Seeking Treatment in the Midlands

In Columbia, South Carolina, it is no longer new news that there is a ban on synthetic pot and synthetic cocaine as the WIS reported in this article. However, Blake Rabon says that there are still places to buy it in the local area.  Recently his 10-20 grams of synthetic pot has begun to cause problems in his life. These problems include being paranoid and having suicidal thoughts.

Recently, he has begun asking for help. And viewers of WIS also say the want to know where to go for help, for their addictions to synthetic drugs, because they believe it is unlike alcohol and traditional drugs.

However,  Rabon issue became serious when he sent his cousin Christina a message say "If no one wants to help me, I'll help myself, I'll go out with a bang." This text is what led Rabon's family to go get him checked into rehab. Before rehab, the family had taken Rabon to ER and had a failed attempt to get into a treatment center.

Leslie Wilson, VP of another treatment center says that they have developed a treatment plan for these drugs. They do not see synthetic drugs needing a different treatment track than other drugs. The main issue of synthetic drugs is that people are using the drugs in the first place.

Rabon's family in this situation did the right thing, by taking him to a treatment center.  Christina ended her interview with a message that she thinks every one should know: "If you need help, don't stop and if doors are shut, call WIS, get someone to listen because it's not worth your life."

The most important thing to take away from this new article is not that someone wanted to commit suicide due to synthetic drugs. Rather instead the most important thing to take away is that if you are seeking treatment, if one person is not willing to help you, keep trying because someone is willing to help. Another key point from the article is the major issue with all drugs is using the drug in the first place.

Think if you never try a substance then you are will never have to deal with the side effects and treatment. Remember prevention is key in substance abuse problems. However, if you know someone in need, do not brush the issue off, help them seek treatment! This is especially important for people who want help. If they want help there is a higher chance that treatment will be effective.

Make it your goal this week to help someone in need. This can be as easy as informing a younger brother, sister, friend, and so on of the consequence of trying a substance.

For treatment centers in Columbia, South Carolina visit this link.

Be Skeptical of the Media

The media likes to make social issues out of instances that have happened once or twice. Sometimes these things aren't even mention until the media brings light to them. In an article by Jacob Sullum he shines like to the media's ridiculous claim that "vodka-soak tampons are 'everywhere.'" This statement was made CBS affiliate in the Phoenix area. A local school resource officer also stated that this no fad "is not isolated to any school, any city, any financial area." Apparently using a beer bong rectally is the same concept of soaking a tampon in vodka. Together both of these methods of getting alcohol to the blood stream quicker is referred to as "butt chugging."

However, the report fails to mention that a Nexis search of "butt chugging"shows that there has been no earlier mention of this term - not even on the show South Park. This is just one example of the media attempting to make fictional information into a social problem. There are many others related to alcohol consumptions through tampons, here are a few:

• March 1991: Anti-drinking groups states that Finnish girls are using vodka tampons so you can't smell the booze on their breath.
• May 2003: Vic Chestnutt mentions in his song remembering a girl with vodka soak tampon in his science class.
• September 2009: Border protection informs in a forum that tampons can be soaked and inserted rectally.
• March 2011: Patriot News mentions vodka soaked tampons, as well as, "pouring alcohol into eyes" and "brushing teeth until bloody then drinking"

These are just a few of the many stories where the media plays a significant role in displaying information in a way to gain popularity. However, all of these way can lead to very harmful situations, including death. By the media shining light on the situation, they are potentially only making it worst, because now individuals are curious and may attempt these forms of consumption. 

Before reading anything related to drugs and substance consumption, please take note on who is writing the article. By doing this you can figure out their objectives and what they have to gain from the article. Also, this will help you understand any bias in the article. 

Overall, your best bet is to STAY AWAY FROM ALCOHOL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES!

Alcohol is Suspected to be Cause of Clemson Student Death

Monday evening counselors are on hand for the death of a Clemson student, age 19. The student was found Saturday night "heavily intoxicated" as reported by the Sheriff's office. This is not the first death that alcohol is suspected to be the cause of death at the University. In 2007 a student died from attending a fraternity party.

However, because of these incidents and others the university had increased in alcohol awareness programs. The main group playing a role is Empower Clemson, which a educational program for the university students. Empower Clemson is responsible for having incoming freshmen complete an required alcohol survey. Even better they must also attend an awareness program taught by fellow students.

To remind students of consequence, especially the legal ones, the University is working closely with law enforcement. They currently have a "party registration," in which students can register their parties and are to have two "sober" monitors at the event. Then the police give them two "warnings" before showing up if complaints come in.

As far as the student's death from this weekend, we are still waiting on the toxicology results. For more information regarding this story please visit this link.

Alcohol and substance abuse, is a huge matter on several college campus, that is not taken light. Many students go into college believing everyone drinks, however that is far from the truth. However, college students do have more cases that the general population.

One thing, from the Empower Clemson, that could be used on all campuses is the peer group alcohol awareness programs. Students are more likely to listen when learning from their peers, however some worry about weather not knowledge is accurate. I am sure the students have to go through some form of training and  could offer real life experiences.

Being informed is a very important step in helping to prevent substance abuse problems. Don't be scared to ask for help or knowledge.

Myrtle Beach Zoning Plans

WMBF News discusses the issue of zoning of nightclubs in local neighborhoods. In the article two nightclubs, Club Congo and Groove Ultra Lounge, to be "crime magnets" due to the loud music and drug deals. Both the loud music and drug deals have been known to be going on for years. Some, local neighbors, refer to Club Congo as the danger zone.

The reason that they refer to these two night clubs as the crime magnet is many incidents reports in the past few years. Within the past six years Club Congo has had 600 reported incidents, which include  15 drug and alcohol-related crimes. However, at Groove Ultra Lounge has had 200 incidents, 6 of which were drug and alcohol-related crimes.

One reason that it is important to rezone Club Congo is because it is located next to daycare. Also, these clubs are located near peoples homes, a place where a person should feel safe. However it is hard to feel safe when there are shootings happening often.

Both clubs are current vacant, however there is rumors that a new nightclub plans may come take their places. Everyone around the area means that the violence will come back as well. Currently there is a ordinance that is pending making it  illegal for a nightclub to be located in this local neighborhood.

The one good thing that the local authorities have done correctly is make a record of all calls and reports that have received. By doing this it adds backing to getting a ordinance for the neighborhood.

It is important to understand the correlation between drug and alcohol in relation to crime. That is not to say drugs and alcohol cause violence, however there is a positive relationship.

This article also make one wondering if zoning is the right thing to do or if it is even fair. However, as any social movement, the strength of getting the zoning ordinance passed is based on political power, its appeal to cultural values, and the strength of the opposition.

Red Ribbon Week (in Lexington, South Carolina)

This week is national Red Ribbon Week, a week dedicated to teach students not to use drugs. Pleasant Hill Elementary made learning to say no to drugs fun. Each day of the week students got to dress up in fun way that related to preventing the use of drugs.  

"Monday was polka dots - to remind them to spot good choices. Tuesday, Glasses Day, to keep a look out for leaders. Wednesday, Crazy Sock Day, a reminder to sock it to drugs... On Thursday, the kids will wear red  to represent that they're strong in will power. On Friday, they all get to wear their favorite team jersey to "team up" against drugs."

The article from a local Lexington new station states how this week helps students to reach the career goals in the long run. By informing the students at a young age they hope help the kids make better decisions, by saying no drugs. 

However, the article claims that the first time that individuals try it, referring to drugs, is around the age of 11 or 12 or even younger. Is this a flawed statistic? Where has this data come from? Who was the sample?  It is important when reading articles about substances to understand who and why the statistics are stated. It is possible that this claim was made to make the prevention of drug use among youth seem like a bigger problem than it really is. By making it seem like a bigger problem it helps to justify the reason our tax money goes to support this week long celebration. It also gives parents and the community a sense of hope for the future of our kids. 

Red Ribbon Week as a whole is a great week to education the younger generation on the harms and consequences of drugs. The earlier we inform the more hope we have for the future. Take the time out of you day to have a discussion with your kids, little cousins, brother or sisters, because substance abuse effects everyone around the person who is abusing. Remember that you don't have to wait until Red Ribbon Week 2012 to talk about this issue

For more information on the Lexington county school Red Ribbon celebrations visit this link.

Unused Prescription Drugs Discarding

An article by WISTV, posted October 19, explains how the Drug Enforcement Agency would like to help South Carolina citizen to get rid of cabinets filled with unused prescription drugs. 

"The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most prevalent category of drug abuse in the United States," said William Douglas, DEA assistant special agent in charge.

The DEA is willing to take the drugs that you are no longer using and ones that are expired at one of the 70 collection locations in the state on National Drug Take Back Day. However, the 70 sites will only be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 29. DEA authorities are expecting a bigger turn out this time compared to the previous event held last spring. "In South Carolina alone, our citizens turned in over 1,250 pounds of unwanted or expired prescription drugs at over 43 collection sites," said Douglas.

It is important to get rid of prescription drugs in the household to help prevent substance abuse.  There are many people who may come in and out your house, therefore by participating in National Drug Take Back Day you are not only looking out for your safety but others as well. Remember taking drugs that are not prescribed to you is illegal.  So why not prevent harm by cleaning out your medicine cabinet.  It is one day and a small piece of your time that can make the world of change for you or loved ones. You will not be penalized for dropping off your prescriptions. 

Student Athletes Held to a Higher Standard

It is no new news that University of South Carolina Quarter Back Steven Garcia was dismissed from the football team this past Tuesday. In this article by ESPN, they state the reason for Garcia's dismissal was do to testing positive for alcohol and marijuana. Which was a direct violation of his contract to stay on the team.

"Being a student-athlete at the University of South Carolina is a privilege, not a right and we remind all of our student-athletes that there are consequences for their actions," Eric Hyman said in a statement.

However, this is not Garcia's first run in with alcohol problems in his college football career. This past April he arrived to skills seminar under the influence. Also, during the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta he ran into a few issues, that began this long downward spiral. When asked if by the media if he had an alcohol problem Garcia stated "negative, no."

Many make arguments that Garcia had too many opportunities. However, no matter how many chances he was given, this is a good example of how ones actions with drugs and alcohol can have long term consequences. Now Garcia, can no longer play college football and also unlikely to be drafted to an NFL football team. This also, goes to show that when one is a public figure and many are looking at that one the societal standards are raised higher.

This semester USC has provided several cases of the importance of understand drinking and drugs -especially with underage drinking. Which leads to the point that many argued in favor of Garcia that he does not drink more than the average college student. However, that is not the principal of this situation, the principal is when you have other obligation and they require you to have a zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs, you must weigh out the consequences. As show through Garcia's dismissal you can lose opportunities of a life time, that many only dream of having.

There are many other consequences that could have happened. It is important to know that it only that it only one time use of illegal/legal substance for these consequences to happen. The worst case scenario is the lost of ones life. So please before partaking in any substance make sure you think about the consequences.

Police Presences in Five Points (Columbia, South Carolina)

In an article by The Daily Gamecock, the University of South Carolina student run newspaper, discuss the new improvements that police chief Randy Scott has made in his first year. Within the first year Scott has increased the police presence in the Five Points, an area which is well known to many USC students to partake in underage drinking.The number of cops in the area on any given day is about eight and can swell up to as many as 30, for celebrations and home football games.

Scott has also created a hospitality team, which goes into places that sell alcohol in the Columbia area. He has created several other changes, however they do not pertain to drugs and alcohol.

At an ceremony, given this past Wednesday, in Scotts honor he stated that his efforts over the past year have decreased the numbers of arrest, while increasing the disciplinary programs use.

“We get no benefit from sending someone to jail and [giving them] a criminal record,” Scott said. 

Also, to fight the underage drinking problem of students at the university, Scott has increased referrals to the Office of Student Conduct. Therefor allowing the university to deal with the issue verses given the student a criminal record, as stated before. The increase of police in Five Points, however has created a large discussion among student of the university. Many students say that Scott is just trying to ruin a good night out with friends.

Overall, the presence of the cops in Five Points have done their job, even if students do not like it. The use of fake identification is illegal regardless if you want to drink underage or not. By cracking down they have begun to kill two bird with one stone. Truthfully, they have begun to kill three issues that have surrounded the area for years. The third issue being the party atmosphere of the school.

The cops are not trying to ruin a good time, they are trying to regulate the laws that have been apart of society for years. These laws, that have been broken time and time again, which have been back by data from when the drinking age was 18. It is important to know what is going on with drugs and alcohol in your area. Understanding the laws helps to prevent the many issues that surround them.

Drug Testing the Jobless

In an article by the Huffington Post, the issue Nikki Haley, current South Carolina Governor,  raises about drug testing the jobless seems to be over exaggeration.  She wants the jobless to be tested before they can receive any unemployment benefits from the states.  However, her logic seems a bit discolored, as seen in her statement "I so want drug testing. I so want it." This is not a valuable reason that the state should relocate money, as a hope that it will save the state money in the long run. The people of the state want hard evidence that jobless have an issue using drugs. 


The article continues to pick out more of  Haley's exaggerations, including her comments on the Savannah River Site (SRS) having over half of their job applicants fail a drug test. She used this comment in order to gain support by South Carolina citizens, however upon talking to the site, SRS stated the do not drug test employees until after they are hired. Of the employees that were drug tested, less that one percent tested positive.


If this idea passes, South Carolina will be the first state to ever have an instituted mandatory drug test for the jobless to receive benefits. According the the National Employment Law Project (NELP), "sending hundreds of thousands of South Carolina citizens who have just lost their jobs off to a laboratory so that their state government will be satisfied they are not drug abusers is not a cost that the federal government would or should pay, and it would violate federal unemployment law to make unemployed workers pay for the test." Therefore, it is believed that the state would end up paying more than it would if the state just gave out the money anyways. A prime example of exaggerating the issue is seen with Florida drug testing citizen in order to receive welfare. Only 2 precent of those who applied for welfare tested positively. 


There is no doubt that the American people, including those in South Carolina do not want their tax money being wasted. However, is it really necessary to test the jobless? There is no hard concrete evidence that citizen's tax money need to be use drug testing the jobless, especially since there is no evidence that the jobless have a drug problem. The truth of the matter is we do not need to be focusing so heavy on preventing the jobless from engaging in drugs. There are other sectors, such as teens and college students, within the state that need more focus for prevent drug and alcohol abuse.