The tragedy of Rush Limbaugh preceding Red Ribbon Week serves as an ironic reminder. America’s youth, already suspicious of older generations, are probably shouting "Hypocrite!"

Readily available painkillers such as Vicoden are prescribed every day by thousands of dentists and physicians. The problem, of course, is that the same marvelous medicines that numb us from pain also can have the same effect as dad’s weekend 12-pack. A thin line can separate legitimate use of prescription medicine and drug abuse.

America is a drug-oriented society. Instead of working on the root of the problem, we mostly ignore the reality that millions of Americans are self-medicating themselves with both legal and illegal drugs, while seeking an answer to their problems.

Alternatives are all around us.

Churches, synagogues, self-help centers, natural food and vitamin outlets, gyms and public outreach programs abound. Just look through the pages of this newspaper. There are plenty of opportunities to improve your body, mind and spirit, even in a small town like Moopark.

We, as parents and role models, have a responsibility to directly confront the problem.

Talk to your children early about the choices they will face and the consequences of making the wrong decisions.

Hiding our heads in the sand has never worked and it never will.

If he accomplished nothing else, Rush Limbaugh has brought to light once again America’s problems with substance abuse.