All too often it seems as if we are outnumbered and are in danger of losing the fight. In the ongoing war against drug abuse, it certainly feels as if we are losing the fight.

With our new “open border” policy Mexican drug cartels are taking full advantage bringing large numbers of illegal drugs across the US southern border. Our representatives in congress give pharmaceutical companies a free hand to flood the general public with addictive Opioids and now that Marijuana is legalized a more normalized drug culture persists across the country. Our guest two weeks ago on the Metro show, Knox County Sheriff Tim Carroll shared that as much as 80% of jail inmates suffered from substance abuse, mental health, or both. The sheriff's office has just implemented a new program to assist inmates with substance abuse and mental health issues. This new health plan will cost the County nearly one million dollars. Our schools are hiring substance abuse counselors to combat the rising drug use among our students.

Join me your host Steve Carroll on Wednesday’s Metro program February 2nd when my guest will be Meredith Batley executive director of Knox Clinic at 22 White Street in Rockland, just behind the Library. We will talk about programs being offered at the clinic as well as the many services available to the general public. Drug use in our community is far more prevalent than most people recognize. A new police oversight committee has recently been formed by the City Council council. One of the topics being discussed is how the rising drug use in our community is affecting how the police do their jobs and how best to respond to domestic abuse and family violence. You are welcome to join our conversation by calling 593-0013. The Rockland Metro is broadcast live each Wednesday over WRFR-FM 93.3 and over Maine Coast TV local channel 7. Our show runs from 5 to 6 PM. Join us next Wednesday.