"Bob Houghtaling has been fighting substance abuse in East Greenwich
for 33 years. In that time, he's seen 'hundreds, perhaps thousands of
people who have gone on to live quality lives' after struggling with
addiction.
"He has also seen plenty of ugly endings: prison, death and devastated families.
"'When I first got in, the major problems were teenage drinking and
marijuana,' he said. 'I remember when the cocaine phase came in. When
the Grateful Dead would come around, people would start dropping acid.'
"For the last 10 to 12 years, the big change has been the proliferation
of prescription medications. 'We have a culture now where there's a
pill for everything,' he said. Some have brought 'tremendous advances,'
but some are overprescribed.
"Fighting stereotypes has been one
of his biggest challenges. East Greenwich is wealthy, and its schools
are ranked as the state's best or near best. High achievement
expectations, stress, anxiety and access to money and cars can bring
their own problems."
A recent Providence Journal article profiles Mr. Houghtaling and his ministry as Director of the East Greenwich, RI, Drug Program.
To access the complete Providence Journal report, please visit:
Providence Journal: In East Greenwich, one man's effort to stem drug addiction (22 APR 17)
Background information:
Town of East Greenwich
Wikipedia: East Greenwich, Rhode Island
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