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Last Friday someone I knew overdosed and passed away. Wow it feels so real typing it out. It’s crazy, I saw him a few weeks ago and he was okay, yes a little all over the place but that’s expected when you’re early in recovery again. He’d been in and out of the rooms for a few years. And I know how crazy and strong addiction can be and how many die from it, but I never fully came to terms that it could happen to someone I know… or even myself if I were to relapse. So the last few days have been confusing and emotional. I haven’t really processed it yet. Addiction is so real and I can’t forget how bad it was when I was using. I’ll have a year on Wednesday and it’s scary. But I don’t want to die anymore. And being sober is the only way I’ll be able to live. I wish that he still had a chance to really get that.
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Hey Sam, that’s really terrible. I’m so sorry for your loss… It’s awful to keep reading about so many young people dying from overdoses, it’s increasing all the time, but it’s worse when it’s a personal friend. But it’s amazing that you have been able to deal with your own addiction. Congrats on reaching your 1 year mark!! That’s a huge accomplishment.
So sorry to hear that Sam and I am sending all of my love and support your way. I am so happy that you shared with us about your sobriety, that was very brave of you. You have been so strong to have completed 1 year already! Keep pushing and stay strong.
It truly is unfortunate to look at how many people have passed away from overdoses. I just hope and wish that they could have saw the rainbow and understood that their struggle does become more manageable with support. I also know a few people who have lost that battle and after watching how their losses have effected everyone close to them, I can certainly feel the need to talk more about drugs and programs that help educate everyone, especially our youth.
My grandmother was a police officer and advocate for the “say no to drugs” movement, and ran the D.A.R.E program in our area. I wish it was still around because it was an awesome resource for young adults.
I have buried four friends in sobriety and will be attending a service for another one today. It is such a difficult thing to deal with when you know their death was preventable. Do not ask yourself if there was anything you could have done differently. It is not your fault! Honor their memory in a healthy, positive manner (volunteer, donate in their name, etc.) and I believe that helping others will make you feel good and that your friend’s memory will live on through you.
I’m sorry for your loss too, Reese. Addiction is scary and I’m really grateful that I know that I don’t have to do that anymore. It makes me sad that they lost their battle with it, like really sad. But, that doesn’t have to be how my story ends. I can be there for my family and friends these days and show up for life again. This has really shown me that relapsing just isn’t worth it and more than that I don’t know what it would take to get me back into recovery if I did.
I was a big fan of Amy Winehouse and very sad when she passed away. Her death reminded me how important it is to remain ever vigilant in the face of addiction. The link below is an essay written by Russell Brand who knew her well. Its a great read for anyone who has lost someone to addiction or who is battling it themselves. The world loses too much talent and beauty to this disease.
http://www.russellbrand.com/for-amy/
These parents are very brave and I hope their grief teaches others about admitting the problem so they can get help before someone else dies.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/09/06/ohio-couple-calls-out-heroin-in-teen-daughter-obituary-trying-to-prevent-agony/?intcmp=hplnws
Wow! Wow. Compelling and real- keep in your thoughts those courageous people who have shared their stories with you and continue to struggle… and for their families and caregivers.
An authentically true but an extremely sad story about a young CT resident who lost his life to addiction.
This video shows how his girlfriend responded only 45 minutes after he died:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFDMHMMzdJk
Hi Sam,
So sorry for your loss. I unfortunately know the feelings all too well. If we are in recovery or not, unfortunately losing others to overdoses and the tragic effects of drugs and alcohol will forever be a part of our lives. I don’t even have any words of clarity,because I am riding that boat myself…it seems like someone from my area or a close friend passes away each week. Just keep fighting yourself and embrace those around you. Your recovery is most important. Feel free to reach out if you need someone to talk to.
Courtney