7 things you should know about addiction disease has to ‘run its course’ and to practice ‘tough love’ until they hit rock bottom. Now with fentanyl, rock bottom was a fatal overdose,” shares Justin, who lost her son Aaron at age 20.
out later he was doing something else. I wish I had known what to look for,” explains Katie, who lost her brother Zachary when he was just 24. Moodiness may seem typical for adolescents, but these behaviors can signal addiction. Sudden mood changes, depression or hostility could be signs someone is struggling with substance abuse - at any age. If you 1. Don’t ignore signs. suspect something is Families often realize wrong, seek help. in hindsight that signs 2. Don’t wait for were there. rock bottom. “At first we didn’t see the signs, but we began The earlier someone to notice his moodiness, begins treatment, the saying he was doing better. “People are told the one thing but finding (BPT) – Did you know 192 people die in America every day from drug overdose? That means 192 families lose someone every day. Survivors of people lost to drug addiction share their stories on the Addiction Policy Forum website to increase awareness. What these families learned could help save the life of someone you love.
most require a lifetime of support.
ing addictions. “Experimenting with marijuana at 16 was Contrary to expecta4. Use all available followed by experimenttion, people who experiresources. ing with prescription ence a non-fatal overdose Approaches for treat- are at heightened risk of pills and finally heroin,” shares Lou, who lost her ing addiction include fatal overdose. counseling, support “After Emmett’s fatal 19-year-old son Michael. Teenagers are more groups, behavioral overdose, we found out vulnerable to substanctherapy and medication. that he had been seen at es because their brains Treatment plans depend the hospital and revived aren’t fully developed. on the patient’s individ- with Narcan at least ual needs, the substances seven times over the pre- Parents should model they use and severity of vious year - that is seven healthy behavior and talk to their children about their illness. missed opportunities to the dangers of substance “Finding quality treat- intervene and save our abuse. son’s life,” says Aimee, ment takes teamwork. 3. Recovery mother of 20-year-old I would recommend takes time. 7. Find support. Emmett. “I can only anyone who is going Continue support imagine how life would through this to find the Don’t wait to get after rehab. While many resources in their towns. look today if we had help. If you or someone treatment programs only Connect with people and been given the opporyou love is struggling last weeks, recovery tunity to intervene and organizations that help with substance use, call takes much longer. families provide support address Emmett’s herthe Addiction Resource Karla, mother of oin use disorder during to their loved ones and Center helpline 24/7 at Alicia, age 28, shares: “I those crucial moments.” support each other. Or1-833-301-HELP for free, wish I would’ve known Patients saved from a ganizations such as the that recovery is not 3 confidential information non-fatal overdose may months, 6 months, a year Addiction Policy Forum and support. have the tools you need. wake up in withdrawal, in rehab. When they You are not alone. This would have been so angry and upset, which release someone from can lead to further subOver 20 million people helpful when we were rehab, it’s not the end. struggle with substance going through it with my stance use. Intervention It’s the very beginning. and treatment is needed use disorder and nearbrother,” says Katie, who That’s what happened to prevent further overly half of U.S. adults lost her brother Zachawith Alicia - they redoses. have a friend or relative ry. She also advocates leased her and she had who has struggled with combining many apno plan, and three days 6. Prevent early substance abuse. Visit proaches. “When somelater she died.” substance use. www.192aDay.org to Patients with a severe one has cancer, we don’t read letters from families choose between chemo The earlier someone substance use disorder or share a loved one’s may need a three-to-five- and radiation - we layer starts using, the greater year treatment plan, but treatments.” their chance of develop- story.
5. Overdoses are a warning.
Freshness you can depend on!
Pride and Passion for Farm Fresh Produce R ied’s Food Barn produce staff has pride in its products and a passion for fresh fruits and vegetables. We literally search the world for the finest quality fresh Produce at the best possible prices. Our ever-expanding organic produce selection and the area’s best selection of fresh herbs meet the changing needs of even our most discerning clientele. Whether it’s grown in California, South America, or nearby farms, our customers are assured that their selections will be fresh, and superior quality every time.
Bananas, grapes, apples, pears and melons are always at the peak of flavor for the region they were grown. We insist from our suppliers that our lettuces, greens and vegetables be “just picked” fresh every time. We maintain that crispy fresh appearance with our state-of-the-art misting system. It rains in our garden every 20 minutes! Our team says, “Freshness you can depend on!”
111 E. Green St. • Olean, NY • www. riedsfoodbarn.com • (716) 373-2010