The Vaping Epidemic

[NewmanLovesSnakes]

This is a bit off topic but since we are talking about vaping-related deaths and regulations I just wanted to offer my perspective.

I wonder why "they" (the powers that be) do more to address the alcohol problem? As a hospice nurse I see Far More people die from alcohol-related liver disease than I ever would have imagined before I work where I do (and it's an awful death, too). My partner is a former alcoholic who has a damaged liver. I have lost 2 dear friends to liver failure due to alcoholism.

People joke about "Mommy needs wine" and can't seem to have a good time without drinking to "loosen up." I don't drink-- and I don't judge those who do, but it makes *them* feel awkward when I ask for soda instead, and there are social events where partner and I are not invited because there's drinking. It's not something people talk about-- the toll that alcohol use takes-- and how pervasive it is because it's acceptable, but it's something we should talk more about.

Anyway . . . I do see lung cancer/COPD patients too, but most of them are older.

I have only ever had a handful of drug-related deaths on our unit.

I have never had a patient yet die from marijuana. In fact many of my cancer patients find medical marijuana helpful. (Why it is illegal I have no idea, it seems the least harmful of all of them)

Most of my alcoholic liver patients are 30's to 50's, and from all walks of life, socio-economic, religious backgrounds. Way too young to be facing end of life, and totally preventable.

On a given day on my 12-bed unit, I will have about 6 old people dying of natural causes (including Alzheimers, heart disease, etc), 2 COPD patients (smokers), 2-3 cancer patients, and 1-2 alcoholic liver patients.

Anyway, something to think about.

My dad is wheel chair bound because of alcohol, it’s absolutely terrible. The thought of it happening to me scares me to death, I won’t drink hard liquor at all and I only drink maybe a couple beers a week if I feel like I want one. I don’t understand why weed is illegal still either, it helps my anxiety and depression almost disappear and that’s a wonderful thing to get rid of.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk