Possible Drug Rehab Upsets Locals
Families in New Jersey are against a drug rehab being located near a residential school. I find this interesting because the problem definitely exists, so why would anyone be against having a solution? The local Wickenburg schools have embraced the Gatehouse Academy residents and even invite our residents to talk to the students about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
The owners of an Aberdeen residential facility for mentally disabled adults want to turn their facility into a drug abuse treatment center, a proposal that has upset parents who send their children to a nearby school.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I think it’s a shame that addicts and alcoholics are labeled as bad people. It’s been my experience that they are suffering from a disease. Once the disease is properly treated I’ve know several addicts and alcholics to do amazing things with their lives, especially for the good of others.
December 10th, 2007 at 10:25 am
During my 25 years of public school teaching, I’ve seen drug and alcohol abuse within the schools. People may not want to believe it exists, or that it happens only to someone else’s child, but that is not the reality of the situation.
Educators, administrators, and parents need to pull their heads out of the sand.
December 10th, 2007 at 11:08 am
When I read this article, I am reminded of people’s fear of the unfamiliar or unknown. If locals are not only unfamiliar with drug addiction & treatment, but also with how a treatment facility will be run, there will definitely be fear and unrest. It will be up to the treatment center to establish a reputation for running their business while considering the community’s concerns.
December 10th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Lots of people assume that alcoholics and drug addicts are bad people. I like how Gatehouse gives the residents the opportunity to go out and be active in the community. Whether it is helping a charity, doing community service, giving speaches at the high school or helping out a family in need at Christmas time. I am grateful for Gatehouse because they have hepled me to become a psitive member in the community, rather than a leach on the community.
December 11th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Addicts aren’t the only ones in denial. Rehab activities are probably healthier than what goes on in many homes, or at the neighbor’s house.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
It is unfortunate that people can be so judgemental with other people. One of my favorite quotes is “Be kind to everyone for you never know what battle they are fighting.” That is so true. While I have a 50 year old mother that is an active addict I can understand her because I have been there. These are good people with a disease that has unfortunatly let them have no knowledge of reality. I look at these kids everyday here at Gatehouse and I see how willing they are to get out in our community and help others to make this town a better place. I am so thankful that our town has welcomed them and they praise them for their contributions to this town. You should not judge a book by it’s cover. It took me a long time to look at my mother as an addict and treat her as one also. I know what it is like to be in denial, but I know that there is always hope. It is the places like Gatehouse Academy that give these addicts that hope and it would be a shame for people to deny other people that hope just because they are judgemental.
December 13th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
As a 33 year resident of Wickenburg I can say that Gatehouse has been viewed suspiciously by some. The nature of the struggle that we are in wins more converts everyday.As Dave added any and all efforts to serve the community pays big dividends.
December 15th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Having been working at Gatehouse from the beginning,I have seen and been a part of the education process. I encountered a lot of prejudice,biggotry and fear. It has been a gradual awakening for the town through a lot of hard work by many. The not in my backyard mentality has changed over the yearsand the town has embraced what we are trying to achieve.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:24 am
‘Blinded by the light’, let’s all push the bad stuff into the corner or the back of the room or behind so not to look at it. I would say a valuable place to have a rehab facility would be close to the schools if not in it. Drug addiction is everywhere and spreading like wild fire with the youth of today and if Drug Rehab was everywhere it may make it a better place to live. It is evident that Gatehouse is an asset to the community of Wickenburg. The disease is not contagious however recovery is.
January 16th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Though folks like to label people as bad when they hear addict or alcoholic little do they know what amazing and gifted these addicts are when treated as a person that is recoverying from a disease.
January 25th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Families in New Jersey are against a drug rehab thats near a school zone. Thats odd since New Jersey has a horrible drug problem, and that most people who use drugs begin in high school. All rehabs are trying to do is teach people about addiction. Thanks to Gatehouse i realize i have a progressive disease. I have learned the proper tools it takes to live a normal life without the use of drugs and alcohol.