In 1986, 22 years basketball star Len Bias looks ready for stardom in the NBA. With his extraordinary leaping ability, the dynamism of Maryland University has forward drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan, then in his second year with the Chicago Bulls.
But on the morning of June 19 only two days after he was drafted second by the Boston Celtics, Bias was helpless in his dorm room on campus. Night Party had become mortal – Blas began seizing.
Five hours later he was pronounced dead. According to the coroner's report of Prince George County: Bias died of a stroke the heart caused by cocaine intoxication.
Bias's death has shocked the nation. Just one year earlier, a report in The New York Times illustrates the devastating effects of this new cocaine, smoking was stronger strongest increasingly popular in the center of the city and between the two celebrities in Hollywood.
Now the drug has claimed the life of a young star and extraordinary All-American, sending a message of warning to parents across the country – the drug becomes endemic, widespread, or even fatal among young Americans.
It calls on President Ronald Reagan immediately sign the Anti-Drug Abuse Drugs 1986, mandate harsher penalties for crimes related to drugs, and millions of dollars earmarked for education and drug treatment programs.
Twenty years after the death of Blas and legislation on the use of cocaine Reagan remains a problem. Cost the lives of a number of people influential since, including 23-year-old actor River Phoenix in 1993, the actor and comedian Chris Farley in 1997, and TV pitchman Billy Mays in 2009.
According to the National Office of Drug Control, approximately 33.7 million 12 years young Americans have tried cocaine at least once in their life, and one of four Americans between the ages of 26 and 34 have used cocaine.
More worrying still – according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2007, the age group Blas, at the time of his death, adults age 18-25, the highest rate of cocaine use.
Need more evidence that consumption Cocaine is still widespread in the U.S.? In 2005, 70 million market value of drugs in that the value of Starbucks, which operates more than 7,000 pubs across the country and ranks third this year among companies in the food service industry.
So what can be done cocaine abuse in the Together to end this epidemic? Those suspected of cocaine abuse among their friends and family should try to intervene, or contact with the authorities. Due to the power of effects of cocaine, withdrawal can make it very difficult for people to stop smoking – may also be a very dangerous action. With treatment medical and detoxification therapy under supervision, people can get treatment for cocaine addiction, and can develop coping skills to help them resist cravings. Cleft cocaine is available almost everywhere. Get the help you need, or your family before it is too late.