State Police Superintendent Doug Carter has a message for parents wanting advice on dealing with addiction – “I am so sorry.” The former Hamilton County Sheriff reflected on what his generation did wrong in the area of addiction.
“If we don’t start caring for people as people, we’re gonna lose,” Carter told the Fishers High School crowd of roughly 50 parents about addiction in the State of Indiana. He emphasized everyone in the state needs to come together and be a part of the solution.
The panel discussion formed a consensus that criminalizing addiction has not solved the problem. Addiction is an illness or a disease. For example, criminal penalties are not imposed on cancer patients, but addiction is often criminalized.
Ben Gonzales opened the event with a speech about his road from addiction to recovery. Ben is now a treatment professional. He later joined the panel discussion that included:
- Jill Gonzales, Ben’s Mom who shared the family perspective of addiction and recovery.
- Kim Manlove, EdD, Fairbanks Project Director for the Strategic Plan; Co-Chair Parent Advisory Board (The Partnership at Drugfree.org).
- Brad Trolson, Recovery Coach with Hope Academy and Adolescent Services at Fairbanks.
- Doug Carter, Superintendent of Indiana State Police; Governor’s Commission for Drug-Free Indiana (DFI)
HSE Parents in Partnership sponsored the event.