Letter | Mother of addict says Myrtle Beach area needs to do more fight drugs, treat abuse

I am a mother of a heroin addict who is currently incarcerated at J. Reuben Long. And I am furious.

My son chose to use and is suffering the consequences. But addiction is a disease and affects me as well. I need to know, demand to know, why drug abuse and addiction are being swept under the rug.

And yes, I know there is a methadone clinic. Big Woo!

We need long-term rehab. Our addicts need help. Yet all that seems to matter is tourism. We need to take care of our own.

I know I am not the only frustrated parent here in Horry County. Addicts are human, too. Why can we not come together and deal with our loved ones?

More should be done to stop drugs from coming to our county.

I decided to make this short and to the point, but, believe me — I am just getting started.

The writer lives in Little River.

This story was originally published May 16, 2015 at 9:36 AM with the headline "Letter | Mother of addict says Myrtle Beach area needs to do more fight drugs, treat abuse."