I found another place where love reigns: Learn to Cope, a support group for parents of opioid addicts.

Unfortunately, it’s another story of the worst in us bringing out the best. Here’s the bottom line:

HEROIN = DEATH.

 

Heroin isn’t where the trail begins for the kids, but it’s all-too-often where it ends.

It’s the end of life as it was and NOT just for the kids.

As an addict (thankfully, I don’t wrestle with this monster) and a parent I can attest it’s MUCH worse for the families who can’t control the addict, than for the addict who can’t control the disease.

Opioid addiction is ravaging our country, one family at a time.

It’s every bit as insidious and deadly as these God-awful mass killings. [I met a recent college graduate the other day who was all excited about his new job with Big Pharma. He literally told me, “Hey, we just make the stuff.”]

Of the 50+ parents in the room:

Some have buried children.

Some never hear from their children – which is the good news.

All have had their lives changed forever, ravaged emotionally; most financially.

 

People shared their fears and experiences (like an AA meeting, though here meeting facilitators provide support and guidance) and heard from a speaker, Maureen Cavanaugh (founder of Magnolia New Beginnings) a terribly brave, strong woman whom it’s been my privilege to meet recently.

Maureen spoke candidly about her experiences and counseled and tried to console the “newbies”. Unfortunately, this is the kind of member-for-life club that no one should have to belong to.

The understanding, empathy and compassion in the room was palpable. If there was a common sentiment, Maureen may have summed it up when she said

“Are you kidding me?! I’d do ANYTHING to keep her alive!”

 

WTF has happened to us?!

You know where to find me.

❤️🕉