, active or in recovery, and they will tell you that “pot” was a gateway drug that helped lead them to addiction. 

Your kids and your community will be better if you commit to take action now.

North Shetter,
Menominee