Thursday, August 31, 2017

overdose awareness day



August 31st: Today is Overdose Awareness Day. 
Please take a few minutes to say a prayer for those struggling with the disease of addiction, and for the families, like myself and my family, who have lost a child/brother due to addiction/OD. We have to end the stigma, shame and judgment and choose to educate instead. Don't ever think it couldn't happen to your child or anyone in your family. Ignorance and denial are the enemies of this disease. 

Did you know the opioid crisis is so bad, it's going to be declared as a National Emergency? Drug OD's are now the leading cause of death under 50. See here for more info and statistics:

Short Answers to Hard Questions about the Opioid Crisis

RIP, my precious son, Philip Thomas Riley. If love could've saved you, you would've lived forever.

14 comments:

  1. Oh Melanie, so many hurting. I know that pain never ceases.
    Brenda

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  2. Thank you for being transparent, Melanie. My family has also been affected by alcoholism and addiction. Judging others never ever makes anything better. Only compassion and understanding can move us forward in this crisis. Sending you big hugs.

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  3. Oh Melanie, I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your son. This is a hurt that can't possibly go away. Prayers for you and all families dealing with this struggle.

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  4. You're a strong, compassionate woman Melanie. I'm so sorry for your pain.

    xxx

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  5. Thank you for sharing this, Melanie. Education is a must in this crisis. My heart and prayers are with you.

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  6. The drug epidemic is so serious...and needs to be addressed. The pain from losing a child never ends..Stay strong!

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  7. My heart just breaks for you and your family, Melanie. I agree, there is no room for judgement, this is a disease and shame has no place in treatment. xoxo

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  8. Dear Melanie ~ Judging does not help anyone, it is not a solution for the people who are hurting so deeply. Drugs whether legal or illegal does not get to the heart of the issue, the troubles, heartache, etc. that people are dealing with.

    Love, hugs & prayers for you, your dear husband and your surviving son, FlowerLady

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  9. I am so sorry, Melanie. I see it has been several years ago but the pain never goes away. Rest in the good memories. Addictions are so difficult to watch others go through it. Thanks for bringing awareness to the front today.

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  10. I am so sorry your family had to experience this. I don't hear much about the issue in our area, but I know that in some states it is a true crisis.

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  11. Thinking of you my friend, today and everyday.

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  12. I am in Washington County PA ( Southwestern PA ) and our local newspaper is starting a series on the opiod crisis here.

    Last week I read on the Net ( somewhere ) that Ohio had a call out for foster parents...needed for children due to the same issue :(

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  13. Really heartbreaking. Kids are going to experiment, but unfortunately some are more susceptible to addiction than others. The problem here is getting much worse. Over the past couple of days there's been two deaths of young adults because of overdoses. Terrible and so sad. Sending hugs.

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  14. Melanie dear, there just are no words that seem like they could possibly help. But I'm so thankful that God gives you words to reach out to others about this tremendous problem. I'm reading Louise Penny's new book and a major focus of it is on the war against drugs, a war we seem to be losing. With young grandchildren, I am fearful for them and others their age. So please keep spreading the word, educating those who you can.
    Dewena

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment - I read and appreciate each one!