From Pain Killers to Heroin
Updated: Apr 6, 2019
The harsh, bitter truth that you may or may not know is that according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in 2017 opioid fatalities surpassed the AIDS epidemic, the number of Americans killed in the entire Vietnam War, and most state's murder and car accident rates, ALL combined. Yes, you read that right...ALL COMBINED!
It's true...our country has an opioid epidemic and for me it hit VERY close to home.
So let's talk about pain killers for a minute, as it was pain killers that led my son down a more than a decade of addiction, and nearly cost him his life. What started as pure peer pressure nearly cost him his life more times than I can count.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 80% of all heroin addictions begin with the use of painkillers. Pain killers and heroin, otherwise known as opioids, that lead to many people's death each year.
Take warning to these statistics, as anyone who takes an opioid, prescribed or illegal, are at high risk of becoming addicted and experiencing overdose.
"I definitely felt that I was probably going to die in a very short period of time." (Taylor M.)
With a reported nearly 50,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2017, I feel incredibly blessed to have my "Beautiful Boy" alive and in recovery today. Nearly 14,000 other individuals in his age group (25-34) were not as fortunate.
When considering that opioids were not his only drug of choice (opioids mixed with benzodiazepines REALLY become lethal), he becomes an absolute miracle in mind! Why? Because the total number of overall overdose deaths in 2017 were an alarming 72,000!
So if you filled-up the Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium, that's a good perspective of just how many people died of overdose in 2017. And sadly, the numbers continue to climb.
"Now that I'm off drugs, I feel incredible!" (Taylor M.)
If you or a loved one are addicted to opioids (pain killers or heroin), PLEASE do this. Listen to what my son, Taylor, has to say about his own opioid addiction and close call with death.
His story is raw, true, and his recovery and this video is the greatest gift to me. An even greater gift to HIM!
If not for God, the treatment he received, and his strong resolve in his recovery...he would just be another statistic and I would be grieving MY Beautiful Boy.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Now you know my "WHY" behind Emunah Recovery Home and Services. Now you know WHY I left a 25-year career as an HR Executive to open up a sober living home for men in the Spring/Woodlands area of Houston.
Now you know WHY I am SO passionate about my interventionist work and the clients and families that I work with. I NEVER give up. I did not give up on Taylor, and I won't give up on you or your loved one either.
If you need help (you are struggling or you are a family member with a loved one or friend who is struggling), please reach out to me! It will be the best call you have ever made!
"To my dear son, Taylor. You are my Beautiful Boy. I love you more than words can express. I am so thankful that you CHOSE to get help and that you are not just another statistic! You are a child of God. You are my hero. You are one of the brave ones. I will always be in your corner. Hold your head high, because you are WORTHY!" ~ Love, Mom
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