Palm Beach County, Florida, home to millionaires living in waterfront mansions and those living one day at a time in sober homes.
Some of the endless benefits all residents can enjoy are the spectacular sunrise and sunsets, and miles of white sandy beaches. The county also boasts of signature golf courses, tennis courts, Polo matches, cultural art centers, and over 8000 acres of parkland.
Oh, and did I mention tropical envy, where the average winter temperature in Palm Beach County is balmy 74 degrees.
Shops along world-famous Worth Avenue on Palm Beach Island cater to all clientele. Even man’s best friend finds refreshment at one of the many doggie bars lining the avenue.
Sadly, that’s not all. Palm Beach County is also the U.S. Mecca for the addiction treatment industry.
Of 199 sober homes (a.k.a. halfway houses) registered in Florida, 118 are here in Palm Beach County. http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/sober-home-invasion/
This past March 17, the opoid epidemic touched ten of those souls and prompted the Palm Beach Medical Examiner to tweet an apocalyptic message for all.
Thought there was a slowing down, but we have 10 drug overdose deaths today. Must be a bad batch of drug out there. You’ve been warned!
Heroin bagged as evidence on display at a press conference at the Delray Beach Police Department in Delray Beach, Florida on April 15, 2016. (Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post)
Ten deaths in one day. What will it take for those suffering with addiction to heed the medical examiner’s warning? What will be their wake-up call? My prayer is that those suffering from addiction will recognize the spiritual link offered in the 12 Steps and begin to trust their Higher Power. Whether they want to admit it or not, the reality is, they are in a fight for their precious delicate lives. Moreover, the addicts—and those of us who love them—need all the help we can get.
“That’s right. Because, I, your GOD, have a firm grip on you, and I’m not letting you go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you”’ (Isaiah 41:13 MSG).
