There are incredible parents out there that are taking it upon themselves to spread awareness and education about the dangers of substance abuse.
As summer comes to an end and school bells begin to ring, we hope our kids have what it takes to dodge and weave through the temptations of high school.
We all send our children off to school with high expectations and look forward to seeing them thrive.
For these parents and thousands of other families across our country, their dreams were dashed when their child was introduced to drugs and underage drinking. Often these drug connections were made at school. These young people are among the best and the brightest, and yet they could not control their substance abuse from spiraling out of control.
These parents have either suffered the devastating loss of their child from an overdose or a drug-related death or suffered years of stress during their child’s addiction. They did not make the choice to try and forget this experience and move on with their lives. They made a courageous and heartfelt decision to give back.
They reached through the stigma of addiction sharing their stories so that more people could understand the dangers of experimentation and substance abuse.
Some of these parents are Parent Ambassadors for The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. They help support The Partnership’s outreach programs and talk with parents who are struggling with their teen’s substance abuse. Some parents have gone on to start their own organizations or websites to spread the word.
What I noticed as I wrote this article is that addiction is an equal opportunity disease. It touches families from coast to coast.
As the new school year begins, let’s celebrate these parents who are dedicated to sharing their stories so that you and your child have a better chance of avoiding the pain of substance abuse.
Reggie Whitten
Reggie is an attorney from Oklahoma. His son, Brandon, an “all American” kid and a football player became addicted to prescription drugs and alcohol. After being in and out of treatment for three years, Brandon at age 25, unfortunately, was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2002, when he was under the influence and died from his injuries. Reggie has gone on from this devastating loss of his son to start several non-profit organizations through the Whitten Newman Foundation. These include FATE, Fighting Addiction Through Education, which sponsors a program focused on high school and college athletes called Oklahoma Life of An Athlete. Reggie volunteers as a Parent Ambassador.
Watch Brandon’s story:
Judy Kirkwood
Judy is from Florida and one of her children became dependent on drugs. After many treatment programs and relapses, he has been sober for six months, working full-time and is maintaining stability.
Judy advocates for better education, compassion, and training for families of addicts, and for the destigmatization of addiction and other brain disorders commonly called mental illness. Judy is part of the Parent Advisory Board and a Parent Ambassador for The Partnership. She is a Contributing Writer and Forums Director for Third Age and is a freelance writer for various other publications. As Parent Ambassador, Judy offers phone support for parents of addicts.
You can follow Judy on twitter @judykirkwood.
Kim Manlove
Kim is a Treatment Center administrator from Indiana. His son, David enjoyed golf and baseball. He became addicted to alcohol and marijuana in high school. David was 16 and in recovery management for addiction, when he passed away from inhalant abuse in a drug-related drowning accident. David was a loving, charming and humble young man whose tragic death marked the lives of Kim and his family forever.
After the shattering loss of his youngest son, Kim has gone on to start The 24 Group, and the 24 Group Facebook Page to help spread the word about the dangers of substance abuse. He is a member of the Parent Ambassador and Parent Advisory Board for The Partnership. Kim has written a heartfelt book about the loss of his son, entitled, Odyssey. He has a Partnership Blog and a video about the family’s story entitled, Just Your Normal High School Boy. Kim has shared his family’s story on national TV.
Gretchen Burns Bergman
Gretchen is a Fashion Show Producer and Executive Director of a non-profit from California. Both of her sons have an addictive illness. Their drug of choice was heroin. Gretchen’s older son is in long-term recovery. He spent over a decade cycling through the criminal justice system for non-violent drug offenses. Her younger son still struggles with the disease of addiction. Gretchen founded A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) and is one of the three Co-Founders. She is also the lead organizer of PATH’s national Moms United to End the War on Drugs campaign. You can sign the Moms United Bill of Rights here.
Follow A New Path and MomsUnited on Facebook.
Ron Grover
Ron is the Director of Human Resources for a manufacturing company. He lives in Kansas and is the parent of a son in his early twenties. Ron’s son who was in active addiction for seven years is now in long-term recovery. In January of 2009, Ron began writing an award-winning blog, An Addict in Our Son’s Bedroom which is about living with and dealing with an addicted son. Ron reaches out to high schools and tells his family’s story. He is an advocate for drug education and awareness. He is a Parent Ambassador for The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a community of parents concerned about their teen’s drug use.
Shannon Rouse Ruiz
Shannon is from North Carolina and her mission in life is Prescription Drug Abuse Education and Prevention. Shannon’s daughter became addicted to Xanax. She experimented with a Fentanyl Patch, went into a coma, aspirated on her own vomit and was pronounced brain-dead. She was just 16 years old and had been active in sports, soccer, and competition cheerleading. Shannon has gone on from the tragedy of losing her daughter to start the P.E.A.C.E. Foundation (Prescription Education Abuse Counseling Empowerment) The PEACE Foundation educates the public about prescription drug abuse and prevention. Shannon volunteers as a Parent Ambassador for The Partnership.
Follow PEACE Foundation on Facebook.
Watch this Video Prescription Drug Abuse
Scott DePuy
Scott is a firefighter from the state of Washington. He is the parent of Ryan who was a funny, loving young man. He loved to play soccer, but when he was off the field, you could find Ryan skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, skimboarding, and surfing. Ryan became addicted to prescription medications, including Xanax and Vicodin. He overdosed and passed away on April 10, 2008.
Scott has gone on from the anguish of losing his son to form Ryan’s Solution Foundation. Ryan’s Solution is an organization that helps families who need an intervention but cannot afford it. They help schools fund events. They also use their resources to work on getting legislation passed for safe medicine to take back and creating low-income soccer camps that help keep at-risk youth off the streets. Scott volunteers as a Parent Ambassador for The Partnership.
Jodi Barber
Jodi is from Southern California and is a Floral Designer and an RX Advocate. Her son Jarrod became addicted to marijuana and the opiate, Opana. Jarrod, unfortunately, overdosed and passed away on January 8, 2010. Jodi has gone from this heartbreaking loss of her son to develop a documentary, Overtaken with Christine Brant. She also started a website, One Choice Can Destroy. Overtaken copies are available for $10.00. Donate a copy of “Overtaken” to your child’s middle or high school!
Watch the documentary Overtaken.
Dean Dauphinais
Dean, from Michigan, is a Senior Rights and Permissions Specialist for a major textbook publisher. His son became addicted to marijuana and eventually became addicted to heroin. Dean notes that some people do not think it is possible to become addicted to marijuana, but he has experienced this first hand. His son is in recovery, having been to rehab three times and has lived in six sober living houses. Right now Dean’s son has been clean since July 4th. Dean is a huge advocate for kicking the stigma of addiction. Dean writes about addiction and recovery on his blog My Life as 3D. He recently wrote a guest blog post for Heroes in Recovery.
You can follow Dean on twitter @deanokat.
Do you know other parents who are giving back after their children experimented or became addicted to drugs? How can you give back? Please share in the comments!
If you liked this post, please share it on social media. Thank you.
The stories are heart wrenching! One of the reasons I’m an advocate is because many of these deaths can be avoided with the proper knowledge and awareness is key! My heart and prayers go out to every family.
Hi Jodi,
I appreciate all that you are doing. It was emotional posting the stories, because they are sad and as you say hopefully these types of deaths can be avoided in the future. The more we are open and talk about the substance abuse and addiction of our kids, the more that people who have not been affected will understand that addiction is a disease and that it can happen to anyone.
I hope people will purchase the video and get it into the schools. It is so well done and tells the story straight from the heart. It is one of the best I’ve seen. Thanks again!!
You’re so right. If we all kept quiet, nothing would get accomplished! I appreciate everything you’re doing as well. Thank you for sharing and liking Overtaken. I’m happy to say it’s in schools across the nation, but still needs to get to many more!!
These are wonderful people. Bless their heart for turning something bad into something wonderful. It is so hard when young people get on the wrong road.
I was very lucky in the fact that I had an Aunt that was into drugs, etc. I learned at a very young age how they can mess up a persons’ life.
She never knew that she kept me straight. You never know how you will affect someone’s life with your actions.
Of course when it came to the drinking, my father did have a problem with that for many years, in turn made me see that I did not want to be like that.
Thank you for sharing their stories and bless all of you for helping these young people make the right choices in life.
debbie
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for your kind words. As you say, I believe almost everyone is touched by addiction in some way. Some of these kids were just experimenting, not realizing the danger involved. Many can let it go at some point, and it was just a phase in their life. But for these parent’s children and mine as well, the dependence became out of control and they didn’t realize the drugs had taken over their life. The more we discuss this topic, the more people will understand how important drug education is. Take care.
What a fabulous post and sooo important. This really needs to get out there. It is such an epidemic. You highlight some wonderfully inspirational people who have clearly made a huge difference from of their losses.
Thank you for putting this together. I’m going now to tweet it.
Hi Harriet,
Thanks so much for your kind words. It does need to get out there. There is still such a stigma and it keeps parents stuck when they do not feel comfortable seeking help if they are struggling with their teen. These parents are wonderful examples of turning their own loss around to help others. They are such a gift. Thanks for the support. Take care.
I am the mom of 2 drug addicts.. They are still using. My life has been wrecked for the last 5 years. I feel so very very bad for all the parents that are just now starting on the journey… and is it ever a journey… I will pray for all and everybody that is involved with a drug addict .. Their pain is just as hurtful as the addict. I am into this deal well over 150.000 ,, Please everybody…..DO NOT BE THE ENABLER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I cant stress this enough… Gail
Hi Gail,
My heart goes out to you and your family. It is emotionally and as you say financially exhausting when addiction affects your children. My hope is that if more of us keep talking about the dangers of substance abuse and teen addiction, more families will be saved from the pain of this experience. As parents it is a judgement call to make the decision if we are helping or enabling. When we continue to help someone continue their unhealthy behavior in spite of the obvious consequences that are involved, we are enabling. This is such a challenge for parents.Your point is a good one. Thank you for sharing your story and my best to you.
Cathy,
Thanks to you and also the parents in this blog who are doing what they can to make a difference to end our nation’s prescription drug abuse epidemic. We’re still losing so many lives every day and the work you are all doing WILL help educate and help turn around the devastation that has affected SO many families in every community in America. I truly believe that the loss of our beautiful 21-year old son, Joey, could have been prevented if he’d been aware of the dangers that I wasn’t aware of myself until after he was gone. We need to educate every parent out there so they can educate their children before it’s too late. Our organization (the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse) was founded to do what we can with that and to help make and change laws that can combat this abuse. We encourage everyone to join the discussion and info sharing on our Facebook (NCAPDA) and check out our website for information that can save the life of someone YOU love (www.ncapda.org).
Hi April,
You are doing such great work educating families so that they understand the dangers of experimenting with prescription drugs. This is an epidemic in our country, with some teens under the misguided impression that because these are prescribed by a doctor and are legal, that prescription drugs are safe. As you are aware, this is far from the truth.
In fact, according to NIDA, among youth who are 12 to 17 years old, 7.4 percent reported past-year nonmedical use of prescription medications. We definitely need more awareness in this country.
Thank you for all that you are doing to use your experience as a vehicle to educate other families! Take care.
Beautiful post Cathy!
Each one of these are touching stories by wonderful people who are trying to make a difference to the society in their best possible ways. Hats-off to them and it surely is a lesson to learn from them as well. 🙂
Most of the time kids and young teens don’t really realize what they are doing and want to experiment with things, just because they see their friends do the same things or just for fun. And when they do realize it’s too late as they get addicted to it.
I think that most of them are on this path is because somewhere or the other they themselves have undergone such a lot, which has made them realize the importance of creating awareness among others.
So far we’ve been lucky to be away from anyone involved so deep into alcohol, drugs, or addiction of any kind. Yes a few known ones I know do smoke and drink a great deal, though aren’t heavily addicted to it yet, but one can never say about tomorrow. I guess they shouldn’t wait for things to happen before realizing about it either.
Thanks for sharing such wonderful stories and making the effort to put them all together to make us all realize how we too need to help such people. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.These parents have used their experience as a way to reach out to others. This is so needed and such a gift. I was so happy to share their stories and shed more light on the work that they are doing, so that we have one more voice speaking out to help reach through the stigma that holds so many families back.
I’m so glad that your family has not had to experience addiction, and I also appreciate your support and understanding. This is a disease like any other, and we are losing too many kids, way too young. More education is needed by parents and in the schools. I appreciate your kind words. Take care.
Only by being open about what is happening and talking about it will we ever reduce the stigma attached to addiction. It can affect any family, anytime. Addiction doesnt follow a stereotype; however bad you may think it is in the US, believe me its worse in the UK. I’ve been breaking my anonymity for years to try and enable families to see that recovery is possible and for our communities to realise that addiction doesnt discriminate, just society!
We are trying to plan a recovery walk in our town however are facing opposition as its addiction related, the shop keepers believe that they will be faced with hoards of angry drug users and alcoholics, smashing bottles and leaving needes strewn around; they aren’t interested in learning about treatment and recovery they are too comfortable with the stigma to educate themselves or allow us to assist them.
To all these families thank you, your bravery and courage is astounding, addiction is a living hell for all those involved, your testimony will assist others to break free of their silence, and ultimately free us all from discrimination and stigma
Hi Amanda,
That is so true, it is not a national, but world health issue that we all need to be concerned about. How wonderful that you are planning a recovery walk, and it is unfortunate that the shop owners don’t understand the value of celebrating those that are in recovery.
I believe it starts with these and other groups doing what they can, but I also believe a strong message needs to come from both of our governments regarding the importance of drug education at home and in the schools.
Thank you for your kind words and support. Take care.
Back in February 25, 2011 I lost my son Francisco Herrera Jr. to the Oxycodone epidemic. It seems like yesterday. At the time both of my boys were shooting up drugs and my niece and her boyfriend. They all lived together. A month or so later The Tampa Bay Times started following my niece through her recovery, relapse and then recovery from Oxycodone. In the middle of it, her cousin overdoses and her mom has to go to the court to ask the judge to release her so she can watch him die.
The article is http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article1206405.ece.
Then in July ABC Action News did a documentry on our family and the Rifkin family. It is http://www.abcactionnews.com/generic/news/local_news/If-I-Die-Young—The-Prescription-Drug-Epidemic-in-Florida.
I’ve given I believe tons of scrap paper out with the info. on it and more DVDs of the documentry to try and bring awareness to the problem, and to hopefully touch hearts to seek treatment. As a family that is why we did it. We need to get the word out. No mom should have to ever loose their child, especially to drugs. Especially ones that are given so freely in our area by pain medicine doctors. 7 of our children die a day and that’s a lowball figure in Pinellas County alone from Oxycodone overdose. I commend everyone for their work in making awareness. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it as a mom. I’ve met more people that have lost childrens, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends etc from this epidemic. I don’t know of one family that hasn’t been affected in some way by these drugs.
God please be with the addict, God please praise the one in recovery, and God Bless the ones that lost the battle with drugs and were called home way too early. I love you son and miss you terribly.
Hi Tracey,
Thank you so much for sharing the story and your links. I will definitely check both of them out. No mom should have to ever lose their child. When they lose them because of drug use, it feels even more painful because of the stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction.
I appreciate that you are sharing your thoughts and reaching out to others to help prevent this from happening to other families. My heart is with you. Take care to you and your family.
Thank you so much Cathy. The story isn’t about me and my son. It’s about my niece. We kinda unfortunately got grandfathered into it. I just pray that it continues to touch hearts to seek help. I have to believe it is. and thank you again
Thanks Tracey – Got it. I’m sure the story is helping many others understand the risks. Thanks for sharing!
Wow Cathy, thank you for sharing these stories. I wish we didn’t have to read about all of these kids who have become addicted or who have passed away due to these related instances. It breaks my heart to know that any parent has to watch their child suffer or ultimately even die from this.
I know that it can happen to the kid next door and a lot of times they just get caught up in things they just aren’t aware of. I even have a blogging friend who is almost in her 50’s who was prescribed pain killers from a recent surgery and was not told by the doctor that these could be addictive. She was furious when she found out and immediately stopped taking them.
Although we never want these things to grace our door, thank goodness for people like you who continue to make us all aware that this is happening every single day to really wonderful people. Sometimes we don’t think about it if we don’t know someone personally.
I appreciate all that you do Cathy to make us all aware. Please do keep up the excellent work you’re doing with your blog making us all aware of this horrible disease.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne,
Thank you for your support. I wanted to share these family’s stories for the reasons you just mentioned. I want people to understand it is happening in neighborhoods in every city and suburb in America. No one is immune.. It is a big health issue that we should all be concerned about. I want addiction and recovery to have the same attention that other diseases such as breast cancer and AIDS have received. They are both important causes, but addiction deserves the same kind of attention. It would benefit all of us. Take care and appreciate your comment.
I can’t thank you enough for this information. That’s all I can bring myself to say today. Thank you.
Hi Martha,
Thank you for stopping by and your support of these families.
Oh how heartbreaking these stories are….my sister died on an addiction of dulcolax; she had an eating disorder. There was the moment that the body finally gave up. Thanks you for reaching out to many!!
Hi Olga,
My heart goes out to you and I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. Eating disorders are challenging and it is painful that people die from their struggles with an eating disorder, or any addictive disease. It feels so unnecessary and their lives are way too short. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story. Take care.
Dear Cathy,
I want to thank you so much for the recognition. To be thought of in the same place as all of these other wonderful parents is truly humbling.
My only critique of your article is that it only contained 9 parents. At least you should have had 10, I nominate Cathy Taughinbaugh for that 10th position. The work you do in helping parents navigate the mine field and educate themselves on addiction is invaluable to all of our efforts.
My only hope your next list is 9000 parents making a difference instead of 9.
Hi Ron,
Thank you for your kind words! I’m sure you feel the same way. I love what I do and it feels like I’m meant to be here, but I appreciate the comment.
Honestly, I think a Part 2, and hopefully 3 or 4 is in order. I will make that my new goal to track down more parents for this kind of a post. I learn best when I read or hear someone else’s story and I believe many other people do as well. Take care.
Oh my gosh, Cathy – this is an incredible group! Thanks so much for pulling them all together. This should truly help people better understand the disease and that it can happen to anyone. Thank you!
Hi Lisa,
I agree, it can happen to anyone and that is the message that I want to send. You, as well are doing an amazing job of getting this message out and I encourage all readers to visit Lisa’s blog, Breaking the Cycles,com. Take care my friend.
Cathy….I am overwhelmed by these stories. Their willingness to share their personal stories in order to educate and help minimize the stigma associated with addiction is extraordinary.
Clearly, each of them are on a mission. It is their life’s work. Thanks for bringing them to our attention.Fran
Hi Fran,
This is an extraordinary group of people. It takes courage, and I’m sure it’s painful to relive their loss as they share their story. It can be a way to heal, but it is such an amazing gift to others to receive this information so that other families can be spared this kind of pain. Thanks for your support. Take care.
Thank you for collecting each and every one of these stories together. I am the parent of 5 kids, 4 teenagers and I can not believe the strength theses parents have displayed to cope with their kids addictions.
I’ve shared this post on twitter and hope many, many people read your article! Thank you for this.
Hi Dorien,
Thank you for sharing the article. Teenagers are wonderful people, but it can be challenging time for many parents. There are so many temptations, but with continued communication, the message can get across that drugs are dangerous and can even be fatal. Take care.
I love this post Cathy. The strength and courage of each of these parents shines through. It will give hope to so many who are struggling with their own children’s addictions.
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for your support and for all you are doing to spread the word about the dangers of alcoholism. You have an amazing story which will help many. Take care.
Such emotional stories and so much pain. All of these parents are so brave to share their stories in hopes that someone else will be spared the same pain. This is a message that needs to get out…I will be sharing this post, Cathy.
Hi Sheri,
Thanks so much for your support. This is a message that needs to get out, and I appreciate your help. Take care.
Cathy–How wonderful that you gave a shoutout to all those brave parents who have been challenged in this way. I deal with food addiction and I will be sharing this on my fan page.
Hi Meryl,
Thanks so much for your support. Food addiction is a big challenge as well. The parents are brave and are wonderful to be sharing their story. I appreciate you stopping by. Take care.
I love these stories and they are not proud moments when a parent has to tell about a problem that their child is having. Hats off to the parents that shared these. That will help someone else get help and face it.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for your support. and for stopping by. It is embarrassing, and a struggle when you child isn’t doing well. These parents are a gift to help others before their child reaches the stage where their substance abuse is getting out of control. Take care.
Cathy,
This is one powerful post about beautiful amazing and loving people. Wow! I had goosebumps throughout. Thanks for your awesome blog.
Hi Tess,
Thanks for the kind words. It gave me goosebumps as well, just writing the article. The topic is very moving. You have been an awesome source of support with addiction, and sharing my blog. I know from your experience of working with addicts, that you have a deeper understanding of the disease and how it affects people. Thanks my friend. I appreciate all the help you have given me.!
The stories are heart wrenching…. wow! My heart goes out to them. But let me share this victory with you….
This is the story of a young married couple, only 25 years old. 8 months ago, Chuck was a drug addict, pusher and beat the hell out of anyone he could. Very angry young man. Annik was a prostitute, addicted to drugs, got beaten up on a regular basis. She almost died many times due to beatings and overdoses. Chuck tried to kill himself many times, jumping out windows, etc… He got stabbed, held at gun-point, etc… Has many scars today. He comes from a well-to-do family, great parents. Her background is from a broken home, mother having many mental issues over many years. Chuck fell into the wrong gang while in school and wanting to be accepted bowed down to peer pressure; Annik went looking for the love she so craved, but all in the wrong places. *** WELL! Last night they share their testimony of where they were when they found God and where they are now. What an AWESOME couple they are today. You know what? People throw away broken people, but God… oh but God takes the broken things of this world and makes beautiful masterpieces with them. We have watched this 6 ft 4 in, 275 lbs guy go to the front of the church during worship on Sundays… huge tears rolling down his face… being transformed from week to week. We have watched Annik praising God for all he has done, she also with tears washing the hurt away. It is humbling to see where these are today. One Sunday night, I was sitting behind them; as I watched them worship, it so touched me to see how completely transformed their lives have been. Sitting besides them, was Annik’s Mom. Yes. She also has been transformed. As I sat watching them worship God, I began looking around me and I saw… Francois, who at one time was so desperate in his own life that he wanted to kill himself. But he was standing praising God. I turned my head and saw Rebecca… drug addict totally restored and singing her heart out. A little further down the pews, I saw many many more who came from the pit, but all standing praising God. A moment like that truly humbles you. How GREAT is our God… I hope this post has blessed you as much as it has blessed me to share it with you. Annik is now singing & playing guitar for God… and Chuck& Annik are going into the ministry to work with broken youth and young adults. AWESOME!!!!
Hi Norma,
Thank you for sharing this inspiring story! People can change, and the more stories I hear, the more I realize that they can be at the very bottom, decide to go in a different direction, and their life can begin again. How wonderful that these people are finding hope and inner peace at church, and giving back in any way that they can. There is hope for any addicted person. Anyone can find recovery. You story may inspire someone to take that first step. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and tell your story. Take care.
What a marvelous post! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Mandy for stopping by!
I know a parent/fellow blogger who is helping her son recover from an overdose right now. I’m going to forward the link to this post to her. I know she will appreciate it.
Hi Galen,
Wonderful, please do send it to her. It is a very lonely place when you realize your child is struggling with substance abuse. It is helpful to know that their are other families who have gone through the same situation. Take care.
Such courage that these parents have displayed in the face of their losses! Thank you for sharing their stories. It is not only kids getting their parents’ meds and playing around, but those who start off with a legitimate need for a prescription and end up addicted. It is appalling how easily some physicians will prescribe dangerous drugs to someone.
Hi Susan,
I agree that some physicians are too quick to prescribe. Some have connections to the pharmaceutical companies, some find it easier to give the prescription than to have a call later from a patient who is in pain. Most doctors have good intentions, but it has gotten out of hand. This is clearly an epidemic and we are losing our precious children. Thanks for the support!
My journey through my son’s addiction is far from over- however, I am no longer a cog in the wheel of his plans and perpetual spiral! To learn more about how to get off the ride, you are not alone: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RMLBG6
There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation to learn more visit the website
http://www.tinhihfoundation-com.webs.com
The Mission of the There is No Hero in Heroin foundation is to promote awareness, educate the public and encourage those struggling with addiction and those who love them. We are dedicated to raising the curtain on the epidemic of drug addiction in our schools, the scarcity of rehabilitation programs, and the need for quality federally and state funded rehab programs and hold drug courts and law enforcement more accountable. There is no hero in heroin, only those who overcome.
Goals:
1. Fundraising to provide scholarships to offset the cost of rehabilitation and family counseling.
2. Provide resource referral assistance nation-wide.
3. To assist in the establishment of local chapter support groups.
4. To organize, plan and hold the worldwide annual Black Monday Event Raising Awareness for Loved Ones Lost to Addiction.
5. Facilitate drug addiction seminars to various interest groups, including religious organizations, addiction recovery groups, and educational facilities.
6. Remain in contact with our legislators and congressmen to lobby for support increased funding for drug courts and quality drug rehabilitation programs.
7. Introduce the concept of Therapeutic Communities to the prison system.
Hi Jan,
You are another one who is giving back in a big way between your organization and your book! That is wonderful. I love this line – “I am no longer a cog in the wheel of his plans and perpetual spiral!” That is such a challenge for parents, especially moms. We want to fix and make it better and it is heartbreaking when we cannot. Good for you that you are strong and living your life. We can help to a certain point, but they have to meet us halfway. Thanks for sharing your information. I know many people will be helped by the work that you are doing.
What a wonderful post Cathy! I waited to comment while I watched all the videos…so worth it. We know many parents who have gone through so much with their children, especially some of my middle son’s friends. I can’t imagine! But then to go on and do something good is amazing. Thanks for your ongoing inspiration!!
Hi Betsy,
Substance abuse is such an epidemic these days that unfortunately most of us do know people who are going through it. I appreciate your continued support and these parents are doing amazing work.
Take care.
Heart wrenching stores but also stories of hope. I am a strong believer that for every point of anguish in our life there is joy. We can all do out part to turn our negatives into positives, always.
Hi Anita,
I do agree that we learn from our life lessons and we can go on to rebuild a life of hope and joy. I find it commendable to use an experience of family pain to help others, so that they can learn from the experience. Thanks for stopping by!
This is a wonderful post!, I will definitely share this on my fb wall. I know people that are involve in drugs and alcohol addiction some of them are a close family friends. I hope these will serve as a wake up call to them before it’s too late.
Hi Maria,
It is challenging when family or friends chose to go down this path. Anything we can do to spread awareness, I believe is helpful. Take care.
Thanks for sharing such an Amazing post! I appreciate you sharing all of these stories.
Thanks for the support Susan.
Hi Cathy:
What an amazing group of parents. It was really sad to read that many of them lost their kids to addiction. I had hoped for happier endings, but you can see how devoted the parents are to raising awareness and creating a different future for our kids today.
– Wendy
Hi Wendy,
They really are amazing, but they are dedicated to help other families avoid the same tragedy. Take care.
Hi Cathy,
What a wonderful people these are. Giving knowledge and helping others deal with their addictions. Addictions are serious problems and with proper education and knowledge, the person can stop their addictions and turn their lives from suffering to joy. Thanks for sharing my friend
Hi Dia,
So true that if we can give knowledge to others through our experiences, other families can be helped. It makes an impression when someone shares their story, and hopefully the people that have been touched with these stories will not go down the same path. Take care!
These are brave parents to tell their stories. I love that they are helping others with their private problems. Lovely post.
Thanks Barbara!
What an amazing post! Thank you for sharing the stories of such amazing parents. To be able to come through the loss of a child and put yourself and your hurt out there to help other peoples’ children takes such strength and courage.
I can’t imagine anything more difficult than the heartbreak of watching your child descend into the depths of substance addiction … and maybe even lose him or her. To be able to transform that into a desire to give back …
So true, Sharon. I appreciate you stopping by.
Indeed this is amazing post! It’s heartbreaking knowing a friend or family chose to go down this path of addiction. But what is more amazing are the parents decide to put these together to help others…..
Hi Denise,
It is amazing and so needed for all of us to hear the stories of others. It has an impact when we hear from someone who has experienced it. Take care and thank you for stopping by.
Cathy this is a great resource for those of us who struggle with addiction in our families. Thank you for all the work you do to provide clear and concise education to others.
Thanks Susan. Glad you found it helpful.
These are great inspirations… Ron Grover’s blog is one I have followed over the years, and I appreciate that he speaks for so many, and understands the difficult journey having an addicted child starts you on. Myself, raising my addicted daughter’s child has curbed my writing – he’s a busy little guy! But for 3 plus years I have blogged about not only my daughter, but the delimma faced upon learning she was pregnant, and the goal of ensuring her child was safe. It is easy to get wrapped up in the addict’s drama and overlook the innocent bystanders.
Regards,
Athena (aka Mom vs Heroin)
Hi Athena,
Welcome to Treatment Talk. Ron Grover has an amazing blog and he addresses the issues that so many families of addicted children can relate to. That is wonderful that you have stepped up to raise your grandchild. That is not an easy job and you should be commended for all that you are doing. My best to your and your family. It is not easy when our child becomes addicted and as you are aware, it affects many others besides just the addicted person. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katie-allison-granju/prescription-drug-addiction_b_1852418.html
Is a recent article about a mother who recently lost her son to prescription drug use and overdose
Thank you for sharing the article, Athena!
I lost it when watching Brandon’s story . . . all of the stories are heart wrenching. I can’t tell you how many parents have told me, “My kid doesn’t have a problem with drugs or alcohol. They’re just experimenting a little like all kids do.” I’ve seen these kids wasted out of their minds and have even had conversations with their parents . . . they don’t want to know, they are in denial. Aside from those parents, it’s not always obvious, like in Brandon’s case.
If it was the norm for parents to drug and alcohol test their kids after just one known incident and then put in place consequences for not abstaining, this tragedy wouldn’t happen to the high degree that it currently does. I’m not saying this is a perfect solution but it’s more than I’ve seen any other parent do in my kids very wide circle of friends.
Thank you so much for this very valuable and inspiring post Cathy. And many thanks for all of your contributions to our education.
I am responding to the Darris comment about parents providing drug testing. I could not agree with her more. (Also, thank you Cathy for this great website!)
I too am utterly puzzled by the ambivalence towards drug testing. In the field of oncology (cancer), we have a full array of “early detection” testing. In comparison, we have an addiction disease that afflicts so many of our 16 to 26 year olds and the advice and guidance for parents is to “cross your fingers and have conversations.”
The fact that our government anti-drug websites and the addiction treatment industry remains largely silent on recommending drug testing is inexcusable. As a 25 year professional in the addiction treatment industry as clinician and administrator, I have asked this question so many times I became weary of asking.
I have been working on writing an article for parents on the how to use drug testing the right way. I would be most appreciative if persons would comment on the article to make it as useful as possible for parents.
Drug Testing the Right Way:
http://www.recoverymaps.com/genarticles.html?
Sincerely,
J. Todd Barlow
Hi Todd,
Welcome! I believe drug testing can be helpful to families in certain situations. I feel every family is different. For some it might be better to have the doctor’s offices do the testing. My only caution is that because of the many ways to outwit the tests, it does help for parents to be vigilant and find out what is the cause of the substance, as well as being proactive in other ways. Every family is different and it does help to do your research and learn about the latest treatments and programs that will be the most successful for your child. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi Darris,
You make a very valid point, that drug testing can help to know whether your child is using or not. There are a number of opinions on whether parents should drug test their kids or have a professional do it, because sometimes parents assume all is well because of the test results, when in fact it is hard to test for every drug and kids can be savvy about outsmarting the drug test. That being said, too often parents assume their child’s substance abuse is a passing phase or just don’t feel comfortable dealing with it, so they ignore the problem and hope it will go away. As we all know, this is not the best strategy. Being proactive and making sure your child is safe early on can help them make better choices and save lives. Never any guarantees, but it can help. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
First i have to say sorry because i’m not good enough in english.
Nice share, we have a same problem in my country Indonesia. There are so many people get addicted and some of them are a very famous person. If you don’t mind i will share this articel on my blog. I hope it can be an inspiration for the people in my country.
Welcome! Thanks for stopping by Bee. Addiction unfortunately is world wide. It affects all of us and is a problem that needs our attention in new creative ways to help stop epidemic, especially among teens. All the best.
I can relate to you because my family and friends don’t smoke or drink excessively. If we know someone who smokes occasionally, we should stop them as early as we can because it will just make them a chain smoker sooner or later.
Hi Imogen,
Welcome! It is important for parents to stop excessive drinking or smoking with their child who are under 18. The brain does not fully develop until about the age of 25, so they need to protect their brains from early use of drugs or alcohol. The earlier parents intervene, the better. thanks for stopping by!
These stories are so heartbreaking Cathy and an amazing testament to the wonder of the human spirit. That these parents are able to rise above their tragic losses and work towards helping and supporting others is awe-inspiring.
Thank you so much for shedding greater light on the tragedy of drugs and our young people.
It is amazing to know the number of parents that are reaching out help others. Some have lost their children, others are grateful that their children have recovered. All have one goal which is to spread the word about the disease of addiction and it can devastate lives. Thank you for stopping by and supporting the cause!
Update on my son: On March 2, 2014 he will be 20 months clean and sober. I am grateful for every day. Peace.
That is awesome, Dean!! I so happy to hear that. From a mom who has watched her kids find recovery, I find that their past experiences encourages them to go on and thrive! All the best to you and thanks so much for the update!