Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri- Nina Strada

by Judy L. Thomas and Laura Bauer Fentanyl has killed more than 850 in KC area. NINA STRADA, 22. DIED: JUNE 23, 2021 ‘She was that girl who would light up a room with her smile and her giggle’ On the surface, life was good for Nina Strada in mid-2021. The 22-year-old esthetician had justContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri- Nina Strada”

Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri. Taylor Everitt, 24

by Judy L. Thomas and Laura Bauer Died: October 28, 2020 Fentanyl has killed more than 850 in KC area. fter a critical crash, he suffered from leg pain. And bought a pill Becca Everitt had come home late from work the night before her son died. At the time, Taylor — who she calledContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri. Taylor Everitt, 24”

Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri. Ethan Everley, 16.

by Judy L. Thomas and Laura Bauer Died: March 29, 2022 Fentanyl has killed more than 850 in KC area. ‘I thought that we were going to build an empire someday’ Ethan Everley never minded working, his dad says. Whether it was at Wendy’s — where he’d work the register, cook or do whatever wasContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Fridays: True Stories from Missouri. Ethan Everley, 16.”

Opioid Crisis Fridays: Fentanyl Vaccine Potential ‘Game Changer’ for Opioid Epidemic.

Study Suggests New Vaccine Could Prevent Deadly Opioid from Entering the Brain by Laurie Fickman A research team led by the University of Houston has developed a vaccine targeting the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl that could block its ability to enter the brain, thus eliminating the drug’s “high.” The breakthrough discovery could have major implicationsContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Fridays: Fentanyl Vaccine Potential ‘Game Changer’ for Opioid Epidemic.”

Opioid Crisis Fridays: Tragic Overdose in Kuna Reveals An Epidemic on the Rise in Idaho

by Parker A tragic incident unfolded in the Ridley’s parking lot in Kuna when an individual lost their life to a drug overdose. Police officers were on the scene in response to the distressing incident, and it wasn’t long before this became a topic of discussion throughout the community. The news was posted on aContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Fridays: Tragic Overdose in Kuna Reveals An Epidemic on the Rise in Idaho”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The Real Life Story of Tessa Tessa was first introduced to prescription opioids in high school after a sports injury. She was “hooked” by age 18 and used prescription opioids and other drugs to self-medicate her chronic headaches, pain from fibromyalgia, and depression. After receiving a DUI at age 21, Tessa completed substance use treatmentContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The Real Story of Teresa Teresa describes her brother RJ as creative, a talented writer, and incredibly bright. Teresa and RJ were extremely close growing up and as young adults, until RJ’s prescription opioid addiction took hold of him and eventually took his life. RJ was 32 when he passed away from a prescription opioidContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The Real Life Story of Tele Tele began misusing prescription opioids with friends in high school, seeking a “numbing effect” from the drugs. He quickly became addicted. Throughout high school, Tele was popular, played sports, and got good grades, but he experienced anxiety and depression that were heightened by his inability to share his sexualContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The True Story of Tamera Tamera was prescribed opioid medication to manage chronic severe headaches. Before she started taking opioid pain medications, she had a steady, long-standing career and lived in a comfortable home with her young son. Tamera became addicted to prescription opioids within a year, and everything changed. She began requiring larger dosesContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.

The Real Life Story of Stevi Rae Stevi Rae has been in recovery for two and a half years and credits going through treatment with other Alaska Natives as key to her recovery journey. Raised in Naknek, Alaska, Stevi Rae grew up commercial and subsistence fishing. She was first introduced to prescription opioids after sheContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”