Posts Tagged ‘Texas’
Traveling Drugs
Last Updated on Thursday, 4 February 2010 04:49 Written by Monica Wednesday, 3 February 2010 10:44
When two states border each other, what happens in one can affect the other. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and Mississippi and Texas were were hit, too, though not quite as hard. Oklahoma has been declared a state of emergency over the past couple of weeks with ice, snow and power outages that have reached several towns in north central Texas as well. The same holds true with the Mexico drug wars: Ciudad Juarez is one of deadliest cities in the country of Mexico when it comes to drug cartels and it sits right across the border from El Paso.
Years ago, two women could pop over the border following a trip to south Texas and enjoy some shopping, bringing home a bottle of tequila and gifts for their children. Today one of those children is a teenager and wants to cross the border with her wonderful friends who are of Mexican descent and the mother says no because of the dangers involved with the drugs and violence just one town and one border over, which are spilling over into Texas.
Texas is by no means innocent but it is tough on drugs. Whether the drugs come from Mexico or not, whether you are Hispanic or not, if you are caught with drugs you are going to be disciplined. Teenagers are court ordered into rehab and so are adults who are first time offenders. State jail and prison terms are put upon those who did not learn their lesson the first time around and are caught with drugs yet again.
All of Texas’ drug problems do not come directly from Mexico. However, when one of the hardest hit drug areas is within walking distance of the border, it is hard not to call a spade a spade. Whether drugs come through the border by way of tourists hiding them in makeup kits, stomach pouches or the not so bright idea of vehicles (border inspections?), or whether they are transported throughout Texas through other means, such as TX DOT trucks where drivers do not wave in response to another driver’s wave, the lesson is, if you are transferring (and thereby dealing) drugs in the state of Texas, you will eventually get caught. Is it worth it? Is it really worth that first deal or two when you are sure to be hit with a felony and felonies are not treated lightly in Texas. Is it really worth throwing your life and freedom away for a few bucks that are made by endangering children because teens are one of the biggest targets of drug dealers? You won’t think so when you are being handed that sentence by a Texas judge.
Tags: border, drug cartels, felony, Mexico, Texas | Posted under Texas Rehab | No Comments
Texas Takes a Stand
Last Updated on Thursday, 7 January 2010 10:50 Written by Monica Thursday, 7 January 2010 10:50
How serio
us is the drug and alcohol problem in Texas? It has risen quite a bit just in the past few years. Not only is there pot and alcohol, there is crack cocaine, crystal meth, There are prescription drugs available not only in person but also online. It is not just a problem across the border but all over the United States. The drug problem is Texas is serious.
Texas takes it serious as well. Texas cracks down on drug offenses. It does not decriminalize pot and alcohol. Drunk driving is more than a slap on the wrist and if it happens twice, it can lead to serious jail time and three times is a definite felony with hard time involved. The same holds true with pot.
Texas takes a hard look at juveniles caught with drugs and alcohol and in practically all instances, insists on drug or alcohol treatment. Texas wants its juveniles helped early and lets them know that drugs and alcohol are no laughing matter.
Why is Texas one of the hardest states legally on drugs and alcohol? Because Texas believes people are wroth saving and if someone refuses to learn a lesson, then innocent bystanders are still worth saving either way. Drug and alcohol offenses often have victims involved, whether through drunk driving accidents or armed robbery to get money for drugs or domestic violence disputes or any other number of instances.
Does Texas have a serious drug and alcohol problem? Yes, it does. Yet it also has the stamina and the willpower to address these problems. In order to battle a serious problem, one has to TAKE it seriously and Texas does just that. It does not molly-coddle or tiptoe around something that can literally destroy a person’s life. No, Texas meets the problem head on in a decisive way, both legally and morally. It calls a person on the carpet for the problem and expects responsibility to be taken.
Texas does not apologize for its hard core vigilance in trying to deal with drug and alcohol problems. Every person with an addiction needs outside help in one way or another. If it ends up going too far, Texas will deal with it in a “tough stance” way. In the end, the person with the addiction can often find him or herself able to have a second chance with a life free of addiction. In turn, people who do that generally also end up paying it forward to help someone else.
Texas takes a stand when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Texas takes pride in that.
The Dos and Donts of Driving New Year’s Eve in Texas
Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 December 2009 03:25 Written by Monica Wednesday, 30 December 2009 03:25
Drunk driving is on the rise and with Thursday night being one of the biggest party nights of the year across the U.S. and other countries, you know it will happen in Texas, too. This is a wonderful state but when people are intoxicated, no matter what side of the Red River, the Rio Grande, the state line or the border they are on, they do make dumb mistakes. So what are the dos and don’ts of driving in Texas on New Year’s Eve?
Don’t be out too late. There may very well be someone driving down that same highway or residential road or city street who made the wrong decision. About a mile down the road is a state trooper who is sure to pull him over but in the meantime, make sure you are not out too late so you don’t cross that intoxicated driver’s path.
Do act responsibly. If you are going out clubbing or to a party and you need to get home, hire a cab or set up a designated driver who will not be drinking under any circumstances. Sure, everyone may need to pitch in and buy the designated driver a special thank you dinner or gift, but you can be sure it is worth it in the long run.
Don’t expect to be going home that evening. If you are drinking and you are stopped by an officer, the first offense is a Class B misdemeanor but you will undoubtedly spend the night in the slammer as 72 hours is the minimum jail time. Not to mention bonding out and facing legal fees. If it is your second, be prepared for a longer jail term and probation and if it is your third? Don’t mess with Texas..you are going to prison with a felony charge.
Do plan on attending a non-alcoholic event or hosting one at home if you already have a problem with alcohol. You are celebrating a new year so do so in style. Make sure you are around to enjoy the new year. Your family, your friends, and not the least of all YOU, are worth it.
Don’t buy alcohol for underage teens. You make think it is harmless and that they are all going to stay put but just like adults, teens do not think all that rationally when they are intoxicated. An argument could break out, a parent could call, a friend might need a ride; anything could happen and before you know it, teens are out on the road drinking and driving and possibly setting themselves up for a life-changing situation.
Do have a good time and enjoy yourselves. You live in a great state. It has been a rough economic time of late but look towards the new year with hope and optimism. Just make sure you are here to enjoy what is coming in the New Year by being responsible Thursday night.
Happy New Year, Texans!!!! Happy New Year, World!!
Tags: drinking and driving, Happy New Year, Texas | Posted under Texas Rehab | No Comments
Couple Yourself with Getting Clean This Holiday Season
Last Updated on Friday, 22 January 2010 01:48 Written by Monica Tuesday, 22 December 2009 12:27
New journeys
are beginning all over. A new year is beginning, there are engagements abounding and little ones being born. Another new beginning is one that some people never think about yet for others, it is the most important beginning of all. The beginning I am speaking of is the new life that begins after one overcomes a drug or alcohol addiction.
When one is buried in the pit of addiction, things can seem hopeless. Yet they are not. Having family members and other loved ones planning an intervention, having a moment in time change something, facing the addiction by admitting what you have denied for so long, these are the first steps to a new journey.
Just as a couple plans a life together, you will be planning a life together with tools that will help keep you from relapsing. Just as a couple has a reception so that others can help them celebrate their union, you will have a support group that will be there for you even in aftercare so that you never feel alone. A relapse is so much less likely to happen if you have battle buddies in the war on drugs and Texas has some wonderful groups all across the magnificent, beautiful state: Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and other therapeutic groups.
Just as a couple takes each other’s hands, you and freedom from drug or alcohol addiction will take each other’s hands and move forward to a life of hope, optimism and new opportunities. How much more fitting than experiencing it at this time when a new year is upon us?
Maybe you do not remember last Christmas or last New Year’s Eve. Perhaps you feel you had the year from hell. There is hope, there is success. Call your local drug treatment center or look online for a wonderful credible one that speaks of success and care. Make this Christmas one to remember as you give your family the gift of the old you. Make this New Year’s one to remember as you make the resolution to get clean.
Make 2010 the year of a new beginning. Make it YOUR year. Be bonded together with others who have made the decision to get clean and start a new life. Then this time next year? You will be celebrating not only the wonderful holiday season but an entire year clean. What greater gift could you give yourself and your loved ones than that?
Tags: entire year clean, Getting Clean, Texas | Posted under Texas Rehab | No Comments
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