"In 2001, Portugal’s government decriminalized and legalized all drugs, no matter the classification, in response to a growing heroin problem. Instead of a being criminally charged, those caught with less than a 10-day supply of hard drugs are taken before a special court of legal experts, psychologists and social workers. In the place of incarceration, a small fine or community service, as well as rehabilitation and treatment is provided. Today [2017], Portugal has one of the lowest drug-usage rates in all of Europe. The British Journal of Criminology found a significant reduction in the imprisonment of alleged drug dealers, from 14,000 in 2000 to 5,000 in 2010, as well as a decrease in the imprisonment of addicts, which fell from 41 percent in 1999 to 21 percent in 2008." (University Wire) In this article, the author asserts that it is time for the U.S. to "look for an alternative model [to the war on drugs], and Portugal has proven that its model works."

 "Smoking accounts for more than 480,000 deaths every year in this country, or about one of every five deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An additional 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease, it says. Clearly more needs to be done to get Americans to quit smoking. Some people say electronic cigarettes can help wean smokers off tobacco, at little risk to their health. For others, both of those assertions are false." (Wall Street Journal) This article presents both sides of the debate over whether "electronic cigarettes can safely help people quit smoking."

Flory says she believes any chance her daughter Alison had for recovery was lost amid the ongoing fraud in South Florida. "I think she was doomed by the people who were supposed to help her," she says.