Expect to See More: Why Heroin Use in Ashland Will Grow

Expect to see more. For why should we expect that drug use in Ashland would decrease?

For one, we have schools teaching children that they are nothing more than glorified germs, that they have no real dignity, and that there is no moral absolutes. They might have a "just say no" program, but the message they receive through the rest of their curriculum is contra such a notion. Drug use, in a godless worldview, is a viable option.

Secondly, we live in a hedonistic culture that glorifies drug use. Just look at prime time television and your pop rock/rap and movie stars (or parents, just look at the bands on the cover of your kid's CD's). A quick glance reveals that Hollywood and Nashville are the advertising agents for the dealers.

But what about the parents? Or should I say, parent? Or is there even a parent in the picture? The plague of divorce and the proliferation of fornication again rears its ugly head. The sins of parents are visited upon the children as children are left virtually abandoned and left finding their way in life on their own. Latchkey kids and children orphaned by mothers who are more dedicated to their professional careers have plenty of time to experiment.

I will not neglect indicting churches in the matter either. Our churches, in the main, have become temples of hedonism and all round drug inducers. Instead of stressing sound doctrine, holiness, and sobriety, pastors want to "get 'em in the pews." To do this pastors have to appeal to carnal desires. As a result, worship services tend to focus only on that which will stimulate the senses. The people are left with nothing more than a quick fix or a "Spirit" induced high. Pastors can't blame people for wanting more effective drugs.

In sum, the citizens of Ashland have plenty of reason to desire drugs. Dealers are just filling the growing demand.