British actor Russell Brand is a recovering drug addict. As such he is well-aware of why people use drugs, how they become addicted, and how to get clean. Now he is taking his personal knowledge to the government to help them deal with an ever-increasing drug problem in the United Kingdom.

Brand told the British government that it needs to adopt a pragmatic approach to address the social issues that lead young people to take drugs. This according to Reuters.

Brand, a former heroin addict who has been arrested 12 times, appeared before politicians to give his views on the government's drug policies and his battle with drug addiction. Typical of Brand, he made a flashy statement with his attire. Dressed in a flamboyant ensemble of black, Brand struck a contrast against the formally attired politicians with his long coat, vest, hat and leather wristbands.

Based on his experiences, Brand stressed the importance addressing addiction as an illness rather than a criminal or judicial matter.

Brand rightly stated that the status of a drug is irrelevant to a drug addict. If you're a drug addict, you're getting drugs. I am not sure I agree with his stance that they should consider decriminalizing drugs, but he did make a few valid points.

Brand called for more awareness and research into abstinence-based recovery, which he underwent to treat his addiction at rehabilitation charity Focus12, of which he is a patron.

The comedian has written about his struggle with drug addiction in his autobiography "My Booky Wook" in 2007 and wrote a touching obituary about singer Amy Winehouse when she died last year after battling alcohol and drug abuse for years.

Again I am not sure what the answer is, but just do not feel right to make drugs easier to access and easier to morally justify its use. I think more drug classes and rehabilitation is a step in the right direction.

Anyone who ever saw the heart-wrenching movie “The Wrestler” starring Mickey Rourke knows that drug and alcohol use are rampant among professional wrestlers.

The stories of drug and alcohol use and abuse among professional wrestlers has been going on since the days of “Lucha Libre.”

Most recently, according to the Bleacher Report, former Olympic Gold Medalist and current TNA star Kurt Angle arrested in suspicion of DWI.

It is no secret that many wrestlers are noted alcoholics or drug abusers. Alcohol and drugs have been a plague to the professional wrestling industry. Often, these wrestlers die too young because of their addictions to alcohol or drugs.

It's no surprise they turn to alcohol and drugs to alleviate the pain endured by countless bumps and bruises in that squared circle.

Alcohol and drug abuse has killed many professional wrestlers including: Rick Rude, Luna Vachon, Sherri Martel, Andrew "Test" Martin, Edward "Umaga" Fatu, Bam Bam Bigelow, "Mr Perfect" Curt Hennig, Brian Pillman, Miss Elizabeth, Davey Boy Smith, the Von Erich Family, Chris Benoit, and Eddie Guerrero were just some of the names in the wrestling industry who died because of drugs or alcohol.

But, there is a beacon of light in the midst of terrifying darkness. A light of hope at the end of the tunnel of hopelessness.

CM Punk

Philip Jack Brooks grew up in a broken home because of his father's alcoholism. Therefore, Brooks dedicated his life to not partaking in drugs and alcohol. Brooks is better known as WWE Champion CM Punk, the best wrestler in the world.

CM Punk proved that you don't need drugs or alcohol to climb the proverbial mountain to reach the top. Punk's outspoken straight edge lifestyle has been positive to impressionable youth constantly tempted by a barrage of drug and alcohol ads.

I hope that CM Punk's real-life straight-edge lifestyle might very well cause a revolution among wrestling fans. It is strong role models like him who might help turn the tide against the rampant drug and alcohol use in society.

Does that headline surprise you. For some reason, perhaps it is her extreme lack of credibility despite being found innocent of murdering her daughter, but most people not only think Anthony will fail in her attempts at sobriety, but are rooting for her to fail!

Anthony, also known as “America's Most Hated Mother”, is apparently still clean and sober according to her latest probation report. Sober yes, employed – not yet. But she is attending school according to www.ibtimes.com.

The 25-year-old Anthony is known for her drinking and wild-partying lifestyle. She claims, and her probation report verifies it, that she has turned over a new leaf.

Because she is so hated by so many her whereabouts remain largely unknown, although it has been reported she is living in a church in Florida. She may even be planning on getting Baptized.

Last summer, after one of the most controversial murder trials since the OJ Simpson case, Anthony was acquitted in the 2008 murder of her daughter Caylee Anthony.

While exonerated in the death of her daughter, Anthony is currently serving a12-month probation for an unrelated felony check fraud conviction.

I am sure many employers are leery of hiring an employee whose coworkers have pre-judged negative opinions of her. She has had one job offer.

Doug Delvin, owner of a strip club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, has offered Anthony the job of a stripper.

Only God and Casey know whether she is guilty of the crime of killing her daughter. One day the two will sit together in judgment. During her remaining time on Earth I hope that she does seek the guidance of The Lord and continue to lead a sober lifestyle.

From Snooki to Vinnie to Mike "The Situation", anyone who ever has watched the reality show Jersey Shore know these kids need drug and alcohol classes. These reality stars have an unhealthy impact on the youth of America today.

Shows like “Jersey Shore” are creating an illusion for today’s youth that they are normal and their poor behavior is acceptable. I certainly do not like my middle-schooler watching any of these shows.

"The Situation" Enters Rehab

The communication between representatives for Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and the reality star could use some work. Shortly after his rep denied the reality star had a problem with substance abuse and was getting some rest and relaxation. It turns out “The Situation” went and checked himself into rehab!

Turns out Sorrentino has a prescription drug problem.

While the show and the characters revolt me, I am glad to see one of them trying to better themselves by trying to quit using drugs. He made some weak statement that he was addicted to prescription medication because he was so exhausted. Please, spare us the BS.

MTV announced this week that "The Jersey Shore" is coming back for a sixth season, with expectant mom Snooki on board as well.

I remember when MTV was "Music Television" and broadcast music videos. Those make far too much money for MTV to consider getting rid of them. However, my guess is that this will be the last season. We can only hope. The cast certainly can use a New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Class.

Is it just me or does it seem like drugs are becoming more of a problem in our society? It seems like marijuana use is at an all-time, not to mention the crazy increase in the abuse of prescription medication.

If the saying “misery loves company” is true, then we are not alone in our drug-abusing misery. The European Union reports that drug abuse there is at all-time high levels as well.

Recent reports have revealed that the European Union has one of the most prevalent drug abuse problems in the world. Specifically, the use of Heroin continues to be one reason for a number of drug- related deaths in the vicinity. There need to be strong measures taken to curb this problem; otherwise it is bound to become a full blown threat in no time.

There are also regular users of opioid in the European Union. It was further reported that 51% of the total drug users have even been registered with special treatment for curbing their problems of opioid abuse. It has further been revealed that people using this drug these days are older people more than the youngsters. Another concern raised here is the fear of the outbreak of HIV; as a result of infected needles that are used for injecting people with the drug.

It was revealed that the abuse of opioid in the EU is slightly lesser than the scenario in Australian, Canada and the USA.

The trend further suggests that the use of injecting drugs has decreased over the years. People understand that injections are a source of infection and might lead to number of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and so on. The government and the health authorities need to take a firm stand on this matter.

There need to be effective measures taken to bring down the levels of drug abuse. It is essential that people understand the need for keeping their bodies detoxified and free from impurities. They need to understand the potential risk that drugs pose on their health and safety. Addiction is something that makes one lose his/ her all, and hit rock bottom.

I would hope that greater alcohol awareness and drug awareness would help curb the recent surge in drug use and abuse. There are currently even online alcohol classes and online drug classes to help educate people on the facts and dangers of alcohol and drug use.

Alcohol and drugs are quite popular at university campuses around the country. That is a fact that has had relevance for as long as colleges have been around.

But is the problem getting worse? People at the University of Michigan are beginning to think so!

The MU Police Department reported 21 instances of underage alcohol-related offenses and five marijuana-related offenses between Aug. 18 and Aug. 25.

Compared to similar college campuses, MU’s numbers are significantly higher. MUPD recorded more than three times as many drug- and alcohol-related incidents in the same period as reported to UC Berkeley Police.

Under state law, it is illegal for anyone under 21 years old to consume, possess or purchase alcohol. Harsher enforcement, combined with other ordinances, attempt to address the expected issue of underage drinking in the large student population of Columbia.

At other campuses, police say they do not actively seek out arrests for the offense, but still cite many students. More often than not, campus police are called for another reason – perhaps a fight or some form of trouble. The alcohol and drug offenses are tacked on to the other offenses.

Other reason police are called are nuisance parties, which are considered social gatherings of 10 or more people where activities such as minors drinking alcohol, littering, outdoor urination, smoking marijuana, setting off fireworks or discharging firearms happen.

Sobriety checks are one way local police have attempted to deter driving under the influence of alcohol as well as minors in possession. These are typically a joint effort between local police and highway patrol or the county sheriff and are funded through a highway safety grant program.

Possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana or drug paraphernalia, though considered a low-priority offense under the city ordinance, is still an arrestable offense under state law as a Class A misdemeanor in Michigan. In contrast, Berkeley, California’s code directs local police to “make no arrests and issue no citations for violations of marijuana laws.”

What are your thoughts? Should these laws be strictly enforced? Perhaps the answer is a good alcohol awareness class or drug awareness class. Education is never a bad thing.