For the next 4 weeks we are going to dedicate the blog to sharing personal stories of those who have been affected by substance use disorder. The stories are from those who have struggled themselves, as well as those who had loved ones or family members affected by addiction, including the story below from Katie, who shares her heartache over the loss of her sister.

These stories are also being shared as part of the Knock Out Opioid Abuse program, supported through grants by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s philanthropic arm, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, the Knock Out Opioid Abuse initiative is now in its third phase. 

I commend those that have shared theses very personal experiences.  It is through sharing these stories that together we can end the stigma that can be associated with substance use disorder, help those who struggle with the disease of addiction to know that they are not alone and ease loved ones’ heartache by being able to share their anguish.

If you have a story that you would like to share you can easily do so here.  If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Matt Birchenough at matt@drugfreenj.org.  To learn more about the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Initiative, please click here.

All the best, 
Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ

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By Katie

The brutal hell and grief that drugs have caused my family is a visible, permanent, dirty, nasty scar that has caused severe pain and has left us with a void beyond explanation. Drug addiction is a cruel monster that tortured and devoured my mother’s first born baby, my big sister Liz, the best friend that I was so graciously given when I arrived into this world, and most devastatingly a young, beautiful mother of two little sweet peas whose own cruel suffering caused a persistent ache that vibrates inside my soul, often keeping me up at night wishing in vain that I could trade places with her so that her little ones could have their mother back. They need their mother back and she’s not coming back.  Not ever coming back.

Notice: This article reflects the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). This information should not be construed as legal advice from the author or PDFNJ. Please consult your own attorney before making any legal decisions.