YOU HAVE THE POWER TO SAVE A LIFE

This post is a very personal and dear to my heart. I lost my best friend many years ago to substance abuse.

If you are consciously aware of an individual that is undergoing recovery or might be embarking on a life journey of recovery to heal from substance abuse please do not hesitate to save a life.

Your love, support, compassion and time has the powerful ability to create positive change.

This post is dedicated to every Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, Cousin, Friend or Stranger.

Substance abuse is an epidemic that needs to be addressed.

The youth of today are our future leaders. They have the world at their feet and are able to accomplish anything they set their mind to.

Please, within your family or social group have the difficult discussion about substance abuse. Please encourage the youth to know when to recognize their limit of consumption or to step in when they witness dangerous behaviour.

We have all been in situations where we have witnessed those under the influence of drugs or alcohol or both.

Substance abuse is an addiction and does require health experts to get to the root of it.

Have the courage to report it or help those in their time of need. Why? It is a cry for help.

Substance abuse is oftentimes overlooked but it needs to be addressed.

What are my hopes for the future generation? That they recognize the signs of substance abuse and learn how to save a life.

Please everyone, this conversation needs to happen with our youth. They need to know to not give into peer pressure, to make better choices, and to be grateful for the life they have been given.

We all have made mistakes, wrong choices, overlooked when someone is in need of help because we were afraid to get involved but it is important that we help our youth make better decisions in life — we have to be positive role models.

You have the power to be the change, and to save a life.