The Battle Continues over the "Marijuana Question" in California

The battle continues over the "Marijuana Question" in California, which will decide whether legalization will do more harm than good. Next year's election in California will be centered on whether a 14 billion dollar a year black market drug will be legalized. Ballot measures are already being put forward by different groups as well as a bill by Assembly Member Tom Ammiano, a San Francisco Democrat, that would legalize and tax the drug. In the coming months there will be a heated battle between the "right" and "left"; there is a good chance that the Mexican cartels will not stay out of the fight for the fact that they have a lot to lose if marijuana is legalized.

Federal drug czar Gil Kerlikowske, who is against legalization, said a few weeks ago, "We will wait for evidence on whether smoked marijuana has any medicinal benefits - those aren't in." Just last week in Fresno Kerlikowske made the statement that, "Marijuana is dangerous and has no medicinal benefit." It would seem that the drug czar has more of a complaint regarding the method in which marijuana is used, rather than whether it is used at all. This brings up an important point, how marijuana in used makes a big difference with regard to heath risks; anything foreign that human beings inhale will have negative side effects. I do not think it is possible for the state to regulate the manner it which weed is used!

Medical marijuana started about ten years ago in California for people with disorders and sicknesses, now, pot-activists want it to be legal for everyone in the state. All of this is starting to look like a recipe for disaster; if marijuana is legalized for adults over the age of twenty one what will be in place to stop children from getting the drug? It will be easy to get for children and teenagers, which without a doubt will ultimately lead to a rise in drug addiction state-wide. It does not seem like this problem can be helped, if 14 billion is being made under the government's nose already, it's pretty clear that once they legalize it they won't be able to control it. Sure some extra money might be made in taxes which obviously wouldn't hurt, but, it seems that everything is moving too quickly for this plan to be put into practice effectively. The country is in need of revenue and this has led to a number of poorly thought out plans to make that happen. I am looking forward to seeing which way this battle goes and I am curious about your thoughts regarding the subject.

Mexico's Drug War is Worsening

The Mexican government is sending out 45,000 troop to conflict areas throughout the country, more troops than the United States has in Afghanistan, as a result of the 11,000 dead in just under three years. Mexico's drug war is worsening and it does not seem like much can be done to curb the cartels and their bloody war over smuggling routes and government control according to the San Francisco Chronicle, "attacking offices, killing investigators, and threatening citizens who speak out".

The hot spots where most of, but not all, the action is taking place are in border cities where the drugs come one way and American guns and money go back the other way. In the U.S. guns are sold to private citizens that are often more high-powered than most government officials have throughout Mexico. Again, according to the San Francisco Chronicle: "This month, Mexican President Felipe Calderon ordered more soldiers into Ciudad Juarez, a major border town and drug entry point opposite El Paso, to quell the violence. Closer to Mexico City, he faces trouble from an upstart gang in his native state of Michoacan, where the bodies of 12 federal agents were dumped on a back road, all of them tortured and shot in the head. In response, he sent 5,500 troops to the region".

The cartels are certainly a major factor in this war, but, Americas never ending thirst for drugs is the driving force. This is a war over money, and not just any money - American money. The cartels in Mexico control all the drugs coming out of South and Central-America and it appears that Mexico has become the new Columbia. Back in March, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton stated our nation's responsibility. The violence is caused by "our insatiable demand for illegal drugs."

Next month, President Obama is due at a North American summit in Guadalajara, Mexico. Obama needs to make this war one of his top priorities otherwise it will only get worse. Better attempts at drug education here in America need to take place because as long as we demand the drugs Mexico will continue to fight to supply them. Furthermore, better gun policies need to be enacted; Mexicans killing with our guns makes us partly liable. Mexican drugs are the gasoline that fuel America's engine of addiction.

Michael Jackson Doctor's Office was Raided as Part of a Manslaughter Investigation

Yesterday, LAPD and DEA agents arrived at the Houston, Texas, clinic of Dr. Conrad Murray; who was Michael Jackson's personal physician and was with him when he died last month. Michael Jackson's doctor's office was raided as part of a manslaughter investigation in search of his medical records. According to one source, "The search was conducted by members of the DEA, two Robbery-Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department and Houston police officers. The search warrant authorized law enforcement to search for and seize items, including documents; they believed constituted evidence of the offense of manslaughter."

Miranda Sevcik, a representative for Dr. Murray's lawyer Chernoff, said: "This raid was unexpected to us. All this drama is just not necessary, this is how we feel. Ed's not dismayed about it. He's just trying to figure out what's going on. But he's not worried about it." It is believed that the warrant was tied to the findings of Michael Jackson's preliminary autopsy report and the prescription drugs found in his system. Everything is still pretty vague regarding what the pop star was abusing and what happened prior to Jackson's death. At this point it is no secret that Jackson, with the help of others, was severely abusing prescription drugs and was addicted without a doubt.

The investigation is focused on one particular drug, Propofol according to reports; Propofol is used to put people to sleep before surgery, it is a very strong anesthetic not to be used outside a hospital setting. Sources say, "It is Conrad Murray they're looking at. They are looking for Propofol, along with anything else they find. But Propofol is the big one." Murray was in Nevada when officials raided his office, but, despite his lawyer saying that Jackson's doctor is not worried it is probably fair to say that that is not true.

The truth will come out whether or not Dr. Murray is liable for Jackson's death soon enough. It is fair to say that Dr. Murray is not the only doctor prescribing medications that are potentially fatal despite warnings by the FDA. The fact of the matter is that some doctors have become more concerned with their pocket books than the lives of their patients. Saying no to Michael Jackson was probably a very hard thing to do when you are blinded by money. Life is worth more than money and unfortunately not everyone sees it that way. I am interested in your thoughts as to whether the doctor (pusher) or the addict (patient) is responsible for the ultimate death?

If Marijuana Is Legal, Will Addiction Rise?

Marijuana legalization has been a hot button topic for many years and is one that has serious implications. America's prohibition on "Weed" has many people wondering if legalization would do more good than the current laws have done. If Marijuana is legal, will addiction rise? I have found many great arguments on both sides of the table, this topic is one that should be discussed in depth for the fact that the question at hand is an American problem; more Marijuana is consumed in the US per capita than any other country. I can see positives and negatives for the legalization of Marijuana, I am attempting to get the conversation started on this delicate subject.

I do believe the question at hand is one that most adults have asked themselves at one point or another, whether or not legalization would do more good than criminalization has? The argument that "Pot" is just like every other illegal drug does not hold as much water as it used to. That is the danger with putting all illegal drugs in the same category for the fact that it is simply illegal raises social stigmas with the uninformed; which, in turn, has impacted how the government treats people who have dealings with Marijuana. The writing is on the wall and whether or not we choose to read it greatly affects us as a nation. In many cases trying Marijuana in America has been a right of passage since the 60's, the amount of people who continue to smoke marijuana is very low. A very small percentage of all that have tried "weed" continue smoking it on a regular basis; most people become social smokers, meaning they can take it or leave it. The small group of people that smoke daily are more than likely people with addictive personalities and perhaps the disease of addiction. Norm Stamper, who was Seattle's police chief from 1994 to 2000 said in a New York Times Article, "Any law disobeyed by more than 100 million Americans, the number who've tried marijuana at least once, is bad public policy. As a 34-year police veteran, I've seen how marijuana prohibition breeds disrespect for the law, and contempt for those who enforce it... Let's make policy that helps, not handcuffs, those who suffer ill effects of marijuana or other drugs, a policy that crushes the illegal market - the cause of so much violence and harm to users and non-users alike."

With the economy spiraling out of control and doctors stating that Marijuana is no more harmful or addictive than alcohol, many people argue that legalization could be one of the answers to boosting the economy. People have been growing, selling, and smoking Marijuana despite strict laws right here in the United States; legalizing it and putting government control over the substance would allow it to be taxed, thus decreasing the black market activity exponentially. Is it a coincidence that the many of the banks in America with liquid money are in Northern California? A professor at the University of Washington, Roger Roffman, believes this could be done one of two ways. "Surveys indicate increasingly positive attitudes in the U.S. for liberalizing marijuana policies. Two ways of doing this are: (1) legalization, which would involve lawful cultivation and sale of marijuana, and (2) decriminalization, which would retain criminal penalties for cultivation and sale while removing them for possession of small amounts."

Many who have experimented with Marijuana have suffered greatly, but not necessarily regarding their health. Legal policies have, in some cases, done more damage to a person's life than the side-effects of the drug. "I support finding alternatives to criminal penalties for marijuana possession. Those penalties have costs (being jailed, having a criminal record, barriers to employment, loss of scholarships, to name a few) and may accomplish little in deterring use."(Roger Roffman) Justification for this level of punishment has yet to be seen, nor has any good argument been clearly stated for why Marijuana is illegal and not Alcohol or Cigarettes. Why?

In this post I have tried to present a non-biased view of a subject that is at the forefront of social politics. I am not sure what the right answer to this problem is, if any at all; what I do know is that change needs to be considered regarding Marijuana policy in America. If legalization does come to fruition, policy makers need to be careful in the way it is done; there would need to be stringent rules in the way it is marketed and the way it is distributed. I do believe Americans can find a way to meet in the middle on this subject but it will take people on both sides being honest and realistic in the way we proceed. The idea is to lower drug related crimes and keep our children educated and informed of the possibility of addiction with Marijuana and all drugs for that matter. What we don't want is people getting rich off "pushing" the disease of addiction, that is promoting a product that can be addictive, as the cigarette marketers did for so many years. "Telling marketers they can get rich by creating disease is dangerous." - Mark A.R. Kleiman, Professor of Public Policy at U.C.L.A.

Our Whiteside Manor Blog seeks to be topical in the areas of addiction and recovery. As California considers new law, let us know your thoughts on this important subject...

In the meantime, I invite you to watch Dr. Nancy Snyderman of NBC News, as she discusses with a panel "Should Marijuana be Legal?"

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

US FDA Determined a Suicide Warning on Anti-Smoking Drugs

On Wednesday smoking cessation manufacturers were required to warn against the mental health dangers, including suicidal thoughts, for two popular anti-smoking drugs. The US FDA determined a suicide warning on anti-smoking drugs is a very important thing for those considering quitting smoking. When attempting to quit any addictive substance there is a lot of stress that can occur. If a person is already stressed out, irritable, and discontent from withdrawals it cannot be good to take a medication that could possibly make them suicidal.

Many people who make the decision to go to drug and alcohol treatment think and can be encouraged to quit all addictive substances, including cigarettes and coffee. Which, naturally, is a very good thing to consider trying to do, as cigarettes and coffee are not good for you; however, if an individual is quitting drugs and alcohol they are mentally unstable in most cases and suicidal tendencies can occur. If prescribed a smoking cessation drug like Chantix or Zyban while already potentially suicidal it can be like throwing fuel on the fire. Furthermore, relapse potential could be exponentially increased by taking a drug that may cause suicidal thoughts while withdrawing from drugs or alcohol.

Quitting smoking is a great thing for every one to consider and smoking cessation drugs could be effective with the task. Anti-smoking drugs should be prescribed when there is no clear and present danger at hand; like quitting heroin or alcohol for example, when a person is under a lot of mental stress. "The risk of serious adverse events while taking these products must be weighed against the significant health benefits of quitting smoking," said Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Although, Woodcock stated that the products "are effective aids in helping people quit". Tell me your thoughts on anti-smoking drugs and whether newly recovering addicts should take these drugs...

Jackson's Family Attempted Drug Interventions

Sources say that Jackson's family attempted drug interventions over the last four years. We are being told that on at least two separate occasions interventions were attempted by Michael Jackson's friends and family, but every time Jackson would go ballistic and refuse to get help. According to an ABC news report of July 10, 2009: "Police have confirmed a laundry list of drugs were found inside the Los Angeles rental home where Jackson died June 25, revealing to the public what his family has known for years -- Michael Jackson was a drug addict."

ABC News reports that "The Web site TMZ is reporting that the 2003 police raid on Jackson's home, Neverland Ranch, revealed painkillers, sedatives, vials and syringes." So it is pretty clear, despite having the coroner's report yet, what was going on with Jackson. Ultimately, Jackson's death was directly related to his serious addiction to pain medicine and sedatives. There was nothing that anybody could do about his problem, he had to be the one who wanted help with his substance abuse problem. It has been reported that virtually everybody who tried to get in between Jackson and his drugs was "pushed away" or simply fired.

In 1993 Jackson said that he would be entering treatment to deal with his addiction to pain killers that he had become dependent on after sustaining burns to his scalp which he had extensive surgery on. Jackson's doctors have cooperated by releasing the performer's medical records, according to the Los Angeles coroner's office; this should help them determine the cause of death and whether or not there was any contributory negligence.

It may be many more weeks before we know the whole story of Michael Jackson's death; however, you may want to watch this ABC news report and an interview with an interventionist to learn more about the disease of addiction.

My hope is that Jackson's untimely death will strike a chord with people all over the world about the dangers of prescription medications. Maybe this will cause people to want to seek out help for their own addictions. The help is always available when one is ready to accept that they have a problem and can't beat it on their own. If you have a problem or you know someone that does please contact us at Whiteside Manor.

Michael Jackson's Memorial Service on Tuesday

Michael Jackson's Memorial Service on Tuesday was certainly a sight to behold. It was a spectacle with golden casket onstage and the eulogists including Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson and Queen Latifah, to name a few. All of Jackson's brothers were wearing sunglasses and a glove on one hand emulating Michael's iconic style. Jackson's life was so chaotic, yet his funeral seemed rather calm; seems rather ironic that it ended that way.

I feel that a lot of people are in denial about everything, denial about what has been going on with Michael all these years. Everybody said a lot of nice things about him, but nobody wants to talk about the truth. Jackson was in denial about his addiction, and his family was in denial about the seriousness of his disease. Jackson's former medium Uri Geller and ex-bodyguard Matt Fiddes were interviewed by the Associated Press and stated that they tried again and again to help Jackson help himself. They were powerless to stop him, no matter what they did to halt his problem some one else would be right there to give Jackson what he wanted.

Regardless of what could have been done or was done, the fact remains that Michael Jackson made his own choice and was responsible for his own actions. Other people could only do so much for Jackson. He was a tortured soul and his drug addiction fueled his underlying problems. The cause of death has been "deferred" until all the results are in, but the the truth is out there.

Today as we ponder Michael Jackson's life and death. We might ask why didn't he ask for help. I share with you a video of Jennifer Hudson singing "Will You Be There?" This song was written by Michael. As you listen to it, particularly the closing verse...we might ask ourselves "was anybody really listening to his words?"

The lesson for us all is this: when your loved one reaches out for help it may not be in spoken words, but song, actions, or just a look. Take the time to listen.






In Our Darkest Hour
In My Deepest Despair
Will You Still Care?
Will You Be There?
In My Trials
And My Tribulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
Through My Fear
And My Confessions
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow
I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always In My Heart

Michael Jackson's Family Betrayal, No Intervention!

Michael Jackson's family betrayal, no intervention! America seems to be at a loss for words regarding the late Michael Jackson and his supposed drug addiction and reclusive nature. The writing is clearly written on the wall, but no one who is part of his network wants to blow the whistle. Everyone is trying to protect Michael, as if the people who enabled him while he was alive are continuing the behavior after his death. I guess old habits are easier to come by than they are to break! Who and why, what and how?

Last week I wrote a little bit about intervention, and I thought, with all the talk about Michael Jackson (with respect to any one person trying to intervene) it was worth writing about. It seems to me that everyone who was close to Michael is trying to sweep his addiction under the rug. They would like America to believe that they are doing this to protect his good name, but I, like many others believe they are doing this to protect themselves. Perhaps they're afraid they will be cut out Michael's estate? Or, maybe they don't want to catch ridicule from America if the truth gets out?

Whatever their motives may be for lying or being negligent is irrelevant, the evidence never lies. A 50 year old man that is 5'10'' and ways 110 pounds clearly has some issues; furthermore, Michael Jackson had access to America's best doctors. There is no way that the coroner's report won't state that his premature death was caused by anything other than years of drug addiction and a serious eating disorder, which stressed his heart to the brink. I am a firm believer of the old saying, "The Truth Will Set You Free", a saying that I believe many of the people involved in what has now become a scandal (in my opinion) should adopt.

Everyone lost something special the day Michael Jackson died, let's be serious, Michael Jackson was as American as Apple Pie. We should let Michael Jackson's death be something we all can learn from, in order to help prevent more tragedies like this. Bonnie Hunt said some very interesting things that I feel are pertinent to quote,"... I'm not judging, but I am wondering... I don't hear any reports of attempts by any of these knowing friends of their having tried an intervention, not only because of Michael's need for it (he would only be sober if he made a choice to do so for himself), but I'm talking about the needs of his children. Why wouldn't anyone, any single person, friend or employee, or doctor -- someone -- at least consider the fact that the children were reclusively in the care of a drug-addicted person?" I feel the same way that Bonnie Hunt does, and like her, I feel that if no one asks these questions than Michael's death will be in vain.

Tonight as you watch the news coverage of Michael Jackson's memorial service, take time to spend with your family. Is there someone who needs an intervention, before it is too late? "The truth will set them free and might help others as well. Acknowledging his addiction does not erase his enormous creative contribution. He was one of the most talented creative artists of our generation. That is solid. Now the truth about how he suffered such an early death can add to his legacy in an educational way, not in a negative way." -Bonnie Hunt-

The Power of Video and Intervention with Drug Treatment

The Power of Video and Intervention with drug treatment. Helping your loved ones make the choice to go to treatment is never an easy task. There are a number of considerations before one makes the decision that could save his or her life.

There are many drug and alcohol treatment websites that give a very vague idea of what to expect upon entering rehab. Most places might have a few pictures and some text letting you or your loved one know what to look forward to. But, when the client arrives at the particular treatment facility they are some times taken aback by what they find. What they may have expected is far from what they finally observe, which, can be very upsetting for some one who has just started on the road to recovery. When people lay down their guard and rest their weak bodies on the shoulders of professionals they need to feel like they can trust them through and through. If a client is going to be honest (something which the addict has trouble with) with the treatment, the same honesty is expected from that treatment center towards the client.

It is very important for drug and alcohol treatment facilities to give a clear and accurate picture of what a potential client can expect. The beginning of recovery is a very fragile time, it is of the utmost importance that the client feels comfortable and safe in their new place of residence.

Whiteside Manor believes in presenting a clear picture for anyone considering entering their program. On top of accurate text, we felt that it was important to share with you a video which will give you a good idea of exactly what to expect. In doing so, we believe, you will have the greatest chance for success on the road to recovery; which ultimately and sincerely is our primary goal.