A Call for Empathy: Understanding Teen Drug Use
Dear Mindful Leader,
A Troubling Confession
Today, I wish to discuss something that has been deeply troubling and upsetting to me.
As both a CEO and an ordained minister, I have the privilege and responsibility of guiding others through the complexities of life, both in the corporate world and in matters of faith. I love being both a CEO and a minister, roles that allow me to touch lives in profound ways.
One aspect of being a minister in New Hampshire is navigating the legal protections surrounding the sanctity of confession. These laws are designed to ensure that individuals can confess their sins or troubles to a minister without fear of legal repercussions. However, I must confess that if someone were to reveal they were a serial killer or had harmed a child, my conscience, faith in God, and the law dictate that such confessions are not protected. God would approve of this stance because protecting innocent lives is paramount.
Yet, some confessions must be protected, especially when my underlying duty is to help those in need.
Because of my legal, ethical, and spiritual obligations to protect confessions, I will change some details of the story I'm about to share, but please understand that the underlying issue is to be taken seriously.
Recently, a 16-year-old high school girl confided in me about a troubling situation. Her peers have been pressuring her to use Adderall, a prescription medication often misused as a study aid or recreational drug.
She revealed that even in small-town New Hampshire, high school is an open-air drug market.
Sadly, this doesn’t surprise me, as it seems that in just about any high school in America, drugs are readily available.
As a minister, not a policeman, my role is to provide guidance and support. This situation reminds me of my work with the Council For Unity in gang intervention. To stop violent gangs from fighting, you need to empathize with their members and focus on preventing violence. Similarly, in this situation, the underlying issue is why so many high school students are using drugs.
The answer, in my experience, is that they are deeply unhappy.
Expanding on this, it's crucial to understand the root causes of this unhappiness. Adolescence is a challenging time, filled with pressures to succeed academically, socially, and personally. Many students turn to drugs as a way to cope with these pressures or to escape from feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and stress. The high expectations set by society, combined with a lack of adequate support systems, often lead young people to seek solace in substances that ultimately harm them.
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Our society must address these issues by fostering environments where students feel valued, supported, and understood.
Schools should provide more resources for mental health, create spaces for open dialogue about the struggles students face, and offer activities that build a sense of community and belonging. Parents and educators must work together to identify signs of distress and intervene before students turn to drugs as a solution.
Empathy plays a crucial role in addressing this epidemic. As a minister, I strive to listen without judgment, offering a safe space for individuals to share their struggles. By understanding the root causes of their unhappiness, we can develop more effective strategies to support them.
This approach is not about excusing harmful behavior but about addressing the pain that leads to it.
While I may not be able to save everyone, I firmly believe that if I can save a single soul, I will be blessed. Every life we touch positively is a victory in the fight against the darkness that plagues so many young people. By offering empathy, support, and guidance, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
In conclusion, the story of the 16-year-old girl and the pressures she faces is a sobering reminder of the challenges our youth encounter daily. It underscores the importance of our roles as mentors, parents, and community leaders in providing the support and empathy needed to navigate these challenges.
Let us commit to being there for our youth, to listening and understanding their struggles, and to helping them find healthier, more fulfilling paths.
Together, we can create a brighter future, one where every young person feels valued, supported, and hopeful.
Until next time, stay mindful, stay ethical, and remember that every soul we help is a blessing.
With gratitude and determination,
David
? Published by: David Vogel, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
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