The Disease of Addiction Affects the Whole Family

Over 3,000 people died of a drug overdose in New Jersey in 2021, and vast majority involved some form of an opioid.  That is not only 3,000 deaths to many, but 3,000 families who have been affected by the opioid crisis that continues to ravage our state and the nation.

Sadly, substance use disorder not only affects those who struggle with addiction but also their family, friends and loved ones.  I recently read an article about a woman who detailed her son’s struggles with substance use disorder as part of his obituary, hoping that sharing his story with as many people as possible could save lives.

Here are her moving words from the obituary:

“Silence would mean Hunter's death was in vain, but if one person's life is saved by his story, we would tell it a million more times. We know the pain of his suffering. We know the pain of our own suffering as his family, and we know there are hundreds of other people here in our community suffering as addicts or as loved ones to them. Speaking the truths (no matter the circumstances) surrounding the epidemic of drug use may be the difference between life and death for someone. In honor of Hunter's life, we ask that truth be spread in regards to this epidemic and awareness be raised.”

My heart goes out to this family for their tragic loss and the struggles they have had endured, but I commend this mother for sharing her story and shining a light on the opioid epidemic and terrible disease of addiction.

We need to put an end to the stigma that is associated with addiction and provide support to families who are in need. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) most recent Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series Webinar addressed the opioid epidemic and the impact on New Jersey families.  It is a great resource for families who may be looking for information and support.  As with all of PDFNJ’s Learning Series Webinars, they are available to view at any time on the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day website.

Each month the Learning Series covers different topics in addressing the opioid epidemic and provides valuable education and resources.  The next webinar, Doing Your Part: Safe Disposal of Opioids will be held at 11 a.m. on March 24.  To register click here.

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