There are two days in every week over which we have no control: yesterday and tomorrow. Today is the only day we can change. Opiate addiction is truly one of the great social and medical dilemmas of our time. When addiction enters a family system, familiar relationships, rules, and routines are shaken. Certain rock solid beliefs may fly out the window. During the early, shocking days of acknowledging the addiction, most families flounder through an emotional quagmire. Eventually they seek answers and try to find the right places seeking medical help. Many times parents, loved ones and friends are not allowed to make decisions or assisting their addicted loved one to get the help that they desperately need and they can become a danger to themselves. In some cases they can overdose and die while precious time is being wasted. Casey's law has proven to be a valuable tool for families and friends of loved ones struggling in the crux of their addiction. Seeking answers and getting educated about addiction is essential if families are to have any realistic hope of helping their loved one. In this respect, addiction is no different than any other disease: the more you understand about its nature, effects, and treatment, the better your chances of combating the disease. Its a depressing business, one that's experienced annually by millions of American families. In 1999, the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse revealed that an estimated 10.3 million Americans were dependent on either alcohol or illicit drugs. Chances are someone in your family is among them. If that is the case, you have my sympathy. I have been in your shoes. The heroin addiction of my own son has motivated me to learn about Casey's Law and reach out to our Senators and families across America to get this law into legislation. Casey's Law should be available to families in every state. Please continue to share this hopefully this law can be passed before too many more lives are lost. Thank you.