Drugs and dirty football

Has the Trailwatcher ever been high on drugs … really high? The answer is “Yes” and we will discuss it right here.

Young people getting high on easily available drugs has become a very serious concern in this country and … in this county. According to the latest Reader’s Digest, “The rate of fatal overdose among 15- to 24-year-olds has spiked 300 percent in recent years,” and thousands of deaths have resulted. The article tells how over-the-counter drugs and many prescription drugs are being used dangerously through ignorance of how they work. For example the report says, “One methadone pill washed down with two gin and tonics can be fatal. You are playing a game of Russian roulette you don’t understand.”

Quoted is the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Nora Volkow, who has personal insight into why people would want to take these drugs. She was badly injured in a car wreck 15 years ago and was given Demerol. She says, “I was supposed to be in great pain but instead I felt an incredible sense of well-being.” Because of her knowledge and sensitiveness about the potential for addiction, after three days Dr. Volkow said, “Enough.”

It was reading that statement that brought back the memory of my big drug high. Though I’ve had my share of “beer with the boys” and “pre-dinner brandy” I have never messed around with mood altering drugs through the years. BUT, I do know about Demerol.

My experience with that pain killer was similar to Dr. Volkov’s except my injuries were from a parachute accident in the Salmon River Wilderness. Have told about that in a past column so will skip major details; however it is important to recall I had seven broken ribs, cracked sternum, broken left leg, and several lesser physical problems. Fellow jumpers shot me with Demerol and carried me to the top of a mountain for a helicopter pick up and out … 100 miles to Missoula. All this lengthy, jarring, rescue activity, including the piggy back ride then aircraft loading seemed like a dream.

Flying up the Salmon River and over the rugged Bitterroot Mountains all seemed a wonderful adventure. I remember thinking the pilot, Swede Nelson, was a “wonderful friend” and we were flying together over the “wonderful” world on a “wonderful” day. The “incredible sense” of well-being was nice, but too good to be true. In spite of how “wonderful” everything seemed, I still knew I was badly injured and reality would set in when the Demerol wore off. On the third or fourth day in St. Patrick Hospital, I talked the situation over with my nurse, a wise elderly Sister, and she agreed it might be wise to tough it out without the Demerol.

The point of this recall is, “Even while deeply sedated with a powerful drug, I was still aware of being in a fantasy world.” From that experience I’ve imagined that hooked people are aware a high is only a temporary escape and not a real solution to anything. Apparently they can’t help themselves or don’t care. Through my experiences good and bad, I’ve thankfully found the best way to handle adversity is to face it … cold sober.

In other matters, this time of year presents overwhelming football news. An assistant New York Jets coach was fined $25,000 for tripping a ball carrier on the Miami team who came close to the sidelines during a punt return. Because it was deliberate and planned ahead of time, the NFL has also fined the Jets team $100,000.

Atlanta’s Dunta Robinson was charged with making a “flagrant hit” against Philadelphia wide receiver DeSean Jackson that was so hard both men got concussions. After reviewing the matter, a League Officer reduced the fine from $50,000 to only $25,000.

New England’s Brandon Meriwether had his fine reduced from $50,000 to $40,000 after hitting Baltimore end, Todd Heap, in the head. Oakland’s Lamarr Houston got nicked $12,500 for poking his finger in a Colt player’s face mask, New England’s Jerod Mayo paid out $10,000 for hitting a defenseless Buffalo receiver in the head, etc.

Probably all teams have a list on their bulletin board telling how much you have to pay for each no-no. Wonder if there is a listed price for kicking between the legs.