“7 Days: The Opioid Crisis in Arkansas” - Mid-America Emmy® Nominee
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- Опубликовано: 25 окт 2021
- Hear the stories of Arkansans who have suffered from addiction - as well as the continued fight in the state to address issues surrounding opioid use, misuse and addiction - in “7 Days: The Opioid Crisis in Arkansas.”
We’re proud to partner with Arkansas Department of Education, Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA, FBI Little Rock Field Office and the Office of Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane to bring you “7 Days: The Opioid Crisis in Arkansas.”
The intimate documentary - produced and directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Nathan Willis - explores the reality of drug use in The Natural State and the harmful, long-term effects opioids have not just on those who become addicted to but about the impact they make on users’ family, friends and communities.
Learn more at myarpbs.org/redribbon.
“7 Days: The Opioid Crisis in Arkansas” is a 2022 nominee of the 46th Annual Mid-America Emmy® Award in the categories of Documentary - Cultural and Director - Short Form or Long Form Content.
Arkansas PBS has been nominated for the Public Media Award for Topical Feature from the National Education Telecommunications Association (NETA) in the 54th annual competition. The Public Media Awards honor NETA members’ finest work in content, community engagement, marketing/communications and education.
I moved to Florence, Italy, in 2015. I have had to see a doctor once for a foot injury and a dentist once for oral surgery. I asked for pain medication with the foot injury and I was refused. I assumed that I would get something prescribed for after the oral surgery as I had had similar surgery in California and I was AUTOMATICALLY prescribed 30 Vicodin. The dental assistant gave me two pills prior to surgery and she said they were for pain. I don't know what they were but they had no detectable physical effect on me whatsoever (in other words, there was no buzz or high). Afterwards, I was only prescribed antibiotics and I experienced no pain AT ALL from the moment the anesthetic wore off. If you want to fix a big cause of this problem in the States, the medical profession has to get out of bed with the pharmaceutical companies and they have to stop dispensing opioids like candy!!
You're forgetting, Americans have a strong sense of entitlement. I work in health-care. Ppl will demand medication and threaten law suits, be belligerent, and cause all types of uproar, to get what they feel entitled to.
It's more of an entitlement issue. I hear it from family members constantly, " she/ he said they're in horrible pain, and you're neglecting to give medicine. This is inhumane, and I'm going to report you!"
White ppl's entitlement is a curse within itself.
I think we all wish this would happen in the States. It’s how everyone starts. Taking some hydrocodone pills from mommy and daddy’s medicine cabinet. Then it only goes downhill from there. Our government and pharma companies pay wayyyyyy to much for any elected official or doctor taking these pills away from the public and off our shelves. It’s scary for the ones growing up now and such a shame it’s just all about money and power. Rest In Peace the ones who haven’t made it and I pray for you if you are still battling this disease.
I had my wisdom teeth pulled and got zip. Nada. No pain meds prescribed. I thought man I’m going to hurt. Guess what. Took ibuprofen and no pain.
(USA FLA)
Absolutely. The doctors prescribing these terrible drugs are hugely responsible for the epidemic.
@@suzannaj3834 Florida was the heart of this problem, they had to start the crackdown. West Palm primarily and throughout were stacked with Pain Clinics.
I‘m a doctor here in Germany. An anaesthesiologist to be precise, so we deal with opioids every day. We rarely prescribe opioids to non-palliative patients. People get oxycodone for a few days after major surgery. But we always give them metamizol too and more often, we supply them with a regional anaesthesia catheter in the leg (or arm, wherever the fracture is) and use ropivacain (numbing medication as used by dentists) to control for the pain. It‘s amazing, they usually don‘t need any pain meds with this. We also use peridural catheters („epidural“ as for women giving birth) for abdominal surgery. We take out whole organs and the patients are completely pain free after surgery with the epidural catheter. They are also seen by physical therapists, psychologists and occupational therapists during their hospital stay.
As for GPs…they usually prescribe physical therapy first and have patients see other doctors to see if the problem is treatable by surgery. It‘s all paid for by universal health care. When I broke my leg I had PT 5 times a week without any cost and recovered very quickly, without pain meds.
I truly hope the US gets a grip sometime in the future and helps EVERYONE to good health care. It‘s a human right. Pain has to be treated in it‘s entirety with all it‘s components.
if you need to keep treating a patient for pain, you can charge him for each visit, curing him would deprive all US doctors of an easy check...
The Austrian here totally agrees from a patient's point of view. Can't speak to the procedures, only the meds a bit.
Had two episodes of kidney stones, only used Metamizol. Still had pain. But I didn't expect to have rattling kidneys without pain. For adults, if you can't avoid it, manageable pain should be good enough for a few days or weeks.
Действительно странно такое тотальное употребление опиатов, в США вне закона НПВС что ли ? Тот же метамизол который действует на те же болевые рецепторы что и опиаты , но не вызывает эйфории и зависимости.
Thank you for the insight,would be great to have that here
@@christiancarle1454 And when the patient goes off the meds the pain gets 10 times worse so he needs more and more. It's job security for docs.
I'm exactly 48 hours in to quitting an 8 yr oxycodone addiction that was up to 200mg a day for the last year. I realize that I completely forget what it's like to do anything when I'm not high. Kind of looking forward to seeing and experiencing things again for the first time through my own eyes.
I hope you are still clean ❤️ you got this.
@AllAboutLyrics12 I am! I had a couple very small slip us about 5 weeks in but I am still going very strong. Although I'm still not feeling 100%, Life is wonderful. Thanks so much!
Well done dude. No excuses. You are in control. Exercise is your best friend.
Good onya. Me too. Been 4 months clean. Had a weekend on booze but gave that a swerve too
How was the first 72 hours? Ty
Recording someone dying of an overdose is fucking crazy
And the way they were talking to the person made me furious.. like sit them up so their lungs aren’t compacted so they can at breathe a little bit better
44:27, in this video you will see the picture of my beautiful son Max! We miss him so very much, he fought this battle for a few years. In life he was extremely intelligent,an incredible athlete, excelling in every sport, and he made friends so easily, When he became a father at 25, it was the happiest day of his life, he loved her so much, and she was a daddy’s girl for sure… Sadly when your in the middle of this disease, the drug comes first. Honestly, at the end of the day, I never once thought he would die… He attended several rehabs, and tried so hard the last 2 years to get sober,.. but this disease runs deep.. I wish I could give you a big hug, and tell you just how much I LOVE YOU!!!I thank God daily for your beautiful little girl. Every single time I look at her I feel your presence.. She looks so much like you, her little freckles are in the exact spot as yours..
Forever grateful that you were my son!! Love you forever Maxer💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Been sober for over 10 years now but it should be 26. Rehabs give you the tools to get well and STAY sober but the problem is coping with the world on a sober basis. It becomes overwhelming, especially when you get sober, the past is still there. I wished I’d have met Max, as I have a 28 year old son who has 6 years of recovery and has a new baby boy. Please don’t stop sharing your messages of hope because this disease is cunning & baffling. Maybe Max’s story will help save someone else’s life. That’s of little consolation now, but I’ve got nothing else to offer. I’ll be thinking of Max for awhile. As they say in the rooms of recovery, it’s easy to get sober, staying clean & sober is the hard part. God bless y’all and I’m so very sorry to hear of this, and I hope the sorry bast*rds selling this poison find hell hot.,🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
My heart Breaks for you sweet Soul. He knows, you love him mama...God Bless you both.
What a heartbreaking thing to happen. My thoughts are with you ❤️💙❤️
I’m so sorry you lost your son. I lost a teenage son to suicide and I understand your grief.
What keeps me going is knowing he’s ok and I’ll see him again one day.
@@cindyweir9645 You really will- energy never dies. x
I begged my doctor for pain pills, he just wouldn't give them to me. Ten years on , I still thank him from time to time.
To each his own 20 later and i see it just makes life harder all drugs should be leagle then black market would die
I had the same. Begged my doctor for sleeping pills because I was exhausted of travel schedule. She would only give for 2 days. You are young just get some sleep
Im the opposite. 7 years on and I hate them for denying me
When you shatter part of your hand and have two other fractures but are only offered ibuprofen...
The trick is NOT begging. Over here we get the skittle fentanyl candies where u really only need to take a 1/5 bite PLUS cheaper than percs or vicodin. Hit it up, we're here all day. As well as a new shipment of tussinex
Went from taking ten, 30mg. Oxy a day to 3 years clean today! I finally feel like myself......took so long but I did it and those out there with addiction, you can get help!!!! It sucks the first couple of months but it's soooo worth it!!!
Bro that’s fucking crazy hard work to kick 30 mg of oxy ten times a day. Congrats.
@John hardest thing I ever did.....but I lost 2 of my best friends this year because their oxy was laced with fentanyl....not just dudes I new in my drug circle....I mean we were all friends since 3rd grade bro almost our entire lives....if that doesn't sober u up...I don't know what will...
Congratulations and continue the journey strong
Congratulations
@John-lx3jf i am by no means bragging but at My worst I was taking 80 mg a day. Often more. I have been clean for 4 years
My heart goes out to all of these families. My youngest daughter succumbed to multiple medications and in the end she ended up hanging herself in her closet. She was 25 years old. This is a pandemic that continues to kill our loved ones. I pray for each parent and each family who has lost their loved ones. I will never forget my sweet daughter and hope to see her on the other side. I also care for families in this documentary. You are loved too.
I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss
God Bless you
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My heart is saddened. I pray that God will help you and our country.
So sorry for your loss I think everyone has at least one or more person or family member that has a some kind of addition in their mist big pharma or soulless murders 🥺😥
44:27 - My brother Max. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him.
I will miss you for the rest of my life Maxer.
Im sorry man I lost my big brother tommy...
Sorry for your loss.
My condolences for your loss of Max. May Max R.I.P. 🕊🌹
Tommy Real High NOW!
@@donnawentz2221 Thank you!
That doc in beginning forgot to mention that The sackler family and Purdue pharma also pushed doctors to prescribe opioids and they also paid for studies to say Oxys were NOT addictive. That was the huge missing part in this piece. Without a major Corp pursuing profits - the amount pushed by doctors could have alter the course of this opioid pandemic
There is another missing part to this piece that is missing. It is that although thousands of people are dying from this narcotic every year due to abuse, millions of people every year have been helped by this narcotic by alleviating the pain caused by terminal deceases, surgery, accidents and even combat wounds. I have been injected with morphine and fentanyl while suffering from debilitating pain and during surgery. Like all things in life, dosage is the poison.
@@thebigmon Amen. They are therapeutic if you stay on top of the dosage. You have to be almost militant about it.
@@dalhousiekid if you only get 2 a day from your doctor to treat flare ups of major pain it should be easy. That's if you're straight with a doctor.
THIS!
Purdue Pharma was far from a "major" drug manufacturer before Oxy. They had a single product, Betadine, that was their bread-and-butter, and they were a small, privately held company when they started us on this horrendously bumpy road. Hulu is now streaming a miniseries that dramatizes the Oxy story, "Dopesick," based on a non-fiction book of the same name which I'm reading now. The stupidity of the FDA combined with the venality of a few members of a very greedy family running the company within a few short years is what got us into this mess.
This was a wonderfully made Documentary. I lost my 1st and oldest daughter to being shot at age 21. She was with a friend from school trying to get a ride minutes before her death. He denies involvement. My Katelyn was so beautiful inside and out. Then her sister, my 2nd daughter, Madison, age 21 was suffering dry socket in a tooth she had pulled. A "friend" gave her a counterfeit pill and she died of fentanyl poisoning in her sleep. She left behind 2 beautiful girls. She was my rock. My best friend. I miss her every minute of every day. I feel the need for more answers.
Then, one of my son's best lifelong friends died gge same exact way as my Madison. His name was Ben. His parents suffer terribly also.
I am the face of two of the #USA's #epidemic (s). God help me. My condolences to everyone suffering loss due to #gunviolence or #fentanylOD. I feel your pain.May you find some way to make it into a beautiful #tribute to your loved ones ❤️ #onepillcankill #overdose
I pray that God can eventually heal your heart. Please try not to blame yourself. I'm sorry for your losses.. Merry Christmas
Sorry for your Loss...Sadly,where there is Dope,there is Money..These thugs don"t care...
Oh my gosh. A mother's worst nightmare. My heart goes out to you.
I pray for you. I’m so sorry for the loss and pain you have experienced
Bonnie from this video worked with me she was my sponsor at one point. I was addicted for years thank god (even though I dnt talk to her or anyone from back then) I’m still going strong Dec 4 will be 8 yrs I still hard days but I work through them. Thank you Bonnie for everything ❤❤
3 years off methadone and 5 years off opiates.
Congratulations. I've known people on methadone maintenance for almost ten years. ...good for you!!👏👏👏💪🙏✌
Congrats! Keep it up and hang in there... there is someone else out there who will be encouraged to hear your beautiful testimony.
Nice work brother
Congracts
Good! Get on with your life.
I used to go to Arkansas pill mills, they would give me anything I asked for. I never thought I could live without pain pills, now I don’t know how I ever lived that way. Suboxone saved my life and sanity.I have 16 years of sobriety, no alcohol either! Life is so much better, I have no desire for either. I was pretty bad off, overdosed I don’t know how many times. I blame these drug companies for the majority of the opioid problems in our country. Please get help, it so worth it, everyday gets better and better
Drug companies are not to blame for the stupidity of people. Drug companies do not force you to swallow pills that's the bad choice you make free will. All while growing up all the commercials said was SAY NO TO DRUGS. Irritating when people blame others for their choices. Help and healing starts when you take responsibility for you.
Oh honey I’m so glad you had the will to get help! I’ve been sober 9 years with the help of treatment center. My life is so much better! Congratulations on your sobriety! 😊💜
Subs were a life saver at one point for me. How long did you stay on them? Depression was at a all time high when I stopped taking subs.
Are you on suboxone now…if so you are still addicted and an addict! It helps to stabilizes you and gives you no anxiety about where your getting it but you’re not ‘clean’ if you’re taking it.
@@iy4563 doctors prescribing to folks is a big part of the problem…did ya watch the stories of these folks! It’s really easy to blame the addict when you have never felt or experienced what it’s like…if ya think addicts just wanna keep on doing the drugs you’re unaware of the complexities of addiction.
I have my long term boss to thank for helping me get clean off fentanyl and it was in a way no one expected. I have to be the luckiest person to come out of this the way I have. I had a 150 dollar a day blue habit. This all started from 2 back surgeries in school from football. Doctor progressed me from tabs to Percocet and then eventually sold the Percocet to buy pressed pills (blues) because they were better than the real thing. I had (still have it too and that's why I am thankful) a great job but I was single with a 200 thousand dollar house and 60 thousand dollar truck and was still able to put money in an IRA from my check, full health insurance etc. I had a month where I had many unexpected expenses and had to help my parents out with some money at the same time. I took a 5 thousand dollar "loan* from the business. Basically embezzled it but with all intent to pay it back. I needed it to maintain my bills and to have the pills I needed an also took more than I needed. I was caught by my boss before I could pay it back. Long story short, instead of getting mad he knew there was a problem and he also knew I would figure out a way to pay it back as well. I also had the extra I took for just I'm case money I gave directly back. A little over a grand. He sat me down and listened to my problem. He paid for me to enter in a 2 month treatment plan and called it 2 week vacation and continued to pay me and when I got out he let me continue to work for him and I have paid him everything back now. This was 4 years ago and been clean since. Only thing I did not payback was the cost of the treatment facility. He paid for that and refused to let me pay that back. He could have ruined my entire life if he got the cops involved, which it was what I deserved. But he didn't and he even helped me so I didn't loose anything i owned. I am also so Iucky I didnt die or end up in jail. Since then I have helped him grow the company to be now making triple in sales what we were back then and now the company is profitable the past 2 years and growing fast (started as small start up). Last year I met his niece as well and now engaged to her and he approves. I will always do anything for that man and owe him my life for giving me a second chance. I will bust my ass working for an him as long as he will have me. He also will not let me tell anyone we all personally know about it because he wants no recognition
@Vlad is he a christian?
What a great guy
Thats the type of guy you want to work for. I just came clean w my boss today and instead of firing me he gave me a bible and told me tp read it every day. And he encourages me to get clean. I love Mickey.
Wow, your boss knows God to have been that good to you.
Its people like your boss that make America great ... Stay blessed
What an absolute legend of a bloke your boss is!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Best of luck to you and your fiancée my friend. Much love from Blighty. ☺️🤗
My Dad overdosed in 2019. 55 years old and was gone just like that. It’s so painful to lose someone like that.
Its also a shame when America killed 1 million Iraqi civilians for no reason.
I'm so sorry to hear this. My father passed at 49 from suicide, caused by polysubstance addictions (cocaine, IV drugs and alcohol). It changes you.
I hope you're doing well with all of it
I'm so sorry for your loss 😢
Thank you all for the positive comments ❤️
@@domleah1987 Big Ups to you, too 🙏
This is a beautiful put together video. I was addicted to pain pills for 20 years and although I may never fully conquer that demon I pray for all of us who are affected by addiction in one way or another.
Right there with you somewhat. It's a sonofabitch dealing with chronic pain . Stay strong man .
I highly recommend looking into kratom tea. It might not work for everyone but based on my experience is so worth trying. Good luck on your recovery. 🖤
Thank you Brother! I'm praying for you as well. Are you on a maintenance program or did you kick it completely?
@@celestialchaoscustomsoaps2653 I tried Kratom and didn't have any luck with it.
You can do it people!! 😊🙏 Xx
I’m an x addict at 29. Last week I went to Chicago and my friend had bottle and bottles of pills. I saw this before I went. Thank you so much for helping me stay 2 months sober. 😔
You’ve got two months and your already calling yourself an “x addict”..... god help you.
@@youtubehastakenovermylife4979 I think he meant "x" as in molly.
If your sober for 2 months and that "friend" pulls pills out…. Then I don't see them as a true friend!
In my book misery… just loves company!
Might wanna have them find new company!
Good job staying sober for 2 months and hopefully, you've found a reason to stay so every day since and will continue every day henceforth. Hopefully, you have a good support system in place. Reach out, if you don't. Know that along the road to recovery will come growth, and with growth will come new people in that support system. Some may fall by the wayside...they're on their own journeys. Yours can continue no matter their involvement. We're on this earth to emote, I think. I think emotions are powerful things. Don't be afraid of them! (I'm telling myself all of this too, just to clarify I'm not being preachy)
@@youtubehastakenovermylife4979 well… that would be an ex addict, idiot.
"When drugs are involved nothing is ever going to be ok, never." Oofff that one hit me hard. And she's right... She is absolutely right.
It almost sounded like boss hogg was trying to blame the drugs INSTEAD of taking responsibility.
@@iheartageplay6314 I am not sure what you comment means. Can you explain please?
Dr. Martin was my substance abuse doctor while I was in residential treatment via Zoom. Her clinic is now my substance abuse management program. I went today, and she was there. I got the best hug from her.
My addiction is not opioid thank goodness, but alcohol. I still thank Dr. Martin for her help and support.
If you’re addicted and reading this, I swear on everything I love, your life after addiction is beyond amazing! You will find joy, you will have energy and you will really dig getting high on life! Don’t quit, you got this!
Were you addicted?
I feel like I read this for a reason. My Mom passed away a year as well as my Dad, 3 months apart. Super hard to deal with. Anyway, her name is Linda. May not mean anything to other people, but it means something to me that ya’ll share that name. Thanks.
@@amoresj8 yes I was addicted. I’m so incredibly sorry for the loss of your parents! I’m so sorry for what you’re going through too. I put my children through hell. It’s not fair to them, or to any child who has to experience the anxiety and sadness of watching their parents struggle. I hope you’re doing well and finding positive ways to deal with your loss🫶🏽
I survived opioid addiction, my beautiful husband did not. So i ask every day…did I survive it if it took half of me? I’m clean, but I’m lost without Jason. We had a life before all of this, and for 2 yrs after, in the end it still won. Facing this world without him is….😭🤯 I’m happy for the people who are living in blissfully clean. I’m tired of being told I’m feeling self pity. It’s grief. I’m grateful I’m clean, I’ve worked hard at it for 5 yrs, but what’s it worth when you don’t have your other half, best friend, love of my life??? I’m just saying it ain’t all peaches and cream. It’s the Devil, and he will take till there’s nothing left.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Sending prayers, Pink dahlia. I pray you meet another equally as beautiful person to share your life with in the future. It will say a lot about your lost relationship.
Learn to love yourself I lost the love of my life 26 years ago time heals all wounds pray to god he will help!!!
@@goldielocks8231 every day of my life! 💛🙏
@@countrycaliforniagirl32 thank you 💛🙏
I am a retired firefighter captain, ER nurse/paramedic who has managed literally 100s of overdoses. I appreciate the drive to control and limit opioid output, but the problem I have with making it more difficult for people to get needed pain medication is that it only pushes and causes the creation and development of more dangerous deadly uncontrolled-unregulated medications. I currently volunteer with our city's large fire department and have been on 2 overdoses within the last week which we had to give Narcan to reverse unconsciousness!
It is sad that people in need cannot get the drugs that would work best because of the misuse. My arthritis meds are so regulated that I worry month to month if I will have enough.
Every so often my local pharmacy runs out and I suffer in pain waiting for my refill.
I'm perhaps not medically that well informed on this, but is fentanyl really a good option for the people who genuinely need pain relief? It seems very easy to overdose on. In the UK where I'm from, fentanyl is very rarely prescribed. For serious pain it's usually something like codeine or tramadol that's prescribed here. Even then you have to have regular consultations with a GP/doctor before those are prescribed, they'll first go for weak painkillers like aspirin or a high dose of ibuprofen. I don't know anyone who takes fentanyl here. Of course our healthcare system is largely not for profit, and we don't have the epidemic that the US seems to have with the abuse of opioids.
@@oest2029 Right?? My jaw hit the floor when the first guy said he was prescribed opioids after having TEETH removed?? 😯 I mean, I know having wisdom teeth out is especially brutal, but.....OPIOIDS?? 🤯
We're not even prescribed pain relief here after having teeth out, they just tell you to smash down a few paracetamol in a few hours time! Unreal. American doctors are just a legal cartel at this point. 😮
But it might save another generations since it's going to be harder to get addicted from prescribed painkillers which is how many people in the US started. Here in Europe you will never get opoids as painkillers, they are considered as a very dangerous drugs that are only used in oncological patients or those who are already on their death bed. And we're completely fine here. And the reason for this is a heroin epidemic during the early '90. 3 decades later as you can see we're nowhere near the America is these days. So add 2+2
@oest2029 exactly. No one needs such a strong drugs to deal with pain, unless they're actually on the verge of death. And even then it is only used in hospitals, under strong regulations.
But i assume Americans need super strong painkillers so they could be back immediately to work after surgeries etc since they don't have paid sick leaves... So even more this leads us to conclusion that American healthcare system is at fault
Wow. Have never seen a documentary on the opioid crisis as brilliant and as hard hitting as this. I thank god that after 10 years, I finally made the decision to get clean. I’m very lucky I made it out of that mess with my life. I thank god everyday. Rip to those who weren’t as lucky. Condolences to all families affected.
GOD ? really This would be the god that allowed this shit to be made? The god who allows all these to die ? The god that allows pain in the first place
Congratulations
I don't miss those days for nothing. I was a college grad with an awesome career. I caught spinal meningitis as a pharmaceutical rep working in intensive care and almost died. Then my wife and oldest daughter had fatal car accidents. I dove head first into the oxymoraphone medication prescribed to me. I ended up out of control and homeless. I tried several rehabs but this time has been different. I use to think of pills nonstop after rehab but this time God intervened. Drugs haven't crossed my mind in over 3 years. My career is better than ever. I owe all the glory to Jesus Christ. I used opioids for over 15 years. Most of it I was as a functioning addict but the last 4 led to homeless and losing my career. Most people don't get this many opportunities or walk a way with their life. That is why I thank God everyday and pray for others to survive and be spared as well.
I'm so sorry for your terrible losses. May you continue to make great strides in your life. Take care. x
@@jodybobble thank you so much for your kind words. Everyday is a blessing and I welcome it with open arms. God has given me another chance at life and I refuse to waste it.
My sincere condolences for your loss, and I'm sorry you dealt with addiction. I am so glad you survived that time 🙏
@@lbu9542 I really appreciate it. I give the glory to God. Without him I wouldn't be here.
Yes God is the Alpha & Omega (Rev 1:18)kjv.
You need to be PROUD of YOURSELF because YOU DID THE WORK TO HEAL once God gave You the opportunity...Respect!🙏
I'm from hot springs Arkansas and have lived in fort Smith Arkansas for the past 10 years, I am 1.5 years clean from a 15 year opioid addiction, there were times during my addiction that I thought I'd never get clean but here I am clean, I turn 55 tomorrow (Jan 2nd 2022) and I am finally living my best life in a very long time... peace to all struggling and mad respect to all recovered...
Congratulations,
Immense accomplishment. Much love and support to you.
How do you get clean when you still have alot of pain? Is there something out there to help with pain that not bad for ou
Your message meant a lot today, especially. Keeping that good fight! Thank you. 🙏
Happy almost 56 and Congratulations
Sadly my son is one of the statistics of death due to Fentanyl in Little Rock, Ar. December 2021. Im still struggling to try and come to terms with his death. I stumbled across this video and I'm glad to see that my state acknowledges this horrible epidemic that is killing our children and family members on a daily basis. In saying that we've got to do more. I don't know the answer in what that would be but I would like to see more laws passed, stiffer punishments to the dealers that are pushing this death sentence on our families. Realistically I don't know what it will take but I do know the pain of losing a child and not have any answers to my constant questions of why this had to happen to my child. As a mother I will not let my sons death be in vain and I will continue to fight this battle till the day I die. #jacobforever29
My heart truly breaks for you Sonja. Im so sorry you lost your beautiful boy in December 2021, such a recent loss and please know people care. I care and wish I could take away your pain. Big hugs to you mumma bear.
I'm so sorry I'm 48 live in Western Australia. Never used drugs. Then I had a major surgery that went wrong. After 2 years of 12 major surgery's and 2 years of supplies opiates supplied by the pain specialist my world was turned upside down. I have tears why I write this. It's been the most vivid and toughest fight in my life. May your son Rest in Peace. I'd give my life up in a instant if I could save another from my night mare.xxx
@@patrickaussieMilartry I'm glad to hear your working on becoming drug free. Please continue to fight the urge and continue working on your sobriety. Drugs are not worth losing your life over. Thank you for your kind words I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy.
With all due respect, and condolences for your loss. But the dealers are big pharma and doctors. They are untouchable.
@@yisraelavraham4078 I absolutely believe that is true.
Dr. Martin is an incredible empathic person. That first conversation was just the perfect way to deal with people suffering from substance abuse. And she is 100% accurate and understanding of the struggle in getting into treatment.
She is an amazing human being!! 🙌🏻🥰
The lady connecting with troubled addicts is a professional angel 😇... I retired from corrections psychiatric services and fully understand the misery of opioid addictions.
Me too. You can’t make up the madness associated with substance use disorder. The mental health system of this country is corrupt as hell.
The woman is a Saint.
@@5thdimension625 anyone helping drug dealers is the real evil here. If drugs weren’t so easy to access, this would be a VERY different story.
She is a beautiful soul
And ''Misery'' it is, thats what addiction has to offer ..believe me.
Lisa, Australia🕊🦋🕊🦋
Im 2 years clean from heroin/fentanyl... ive lost most of my friends to this disease. Prayers 2 all who r struggling. Life is so much better sober.
I get opiates from time to time for kidney stones.
I can understand how people get addicted. The "euphoria" this video speaks of is powerful, but it's really just hitting the surface. Those shots and pills mentally put me in a place of calm, peace, and satiation that I've never even been close to feeling in life. Anxiety and depression just rule my Universe and it disappears in heartbeat with opiates.
To be content an unafraid. A quiet mind. No racing thoughts. I've never had an addiction problem, but it could take me if I let it.
It is incredibly scary to witness somebody overdose. You know they are on a razors edge in that moment and the slightest nudge towards either side is life or death. The sound of somebody gasping for each small breath is a sound that stays with you. It's not just "scary as hell", it's worse.
Trauma causes addiction, traumatized people needing to fill that hole, cover that pain……we have been falling apart….now it is all in our faces…..God Bless Humanity
I agree many are however, not all addicts have traumatic or horrible lives and are numbing the pain. Many people like myself simply loved how I felt on opiates. I liked getting high plain and simple. My life was and is great. There is a huge % of addicts like me. If it didn’t come with the negative aspects of addiction, I would take opiates every single day. But eventually one ends up chasing the dragon and that ends badly.
It's easy to be weak in this society.
Exactly! And each person has a different mentality before the Addiction.. we all have different mentality’s in general.. that’s a proven fact..
No, using drugs causes addiction.
@@cooyahshakur864 that is only a result of. People who live stable lives, for the most pet part have no need to fill the hole nor cover the pain!
Lost so many friends and family to fetanyl. I'm glad I was able to overcome opioids because its a very hard drug to quit. My condolences to those who couldn't beat it.
Same here sis, congrats on getting clean. I'm still a work in progress but I don't plan on giving up. I got my son depending on me...so everything I do is for him...
Congratulations, I pray you’re still clean, I’ve been taking it one day at a time for over a decade now, it gets better and better! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I've been to eight funerals this year. Five were opioid deaths. I'm ashamed to admit it, but it's happening so often I'm becoming numb to it.. and it seems the covid situation has actually made it worse...take care of yourself ma!!!🙏💪✌
Thank the doctors
@@jennifersuzannebk5149 Yes, and now China and lax Southern border policies
A comment here hit the nail on the head. So far, the healthcare industry and specifically the many doctors who did not abide by their oath “do no harm” have escaped ALL responsibility. Even if I buy the argument that they didn’t “know” it was addictive or that the pharmaceutical company “told them” it wasn’t addictive, these are highly trained, educated individuals. They should have been skeptical that any opioid derivative was not going to be addictive. Second, they absolutely would have seen their patients’ deterioration over time and would have known something was wrong. Lastly, they should have never accepted fancy vacations, dinners, honors, and other “BRIBES” (because that’s what they are) from Pharma companies. These doctors sold their integrity for a few thousand dollars in gifts. And now, here we are. Absolutely mind boggling and tragic what has become of our country with this epidemic…which began with doctors and Pharma companies and was considered LEGAL for decades. 😞
To everyone in recovery. You can do this. I’ve been clean for over 2 decades now. Fentanyl and opioids were one of my drugs of choice. You can get clean, it’s not a myth. Love ‘n peace to you all ❤🇬🇧🙏
Congratulations, mate!! I am soooo proud of you!! Much Love from across the pond, 💛
i didnt knew fentanyl was a thing 20+years ago!?
ive been off the needle for a little over a month, it aint much but im proud of myself, i thought i couldnt go a day and now im thinking as long as i focus on getting back the things i ruined over the years due to that addiction ill be alright. and if by some chance i get the things back than ill start focusing on not losing them again.
Congrats!!!
I hope you watch the video again and see that you have made it almost a year.
Never take anything again. Stay stong. Eat ice cream!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am proud of you too!!!! One day at a time and celebrate small achievements
Good for you, my 40 yr old son, just got clean after years of using. Like I tell him, stay strong, it gets better, my son finally has a bank account. Good luck!
Hope you're still doing well its so hard proud of you don't give up much love your way
I lost my big sister to this mess. What they don't talk about is how family and friends are judged BC we didn't help our loved one enough. Trust and believe we do call we can. You just have no power to save somebody who isn't willing to save themselves. Nothing hurts more then losing somebody you love slowly and feeling powerless to stop it. :(
It took me 7yrs to get me to that point where I wonted It needed it and finally opened my eyes to the hurt and destruction that I had caused to everyone around me and the long road began from there I’m clean 4yrs but you are right you must won’t it yourself not for anyone else but you then everyone can come after
I can't imagine how difficult it is for the families. I'm sorry for. your loss.
What others need to understand is that until the addict is ready to be sober there really isn’t anything you can do except love them and let them know when they are ready to get clean you’ll be there for them. Families are often hurting as bad as the addict because they can’t do anything. But as a recovering addict it was wonderful when I was in treatment to get mail or a phone call from my loved ones. My last day of using I knew it was time to get help. My first phone call was to my mom who had thrown me out of the house months ago. She told me on that day if I wanted to get clean she’d help me but not sit around and watch me kill myself. That she loved me with all her heart but she had to let me figure it out. So that day, I was so messed up and looked around at the terrible shape my body was in, my mind was in and that the people around me weren’t there for me but the drugs. I made that call and was immediately told to pack my bags and meet her at my grandparents. They all hugged me, fed me and then I went to treatment. That was July 1996, and after one 28 day program and another 6 months long term stay I felt ready to start life fresh again. I’m so thankful for those friends and family that took time to make sure I knew I had people behind me, it saved my life for sure.
@@sugareemel8784 god sounds so much like my story but just with a partner that I just couldn’t let go of for ages he was the last this I said goodbye to before I went into treatment and never saw him again and I’m glad cause it was just a cycle
I got judged for helping my ex too much. There is a lot of judgement around the addict by those who don't understand it wasn't a choice at first.
As a former Substance abuse counselor, I know it's a pandemic but as a chronic pain patient myself who can't get any medication due to the war on drugs, it makes me mad. So many chronic pain patients committing suicide or turning to street drugs now. I, myself, found natural meds to help ease some of my pain. As a mom to boys ages 18 & 14, it terrifies me how readily available these fake pills with fentynal are.
As a PACU nurse patients were daily given up to 120 OxyContin for minor procedures. We constantly tried to tell the doctors and PAs that it was too much. They would just shrug. No one listened to the nurses.
So grateful I got sober...
Happy for you too! Stay encouraged, and remember, you are loved. I dont know you, but Im cheering you on; because i dont have to know you personally to encourage you. Stay safe , and God bless..
Great job stay strong day by day
I’m grateful too and grateful for you as well. It’s a hell I wouldn’t wish on anyone. And NEVER want to relive.💛🙏
Congrats to you🤗🤗🤗🤗
One of the worst things about this, especially the problem here in Arkansas, is that many of these people get these prescribed legally. So many people in Arkansas work farm-work, factory work, construction work. *HARD physical labor* with great incident of injury. They first get these pills to help them be able to *continue* working, supporting their families. Then it just spirals out of control. I have *so* so much compassion for anyone with substance abuse disorder. May they all find their way to health and happiness, I pray.
Exactly. Doctors are so quick to offer opioid based painkillers. It's so unnecessary.
There is some personal responsibility in this issue
@@carolapplegate2885 Oh absolutely. I'm not discounting personal responsibility. Just saying that there are underlying factors also.
Good point.It’s a blue collar rural kind of state.Your doctors are more than capable of understanding the problem and being able to put a dent in it.They are the front line.
I am an opiate addict and an alcoholic. This March 8th, 2023 will mark my 5th year of being clean and sober. I cannot imagine going back to that life but it could happen so quickly if I make one wrong choice. Please reach out if you need help! Addiction is slavery, and I feel like I've been let out of a cage. There is help out there guys, and trust me, if I can do it anybody can! Good luck and I'm praying for all of you who are suffering.
I've been drug free for 30 years now. The only drug I never tried was herion. I got put into treatment centers because I was a minor. I got out and relapsed each time. I got sober 2 weeks before my 19th birthday by the grace of God. I did my last drug in a clearing in a forest near my home. I prayed to God to let that be the last time I did drugs and God delivered me that promise. I actually died 3 times but got revived in hospital and one time I got revived in a friend's apartment by God. My friend was way to high to notice I was almost dying. He was passed out too, I think. We both ended up awake and laughing due to the drugs.
There is no shame in getting help. I don't feel shame for those addicted. I believe that aside from vets, recovering drug addicts are the BRAVEST people I know. Praying for you all, with love.
i kicked oxy almost three years ago. literally my story, neck surgery then BOOM. GET HELP U CAN GET OFF THE DOPE!!!!!!
Glad you kicked it! Addiction is easy, fighting to be free of it... is hard
Thank you
Many of my fellow Veterans are addicted as well unfortunately.
I won the battle, but too many of my brothers and sisters are so lost or just dead. Support the VA. It saved my life
Thank you. It’s so nice to see someone not bashing addicts
Me and my partner/fiance finally beat fentanyl abuse of 9 years. The invisible shackles finally released off my hands and feet. I'm now in school but on methadone. It hurts to see others loose amazing children. It's still hard for me but I never want to go back no matter how much the urge gets I remind myself I almost lost my soulmate. R.I.P to all the souls lost to this evil 💔 ❤️
🥰
Proud of you, as someone with 10 years & 7 months sober. You’ve made incredible progress. Continue with the methadone and TBH, the methadone is nobody else’s business. It’s none of their business what you take. DO NOT discount your progress in SHAME because you’ve made incredible progress. You have the rest of your life to discontinue the methadone, just focus on the gratitude and blessings you’re receiving now.
It’s going to be okay. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
@@ScottyPeabody yes!
I wish you great success and a blessed life, Deniz. Keep doing what you're doing 💐💗
I came home from a prison in Baltimore in 2014 next day went on methadone for third time I cant say I stayed clean but since then I've been on methadone probably 5 years and if nothing else I haven't been back to prison, I see power that be are pushing buprenorphine maintenance over methadone, I was exposed to that in 90s on my first met program at 18 do whatever u have to not to use,
I lost my son too on 9/6/21, but to Meth. We too are broken, and not sure when the darkness will lift. I’m so sorry for your loss, and we send you our love.
Opioids have been around for many many years. Not everyone who takes pain meds are addicted. My Mother had 12 neck surgeries. The bad thing about this situation is the folks that need the drugs to function. It’s hurting millions of folks that need these meds to have a quality of live. Sadly the ones that need them are being cut off resulting in suicide. It’s a complete mess for everyone.
I agree!!! We're punishing a nation of people in pain for the weakness of some!!!
12 neck surgeries.. u.are great in caring her.
@@lindaelkins1490weakness of SOME? Did you even watch the documentary? Are you able to read Numbers? People who dont get addicted are "some". These pills are highly addictive. In Germany we dont get hard painkillers for every injury, and we can live a pain free Life too. There is more you can do than giving people highly addictive drugs.
In 2010 I was arrested for narcotics trafficking. I was in deep denial about my addiction and was making tons of cash money by going to Florida and getting as many pills as I could afford. That still didn't teach me. After losing my home, family, vehicle, freedom I finally got into recovery. I have a lot of health problems but I've been in treatment for almost 10 years. I tried suboxone. It's a band aid. Maybe be good for acute withdrawal but I weaned myself off that too. Not everyone can do that. Keep working on yourselves. Just for today.
I'm from Miami, Fl and work for the post office. I remember back in the 2000s while making deliveries to pain clinics and remember seeing so many cars with out of state plates and thought nothing of it. Until the Miami Herald ran a series on these pain clinics and how they work or avoided regulations with the help of the doctors. They made sure to write prescriptions and tell patients to avoid Walgreens and CVS. They eventually shut down that particular pain clinic and arrested many doctors too. Many were convicted as well. The governor at the time Rick Scott had be bribed by Purdue pharmaceutical to setup a clearing house to stop the out of state patients flooding into to Florida. They own many politicians as well.
Drugs r only a symptom of a deeper disease. Selfishness is the root driven by a 100 forms of fear.
Congratulations! I hope you got your family back. I have almost 16 years but really I only have today.
One day at a time.
We do recover!
Boo hoo junkie!
I've typed my fair share of comments on RUclips but this literally hits home more than most would know I was born in Ouachita Hospital in Hot Springs Ark in 1978, I'm a loud and proud Arkansasan! With that being said I took my 1st pain pill in 1996 . It was a slow burn back then no one even knew what you were talking about. By 1999 I was addicted. I left home and ended up in Los Angeles I'm gonna leave out the gory details of that time. I'm 42 and now live in Seattle Wa. Watching this documentary, this is my story. I've been clean for 6 1/2 years now with the help of God, Suboxone and shear determination. Please to whomever see this YOU ARE NOT ALONE, YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE. You can do this.!!!!!! Peace&love #Gorazorbacks
Kristy, I just read your comment and want to say CONGRATULATIONS! You are an amazing example of what can be after drugs. Take care of yourself and Peace
People HAVE to start fighting back by realizing the danger of starting drugs and the ones on them need to make up their hearts and minds to get help.
No one is coming to save us, we have the power with Gods help to overcome.
Knowing that everyday is a brand new chance.
Choosing who we stay around.
Our friends have great influence.
No one can help anyone until they really truly want the help.
It’s ok to fail time after time but set your intentions on a good future, it can be had one step at a time.
God will catch you when you fall, get back up and try again!
Very happy you have chosen to go forward and choose a good life!
Congratulations and thank you for giving others hope!
Kristy congratulations on your sobriety. If you read this I hope is that you have continued on your sober journey.
Kristy,
I take oxycodone for chronic pain, but I wonder if I can do without them since they cause their own pain. I no longer know the difference and wonder if I would feel better without them. Do you know anything about this?
@@juliekoszelak9918 I took oxycodone for many years for chronic pain (arthritic hip that needed to be replaced) They made me stop taking the pills before surgery in order to better manage the pain afterwards. They tapered me off and then the surgery was rescheduled for almost 6 months later. The Dr was going to prescribe them again but I decided to stay off them for a while. What I found was not only was I addicted, the pills masked the pain well enough that I basically abused my hip more. Instead of my body telling me to not do certain movements or activities by giving pain, the pills would allow me to do all sorts of physical movements and actions that made the joint worse and the pain would really kick in during the night or morning after the pills had worn off. I stayed off the pills and put off the surgery for a few years because I was able to deal with it even though I work in a physically intensive job as a millwright. It has degenerated enough now that I'm finally getting the hip replaced in a couple of months at age 40. My point is that in my personal experience, I actually had less physical pain during the months and years without the pills than during a lot of the years when I was taking massive amounts of oxycodone. On a side note, suboxone was immensely helpful to me when quitting. Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do!
I cried hearing that guy talk about his son finding him like that and his grandparents preparing his funeral. My parents said they were just waiting for the phone call that I'd died and my mom actually said to me you had died I lost my little girl my first born. I remember walking away just crying at that. I praise God I'm clean today and no one that loves me is waiting for that phone call.
Alright well I cried multiple times watching this....all those people, all those faces, sons, daughters, mother's, father's....RIP
Edit: I applaud Tristan's mom for bringing awareness! I pray my children don't follow what I did but talking to the, being honest and showing them what can happen goes a long way in prevention the rest is up to God and them!
I OD march 2020, two weeks before my 22nd birthday. I’m from central Arkansas it’s all over Little Rock especially southwest Little Rock. I’m working on my third year of sobriety and I’m so grateful to be here!
This incredibly moving. It’s hard because you never see this kind of empathy for those of minority backgrounds. Sure they say it multiple times in the video, but this was never a crisis until white kids from affluent backgrounds started dying. Black and brown Americans were met with brute police force and prison sentences, while these young people are met with tears and piano music. It’s a hard disparity to see. Addiction affects all the same, so should recovery efforts.
I agree. Maybe if this was the attitude towards addiction in the 80s and 90s maybe more sophisticated and effective treatments would have been developed decades ago. Instead it was “just say no” and prison. Too bad suburban America didn’t get on that page until it was their own kids.
Very true!!!
Facts. Now we see documentaries and tv shows that show how this affects people while humanizing the person but people of color would rarely get that. Our communities were ridiculed and incarcerated. Maybe they feel extra guilty because big pharmaceutical companies and doctors were in on the problem 🤷♀️
Social economics is at the heart of all addiction problems As unfair as it seems it’s a reality. The crossfire comes between illegal drugs and big pharmaceutical company prescriptions. It’s a very sad state of affairs cartels, government , and street crime . Years ago the drugs weren’t synthetic, so they weren’t so powerful Nowadays one dose can kill you instantly There are no more recreational drugs A vert sad state of addiction
The throwback to this is no matter the ethnic or social background, it’s usually not crossed. For instance,how many white people go into inner city black neighborhoods to buy pills or heroine? The circles are usually kept within themselves.
On New Years Eve, I received a phone call from my previous mother-in-law informing me that my ex husband had passed away. Once the toxicology tests came back, it showed he died from an overdose of meth laced with Fentanyl. I had moved out of state so I hadn't seen him for awhile (but we still spoke often on the phone) so this news shocked me. When we were together, his choice of drug was opiods only. I had tried so many times to get him into rehab but he would never go so I finally had to end the marriage. My heart broke when I found out about his death. He was only 41 years old. I always knew that he would pass away at a young age due to drugs but I was hoping I would be wrong. I beg you, if you have an addiction problem please try and get help. Your loved ones need you here.
Tried for 10years. Were i live help is nowhere to be found. Its not as easy as you make it sound. Most people hates on people using whatever... Truly sorry for your loss however. Decriminilaze the stuff and shit like that wont really ever happen. Its truly dsngerous ingesting something that turns out bei g something different and alot more potent.
I'm so sorry
This is heartbreaking 💔 I'm praying for all the people who struggle with addiction and mental health 🙏🤍
I'm watching from New Zealand 🦋
Prayers the act of someone who wont do anything
just started this but “i had my first exposure to opioids first year of college when i got my wisdom teeth out, i was prescribed oxycodone.” - a friend of mine had the exact same experience and literally had to flush them bc they started getting withdrawals after only a few days. they were given 30 oxy WITH A REFILL. no one needs that for wisdom teeth pain. i feel so lucky that they had the strength & foresight to get rid of them bc they so easily could have experienced the same thing.
The users among us here all know how this addiction feels but there are still no words to explain the fight,the withdrawl,the misery in words.
The book "Such Unfortunates" by Andrew Mann explains it the best I have ever heard!
I've tried to describe it to sooo many people and I can never find the words to REALLY describe it. I've been hooked on opiates for almost 2 decades with no end in sight.
Especially when your body isn’t strong enough to make it through it without ending up in the hospital, etc. sadly permanent damage to your health is something you don’t think of until it invades you’re entire existence.
@@Rinney88 the worst thing about it is that even in rehabs they don't know the actual danger for your health from withdrawl. There should be more awareness!! Thanks for your post👍
@Ragnar lod’brok i had another one today,looking at me telling me, absolutely convinced of his own words that it was all in my head.You know how this feels🤯
So proud of the guy working for the police after overdosing 14 times. He is right it is Cool!! Good luck for the future, you’re doing a great job Sean Willits!
Congratulations
This is my favorite of all the fentanyl/opiods videos I’ve watched. It shows reality and hope and emphasizes that anyone can be a victim of this crisis and anyone can become a victor.
As someone with severe mental health issues and chronic pain, I feel so much for people who end up in these situations. I’ve been prescribed and given medications that I absolutely loved the feeling of and it scares the hell out of me, I’m so careful with them because I know how easy it would be to fall off that edge and then that’s it, and it really can happen to anyone.
My son Shawn lost his life at 21, 10yrs ago,this opiate epidemic has been going on for over 20 years. For the most part it is heroin and fentanyl that is killing our children😞
🔥❤🔥
Sorry for ur loss... And also ur comment is straight FACTS!! 😘
I am so sorry for your loss
I'm sorry about Shawn 😔
Your "children" are ADULTS who kill themselves.
Blame EVERYONE, except addicts themselves.
So grateful to be clean and sober today. Addiction is a daily battle that must be won each day. My heart goes out to the one's who are picking up for their first time and their last time. May God Bless everyone.
WE all have Battles,i was battling Depression since 2012 ,it comes to the Point a was wondering If with was worth to be around anymore,but in the Last Minute i was save...
Congratulations and I couldn't agree more 🙌🏾 I'm a work in progress but I refuse to give up. I have my son counting on me....
@@yourbeautifulnightmare4657 Greetings from Germany ...please Go to church,this is more than adiction this is a Spiritual battle,i was battling Depression and Walking in a street i See a church and step him ,i feel a warm ligth shining on me ,thats when start my recovering process...Thank you Jesus
@@mariaseidi4023 My relationship with Jesus has completely changed my life. I was once living a life that was dark and consumed by drugs. Since I got clean, I now have meaning in my life. It is amazing to know I have a purpose in life!
@@dustinphillips9221 Greetings from Germany,for me too ,my Depression get so Bad that i was Always in bed ,i was drinking alcool alot ,i was really in the end ...I was never a church or religiouse Person,but when you Dont have nothing left ..."They say you will find that " God is all you need when God is all you have...".Sametimes this additions have to be Battle in diferent fronts ,medication , Therapie... But when you Dont have nowhere to Go Bend your knees and cry for God in despair...for me that really start to heal me...its difficult to explain but i will never be the Same ...Thank you Jesus.
Such a positive take on a truly awful crisis. Love to all those struggling, those in recovery and the families affected. Stay strong. This is truly touching. Together we must change how addiction is seen and managrd, only then will there be true change x
I’ve lost both my parents and two little bro to overdose in past four years it happened every 6-8 months during that time!! I have one bro left and that’s it for my immediate family!!
I'm so sorry for your losses. Take care.
@@katc5051 thank u so much!! You take care as well!!
Is he a clean bro?
@@3amMONDAY is what a clean bro?
@@Vanessacurry84 is your last brother clean of drugs?
My call was from the coroner at the Morgue telling me that my 22yr old son died from huffing air duster. That was definitely a call I never thought I would ever receive.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. And his loss of life. Sending you love and strength ❤️
Air duster..that's a joke you can't huff air duster. It has bitter chemical in it tastes gross
@@Speedster189 yes you can and people do so shove a sock in it. She clearly just said she lost a child.
@@Speedster189 Do some research before you say anything else that's ignorant and hurtful.
@@Speedster189 How tf you gonna tell someone they can't do it? 🤦🏻♀️You abs CAN actually & ppl DO. 👌Been a real life occurrence for yeeears actually. Google is everyone's friend!
Sending love to all of those who suffered during the crack cocaine epidemic. They were never given any compassion, grace or help, just death and prison sentences.
Glad that addiction is now looked at as a illness and those suffering from it can receive help with less judgement.
Exactly
And locked up in prisons disproportionally to other drugs
That part. Let them die off by their own hands.
@Hurqseey Wairimu Not true. Stop your racist nonsense. Plenty of white people were and are addicted to meth and crack. Plenty of white people died of heroin overdoses in the 60’s and are still dying now.
Addiction should have never been treated with "prison"!
Trying to understand why nobody is calling 911 when Makayla is clearly overdosing. I see she survived but no thanks to the person watching her od. They should have immediately called 911. She is lucky to be alive. My 19 yr old son passed in July 4 years ago
I feel like the opioid crisis hit America really hard.
We have them here in the UK, but they’re not being abused at the same amount as they are over in the US
My heart goes out to all of the families and friends and people in recovery or suffering who are all affected by this-I can’t even imagine what you’re going through ❤
It was heartbreaking to see at the end that some of the people doing interviews eventually died due to their addictions that got the better of them-it’s so awful
I like to watch things like this to be educated.
I’ve done legal drugs in my life such as alcohol & I smoked cigarettes for 4 years, but I’ve never done any illegal drug, including weed
But to be tricked into addiction by the healthcare system, which many but not all people have been victims of is absolutely terrifying
I hope one day this opioid crisis is behind society and that it isn’t given to the public, and for those currently struggling-I’m sorry, truly and deeply
And I hope you one day are out of the grasp of this horrible disease ❤
I'm a legitimate chronic pain patient and have been for years. Issues like this makes it harder for me to get what I need to survive. I've had two hip surgeries, including a total hip replacement, and the hip replacement is now loosening. I also have chronic back pain bc I walked on a deteriorating hip for years. This caused me to get two herniated discs and scoliosis. I need medication and these people have made me go through hell every 30 days when it's time for me to pick up my medication as well as monthly when I need to talk to my doctor. This isn't fair - especially since I'm just one of MILLIONS who deal with this!
Think yourself lucky that you aren't addicted to your medication and you are still getting it..Just to let you know that no drug addicted person ever set out to become a drug addict.
@@garybarr2023 well the fact that Abel Tesfaye has been taking it for what seems a while, I’m sure he is addicted. Im sure you, Abel, we’re not set out to get addicted but given your circumstances you are now dependent on opioids. Opioid addicts all had an initial reason for taking it, physical or mental. It’s sad to see so many people losing the battle before getting the help.
You are absolutely correct. The bad behavior of many put legitimate pain patients in a bad light.
I'm the same way. I have AS and live in pain everyday. It's hard to find doctor that listens and gives you pain meds that help. I find a doctor that truly listens to me and is trying to help. We will be the ones punished for all this.
The pills aren't going to take away your pain, they only f8ck with your head. I've had a broken back at 27, a 3 vertebrae fusion at 41. I live with pain every day. I take anti-depressants that are good for pain, panadol or an anti-inflammatory if it's bad. Other than that, i manage it the best i can. It's not ever going to get better, only worse.
Couple of years ago (now 57) i had an accident and smashed my knee, my hip so bad it had to be replaced and snapped my right wrist. I'm full of metal.
How do you think that feels on top of a busted and bent spine? I have scoliosis and collapsing discs that cause sciatica. I can't walk down stairs anymore. I could be whining in self pity but i still work full time and take zero opioid meds. My pain is never going away, opioids won't make it happen. I can only help myself.
I suggest that you look more at managing yourself and accept what you have to live with because it's not going to change. YOU make the choice to have pain and be addicted OR, just to have pain and deal with it the best you can. The drugs do NOT help the pain. It's all in your head.
Gosh.... I cried through this entire video,it resonated with me, I am a recovering addict of opioids,benzos,& methamphetamine, 2 years,& 10 months now and I NEVER want to go back. I am so grateful 🙏 & I give praise 🙏 to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 1Chorithians 6:13 My body is for the Lord,The Lord is my body . I 🙏 for every soul that is battling addiction, may they be led to our Lord and Savior for he is a merciful Lord Amen!
May they repent & be led to Jesus!! I agree with that! What the world needs now is God's love!! 1st.John 4:7&8. Amen
Wow 💪 respect 👏👏 I can’t do it. No chance. Stay strong 🙏🏼
Very happy for you!
🙏♥️🙏
Amen sister ❤️ praise up!
Stella 🌹, sending love & prayers from Australia 🇦🇺 xxxxx
In the UK we are much stricter about given out opiods. We need to find out the reasons why people use these drugs. But for everyone who is addicted to alcohol, drugs, God bless you, I have had my problems so I understand a little bit. You take care, you are all SO very worth it ❤❤
I am a recovering alcoholic. Been sober for almost two yrs. NEVER though I’ll be here. It doesn’t matter where we come from, or who we are. Addiction can find its way and creep in anyone’s life’s. NEVER give up. NEVER. I hope I can continue this journey. One day at a time. There IS hope.
THANK YOU for such an amazing Documentary!!!!!!!
You can do it. I'm ex addict ONE DAY AT A TIME love n STRENGTH xxxxx
I have the most respect and admiration for anyone who’s been an addicted and overcame that demon and are thriving!!
It's not easy...and I wouldn't say I'm thriving...but I've been clean for 4 years now. I hurt a lot of people and made a big mess during my addiction..trying to fix that is hard but I'm grateful I'm still here to try and do it.
@@awkwardautistic first, major congratulations on being clean for 4 years!! That’s huge!! Most things that aren’t easy and hard are the most difficult to do, but you are doing it! Sounds like you’re making amends and righting the wrong you’ve done. I’m sure you’re surrounded by a strong support group that has seen the change and love you more now because of all your hard work and effort. Coming from a stranger online it might not mean much, but I’m proud of you and will keep you in my prayers!🙏🏻💗
@@karleet it means more than you think it would...thank you 💜
What drug addiction did you beat Karlee? It's almost like your making fun of us. 90% end up in jail
The other 5 percent they never get clean it's a cycle for their whole life. With the last 5 percent only one of those gets clean and "thrives". Nobody is thriving over here you gotta look elsewhere. We're happy to escape with our lives
@@Speedster189 it’s a twisted world when you wish others well and congratulate their success and someone comes out of the bushes and condemns such comments! Perhaps relish in more good and positive things in life, whatever and whomever that might be, and your first assumption wouldn’t be negative. The love I send to those in any hard time has nothing to do with me, but just wanting to spread a tiny bit of love and support.
I suggest you take a cleansing breath and let the love come in. I hope you’re blessed.
This is so hard to watch, but very sobering too. If i can help somebody as i go along my life’s journey , i will. I RIP to all the precious souls lost!
Losing your child, you lose a part of yourself, half of your heart & you don’t recover. I lost my son to a fentanyl patch in 2008, my 1st born, my baby boy. 💔 his addiction started with a failed shoulder surgery.
I've worked in the ICU and ER for the past 20 years. About 2000 to 2005 we were being sued if we UNDER medicated patients for pain. Nurses could be fired if the patient said they didn't get enough pain meds. The government cracked down on hospitals all over. We had to medicate patients until they were passing out to keep from getting in trouble. This lead to massive addiction until the laws changed.
My heart breaks for Haley’s mother - I can’t imagine
To lose a young son/daughter to drug addiction is just as heartbreaking as a baby born asleep.
@@donsweet6133 😢
I was the classic case of "pain led to pain pills". When actual pain creates dependence, dependence becomes addiction. They are different. (I'm also dependent on my asthma medication, but I'm not addicted to it.) The hardest part for me was the berating comments from doctors, telling me I couldn't take those pills forever. It's terribly difficult to take a prescription from a doctor while simultaneously being treated like an addict. That was what got me to stop. I hated feeling worthless and judged, but I had NO IDEA how hard it would be to stop cold-turkey. After around 5 yrs of opioids, along with ongoing chronic pain, it was the restless leg syndrome that was horrendous for months. Cold sweats for days, but restless legs for months. It doesn't sound 'that bad', but when you cannot sleep no matter what you take it makes the process absolutely hellish. I was made to feel so disgusting for taking pain pills that I never felt comfortable asking for help from my doctors. Though I'm thankful that I made it out of that, I truly think that if medical staff stopped judging and started offering more assistance to those who are addicted to pain meds, more people would reach out for help.
Bro I understand exactly what you're talking about. I would get this energy in my legs and wrists
Couldn't sleep for months
It is torture not being able to get a wink of sleep but being so exhausted..
I wanted to break my wrists/legs it bothered me so much.
Dependence doesn’t equal addiction. They’re two different things - dependence means feeling terrified of being sick and having to feel okay. Addiction is when someone totally loses control and loses touch with reality completely. I’ve known both very well - I had a dependence and I had loved ones who are addicts. The addicts can only help themselves - they won’t listen to anyone, and it’s something that’s taken over them. Horrible.. absolutely horrible
Same...but I only get restless legs when going through withdrawals....makes me wanna blow my head off😢😥
Exactly. I have sickle cell disease and it's so painful. I just got in a car accident on Nov 5th, 2021 which I'm so mad about.
@@lapradsglass6657 Ugggh, I know what you mean!! I used to say that I was definitely going to cut my legs off. My husband didn't know I was detoxing (I know, I should've told him, but the stigma really freaked me out) & I have a very distinct memory of him 'waking me up' because I was basically circling my family room with my eyes closed. My legs HAD to move, but I was sooooo tired. I felt so zombie-ish. I've had surgeries since then, but it's the memory of nights of hell that made me not be tempted to get more pain meds than needed.
A huge shout out to the peer recovery specialist. You rock! I'm working on my national certification and have the utmost respect for this man.
This documentary was beautifully done. It made me want to hug each of the people who died AND their family members. SO many of our families have been affected by addiction. I wish love and healing to all of us.
I was in active opiate addiction for almost 30 years. I’ve been sober for almost 14. I’m so lucky I’m here to type this. I used to chew on Fentanyl patches. I’ve done so many dumb things to not be dope sick. I’ll spend the remainder of my days trying to be the person my parents always said I could be. I try to live my life in a way that makes them proud. The people in my life never gave up on me. My parents spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on rehabs. But they never used tough love on me. Even though it was the widely accepted manner to deal with addicts when I was a teen. I truly believe one of the main reasons I’m alive is because my family stood by me no matter what. They didn’t give me money. They didn’t pay my bills. But they never shut me out because I was in active addiction. I hope that the tough love model disappears because I really believe it does nothing but push active addicts further into the despair and shame, doing nothing to help them realize they need help
You're a rockstar. Period. Your parents HAVE to be SO proud of you. ❤️
@@YOUAreTheSecretToLife thank you so much!
God bless you
In the 80s we were put in prison for the addiction
So many families were ruined. It was a sad era! Yet no compassion was given, drug addicts is what they were called!
Yea Thank your current President for those laws. He wrote the crime bill and destroyed the Black Community and their Families meanwhile his son is a crackhead and never spent one day in jail and his family ripped apart
Actually, people are still put in jails and prisons. My brother is in jail and the county believes that drug rehab doesn't work. So it's still a thing.....
@@Nunziata131 girl Joe Biden wasn't making laws in the '80s the crime Bill wasn't until like 94 or 95 stop lying and educate yourself.
@@carlosabram6030 Right, the 'tough on crime' political sentiment of the 80's and 90's was a bi-partisan coalition of conservatives who supported mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines and those on the left who acquiesced in order to remain electable.
Thank you so much for the understanding... GOD BLESS THOSE THAT FEEL LIKE THEY NEED DRUGS! ❤️🙏🏾 this was so well put together. Sending prayers, love & light
Shout out to Dr. Hughes in Fort Smith for saving me from my 12 year addiction. Its been 6 years and I've never looked back and will always be outspoken about the absolutely life devastating problem these drugs cause.
I wish I was as strong as you
How did u ween yourself off
@@kaitlinsmith458I believe you are, you can do this!! 🤗🙌🏻
@@kaitlinsmith458I bet theres a lot you're surprised you've made It through and could overcome opiate addiction too. If you have support it's best to do it before you may not but fact is most do it because they're forced in some capacity. It took me getting a felony.
My Nephew passed away last Christmas to Fentanyl at 19 years old by taking 1 pill and he lived in Little Rock Arkansas. Rip Christian aka 👑 Franco!! I love u buddy u were a good young Man and Your momma misses u more then u would have ever known. I wish u would have been able to live out your dreams bubba!! I hope all young men and women relise these pills lead to nothing but your grave and I hate to be so blunt but I’ve seen it first hand and I just hope even if it helps 1 person reading this say NO to pills!!!!💯💯🙏🙏🙏 anybody kicking right now u got this it can be done!!
Thank u for the like who ever u are you gave me a reason to think and talk about my bubba RIP love u 👑. Y’all check out RUclips KING FRANCO rapper from Memphis TN passed away before he could live out his dream but he was a talented young man y’all check him out he was a good young man and deserved to be heard! He got a song played on no jumper right before he passed and it was the highlight of his life! He would have had a lot more if it weren’t for these fake pills please kids stay away it’s not worth your life! Check out you tube King Franko it’s music there are a lot of profiles but to be right (type king Franco big body cars) from Memphis and had a picture on Beal st on the profile. Thanks from the 901 go subscribe even if u don’t like rap blow my nephews page up he deserved it I promise!!🙏🙏🙏👑👑 Rip 🐬🐬Dolph aswell!
I have many ppl i love who struggle with substance abuse, and it scares me to death.
Bless all the ppl telling their story.
why tf would you film your friend overdosing and barely breathing? that should literally be the last thing you do tf
My oldest has worked in the field of addiction for 5 years. The number of friends he's known who died from overdose is stunning. I knew these kids. I knew their parents. They weren't scumbags, and their parents were attentive and loving. Addiction is such a horrible thing. You don't know who will succumb. You just don't. My heart goes out to these families. It's such a tragic loss.
Throughout the history of substance abuse, “they” never were scumbags. That was always a lie
The saddest thing is we don't start off wanting to be drug addicts I find it very degrading for anyone to call someone a scumbag God did not create scumbags sometimes people could handle pain and hurt in different ways and some are not as strong as others God bless all addicted human beings you are important to society may God bless you and help you find your way
Thank you for saying this. I’m so sick of the bs assumptions about addicts and their families. I’ve NEVER heard someone say anything crappy about the way a diabetic childs family eats 😏
It was Pharma, FDA, that created this heinous addiction epidemic with their push of Oxytocin~ lying to the public saying no addiction worries, and now look where we are, but it’s the patients that have lifelong addiction disease with little long term care. The Government needs to get off their ass, and start funding many low cost rehabs. It’s disgusting they’re not being held accountable yet the patients are being criminalized for being addicted!!! It’s sick!
I agree...its shocking
I was a late bloomer. Didnt start until i was 30 & im 41 now with 45 days clean. I never had tried to quit. Its been easy but i was ready!
45 days aint shit!!! Keep that attitude up though you got this
That's awesome
Sara yes!!🙌 Keep it up, one day at a time. You got this
Ur so lucky, how do u get ready to jst quit? I really would like to knw? I'm trying really hard to get clean
@@marylouguerra3410 gotta want it!! Go get it!!
Props to Sean Willits! That takes a lot of strength from the Lord to do what you do, sir. It's not easy frequenting environments & situations that remind you of your former days. I pray God keeps you & blesses you with continued strength to do what you do, which is to help people 💙
There we have it one delusion to justify another. God helping people ? have you not read your iron age myth? I guess not
My heart goes out to those who struggle with addiction. So sad. The people of Arkansas are so sweet.
That’s just how my son sounded when he overdosed in my bed. First time…He was saved. Next time he was alone. He’s gone. One year. Gone. Started with a injury..ended in heroin and death
I’m so very sorry, I lost my brother last July and I just read a long letter he had to write in treatment a few years ago and his addiction also started with an injury. Just heartbreaking.
My mom started funeral arrangements for me ten years ago. I have 8yrs clean and was recently diagnosed with cancer. Life isn't fair. But I've seen more on 8yrs than in 25prior
Prayers
In 2020 I was in a motorcycle accident(self induced stupidity I will admit) and spent 5 days in the hospital, the first night in icu. I had a broken collar bone, a broken shoulder blade, 9 rib fractures, broken bone in the side of my hand a broken pinky finger and torn tendon in same pinky. When the ER doctor came in he instantly wanted me on opioids. I said no thanks doc I had 2 older brothers who had addiction problems. He was upset I said no. He explained that due to the rib fractures he was afraid I couldn't cough to clean out my throat and that I could develop pneumonia which would cause major problems for treating all my issues. I asked if there was anything else we could due. After 20 minutes of arguing he said if I could breathe a certain level 4 times an hour through one of those plastic things that measure your breathing he would leave me alone. He still was not happy and gave me another doctor. I understood his concerns but his bedside manner about the situation was rather appalling. On the other hands my nurses were all supportive of my decision and even had chats with me about friends and family addicts in their lives. Shout out to the nurses in Des Moines, Iowa!!!! Surgical team for my collar bone were rock stars too!!
Please share these in School’s / Colleges… All of these Stories should be discussed and out there more.. It is NOT talked about enough.. So many suffer in silence… so sad.. 😢
By now the message should be out there to never start taking these drugs.
I can understand getting hooked from being prescribed opioids, especially if patients aren't given good information about the risks. But I can't understand anyone just picking up the habit understanding how dangerous they are.
@@davidcox3076 Yes, this is true but I think we are seeing the trend of beginners thinking it's a recreational drug ending, for the most part(kind of like cigarettes)
That opening scene man 💔 I was addicted to pain pills for 6 years and I lost almost everything but I wasn’t going to lose my babies and even though I’m still trying to build my life back together I thank God for this second chance at life! I’ve lost a beautiful best friend and family members to drugs and nobody can prepare you for life after that you’ve lost soo much! I’m still trying to figure out how to live life after addiction so there’s hope ❤️
Its a really tough time to try to rebuild Godspeed
I know that clip was so so distressing to me. I felt terrified for both the person ODing and the person filming.
@@Feverm00nheartbreaking :(
You’re doing a great job. I pray God shows you step by step, the path to keep rebuilding your life.
I had a shoulder surgery in 2018 and the surgeon prescribed Oxycodone, but said it would only take the edge off of the pain. He was right. I had a 6 week prescription, but stopped taking it before they were all gone. I switched to acedamedifin as soon as I could, because I don't like the way oxycodone made me feel.
What about the people who are in pain, like me? I had no problem getting off Oxycodone after my surgery and now that I'm having surgery again I can't get adequate pain relief and can't get out of bed. Thanks people.
I’m so sorry.
As a person on maintenance program I realize the battle is far from over. I will keep everyone of these people in my heart and prayers. Please keep me in yours.
I will 🙏💝
You're in!! Keep working on you!! Proud of you!! xo