Damaged housewives: An introduction
Christine Stanley
Methamphetamine, a synthetic stimulant that produces long-lasting euphoria, is the most prominent substance being used in Placer and Nevada counties, aside from alcohol. Users, particularly women, are destroying themselves and their families. They are clogging up jails, courts and treatment centers, and are responsible for am increase in petty crimes that serve to fund their insatiable habits.
"I had everything. I had the perfect life," said recovered addict Julia Santos-Coy. "I lost everything we had. You always figure that you're better than the drug " but the drug will beat you every time."
What's striking about methamphetamine in Nevada and Placer counties is that use among women has spiked so greatly over the past few years that county correctional facilities are now in dire need of expansions in order to house them all.
And back at home, the families once cared for and loved by these women are now in shambles. Marriages are abandoned, jobs are forgone, and children are exposed poor environments and vile scenes.
"Everyone has their drug of choice, but I think that of all the drugs that are abused, methamphetamine has such a huge negative impact on the user and the families and the communities," said Barbara Hopkins, a therapist and program manager for Sierra Family Services in Lake Forest. "It takes over people's lives. It takes away emotion, and it takes away humanness. They will let go of family and they will let go of employment in order to use."
Town approves snow removal pilot program
The Truckee Town Council has unanimously approved of a pilot program to remove snow on privately maintained paved trails in the area.
Firefighter deployed to Loma Linda to support COVID-19 surge