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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Broken Border, Part One: Justin's Story

by Brandi Grissom
November 9, 2009  |  2

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His name is Justin. He’s a heroin addict. He’s been sober for 42 days. And he's 16.

“They say I’m doing pretty good,” he said.

It’s nearing the end of his first stay in one of Laredo’s few drug treatment facilities. With earnest brown eyes outlined in dark, long lashes and rosary beads dangling from his neck, Justin vows he’s done with drugs and won’t be back. But, the odds are against him. Drugs are abundant in border communities. Poverty is rampant. Substance abuse treatment is scarce.

For starters, getting treatment is ...

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Comments (2)

  • cb wrote on 11/9/2009 5:23 p.m.

    I truly appreciate the Tribune's coverage of these issues that are not "sexy" enough for most journalists but that are crippling segments of our communities. However, I question the decision to name the series "The Broken Border." It perpetuates the idea many Texans and Americans have that the border region is a problem for the state and the country - that it is endemically messed up. From a public policy perspective, it's true that the border needs help. But economically, culturally and socially, the border region are more vibrant than ever.

  • cb wrote on 11/9/2009 5:26 p.m.

    The border "cities are" more vibrant than ever.