The Challenge:
Long Island is in crisis with the fast-growing problem of drug addiction, where opioids of all kinds have killed at least 494 people on Long Island alone in 2016. Every geographic area and socio-economic class is affected. Drug & alcohol addiction is now the 3rd largest cause of death in the U.S. after heart disease and cancer. Over 22 million Americans suffer from addiction – affecting over 100 million
family members.
The Cause:
52 million people have used prescription pain-killers (opioids) for non-medical purposes in the U.S. Nearly 80% of Americans using heroin reported misusing prescription opioids prior to using heroin. The U.S. is comprised of 4.6% of the world’s population, but consumes 80% of the world’s opioids. Opioid overdose is now the #1 cause of accidental death in the U.S.
The Victims: Students & Young Adults:
On Long Island, gangs are targeting high schools as distribution centers for heroin and other addictive drugs. Illegal drug networks are getting more effective with distribution – reaching formerly safe student-athletes. To help combat the growing teen addiction, Nassau’s District Attorney pledged $2 million towards addiction treatment centers for adolescents between the ages of 13 – 17.
Why Can Wrestling Help?
Wrestling is unique. Wrestlers watch everything they put in their body. Wrestling requires discipline and focus, so wrestling helps keep students off the streets. Wrestlers give back to communities which means wrestling HEALS
communities. In short: Wrestling Takes Down Drugs!
What Can We Do?
Promote the benefits of wrestling and the awareness of drug addiction at the same time! Raise awareness in students BEFORE they ever try drugs – it is the greatest antidote to addiction.
Work together to take back our communities from the devastation of drug addiction through education, lobbying, and assistance efforts.
How Can We Do It?
The Friends of Long Island Wrestling is introducing the “Wrestling Takes Down Drugs” campaign to help combat the opioid and substance abuse epidemic sweeping through our communities. FOLIW will donate profits from all WTDD merchandise and donations to both local wrestling prrograms and community based counseling and drug prevention programs.
