Tag Archives: #LivesDestoyed

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

The Real Story of Mike Mike grew up in a typical blue-collar family, playing street hockey and pickup football in local parks. He was always a good student and excelled as a three-sport varsity athlete in high school. During his senior year in high school, Mike had surgery to repair a broken wrist due toContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

The Real Story of Judy Judy’s son Steve was a loving son, fiancé, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend. Steve, a gifted musician, also excelled in sports. He earned Dean’s List status in college, and a degree in economics that led to a successful career as a financial advisor. Steve suffered a back injury asContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”

This is the story of Brenda When she was 25, Brenda was in a car crash on her way to the grocery store. After the incident she needed to see numerous doctors and neurologists, and one of them gave her a prescription for opioid pain medication. Brenda doesn’t remember being warned about the risks ofContinue reading “Opioid Crisis Friday: Real Life Stories of People Affected by Opioid Usage.”