Denial is the defense mechanisms of choice of our generation. So many people sit back and watch problems surround “others,” waiting to address an issue until it is obviously out of hand. I believe I can safely assume that everyone knows someone whose struggling with a deprecating habit or thought process of one form or another, whether it’s an addiction, a mentality, or a prejudice. I am currently residing in Utah, a state where the popular trend is to brush many critical issues under the table until affected directly. I am sure there are many communities, not just Utah, which project promises of perfection that its residents cannot live up to.
Utah is the leading abuser of prescription drugs in the country; this statistic is often unacknowledged because it contradicts the image as well as many of the values that the state tries to embed within its culture. We are also one of the national leaders of Meth use and production. I’m sure most readers of this article are aware that the LDS (Mormon) religion is very prominent in Utah, and because of its strong presence many victims of drug abuse and addiction feel they must endure their addictions incognito, unaware of where to turn for help without being judged.
A few weeks ago I was sent an e-mail invite to view the premier of a documentary entitled “Happy Valley” on March 26th. This documentary gives a voice to an expanding addiction and drug abuse problems that the majority of the culture denies. The film won the grand prize at the 2007 Breckenridge Film Festival in Colorado, competing against many films from around the country. The movie identifies and intensely interviews many Utahans who have been affected by drug-induced tragedies, and follows their steps to recovery. Ron Williams, the director, gives the audience an honest and raw portrayal of how lives are altered and lost due to denial and unawareness of this globally growing phenomenon.
The film is soon to be released nationally, aiming to draw attention to the drug epidemic plaguing our populace. My goal in writing about this is not to necessarily to inspire everyone to see this documentary, but to encourage communication, support, and outreach to those who may be struggling with a self-deprecating habit of any kind. Often, I find myself so absorbed with general topics of concern (ex. Literacy, Planned Parenthood, etc.) I sometimes neglect to remind those who surround me on a local level (friends and family) that I am available to help pacify their problems as well. So please, lets all try to reach out on a local level and remind our friends that we are there to hear and help appease their problems.
