There is always constant conversation about drugs on TV, movies, magazines, music, etc. However, this conversation is typically centered on drug use itself – the dangers of using, the effects of using, how using can impact others, and so on and so forth. We can get so caught up in this angle that we fail to work outside of the box. Luckily, some stories come along that help broaden our perspective on serious issues such as drug abuse.
It’s called drug-induced homicide, which is exactly was Malcolm Brown, 25, of Wheaton, Illinois is charged with.
Back in 2011, Brown both sold and abused heroin with Stephen Briston, 38, at an apartment of his choosing. It is reported that when Brown woke up the next morning, he found Briston dead on the bathroom floor from an apparent heroin overdose.
Currently, Brown is incarcerated for drug possession related to this case, but now that it has been reopened, he is now facing an additional 30 years behind bars because of Briston’s death.
I know what you are thinking. People use heroin every day – and die from it every day. It is their choice, right? It’s not like he intentionally killed the man.
Unfortunately, however, this pattern of thinking is not conducive to the law any longer. In an effort to crack down on the continuation of both the prescription drug and heroin epidemics that are plaguing the country, law enforcement officials are doing things such as tracing the source of dealt street heroin and prosecuting dealers to the fullest extent. It is to be expected that as these epidemics continue to grow, that implications such as these will be more common.
So now, its not only the people who are abusing heroin that are in danger of the law, but also those who are dealing these types of substances. While there has always been an element of danger with dealing, the dangers – just as the demand for drugs – is changing as time goes on. The only way to stay out of trouble related to using and/or dealing is to stay drug-free. Even being somewhat involved in this world can spark significant consequences that can be life altering and damaging to your personal and professional career for years to come.
If you or one of your loved ones are involved with dealing or abusing heroin or other drugs, reach out for help today. Every step you take can lead you and your loved one to a better, drug-free life.
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https://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=9572
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
