Our cover story this week, "Saying No to Drugs," is not about what you might think. It is not a cautionary about the dangers of abusing recreational drugs, but about those folks with serious mental diagnoses who find the cure, powerful medication, at times worse than their particular disease.
Contributor Jill Carlson reports on this phenomenon from the front lines, debriefing the people who've embraced this movement of the previously medicated. The existence of such a group is understandable, especially if you've witnessed the changes psychotropic drugs can induce. But going drug-free in such circumstances also has its dangers, as the medical professionals Carlson consults warn.
Reading this story will help you understand the plight many people face in just making a normal life. It will also encourage you to be supportive of those you know who wrestle with these problems. The understanding of friends and community can make all the difference.
This is a delicate transition to make since alcohol is a drug too, perhaps the most abused. But our intent in introducing the Martini Shaker, a happy-hour promotion involving six purveyors, Isthmus and Union Cab, is not abusement, but amusement. On Aug. 3-6, from 4 to 7 p.m., Pedro's (east and west), Opus, Bluephies, Monroe Street Bistro, Savoir Faire and the Casbah will offer three mini-martinis at each location for a total price of $25, in advance.
You can sign up at TheDailyPage.com between now and the first week of August. That's the only place to get tickets in advance. They will cost more the day of at the venues, if there are even tickets left. Included in the package will be a discount coupon for Union Cab, a sponsor of the event. If you're running around town sampling martinis, you certainly shouldn't be driving. Check the ad on this page for more information.
