Where Do the Presidential Candidates Stand On the Drug Issues?

June 11, 2008 - PRLog -- (OAK RIDGE, NJ)—With the Presidential election down to its final candidates, Stephen Della Valle, author of Rising Above the Influence: A True Story About Alcohol, Drugs and Recovery, wonders what plan of action will be taken to fight the ongoing war on drugs.  

“According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, a recent study shows there has been a large decrease in the amount of parents who bring awareness to their kids of the risks of drug and alcohol abuse,” says Stephen.  

Stephen, who is also the President of Turning Point Rehabilitation Center in Verona, NJ, knows the importance of educating children of the dangers of substance abuse at an early age.

In a recent interview Barack Obama stated that parents are our first line of defense against drug and alcohol abuse, but they need more information and resources on the subject.  

“Barack Obama has made it clear that the expansion of drug courts is one of his top priorities,” says Stephen.  “Obama also stated the importance of sending drug-related offenders to proven rehabilitation centers as opposed to prisons where they can continue with their addictions.”

John McCain has not provided much information regarding how he plans to face the national drug epidemic.  

“I am surprised that John McCain has not been more proactive regarding fighting the war on drugs,” says Stephen.  “He has witnessed firsthand how harmful addiction can be when not treated.”

In 1989, John’s wife Cindy became addicted to painkillers, which ultimately progressed until 1992 when she attended a drug treatment facility in which through outpatient sessions was able to put an end to her addiction.

“McCain is aware of the problems and dangers that coincide with drug use,” says Stephen, “and what he dealt with in his personal life should be enough motivation to help prevent others from going down that dark lonely road of addiction.”

Stephen Della Valle is quite familiar with the addiction lifestyle.  For over twenty-five years he battled with drugs, and lost his family, his job, his freedom and ultimately himself.  

Upon making the decision to get sober twenty years ago, Stephen is a proactive member in the community trying to do his part in educating others of the dangers of substance abuse.  

Rising Above the Influence is Stephen’s honest and inspiring account of the depths one man can fall to—and the heights he can achieve if only he reaches out a hand for help.

For more information please visit www.risingabovetheinfluence.net.

Website: www.risingabovetheinfluence.net