Juneau kids need help

This letter is in connection with the My Turn "Prescription Drug letter."

There is a saying, "It takes a community to raise a child."

Well, I want the community of Juneau to know we have a severe drug problem that is and has been affecting our young boys and girls. And I'm speaking from experience.

My family has been dealing with this drug problem for a few years now. My one son has been through in-patient drug treatment, where he had to be sent out of state.

Juneau does not have in-patient facilities for minors. He attended intensive out-patient drug treatment program and now is back in treatment, again, outside of Juneau.

I just want the community to be aware of this, because I know I sure wasn't. Too many of our young people are getting caught up in this terrible problem and from what I hear, it's only getting worse. Juneau, as a community, has very limited resources for our young people when it comes to drug addiction therapy.

We, as a community, need to stand up and help our kids and keep the drug problem from growing even more. If you think your child has a problem, don't be in denial, get them help. Let me tell you, from what my family has dealt with, I wish this upon no one. It has been a very emotional, trying time.

From learning my son had a serious drug problem, to trying to get him help, to finally having to put him on a plane and ship him out of here. The stress levels at home have been excoriating.

Keitha Kolvig

Juneau