Father knows pain of drug problem

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

July 07, 2009 05:21 pm

— With the recent passing of Michael Jackson, the national news media has reminded us of the many popular young people who have succumbed due to their drug addictions. My son Jason, was not a celebrity, but he too was a young person who could not function without the use of narcotics.
As I look back on his life, he was always the daredevil in his group of friends. He was the first to “take a chance” and once he “opened the door,” his friends would follow. Whether it be on the ski slope, at the gorge, or on a skateboard, he was the first to try. However, as I look back to August 1999, I realize that his overdose of a “Cloud Nine” narcotic cocktail was not a first that others need to follow.
The constant media attention given to Jackson’s and other celebrities’ deaths has reminded us that more young people die of drug overdoses than in car accidents. This is a problem that has overtaken our society. It is unfortunate that we are bombarded with the news on a national level when locally our young people are dying daily.
If anyone has a doubt about how these narcotics can affect a family, contact me. I will take you to the cemetery and show you the final impact. Can we stop our families from being destroyed? I couldn’t, but I am willing to help those who are trying. Although I couldn’t save my own son, my words may save someone’s brother, sister, daughter, or son.
I will sit and talk with you on an individual basis or I can talk to groups. Unfortunately, my son “took the chance” one too many times. I can only hope that my words can help “close the door” for families who are suffering from this same problem.
Our local news is beneficial in spreading the word. Thanks for your continued support of “Jason’s Journey.”
William Dalton
father of Jason Dalton
Princeton