Friday, February 24, 2012

Run Interrupted



For my easy runs, I head to Kings Park High School and run several laps along the perimeter around the field. It's a fairly flat run and the soft grass is easy on my legs. With each perimeter measuring slightly less than a mile, gauging my effort and pace is simple. The bus fumes by the back field can be tough on tired lungs, but otherwise it's an enjoyable workout.


Wednesday morning was perfect for the High School run: the early temperature was in the upper 40's, enabling me to run comfortably in shorts and a long sleeved tee-shirt. And since the School was closed for Winter Recess, the morning air was crisp and free of exhaust.


As I often do, I picked up empty water bottles and other refuse while I ran, depositing the trash in the garbage cans as I finished each lap. When I reached the fence by 25A, I spotted the bottle pictured beside this article and rolled it over with my foot. At first I thought it was a vitamins or an over-the-counter medication, but when I turned it over, I saw the somewhat obliterated label. The letters that remain appears to be part of the word "hydrocodone." The label also warns: "may be habit forming." Both the name of the individual to whom it was prescribed and the name of the doctor who prescribed it were removed.


According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, hydrocodone is an opioid drug that is usually prescribed for pain relief. Because opioid drugs work on the same receptors as heroin, they are highly addictive. Hydrocodone is often mentioned with other opioid drugs, like Oxycodone, and is often sold as Vicodin, as well as other names. A Drug Enforcement Agency fact sheet states that hydrocodone"is the most frequently prescribed opioid in the United States and is associated with more drug abuse and diversion than any other licit or illicit opioid." Many studies have found that prescription drug abuse by teens has increased by high percentages in recent years.


I can't say I was surprised when I found the bottle. After all, recent articles on the Patch and in other local publications have revealed that many young adults in our community have been connected to heroin. Additionally, teenage drug use has been prevalent since long before I was in high school. Plus the bottle could have been thrown over the fence by anyone passing by. Yet, I couldn't help but feel vulnerable.


Like most parents, I like to think that my kids are insulated from drug use, and that it's only a certain kind of kid that smokes pot, binge drinks and pops pills. I like to believe that my wife and I raised our kids to be strong enough to resist peer pressure and the temptation of a quick buzz. I hope that by being involved in their lives and encouraging them to pursue athletics and other interests, we have given them the tools necessary to lead productive and engaging lives, and that they have no reason to seek the empty escape promised by intoxication.


But deep down I know that a large part of the battle against drugs depends on access. Temptation is proportionate to availability and opportunity. Kids can't get drunk unless someone gives them alcohol. Drugs can't be taken if there are none to be found. But there on the field, during the few minutes of contemplation and reflection I have each day, the ugly reality was laid bare at my feet less than 500 yards from our high school: the devil is at the door. We can only teach our kids and pray.