This hits so close to home for me. I was addicted to both Meth & Alcohol for years and absolutely no one knew about it, not my closest siblings nor my very bestfriend because I was a functioning addict and still went to work, paid my bills and kept up my appearance and hid it very well. During the Pandemic in late 2020 I was high on both drugs and saw my reflection in the mirror. I have looked in the mirror thousands of times in my lifetime but this time it was different. I saw what little innocence that I had left in my eyes fading away. I saw my life slipping away from me and I literally sobered up that day. I would drink Nyquil to make myself sleep through the withdrawals and as days turned into weeks I was able to quit all on my own and stay that way. What saddens me, is that to this day I have yet to tell anyone about my dark secret but here I am sharing it publically, only because I know that it's anonymous because I'm too ashamed to be seen as a drug addict and that's what I'll always be is a recovering addict for the rest of my life!... It's videos like this, that keep me grounded and focused on staying sober and to not let the spark in my eyes disappear like a whisper in the night!.... Thank you for reading my comment, it actually made me feel so much better, so thank you again, I'm truly grateful!... 🕊
You sound like such a beautiful, self aware, sweet soul. I've been there and pulled myself out of it somehow, been clean from everything for 8 years now, the same year I lost my brother to an OD who lost his wife to it the year prior. I was done. I pulled myself out with kratom, still sometimes use it for pain but there's no high to chase anymore, no cravings but it took a few years to stop craving. What a strong pull these drugs have. I wish I had known you when you were struggling. When no one would help me, I vowed to never let anyone feel that powerless again. You've got this. You OWNED it and that is the first, most important thing in the process. Listening to your written word is like listening to a good friend talk in your living room. You have a lovely way with words. Don't deprive others of your experiences and life lessons. Make something good come from it all and work toward a career in helping others who struggle. I can hear it in every carefully chosen word here. You will make a difference 🩷 Stay strong always. If you struggle, remember to just choose today to let it pass and tomorrow is better. You'll be just great.
Good for you,2020 was year of vision it helped a lot of people reflect im glad you were able to work through what you were going through good luck and wishing you a great 2023 and new beginnings 🤗
Sending prayers for continuous strength and healing to keep fighting and making it through! I don't know you but I'm proud of you a d wish you the best on your journey and I hope you are just as proud of yourself! Blessings 🙏🏽❤️
She had a shield. Her education, her position, her income all of these things shielded her and her family from her addiction. The best rehab is lack of money, rep, possessions. When everything and everyone is gone only then can you stop shaking and faking.
This interview allowed me to see addiction from a different angle. Especially when she stated, “ if anyone can beat this I know Karen can.” The most resilient people fall and cannot get back up. 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Former crack and meth addict here. By the grace of God, been clean since 2010, before that, 10 years of addiction, residential rehabs, living on the streets, being out at 3am to re-up so the night wouldn't end - it was a living nightmare. So thankful to be clean and drug free. All glory to God! ✝✝✝
It took getting myself on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) after over 16 years of heavy hydrocodone, heroin, fentanyl abuse to finally stop using. I thank The Lord I got out when I did. Methadone Treatment saved my life.
That was something new for me to hear her say she went to grief counseling before her sister died; she wasn’t dead but she felt she’d already lost her. Powerful thought right there
Agreed!! The candor and transparency of her telling her sisters story is heart wrenching. I Pray it helps someone who may be struggling with addiction and/ or their family. 😢
So sorry about your loss. But your love could not save her. Denial is equally as strong as the addiction and that is hard to overcome. I hope many people hear your story.
I've been witnessing my daughter slowly kill herself over the last 8 1/2 years from drugs. Started as a prescription from a car accident. Went to heroin, now fentanyl and crack. I mourn for her every day even though shes still alive.
That's heart wrenching. I wish we had a better health care system to deal with this. I'm sending out prayers for you and your daughter. @@maryellenwhitton6558
When she said she lost her 6 months prior to her passing, that was so real and heartbreaking. To see the person you love and know that they're just not there anymore is extremely painful to witness.
Yes, it is. I been there but not because addiction. All I can say is God knows all things and only he has the answers that he will reveal one day for our hurting pain.
So sorry. I remember when fentanyl was a miracle drug to treat intractable spinal cancer and bone cancer in hospitals. But the chemists aka evildoers turned it into a street drug.
Beautiful wife , 4 great kids, brand new home and a great job in every respect. You’ve heard it before. I went to the doctor to finally treat my migraines. 40 ish at the time. Vicodin to heroin. One day I shot up in my hip. I hit something that was spurting blood across the room. My concern wasn’t bleeding to death. It was “ there goes my good dope”. That is the power it had over me. Recovered. Still married. Still have family. But had to start over again at 50. Not complaining. In fact grateful that I survived. I never let my guard down. God bless you and may your sister rest peacefully.
@@vintage-red-carpetmasonic-38 yes. Had all the scans , mris etc done. Family history on headaches . The whole bit. At the time there was no sumatriptan available. Non narcotic migraine medication. And did I know I was forming an addiction to these pills . Maybe. But since I did nothing in my life prior to this, except drink a few beers with friends in my early 20s I was totally ignorant of opiates. So if you think I woke up one morning in my 40s and said “ hey honey you know the one thing I’ve never done is become a heroin junkie, I think I’ll give it a go. Screw my job, screw the kids, screw you , screw the house.“ , well I don’t know what to say to that.
Vintage…it is your choice to do drugs. The junkie part is the drug’s choice. Living in a drug world up is down and down is up. For instance if you OD and the EMT’s give you Narcan, you are mad because you lost your high. If you hear of someone dying from an overdose, the first question you ask is, Who did they get their dope from?” You’re headed there because they hood, OD’ng” dope.
My 25 year old son passed away nearly 6 years ago from an accidental overdose. He was a gifted and brilliant artist and human. It happens in all types of homes. I miss him every single day 💔. I hate drugs so much.
I hate those things so much from just observing other people, that one night I went to a hospital in my area for chest pains and the doctor said, I am going to put you on valium. I saw red flag. I say don't bother to write it doc. Am not going to take it. I later had to work side by side with this doctor and, sorry, I never trusted him since.
The fact that she was a minister hit hard. No one is immune to this scourge. We can't judge other's internal struggles and sweep them away with religiosity. My heart goes out to your family.
Very true, addiction is a terrible situation. I’m sorry to hear of your loss and the pain but I pray God sees you all through this difficult situation.
@@israelv.maldonado3483 she said her sister knew the Bible very well. Good for her, so does satan. The Bible doesn't save us. The Bible doesn't deliver us. That would be the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and our total submission to Him. I'm not preaching at you, just sharing thoughts.
I lost my beautiful 28 year old son just 3 months ago And I’m in so much pain We need to give our family that needs support lots of love and understanding
I'm so sorry for your loss. I think every family in America has been touched by addiction. Mine has and I personally have after being treated for a bad tooth. That was 20 years ago and have been clean for 10 years. But it cost me my career as an RN, a career I'd dreamed of since I was little. One I had work so hard for. Eventually I lost my marriage of 31 years. 20 years ago there wasn't Suboxone and addiction was looked at way more negatively than it is now. I didn't know how or where to get help. There is not a day goes by that my heart doesn't ache for the things I lost. Thank you for your story and hope you find peace and healing
I was a college mathematics professor with a PhD, but a long term heroin addiction ruined my career. I'm still a mathematical genius, and don't care what holier than thou jerks think.
For all of you that have battled this addiction and especially through some type of pain or injury l am With you guys and the struggle is real but God got us and at least we here to share our story and let people know it can happen to anyone ❤️ God got us
I was addicted to Vicodin years ago, for several years. The only thing that worked was methadone with very little in OJ in the morning for 5 days. I had zero withdrawals and was amazed. The mind has to want to really quit, it's so hard. I lost my husband at 33 from opiates, but he helped me be done with it. Today is his birthday. Happy Heavenly Birthday love.
This story touched me and hit home because I too, am addicted to opioids/fentanyl. It’s hard. The withdrawals that you get from not having it. I wouldn’t wish this on my worse enemies. Can you all pray for me? Lord knows that I’m tired. Physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m not the same person that I use to be😢
There are resources for help out there. Call or text 988 for some guidance. You have to make the choice, but there's lots of great reasons to do so. Perhaps check out this recovery story on our channel - ua-cam.com/video/avwelLFOUKk/v-deo.html We're producing more of these too.
I stopped using heroine earlier this year and I haven't looked back yet. I have too much respect for my family to die with that being the topic of the the funeral..
I'm so sorry for your loss. As of October 28th, I was 18 months clean from fentanyl. Still going strong. I'm the exception. I wish it was more common to get clean. I graduated nursing school, passed my NCLEX, and never worked as a nurse. Started using fentanyl. I watch these to remind myself where I was heading so I don't start romanticizing using, because I'm still an addict and I fight cravings all the time.
How did u get off? Does methadone work for fentanyl? I know ibogaine does but need to he off fent for 7-10 days first which idk if I can do. I got clean off heroin with ibogaine last year and my dumbass slipped up. Luckily I only smoke it and dont mess with needles so Ive never OD'd.
@@palmtrees2420 you gotta wana live, brother. Get treatment, detox, and put your mind over it. You got this, bro. Don't be a statistic. I can tell you're intelligent. That life is not for you. Peace.
@@palmtrees2420 you can do this. Recovery is achievable. You could easily lose your life. It's not just needles giving out overdoses. There is help out there. Reach out and grab it for yourself. I'm cheering for you.
@@palmtrees2420 I don't have an addiction to any drugs but you definitely want to remove triggers. I had addiction to things that were non drug related like for instance tarot, and I knew for me Bible wise it's a no and I had to curb that and friends that said oh xyz and I'd just ask them to not mention it and those who are in that world, I removed because I wanted to purify my mind and walk right. You got this. Go join a support group and don't give up.
"...six months prior to her dying, I had already lost her..." Your words pierced my soul. I pray for your strength and comfort. Thanks for sharing your story. May many others be helped.
As someone who has been to treatment 6 times, RIGOROUS HONESTY, taking suggestions, community and accepting spiritual help are the keys to recovery. I'll be sober 1 year come January 10th 2023 and I'm so thankful for my journey. There is no shame in asking for or getting help. We all deserve to be free and live our best lives
That just goes to show NO one is exempt from addiction. It has no prejudice of race sex political party religion wealth status age none of that. It's sad praying for all in the fight with addiction. 🙏🏾
I overdosed on fake blues, (Roxy 30’s made of fentanyl and pressed) Luckily I was in public, and passed out in a gas station. I’m still struggling, and even used as soon as I got out of the hospital. It is not easy, it is very very hard. I’ve been sober 3 days today, just hoping it sticks this time. Thank you for sharing that addiction does not discriminate. 12/15/22 Still sober. Today makes day 5. I’m at the VA now taking my first dose of Suboxone. I know there are mixed feelings on it, but I need it. I’m not ashamed to admit I’m weak when it comes to this. Thank you everyone again. thank you. I needed to hear this. Again. But getting all this love and support from strangers is a huge help! I’ve got people around me that are a lot of help. But I hear this from them all the time, and it goes in one ear and out the other. But hearing it from y’all is such a huge help!
When she said she took grief counseling before she passsed was the realist statement i have ever heard anyone say. Praying 🙏 for peace and strength for you and your faimly!! Addiction can hit anyone at anytime!!
"Everybody's blaming everybody, but no one's blaming Karen": that is the statement that really hit me. Accountability is truth, and truth is freedom. So sorry for Karen's sister. She had to be very vulnerable for this interview. She's a beautiful person.
No but fr , as soon as she said that I got goosebumps as a recovering addict of meth & losing my son in the process of active addiction accountability for me was something I didn't even know about. I was in such denial & the minute I was offered residential treatment and the option to get my son back, accountability saved my life & still is to this day. 🙏 Thank you for sharing your family's story & most importantly Karen's. RIP❤
Wow, I've watched many hours of addiction stories and read many books. This is the most profound one. A minister with a PhD closely connected to family, to her sister, a parole officer. And STILL, opiates overwhelm. I'm speechless
My husband & I are both educated, grew up upper-middle class & spoiled, had great families, & hid a 5 year addiction. We both always looked great, went to church, attended family functions, was raising our sons well- no one detected anything, only my accountant. Lol. We never went to treatment because we didn't want that kind of exposure so we bunkered down in the house during covid, I worked from home so it was perfect, we slowly weaned off heroin/fentanyl (whatever they were selling to us on the streets, you never know nowadays) & its the most uncomfortable feeling ever! For at least two weeks, you are experiencing cold sweats, body aches, intense thirst but also urinating a lot as your body clears itself, some people are nauseous all the time. Since I had weaned myself down to only using a little when I eventually stopped, the withdrawal wasnt the worst but still horrible, so that is really what addicts fear the most when quitting. It isn't a craving, its being afraid of the effects of withdrawal. A lot of users are just maintaining a dose to avoid getting sick, it stopped being fun or enjoyable a long time ago. Now you are just using to feel normal & be functional.
@@teekolinski491 this is the truth! U get dammed tired of the run around but u can't stop because you're dreadfully scared of the withdrawal! The only thing that saved me was intense prayer, being reborn again in Jesus, and weaning myself off, ashwagandha, kratom, & kava kava
I'm a recovering addict, I've been clean off opiates since 2009. I totally understand what both sides are going through. Please get help if you have a problem. People do care, and help is available. Prayers for all 🙏
I’m going on 6 years sober. The biggest false precipice people make is that if you get sober, everything in life will be just fine and dandy and there will be no hardships, but that could not be any further from the truth. To get sober and to remain sober you must learn to fight. Some days will be a grind, some days will suck, but the fight is one that is worth having and the reality of not fighting is a terrible outcome that should be avoided at all costs. Human beings aren’t meant to be happy all the time anyways and suffering oftentimes leads to huge growth.
I'm so sorry. My youngest sister died of alcohol poisoning. I had to watch her slowly die over many, many years. She was 53 and a respected sheriff's deputy. You are not alone, by any means.
I’m so so sorry, my deepest condolences. Can I ask you some questions? How do you get alcohol poisoning? You said you watched her slowly die over time. I don’t understand and I’m concerned because someone I love very much drinks daily, 7 days a week. 😔
@@cococock2418 Interesting conversations attract interesting people *and ...conversations.* Echo-chambers silence all but the most holy, whom eventually self-suffocate from said lack of dialogue. In YOUR CASE; Silence is golden, duct tape is silver.
My 17 year old finally agreed to treatment before she went “too far.” She has not relapsed, so far, back into fentanyl. Please do not observe a young person sliding into the abyss and think, “It’s not my place to say something.” I thank God for ALL the people who helped rescue my daughter!
My daughter is almost 25 she had a bad addiction and now she is in teen challenge almost been 18 months an she is doing great they helping her with her GED and getting her kid's back I believe that the person has to make there own mind if they want to change there life no one else can do it but the person that wants to I'm so glad my daughter did an with especially with God's help an from teen challenge I let her know all the time I'm so proud of her every time I see her an talk to her on the phone
It took getting myself on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) after over 16 years of heavy hydrocodone, heroin, fentanyl abuse to finally stop using. I thank The Lord I got out when I did. Methadone Treatment saved my life.
WOW! That was so real. My mom wondered the streets of our city for 10+ years as a crack addict. She got tired and called me to take her to the hospital. God opened a door for her to get help and cleaned her up in 30 days. She made it out. I am heartbroken over your loss Sis. God Bless You & the family.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
@11kwright Thank You Sooooo much! God directed me every time. I am grateful God cleaned me up and saved my life so that I could be there for her. So I give Him (in Jesus Name) ALL the GLORY!!!
If we’re being fully honest tho, her doctors were the first to fail her. There are things patients do when drug seeking that doctors and nurses can pick up on if they carefully monitor their patients who have been prescribed opioids. Family members also need to be made aware of the dangers of the prescribed drugs and the signs of addiction so they can notify doctors and aid the process of seeking treatment before things go completely off the rails. Nobody is above addiction because they’re strong and capable. They’ll just be a strong and capable addict who knows how to tell people what they want to hear if it comes to that. It also places an undue burden on addicts to self regulate-when that’s not how addiction functions. She was already in the trenches by the time anyone noticed, and they seemed to have an expectation that she’d be transparent and want to be off the substance she was struggling with. Again, not how it works. I hate that they lost someone who sounded like a really amazing person and very loved by her family and community. She probably felt a lot of pressure to live up to the expectations of those around her, and they were able to turn a blind eye when she first started struggling because they didn’t allow themselves to think she could be suffering from addiction. I wish it was required that patients being prescribed opioids AND their families had non judgmental education on addiction, what signs to look for, and what to be concerned with if they experienced symptoms of it so they could get help. And maybe some places to call to get advice and feedback if they had concerns so they could approach the person with openness, compassion, and empathy instead of assuming they wouldn’t possibly have those problems. The pandemic happening on top of all of that was a recipe for disaster. Black women don’t get the care we deserve from the medical establishment as is (stats don’t lie), so when tragedies like this happen, it’s hard for me to see the deceased as the only person who needs to be held accountable. There are supposed to be checks and balances to prevent this and this woman was failed to the point nobody noticed until she was in too deep and it cost her her life. That doesn’t absolve her of any personal responsibility at all, but after addiction is in the mix, you’re not dealing with the same thought processes of the person before they were physically and psychologically addicted to the substance.
@@Cashionista You touched all valid points..I also agree the dr. shares responsibility because they are the one who prescribed this very addictive drug..May she 🙏🏾
She's still in pain. I really feel for her. My brother has struggled with addiction, being homeless, and being in and out of prison. I lived in fear for years expecting to get "the call", but thankfully it never came. He's doing really well now - out of rehab and working. I really hope he stays strong.
It’s not just pride. Shame is a deeply powerful emotion. I imagine Karen, being the learned theologian she was, carried some heavy shame regarding her addiction. Bless her sweet soul. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I believe you are so correct in your use of the word shame. It seems to be confused at times with being prideful, and the correct term would really be shameful. Let a man examine himself...
The absolute shame the addict feels, is horrible.And that makes the addiction worse. The less that you feel about yourself, the more using is on your mind.
Addiction is a demon and we no longer have pastors willing to cast out demons. Only the Catholics still practice casting out demons. We have the power to do so through Jesus Christ but yet we fail.
@@mycharmedunicorn8715 Fasting along with prayer will get rid of demons. The Bible says that some demons do not come out unless you also fast along with prayer.
I'm a County Probation Parole Officer. I loss my brother to a fentynal overdose last year. It's definitely impactful. To live in Philadelphia which is a fentynal known City, makes this even more relevant. Thank you for telling your story officer. I find parallels and relatability between your story and now my story. Rest in peace to our siblings. We will continue to supervise from a place of humanity as law enforcing officers.
We need more public service announcements that Fentanyl is destroying families just as crack did. You are as sick as your secrets. Hiding them will kill you. Narcotics Anonymous is online and in person. We don’t know what they put in those street drugs; how they affect the mind. Your sister had a hurt she could not talk about. Having lost a sister to bad judgment and watching her decline over years, I feel your pain. She is now free.
Former Prob Off. So sorry for your loss . Just know, you’re not alone. Many of us are dealing with family members that have experimented or are addicted. It’s so hurtful. Revelation 21:1-4 hugs🙏🏽
My heart breaks for you and your family. As a former addict, I completely understand. I have a Master's degree and graduated valedictorian of my undergraduate class of 750 students. I never thought I would be addicted. Thank God I became sober before the Fentanyl crisis. After 15 years of sobriety, I still know the power of opioids. Occasionally I still have using dreams, but I know better how to deal with them. Bless you for doing this video, and for those who criticise addicts, remember, "There but for the grace of God go I."
I had surgery for a torn meniscus at 62. The Dr prescribed 90 oxy pills! I didn't even fill the prescription. I took Aleve for a few days and was fine. Now I THANK GOD I didn't fill that prescription! It was Almighty God!! It wasn't a bad surgery, what's wrong with these doctors? Reading these stories makes me thankful for God's divine intervention 🙏
I was prescribed oxycodone liquid for 3 weeks after I had my tonsils out as an adult. I took it exactly as prescribed for 3 weeks and that was it. Not everyone prescribed pain medication becomes addicted. In fact, most do not.
I have a very similar story. I thought the doctor was crazy. I wanted to fix what was wrong, not pain pills. Have a sister who is an addict and never filled the prescription.
I’m in daily chronic pain and you can’t fix muscles and nerve pain! I take it correctly and I would be so happy not to have to have it but some of us don’t get a choice if we don’t want to live our life in bed!
@@katluann don't have any bad feelings about it. That's what it was made for. I get so mad when they try to be stingy with people who need it. Don't ever feel bad about it !
I really needed to hear this!! I just recently lost my only sister to this!! I've been grieving something terrible!! My sister was all that I had. Our mother was murdered in front of us on my birthday, and as we grew up, we promised to look out for one another. She was my everything!! Because of the trauma we experienced as kids, life was difficult for us. More so, her then myself, but we had horrific lives. Moving forward, we had a bond that was irreplaceable!! I became sick, and she came home to take care of me and never went back. ( Another State). I got a call one day that she passed out in the street on her way to work, her heart stopped!! I rushed to the hospital when I got there, the Dr. Said she overdosed!!! What overdosed??? She denied everything!! She worked, had children and grands, went to concerts and shows, and spent time with family. She had a very active and fulfilling life. She went to NY one night to visit a friend!! She always told me where she was going. But, she didn't tell me she was going to NY to visit an old friend. She went on a Friday and was supposed to come back to Jersey Saturday for work. That Saturday morning, I received the call she was dead!! I was devastated!! I found out who the person she was with and I spoke with them. That conversation was a nightmare!! The girl/ woman she was with wasn't someone mybsisyer should have been with. The girl lied and said, "My sister fell and hit her head, and she rushed my sister to the hospital because she hit her head hard!! The coroner told me that my sister was already dead when the EMTs came to take her to the hospital!! That girl told me she took my sister to the hospital and went back home. She said she was waiting for my sister to call her to pick her up from the hospital. The police also.said, No she died in the girls' house." An autopsy was done, and 2 months later came back a cause of death. Fentenyl! My sister would have been 62! I miss her so much! She was the only family I had!
Don’t break before your Breakthrough...please draw nigh to God, & HE most certainly will draw nigh to you. You have such a Testimony - from your childhood trauma to the tragic dependence and loss of your sis to addiction - that can HELP save others lives and in doing so, help you. God Bless you 🙏🏽✝️
Your sister sounds incredible. I’m so sorry for your loss. I have a friend who is in the hospital right now…it’s her 23rd trip for ODing. I don’t know how she is still alive. Any prayer warriors that sees this, please pray for Alyssa age 27.🙏🏻
Dear God Our Father, We pray & confess the deliverance of Alyssa right now, Lord, in Jesus’s Name! We declare that Alyssa is FREE from the demons that continue to attack her mind, spirit & heart, Lord. May she find true deliverance in You & Your Precious Son, Jesus. We love You & we thank You for the healing you have worked in Alyssa. Keep her family also during this trying time. God. Our Father, we thank You! In Jesus’s Holy & Mighty Name we pray, Amen! 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
I'm not a believer, but I wish for nothing but the best for her. And I send my heart to you, too. Loving an addict is...I can't even find the words for how devastating it is.
This is the most eloquent and realistic description I've ever heard of what it's like to have an addict in one's family. Sending condolences on the loss of your dear sister.
I agree with you 100%. The guilt and shame is almost impossible to bare. My heart goes out to you and the beautiful way you told your personal story. There are many reasons why addicts don't seek help. One reason is financial. If you're not working, you don't have insurance. Another reason is embarrassment, just look at some of the hateful and disrespectful comments on this post. You're already beat down emotionally and financially, who wants to stand in the middle of TIMES SQUARE with the scarlet letter A on your chest? Nobody wants an intervention where you've been tricked by whatever lie, just to get there and be put on display so everyone can humiliate, embarrass and threaten you. Nobody wants to sit there while they drag you through the mud and tell you the negative impact on their life you have become. Addicts are aware of everything they have done and being made to sit in a chair like a child while listening to every story of how crappy, worthless, and disgusting you are is NOT going to make them have an epiphany and stop taking stuff in that minute. None of those theories work. The only way a person will STOP, is when they want to. No threats, screaming, ultimatums, or tears work even if they wanted it to. Sadly, some never break free from addition. Hopefully if someone really wants that help to change the road they are on, there's a friend extending their hand out, to walk you out of that dark place. Whether you are the addict or the exasperated friend or family member, I wish you all the best on your journey, you are not alone.
Seeing your own sister relapse … man I’d be torn . I don’t know how the sister has the strength to do this interview while exposing her sister in her later days.
@@jannaknight9384 Yes! I think interventions are weirds af. If I were an addict of any kind, that shit would be humiliating. I do not believe in public humiliation for anyone, that includes children.
What a tragic story. Painful to think after all her accomplishments she suffered from the curse of addiction. A terrible, terrible loss for her sister. I think the sister has a very intelligent, healthy perspective on what happened. I appreciate her brave effort to tell the story for the sake of others.
Addiction is not what killed her! The person who sold her a fake pharmaceutical cut with fentanyl is who/what killed her. As a former drug user xannax hydros Vicodin even heroin isn’t going to kill you at the drop of a hat. But any of those pills pressed by the cartel with fentanyl will absolutely kill you. She was poisoned!
I know it is very shocking because you would least expect that person to be using but it isn't who the person is or what they are capable of it is what is and has happened in that person's life and for me "not taking that leap" where's my success, I'm sure everyone has their own inner anguish but believe me if the person is intelligent and determine you wouldn't know. Even if there was someone who suspected me, I would get out front of that thought. I have been clean for at least 38 years made the career moves and graduated in social work -I'm not fulfilled but I do realize and understand and have no interest in using as a matter of fact I'm an addiction counselor. I'll stop here but my condolences and you are right it is a sickness.
Denise Porter I am sorry 4 your loss 😢 But please don't blame your self, with feeling guilty 🙏🌺 I am sure you brother know that u cared 4 him ❤️ Mayby he was good at hide how addicted he was, than it was not easy 4 you to realize how sick he was.
Sometimes you just can't tell how sick someone is. I am an addict in recovery. I tried like hell to hide it, most addicts do. You can't blame yourself for what happened. It's not your fault.
I can believe you really can become addicted with these pain pills when I was hospitalized due to a car accidents i was in traction for pelvis fractures I had to lay one way in the hospital bed so they would ask me if I needed a pain pill sometime I will say yes sometime I will say no because it was for comfort since I was put in one position due to my injuries i sustain.I had a doctor that to me when I ask him to prescribed me pain pills he refuse. To I was find he really was looking out for my well-being Percocet is a true enemy with my experience taking them while I was in hospital said once leaving the Hospital the only pain medication that he would prescribed be Tylenol 3 he look out for me .Doctor said to me when I got ready to leave the Hospital I will give me Tylenol 3 that was a blessing because I asked him for Percocet and if I had not been a strong individual I could have been a failure falling through the cracks as well my Orthopedic doctor said no Percocet i was wanting that drug he said to me only Tylenol it was a blessing not Percocet, was not good once having take them they was terrible they had me seeing things that you think you're seeing when it's did happen in my hospital room door it look like I was seeing animals some of these doctors should not prescribe theses painkiller to individuals I'm so happy I had a very good doctor said no you will be getting Tylenol 3, instead of Percocet which Percocet was fine as long as I was in the Hospital i would get one tablet if I felt some discomfort only for a moment not often because I had to lay one way in the bed. I couldn't turn myself at all. Theses Doctors are at fault.
I think I have to look at this a little at a time. I lost my daughter at 24 yrs old in 2021. I can’t stop crying and it hurts so bad. I will be back to listen to the last 5 mins😢. I really don’t think people understand how hard it is.
Hey y’all I finished it. Thank y’all so much for the prayers. They have directed me to this grieving counseling thingie but sadly to say it only made it worse. I’m sorry my dear but time does NOT heal ALL wounds. I hate when people say that 😞. Yet I’m so very thankful for the ones that have prayed for me.
"...because she was such a strong person, weaknesses was not in her vocabulary" To admit a truth is one of the biggest strenths we can ever have. So many of us struggle with this and the difficulty to put the pride to the side.
My daughter died July 21 this year from fentanyl, alcohol and cocaine. She was 38. Her 4 year old twins were with her and could not wake her up. We have custody of them as of now, and we are also taking her 18 year old son and supporting her 22 year old son as they grieve. The oldest said that his mother, my daughter, had been dying as long as he remembered. She was a working addict but was emotionally not really available because getting her fix took so much time, energy, and money! Heartbreaking. Thank you for your story! Well said!
My first exposure to opiates was post c-section. I became a stranger to myself. After an overdose I checked into rehab. I’m proud to say that was 16 years ago and still clean!! It’s not easy but so worth it! ☮️💗🙏
They gave me oxycontin and percocet for breakthrough pain after both of my c sections. They gave it out like candy back in 2000. For whatever reason I did not become physiologically or psychologically addicted. Thankfully.
@@formerfundienowfree4235 I took them for 5 or 6 days after I tore up my hand a long time ago. I took the last of the pills back to the pharmacy and said, " Its not safe for me to take these anymore." I'd never felt so...free. I didn't care. My anxiety was gone. It was like a dream. I recently had surgery and was prescribed oxycodone, and taking them the 2nd time didn't give me that free feeling at all. It just kept the pain away. After my first time taking them I'm so glad I didn't chase that relief again. I'm fortunate. Nobody chooses to be addicted. But once it happens, you do have a choice to make. And I think total abstinence and therapy are the only things that work. But I don't believe in programs, or being cured by god. You put it down. And you go straight to therapy and stay there. I apologize for writing so much. I'm so sad about this woman's death, and I'm so sad for any addict.
Little sister, I'm sorry for your loss. Your big sis sounded like an amazing woman. I work in substance use treatment, and I'm in recovery myself (8+ years) and I'd be thrilled for any of my clients to work with someone as understanding and compassionate as you. Thank you for sharing your story. Many blessings to you. ❤
I am so sorry for your loss! I was in my early 30s married to a law enforcement officer when I was prescribed oxycontin. I became addicted and subsequently lost my marriage, my children and my home. Prior to that, I had been an active church member, a foster parent and very involved in helping troubled teens. I became an addict,a liar, a cheater and a thief. Eventually I became an IV heroin and methamphetamine addict. I lived in cars and on the streets. I was in and out of jails and hospitals. By the grace of God, I have 6 years clean. To stay clean, I have to be rigorously honest with myself and others. Bless you for sharing Karen's story and your story! This disease can strike anywhere and anyone. My husband, like yourself, dealt with drug addicts every day as an officer but he was blind to the signs he saw at home. No one wants to believe that someone they love is lying to them. No addict wants to hurt someone they love or be cut off from the thing they are addicted to. Thank you again, for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m proud of you. I was in active addiction for almost 30 years it’s a real miracle I’m still here. I’ve been in recovery for over 6 years and I’m so happy to be Cindy again ❤
Thank you sharing. I think accountability and honesty is the cure to 90% of the worlds problems. Stay strong, accountable, and honest you never know who is drawing inspiration from you.
Absolutely heartbreaking story! We need to stop marginalizing, disrespecting and shaming drug addicts. These persons did not set out to be drug addicts. It is a horrible disease, and these people need medical attention, treatment and love.
Yes! I was a prescription pill addict and didn’t realize it. I went to treatment for four days. Got clean and switched to a Pain Management Dr that cares❤ThanQ Jesus for Deliverance
Exactly! These drugs are used in the silent war we are under right now. We're losing so many lives, often very young lives of people who weren't addicted to anything but wound up with tainted drugs. I blame the ones who set the trap, not the individuals who got caught up in the trap for various reasons!
Wow. Both ladies are so well accomplished. Their parents must be so proud. I'm sorry for your loss. This could happen to anyone. Her first dealer was her doctor. So sad!
I am a woman with two graduate degrees and in the teaching profession. As a result of debilitating migraines, along with searing pain due to a nerve compression in my neck, I got hooked on opiates. Threw in some alcoholism to boot. While I did not buy street drugs, that makes me no better than someone scoring on the street. For years, I got away with it, unless my life started crumbling. Karen was a strong woman, but the addiction was stronger -- I get it. Bless you for telling Karen's story. If it leads to just one person getting clean/sober, it's worth it. You make Karen proud with your video. Thank you.
Did you misuse your prescriptions? WHY did you misuse them?? What was missing in your life? Your listing your credentials means nothing. You are using excuses. Unless you know WHY you will always be tempted.
@@aruglaempire2518 You sound bitter. I am, however, no longer troubled by anger and bitterness. Got to the root of those things long ago, and I not only do not abuse prescription medication, I avoid anything addictive (other than creating jewelry and art).
@@aruglaempire2518 "misusing" your prescriptions ≠"something is missing". Its the equivalent of, we should eat 4oz of meat, u eat it & ur still hungry so u eat another 4 and BAM ur full. No harm no foul. Sure youll gain a few lbs, but walking an extra 30 min will fix that. With pain pills...you take 1 & youre STILL IN EXCRUCIATING pain. You have a newborn, toddler and 5th grader waiting for baths, homework & dinner & hubby is at work. You take 1 more pill and BAM! Pain is still there, but tolerable. Its a vicious cycle. Perhaps educate yourself on LEGITIMATE chronic pain patients that become DEPENDENT on pain meds, but then they really taken off the meds due to red tape. And withdrawal from the meds + irretractable CHRONIC PAIN is not something that can be treated with PT, vitamins, herba, ice packs, acupuncture, advil, ginger ale & all the other things that yall naïve to severe chronic pain, think work.
It took getting myself on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) after over 16 years of heavy hydrocodone, heroin, fentanyl abuse to finally stop using. I thank The Lord I got out when I did. Methadone Treatment saved my life.
@@maandren Methadone is a godsend for so many, and I'm so glad that you found your way out of the darkness and into life. People who don't have chronic, sometimes debilitating pain will never understand what it's like to battle that every minute of every day and how easy it is to become addicted. Some of us don't even escape it in our sleep; it infiltrates everything. The problem with the drugs (as with any addiction) is that our tolerance grows, even when we take them EXACTLY as prescribed, and that is simply medical fact. People who don't understand don't know what they don't know, and they choose to write it off as a character weakness. The American Medical Association ruled that addiction is a disease. In 1953.
My brother in law died from his addiction in March of 2021. He had just gotten out of prison only 5 months before and seemed to be doing so well. I still cry when I think about it. He was an amazing dad to my niece and nephew he just couldn’t shake the habit.
I lost my sister 2 years ago. I adopted her twin boys and have had them since birth. I understand everything this lady is saying. Been there done that. God bless this lady
I was started using pain pills at 13, tar at 15 and got clean when I was 19 and I’m now about to be 25. This story got me in tears and I just hope this lady is doing okay.. she has such a sweet soul. :(
Wow. How did that happen? Were there other things that you were going through that led you to start using them or was it just ppl around you that introduced you to that?
@@earlem9771 sorry for late reply, but getting prescribed painkillers from doctors for injuries is a HUGE reason as to why most people become addicted and once the doctors cut them off they turn to dealers from the streets and sadly most is laced with fentanyl
I'm so sorry for your loss. The drug changes the mind, so that's probably why she didn't realize she was justifying her use. It's an evil thing. What a beautiful woman she was❤️
I'm so excited about this conversation and my opportunity to learn from other view points. No judgement or maybe it is judgement I'm still trying to figure out when she realized she was seeking drugs with all the information we have about drug addiction why she couldn't recognize it. I just feel like with all her education she was supposed to know better and made it her choice any way despite the repercussions. I'm afraid of drugs fearing becoming addicted and how that could impact my and my family life
One of the best interviews on this channel, so detailed and she explained addiction so perfect. She addressed her sister with respect and love, so sorry for your families loss
This story is compelling because Karen wasn't what we call a usual drug user. She was accomplished, educated, intelligent and spiritual yet like any other drug addict there were issues that she hadn't dealt with, that unfortunately led to her untimely passing. Grace and Peace to her husband and to all her family and friends.
This is where we make mistakes. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. People with accelerated degrees and high profile careers become addicted just like the stigma of what some people would consider an addict to look like. Please understand that they look just everyone else. Addiction is addiction is addiction. As someone who has worked in an Addiction Treatment Unit in a women’s prison, I’ve encountered teachers, nurses, and an anesthesiologist as well the opposite spectrum of society. Addiction is a brain disease.
Addict are some of the smartest people in the world. Even the ones you see on the streets nine times out of 10 if they get clean, they will be accomplished productive members of society.
This hits close. My older brother was a D1 football player, college grad, and a volunteer youth football coach. Watching his life turn due to opiates is so sad, i pray he accepts help before its too late.
Watching this in shock. I've helped Mrs. Jackson at work countless times and she was always a joy to work with. I'm a recovered addict and it's mind boggling how this drug doesn't care about the color of your skin, age, religion, education, or your status in this world. Praying for the family and I sure will miss hearing about her last trip and the next one she was planning and seeing her smile.
Wow!! My condolences to you and your family. I can truly relate as i lost my baby brother at 40 yrs old two years ago to fentanyl. He was a chef, a husband and father of 5, a college graduate.. he was a Sigma and an amazing church musician. It’s still really hard to wrap my head around it. Since his passing i am looking into becoming a substance abuse counselor. I never want another family to have to go through what our families are going through. I pray that God will comfort and strengthen you. I pray that you will find some sense of peace during this time.🙏🏽❤️
No, no nothing is EVER black peoples fault. Its literally raycist to expect them to take any responsibility for their own actions. White folks caused this!!!
I am so glad you mentioned that the addiction is physical. Not just mental. Watching your video was like looking in a mirror. The depression comes from shame. People really don’t understand what this drug will do to you. It will turn you into someone you never thought you’d be. And you justify your actions because you know this isn’t you. At times I don’t know what to do. I was very accomplished just like your sister. I lost everything. I lost my career, ministry, friends, and on the verge of losing family. Thank you for your testimonial. I needed to see that.
Thank you Mrs. Galloway for your strong testimony on behalf of your sister. I empathize and sympathize with you. I endured a similar situation with my older brother who was addicted to oxicodone. He too was in denial and overdosed on pills and liquor. He too was my rock and losing him was devastating. I know that addiction is physiological and very difficult to defeat permanently. My prayers and good wishes go out to all who struggle with this burden.
Sad story. I think she needs healing too, because I think she’s angry at herself and Karen. In addition, she’s extremely saddened by the whole thing! RIP!
I watched this purely based on her photo. What a beautiful smile she had. I have then watched a lot of things based on these repulsive drugs. Too many people to this day make money off prescribing this drug they don’t care about the consequences to the poor people whom become addicted. What a waste of a gorgeous human being. Sending so much love to her and her family. I’m so so sorry for your loss ❤️🙏❤️🙏
@@ravenesqueone3033That’s funny. Cuz prescription drugs is all I was on. I never took ANYTHING other than the pain pills my doctor gave me for chronic pain. Nothing. And I became dependent on them. Took years for me to get off of them for good. And thank God this was before fentanyl was a thing, or I could’ve ended up just like the woman in this story. You are so naïve and ignorant to sit here and say, “prescription drugs didn’t do this”. So what, you HAVE to be on street drugs to have an addiction or overdose? Afraid you are sadly misinformed. I never took anything but the Vicodin I was prescribed and the withdrawals from them were like walking through absolute HELL. But you go on with your naïve little theories. I guess you knew this woman better than her sister huh? And on top of that, you know better than the doctor that did her autopsy. They showed the autopsy report….fentanyl, hydrocodone (generic name for Vicodin), Xanax, and alcohol. That’s 2 prescription drugs, alcohol, and fentanyl, which I’m sure she had NO clue she was even taking. She obviously bought some pills, which look identical to the ones from the pharmacy, complete with serial numbers & stamps on them, & that fentanyl alone would’ve caused her death most likely. Educate yourself before you speak. People do die from prescription drugs ALONE!!! They did BEFORE fentanyl was a real problem, but now they definitely do.
There is never no one that is different from the next person she got addicted to a prescription drug which was perk 30. Your only suppose to take every 4 to 6 hours. Her next step was going to be Heroin. Believe this can happen to anyone it starts with drugs you get from Dr. It's just a Lable drug. missed used.
O wow! My heartfelt prayers and condolences to you and your loved ones. 😢😢 . I just had a reconstructive foot surgery & was prescribed Oxycodone. Sometimes I allow the pain to build til I can’t take it because I’m so scared. I don’t even drink soda, so I don’t want to become addicted to anything.
Stay away from it, nothing good comes out of it. Was addicted for 12 years, protection from Jesus blood. I through away a bottle of Xanax. It's not worth respiratory depression. I'll pray for you.
My best friend started with hydrocodone then graduated to oxy then eventually heroin, and OD’d in 2011 after over a decade of escalating opioid addiction.
Let me first say my question comes from me not understanding NOT from trying to start an argument. I'm very sincere. Do you feel that your alcoholism is different from opioid addiction? I have a opioid addiction I'm sure. I have fibromyalgia, sciatica, and advanced schliosis. If I don't take my meds I can't walk. The pain is UNBERABLE. I have tried EVERYTHING, from PT, yoga, meditation, everything. But when you drink alcohol was it started from genuine PAIN & is it the same? I'm confused, and would like to have it explained. If you care to share🤔☹️😖
@@luananana4679 That's a good question. I'd say whether it's fentanyl or alcohol I'd say it's the same. It's both an addiction and you have to fight it day in and day out not to relapse.🤷
I wish you the best in your recovery. I pray that God blesses you with the strength to never touch alcohol again in your life. And the Lord Jesus name I pray amen. Be blessed because you have posted this many will be praying for you.
This resonates with me SO MUCH! I “lost” my sister/best friend to Vicodin then OxyContin then heroin. She is clean now, but she is not the same sister I used to have. Drugs changed her brain or something. We are raising her grandson now as her daughter is an addict as well. It’s brutal. I’m so sorry for your loss! So sorry.
Mama I’m so sorry and I feel your pain. I lost my fiancée of 7 years to a fentanyl od this past May. He was my best friend and I’m so broken, but somehow I’m still clean. You’ll be in my prayers now.
I lost my niece 2 years ago from Fentanyl poisoning, she also didn't know what she was getting, she had plans for her future, her death hurt me to my soul, she was 29, One pill, ONE PILL changed our family forever 😢😢 So sorry for your loss
@@MsShonni2U well the first clue would be dont trust a drug dealer off the street. the fact that they were going on the street to get what ever drug they thought it was should tell them maybe i shouldnt be doing this.
@nickmanning3307 Apparently you haven't really dealt with someone that has a drug problem or have never been in their shoes, or what could have led them to start using, so please stop with the remarks, you never know what someone is going through!!!!!
@nickmanning3307 You don't have to get drugs from the streets to die from it, some of the most addictive drugs are prescribed by your DOCTOR!!!!!! And people die from it!!!!!
It breaks my heart to see a woman like your sister die from this problem. She was someone who worked so hard to have her life in order, but she wasn't prepared for how a simple substance could take it all away. It is a lesson for everyone to see how these problems can affect anyone. You are doing so much to help others by sharing her story! GOD BLESS!
Katrice Galloway, Karen's sister, is an amazing communicator. Her love for Karen comes through, along with a powerful warning for all of us. Maintaining that balance of love and honesty is not easy. Thank you for sharing this important story! I'll be looking for more talks from Ms. Galloway!
I remember 3 hospital staff people coming into my room after having major surgery. I was prescribed hydrocodone for pain. The pharmacist said " please ween yourself off of the hydrocodone and transition to ibuprofen as soon as possible" It was a strong message and I'm so glad I listened.
Ibuprofen is just as bad. You can get addicted to it too. And it can cause other problems. Just stay with Tenlyol if you really need something. But start with prayer to God in the name of Jesus to cleanse you with the blood and water that came from his side. Because all pain comes from the soul. Even if it's from some physical trauma. The soul has to be healed before the body can be healed. Spirit,.Soul, and Body have to be one. The Bible says beloved, above all things I wish that thou mayest prosper and be in health even, as thou soul prospereth (3 John 1:2). You soul have to prosper in the Word and things of GOD before anything can change in your life. You start with your Spirit being born-again. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Then moving on to being baptized in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking/praying other tongues. This is a place of connected as one with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit and they three are one then you being in them and they in you. And with that all of you are one. You cannot live apart from this manner then preach the Word of God like Karen did. Her walk deceived her sister but we get deceived because we believe what we want to about people that we are close to or we depend on for some kind of support. Therefore, we purposely, over look the red flags hoping that we are just dreaming. I am not moved by people's performances whether coming from a religious, political, relational, professional or any standpoint. Especially, religious. People ware mask all the time...
So sorry for your loss.People have to realize addiction is a disease.My 40 year old daughter is addicted to opiates since 2011.She has disappeared again- this time for 25 days.I love her and all I can do is pray she is still alive.
I’m so sorry for your loss and sooo grateful that you shared. We as a black community seem to shy away from topics like this, I thank you so much for bringing light that it has no color or race it’s just an illness that anyone can suffer from.
GOD is your everything, GOD is a Jealous GOD, 😢👀you say the drug was so powerful for your sister karen, she was sick, you should have took her to the Elders of the church when this first happen, GOD first👀but she was your everything you said, but you didnt talk about it, i dont have a sister but if i did have one and she was like karen i would take her to my everything GOD at a Holy Ghost Church and let them put that OIL over her cause she was SICK, 😢👀it is in the Bible in JAMES👀but she was your everything, Wake up Everyone if you get or have a Karen in the Family take her to the church not some building there is no power in a room, at a building. the power is in the OIL with the praying old Elders with Faith who had GOD in them🆗 Let this be a Warning no more taking your sister(Everything) to a dang cold dont care building, thats making money off these sick people👀i did not say any church i said a Holy Ghost Church. like the church gma go to from back in the day people who dont have all that make up on and the dress is long and you cant see the shape, and they got them hats on they head so you cant see the hair, and the men dont have all that gold around the neck the woman wearing flats in the church they come to the church to heal someone today to really help you. take you in that back room and all i said all the Elders pray over you, and this church when you put the money in the basket they ask you to write down what you want GOD to do for you like back in Solomon days. and they put it on the Altar and pray and pray🙏🏽over it, and GOD said turn from your SIN come back to HIM not the World then i will heal you, meaning. karen make the first step, you take her at the Altar, they put the OIL over her, she dont go back to her pass she move forward she stop Sinning, she dont go back to that old life smoking hanging in the street, but she was your everything😢i just cant get over that Word👀🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️
Blacks were judged very harshly and criminalized for addiction. Now that it affects all demographics it's recognized as illness/disease and deserving of compassion (to some degree). The past alienation likely has caused too much trauma for many blacks to easily trust that it's now safe to talk about without being judged guilty.
Dr. Jackson was my direct AP/supervisor for a few years at a middle school. I had no idea that she had passed away. She was a good solid person. I'm so sad 😢
I lost my favorite brother in 1983 to a heroin overdose and I never recovered from the pain. He took a part of me with him, so I understand your pain. My condolences to you and your family!
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm going through the same thing. I lost my younger and only brother in March 1998 to a heroin overdose also. Still hurts every day.
Please, please Seek after professional counseling. It worth every steps you take forward 🙏 Stop blaming yourself or others. The Why start with that person. Help is available ✝️📖
I'm so sorry. I unfortunately know your pain all too well and also will never recover. I lost my brother October 2020 to Fentanyl overdose. I miss him more than I could ever put in words.
This story was so beautifully spoken til i cant even be sad about her tragic untimely death. Karens sister told her journey with so much respect, dignity, grace, accountability and strength. I was just in awe of that. She opened my eyes to addiction doesn’t discriminate also.
True testimony that fentanyl addiction is powerful and deadly. My son suffers from this as well. I haven't lost him yet as he is in treatment as we speak. God bless you for bringing this story to us and you are in my prayers.
I'm so so sorry for your lost I dont believe it was pride it is definitely shame and guilt and your sick as your secrets I know it oh so well I've lived my life like that for far to long and I'm so GREATFUL to still be HERE GOD has a plan for me and I have a story to tell GOD BLESS YOU'RE SISTER DEPRESSION IS REAL AS WELL AND IT WILL KEEP YOU USING IF WE DONT DIND AWAY
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your sister. Drs need to be able to practice medicine and if this is the issue by God let people have some damn relief from pain. Drs never tell you when prescribing opiates for pain that one day I will decide you don't have pain anymore. And everyone's pain level is different. People would not be going to the streets and getting most any street drug has FENTANYL init. Even Xanax that are fake have it in them. And the people that do that street speed even is being cut with just a very small amount of Fentanyl to actually get you physically addicted to the speed. Speed is usually not physically addicting but mental and emotionally addicting. It gives you such a false sense of well being until you want to quit. I'm very sorry for your loss. I am a sufferer of long term severe pain which they can't do anything about. But you have to buck up and keep moving, exercise and she obviously suffered a lot of pain. And with pain comes so many problems. It isn't only physical addiction, it's emotional addiction and psychological addiction also. But addiction is such a horrible disease. I am praying for you and as you said she was sick and her pain is no longer there. But death leaves we survivors with guilt, pain, denial, anger etc. Such a tragedy. Just give people what they need so they don't go to the street. I mean within reason. Thank you for doing such a wonderful explanation I have been on both sides and I totally understand. God bless you and your family and all the loved ones your sister have and had been affected by her loss. May one day healing comes but it's so hard.
It's a lot of shame in addiction--especially if you're an accomplished person. Thank you so much for sharing your sister's story, and I'm so sorry for your loss.
This is probably one of the most important videos ive seen on this channel. If it can happen to a person who is a minister and a Dr it can happen to anyone! People need to really understand how powerful this addiction is, it does not discriminate. Thank you for speaking out and sharing your story. My condolences to Karens family. 🙏💗
@@AugfordpdoggieYou guessed wrong. God gives choices, not protection. Your body is merely loaned to you, and God says to treat it like a Holy Temple. Rest in peace Karen, and I will pray for you siti1ca.
This interview really touched me. A highly well educated woman can have this terrible addiction. Thank you for sharing with us. You really helped many people!
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s heartbreaking. Addictions knows no boundaries. It can happen to the smartest people in the world. I’m 15 yrs clean and sober!❤️🙏🏼‼️
Bragging about clean time often hurts those who are still struggling... I was on heroin for over 30 years, but I did earn a PhD in mathematical physics...
This one is powerful. Brought me to tears. I hope that my word choice to my daughters about what I call "crossing that line..." has made a difference. I know first hand. "Once you cross that line, it is almost impossible to come back..." There was a popular rock band in the '80's known as Ratt. Their charismatic, loveable, guitarist Robbin Crosby put it best for me when he was interviewed shortly before his death, "Quitting opiates is like quitting breathing." Ironically, that's what overdosing does, causes respiratory failure. I must say that I love the photo of you two sisters wearing the shawls and sunglasses. Rest In Peace Karen.
We live in a society that does not often acknowledge how devastating the loss of a sibling truly is. Thank you for sharing the admiration, love, and respect you and Karen had for each other. You have reached out and secured Karen's legacy by comforting and helping others.
The fact our borders are wide open guarantees thousands more will die.😡 What the horrible so called ‘leaders’ who are allowing this debacle to take place don’t realize is - the cartel will control the unnamed illegal immigrants for decades to come. They are building up their drug operations as we speak. America (& her families) are under siege!
What a wonderful sister. One of the best testimonies about addiction I’ve ever heard. A strong woman telling her sister’s story. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m sure it will help someone. You are so right. Pride causes so many falls. Pride goes before a fall. ❤️
. .... Karen needed to repent before the Holy God and was in need of true salvation that is in the Lord Jesus Christ!!! Amen!!! Honesty was necessary and the need to be thirsty for the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the Holy God...and in doing so she would have been filled with the Holy Ghost!!! Amen!!! What the world called drug abuse, substance abuse is a spiritual issue and is modern day sorcery that has been going on for years and years... But the Holy God promises to be a swift witness against all sorcerers!!! Amen!!! It enslaved the people and captivates their minds!!! Amen!!! But if one truly makes up in their own mind they don't want to use again... The battle is over... But first a willing mind is needed to even began to resist the call of it...which is the spirit of defilement and destruction, but for the abundant grace and the plentious mercy of the Lord... they shall not prevail against that spirit or those spirits!!! Amen!!! The Holy God hates pride and promises to mar it...many people have pride and refuse to humble themselves before the Lord who is the only hope for the world...the only hope...but many still reject the salvation that is in the Lord Jesus Christ...WHOM we ALLLLL need to escape this valley of the shadow of death!!! AMEN!!! AMEN!!! He is not far from anyone of us but is near even in our mouths... Call on him and he shall surely here one's cry and shall answer thee!!! AMEN!!! Call on the Rock who is higher than thee... Jesus the Christ, the SAVIOUR of the world and whom indeed came and is come to take away the sins/one's own thoughts of foolishness/one's own UNRIGHTOUSNESS of the world!!! AMEN!!! Deliverance is available because there is power in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ whose name is far more excellent in all the earth than fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, beer etc... Far more excellent is that name... Even so "King Jesus" come on through "my King" come on through NOWWWWWW... Thank you Lord...Thank you...
You are so right ! You hit the mail on the head- addiction does not discriminate-doctors, lawyers, ministers, teachers, Christians, Moms, Dads, Homeless, Judges, police officers-the list goes on and on- I know first hand how powerful it is
Agreed. I never thought I would be addicted to anything especially drugs. But I was, 11 years or more I lost track but God, if it wasn’t for The Lord I wouldn’t be here. Peace and love. So happy for your recovery. 🙏❤️
As a 23 year old man that’s two years clean from an opiate addiction myself, and also having lost my best friend back in 2018 to a fentanyl overdose. This hit me hard because I understand how she feels and also how hard the drug can grip you.
Congratulations on getting and staying clean! I lost my best friend 11 years ago. She was in detox and left after three days. She used and overdosed the next day. They brought her back. That night she went to go get her phone from this chick she met in detox cause she stole it 🙄 and she wrecked on her way back. I missed her call that day cause I didn’t know the number she called from. I believe she wanted me to go with her. I still struggle with that. I would either be dead also or she wouldn’t have been using and with me there she would be here. Only God knows. I also missed her last phone call from the hospital. That one really hurts. Idk who called her or them there was no voicemail. I miss her daily.
I appreciate you speaking out. I run a Mental Health program for 17-25 year olds. Our addiction & mental health crisis is critical in this country. It’s critical that people know drugs & mental health don’t discriminate; race, education, economic status or age😢
This hits so close to home for me. I was addicted to both Meth & Alcohol for years and absolutely no one knew about it, not my closest siblings nor my very bestfriend because I was a functioning addict and still went to work, paid my bills and kept up my appearance and hid it very well. During the Pandemic in late 2020 I was high on both drugs and saw my reflection in the mirror.
I have looked in the mirror thousands of times in my lifetime but this time it was different. I saw what little innocence that I had left in my eyes fading away. I saw my life slipping away from me and I literally sobered up that day. I would drink Nyquil to make myself sleep through the withdrawals and as days turned into weeks I was able to quit all on my own and stay that way.
What saddens me, is that to this day I have yet to tell anyone about my dark secret but here I am sharing it publically, only because I know that it's anonymous because I'm too ashamed to be seen as a drug addict and that's what I'll always be is a recovering addict for the rest of my life!... It's videos like this, that keep me grounded and focused on staying sober and to not let the spark in my eyes disappear like a whisper in the night!....
Thank you for reading my comment, it actually made me feel so much better, so thank you again, I'm truly grateful!... 🕊
You sound like such a beautiful, self aware, sweet soul.
I've been there and pulled myself out of it somehow, been clean from everything for 8 years now, the same year I lost my brother to an OD who lost his wife to it the year prior. I was done.
I pulled myself out with kratom, still sometimes use it for pain but there's no high to chase anymore, no cravings but it took a few years to stop craving. What a strong pull these drugs have.
I wish I had known you when you were struggling. When no one would help me, I vowed to never let anyone feel that powerless again.
You've got this. You OWNED it and that is the first, most important thing in the process. Listening to your written word is like listening to a good friend talk in your living room. You have a lovely way with words. Don't deprive others of your experiences and life lessons. Make something good come from it all and work toward a career in helping others who struggle. I can hear it in every carefully chosen word here. You will make a difference
🩷 Stay strong always. If you struggle, remember to just choose today to let it pass and tomorrow is better. You'll be just great.
Good for you,2020 was year of vision it helped a lot of people reflect im glad you were able to work through what you were going through good luck and wishing you a great 2023 and new beginnings 🤗
Sending prayers for continuous strength and healing to keep fighting and making it through! I don't know you but I'm proud of you a d wish you the best on your journey and I hope you are just as proud of yourself! Blessings 🙏🏽❤️
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing . Sending prayers your way.🙏🏾
This woman is amazing and was able to speak about her sister without taking her dignity, all while holding her accountable.
Absolutely
Beautifully said.
She had a shield. Her education, her position, her income all of these things shielded her and her family from her addiction. The best rehab is lack of money, rep, possessions. When everything and everyone is gone only then can you stop shaking and faking.
Beautifully said.
Sis was dealing with issues from a young age. Incest will mess a person up.
This interview allowed me to see addiction from a different angle. Especially when she stated, “ if anyone can beat this I know Karen can.” The most resilient people fall and cannot get back up. 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Former crack and meth addict here. By the grace of God, been clean since 2010, before that, 10 years of addiction, residential rehabs, living on the streets, being out at 3am to re-up so the night wouldn't end - it was a living nightmare.
So thankful to be clean and drug free. All glory to God! ✝✝✝
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
King James Version (KJV)
It took getting myself on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) after over 16 years of heavy hydrocodone, heroin, fentanyl abuse to finally stop using. I thank The Lord I got out when I did. Methadone Treatment saved my life.
Real nightmares ...addiction is...
Hallelujah praise the Lord 👏🙏
To God be the Glory
My God, she went to grief counciling 6 months before her sister even died. That's so powerful. Much respect for this kind soul.
😭😭😭😭
Yeah that’s what just blew me away. So sad. 😢 I’m glad she had the foresight though.
That was something new for me to hear her say she went to grief counseling before her sister died; she wasn’t dead but she felt she’d already lost her. Powerful thought right there
@@amynickerson4258 I think she was just looking back and realizing her sister had lost her way 6 months before she overdosed.
She knew her sister was slowly killing herself and was powerless to stop her. It's like waiting for a train to hit you.
This woman should be the spokesperson for drug issues! Eloquent and compassionate....so well spoken and really hits you in your heart!
Agree.
Agreed!! The candor and transparency of her telling her sisters story is heart wrenching. I Pray it helps someone who may be struggling with addiction and/ or their family. 😢
I believe this woman is amazing. I now see where my brother was lost before he died. Alcohol addiction is real.
So sorry about your loss. But your love could not save her. Denial is equally as strong as the addiction and that is hard to overcome. I hope many people hear your story.
Sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing your Sister's story with addiction, I pray it helps someone 🙏🏾
Two years sober from Opiates/ Heroine. God bless everyone still in their addiction. Praying for all y'all
Congratulations on two years of sobriety!
This is beautiful. I'm proud of you and I know your life has changed solely for the better. I am so happy.
I’m praying for you🙏🏽 Take one day at a time, minute by minute even. God Bless You!
Well done, that amazing. You should be be so proud of yourself.
Keep on going the best is yet to come❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊
The feeling when you know you’ve already lost someone you love, but they aren’t gone yet, is one of the worst feelings a person can have.
❤🙏❤
I've been witnessing my daughter slowly kill herself over the last 8 1/2 years from drugs. Started as a prescription from a car accident. Went to heroin, now fentanyl and crack.
I mourn for her every day even though shes still alive.
That's heart wrenching.
I wish we had a better health care system to deal with this.
I'm sending out prayers for you and your daughter. @@maryellenwhitton6558
Been there and still.🙏🙏🙏🙏 Self control..will power
Facing this possibility with my Son 💔
When she said she lost her 6 months prior to her passing, that was so real and heartbreaking. To see the person you love and know that they're just not there anymore is extremely painful to witness.
💔💔💔💔😓🙏
Yes, it is. I been there but not because addiction. All I can say is God knows all things and only he has the answers that he will reveal one day for our hurting pain.
So sorry. I remember when fentanyl was a miracle drug to treat intractable spinal cancer and bone cancer in hospitals. But the chemists aka evildoers turned it into a street drug.
@@ebazileyes1475 Yeah...not really tho.
Please take heart and may her soul rest in perfect peace 🕊️🙏🏽.
Beautiful wife , 4 great kids, brand new home and a great job in every respect. You’ve heard it before. I went to the doctor to finally treat my migraines. 40 ish at the time. Vicodin to heroin. One day I shot up in my hip. I hit something that was spurting blood across the room. My concern wasn’t bleeding to death. It was “ there goes my good dope”. That is the power it had over me. Recovered. Still married. Still have family. But had to start over again at 50. Not complaining. In fact grateful that I survived. I never let my guard down.
God bless you and may your sister rest peacefully.
Wow
Stay strong
God Bless you. Thank you for sharing. Stay strong
@@vintage-red-carpetmasonic-38 yes. Had all the scans , mris etc done. Family history on headaches . The whole bit. At the time there was no sumatriptan available. Non narcotic migraine medication. And did I know I was forming an addiction to these pills . Maybe. But since I did nothing in my life prior to this, except drink a few beers with friends in my early 20s I was totally ignorant of opiates. So if you think I woke up one morning in my 40s and said “ hey honey you know the one thing I’ve never done is become a heroin junkie, I think I’ll give it a go. Screw my job, screw the kids, screw you , screw the house.“ , well I don’t know what to say to that.
Vintage…it is your choice to do drugs. The junkie part is the drug’s choice. Living in a drug world up is down and down is up. For instance if you OD and the EMT’s give you Narcan, you are mad because you lost your high. If you hear of someone dying from an overdose, the first question you ask is, Who did they get their dope from?” You’re headed there because they hood, OD’ng” dope.
My 25 year old son passed away nearly 6 years ago from an accidental overdose. He was a gifted and brilliant artist and human. It happens in all types of homes. I miss him every single day 💔. I hate drugs so much.
From toxic illicit drugs?
I hate those things so much from just observing other people, that one night I went to a hospital in my area for chest pains and the doctor said, I am going to put you on valium. I saw red flag. I say don't bother to write it doc. Am not going to take it. I later had to work side by side with this doctor and, sorry, I never trusted him since.
I'm sorry for you
He was addicted but didn't overcome his demons.
I’m so sorry for your loss.. Praying for you🙏🙏
The fact that she was a minister hit hard. No one is immune to this scourge. We can't judge other's internal struggles and sweep them away with religiosity. My heart goes out to your family.
Very true, addiction is a terrible situation. I’m sorry to hear of your loss and the pain but I pray God sees you all through this difficult situation.
No such thing as a "woman minister" God has never called a woman to minister . 1 Timothy 2: 12 kjv
@@israelv.maldonado3483came to say this, but also yes being in Christ doesn’t make you immune to trials and struggles.
@@israelv.maldonado3483 she said her sister knew the Bible very well. Good for her, so does satan. The Bible doesn't save us. The Bible doesn't deliver us. That would be the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and our total submission to Him. I'm not preaching at you, just sharing thoughts.
I lost my beautiful 28 year old son just 3 months ago
And I’m in so much pain
We need to give our family that needs support lots of love and understanding
Love and Light to you
My heart goes out to you!!!!!😭
🙏🏾
I also lost an adult daughter. I don't talk about it too much with anybody because everybody just moves on. My heart goes out to you.
Why are people trying to escape the reality of a broken, cruel disappointing world of humans, I wonder why?
I'm so sorry for your loss. I think every family in America has been touched by addiction. Mine has and I personally have after being treated for a bad tooth. That was 20 years ago and have been clean for 10 years. But it cost me my career as an RN, a career I'd dreamed of since I was little. One I had work so hard for. Eventually I lost my marriage of 31 years. 20 years ago there wasn't Suboxone and addiction was looked at way more negatively than it is now. I didn't know how or where to get help. There is not a day goes by that my heart doesn't ache for the things I lost. Thank you for your story and hope you find peace and healing
I was a college mathematics professor with a PhD, but a long term heroin addiction ruined my career. I'm still a mathematical genius, and don't care what holier than thou jerks think.
For all of you that have battled this addiction and especially through some type of pain or injury l am
With you guys and the struggle is real but God got us and at least we here to share our story and let people know it can happen to anyone ❤️ God got us
❤
the
💔🙏🏻
I was addicted to Vicodin years ago, for several years. The only thing that worked was methadone with very little in OJ in the morning for 5 days. I had zero withdrawals and was amazed. The mind has to want to really quit, it's so hard. I lost my husband at 33 from opiates, but he helped me be done with it. Today is his birthday. Happy Heavenly Birthday love.
This story touched me and hit home because I too, am addicted to opioids/fentanyl. It’s hard. The withdrawals that you get from not having it. I wouldn’t wish this on my worse enemies. Can you all pray for me? Lord knows that I’m tired. Physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m not the same person that I use to be😢
There are resources for help out there. Call or text 988 for some guidance. You have to make the choice, but there's lots of great reasons to do so. Perhaps check out this recovery story on our channel - ua-cam.com/video/avwelLFOUKk/v-deo.html We're producing more of these too.
@@TexasPictures Thank you! I’m in the process of getting me help
How are you doing now? I’m really hoping you got the help you deserve ❤️
I stopped using heroine earlier this year and I haven't looked back yet. I have too much respect for my family to die with that being the topic of the the funeral..
@@lakendramontgomery5826 heroin is the last drug you want to be addicted too.
I'm so sorry for your loss. As of October 28th, I was 18 months clean from fentanyl. Still going strong. I'm the exception. I wish it was more common to get clean. I graduated nursing school, passed my NCLEX, and never worked as a nurse. Started using fentanyl. I watch these to remind myself where I was heading so I don't start romanticizing using, because I'm still an addict and I fight cravings all the time.
How did u get off? Does methadone work for fentanyl? I know ibogaine does but need to he off fent for 7-10 days first which idk if I can do. I got clean off heroin with ibogaine last year and my dumbass slipped up. Luckily I only smoke it and dont mess with needles so Ive never OD'd.
@@palmtrees2420 you gotta wana live, brother. Get treatment, detox, and put your mind over it. You got this, bro. Don't be a statistic. I can tell you're intelligent. That life is not for you. Peace.
God bless and stay strong.
@@palmtrees2420 you can do this. Recovery is achievable. You could easily lose your life. It's not just needles giving out overdoses. There is help out there. Reach out and grab it for yourself. I'm cheering for you.
@@palmtrees2420 I don't have an addiction to any drugs but you definitely want to remove triggers. I had addiction to things that were non drug related like for instance tarot, and I knew for me Bible wise it's a no and I had to curb that and friends that said oh xyz and I'd just ask them to not mention it and those who are in that world, I removed because I wanted to purify my mind and walk right. You got this. Go join a support group and don't give up.
"...six months prior to her dying, I had already lost her..." Your words pierced my soul. I pray for your strength and comfort. Thanks for sharing your story. May many others be helped.
Good Riddance.
@@Uncle.Ruckus.No.Relation. you need to be reported.
@@Uncle.Ruckus.No.Relation. How very rich coming from a bottom feeder meth addict🤷🏾♀️
@@lovelyti No more hair weave for her.
@@blackqueen164 Oh, I'm not white nappy head 😝
MY 36 Y/O DAUGHTER DIED OF AN OVERDOSE 12 YEARS AGO...I MISS HER EVERY DAY. RIP MY SWEET SARAH...
😢😢😢😢
As someone who has been to treatment 6 times, RIGOROUS HONESTY, taking suggestions, community and accepting spiritual help are the keys to recovery. I'll be sober 1 year come January 10th 2023 and I'm so thankful for my journey. There is no shame in asking for or getting help. We all deserve to be free and live our best lives
❤
Praise Jesus!!!!
I, too, was saved from prescribed drugs.
My sister still sees this doctor who I call her “dealer.”
That’s awesome, Jules! I pray Jesus surrounds you with His bright white Light of protection for good health, happiness, and safety at all times ❤
CONGRATS!
@@tinacurlyq thank you!
Sis I wasn't expecting an adult, preacher, and Dr to have died on this manner but thank you for your honesty. God, comfort you
That just goes to show NO one is exempt from addiction. It has no prejudice of race sex political party religion wealth status age none of that. It's sad praying for all in the fight with addiction. 🙏🏾
This shows how DOCTORS can kill you!!!
they made her an addict person.
it's not the only case and ppl still worshipping big-pharma...
Wake UP!!!
Breaks my heart into
It's rare, but it certainly happens.
she was not a Dr. calling her that is a disgrace to true Dr.s who save lives
My nephew was in the hospital for 14 days from a fentanyl overdose.He’s going to rehab tomorrow and we will be praying for him.Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for yr loss. Stay strong.
It almost killed him.That’s how long he took to recover.
Please tell him to GO! I lost my Nephew Jan 7,2023 my 💔 is broken! HE CAN DO THIS IN JESUS NAME ❤
Prayers for him!!!
My nephew died from a fentanyl overdose. He took that pill, laid down next to his girlfriend and never woke up. We'll never be the same. (2/17/22)
I overdosed on fake blues, (Roxy 30’s made of fentanyl and pressed) Luckily I was in public, and passed out in a gas station. I’m still struggling, and even used as soon as I got out of the hospital. It is not easy, it is very very hard. I’ve been sober 3 days today, just hoping it sticks this time. Thank you for sharing that addiction does not discriminate.
12/15/22
Still sober. Today makes day 5. I’m at the VA now taking my first dose of Suboxone. I know there are mixed feelings on it, but I need it. I’m not ashamed to admit I’m weak when it comes to this. Thank you everyone again.
thank you. I needed to hear this. Again. But getting all this love and support from strangers is a huge help! I’ve got people around me that are a lot of help. But I hear this from them all the time, and it goes in one ear and out the other. But hearing it from y’all is such a huge help!
May god continue to bless you. Stay strong and focus.
You got this and I pray you have help. Please, let people help---the hardest thing to do.
Please keep fighting trying u can do it.
Thank you for sharing your testimony. Lifting you in prayer for continued strength. Keep pushing! We need you here. ❤️🙏
Wrapping invisible arms around you! You can do it!
When she said she took grief counseling before she passsed was the realist statement i have ever heard anyone say. Praying 🙏 for peace and strength for you and your faimly!! Addiction can hit anyone at anytime!!
"Everybody's blaming everybody, but no one's blaming Karen": that is the statement that really hit me. Accountability is truth, and truth is freedom. So sorry for Karen's sister. She had to be very vulnerable for this interview. She's a beautiful person.
No but fr , as soon as she said that I got goosebumps as a recovering addict of meth & losing my son in the process of active addiction accountability for me was something I didn't even know about. I was in such denial & the minute I was offered residential treatment and the option to get my son back, accountability saved my life & still is to this day. 🙏
Thank you for sharing your family's story & most importantly Karen's. RIP❤
Eye opening. As a family member that has lived this we get it. The pain 💔 can be unbearable but you will get thru. Stay strong and stay real.
😢
What good would that do now? Karen's gone.
Your version of accountability here on Earth is far from the truth. This is why most will end up in hell.
Wow, I've watched many hours of addiction stories and read many books. This is the most profound one. A minister with a PhD closely connected to family, to her sister, a parole officer. And STILL, opiates overwhelm. I'm speechless
Likewise 😶
😥 So sad. My deepest sympathy for the ĺoss of your dear sister. Thank you for sharing your story.
My husband & I are both educated, grew up upper-middle class & spoiled, had great families, & hid a 5 year addiction. We both always looked great, went to church, attended family functions, was raising our sons well- no one detected anything, only my accountant. Lol. We never went to treatment because we didn't want that kind of exposure so we bunkered down in the house during covid, I worked from home so it was perfect, we slowly weaned off heroin/fentanyl (whatever they were selling to us on the streets, you never know nowadays) & its the most uncomfortable feeling ever! For at least two weeks, you are experiencing cold sweats, body aches, intense thirst but also urinating a lot as your body clears itself, some people are nauseous all the time. Since I had weaned myself down to only using a little when I eventually stopped, the withdrawal wasnt the worst but still horrible, so that is really what addicts fear the most when quitting. It isn't a craving, its being afraid of the effects of withdrawal. A lot of users are just maintaining a dose to avoid getting sick, it stopped being fun or enjoyable a long time ago. Now you are just using to feel normal & be functional.
I like the way Robert put into words, How Addiction can affect AnyBody... and my Condolence goes out to the loss of your dear sister.
@@teekolinski491 this is the truth! U get dammed tired of the run around but u can't stop because you're dreadfully scared of the withdrawal! The only thing that saved me was intense prayer, being reborn again in Jesus, and weaning myself off, ashwagandha, kratom, & kava kava
I'm a recovering addict, I've been clean off opiates since 2009. I totally understand what both sides are going through. Please get help if you have a problem. People do care, and help is available. Prayers for all 🙏
How did you seek your recovery? Please share for encouragement thank you so much.
nothing to play with young people falling off in my city everyday Mexico don't like us Wow
Good job keep the faith you got this. May God bless you!!
So proud of you❤️
I’m going on 6 years sober. The biggest false precipice people make is that if you get sober, everything in life will be just fine and dandy and there will be no hardships, but that could not be any further from the truth.
To get sober and to remain sober you must learn to fight. Some days will be a grind, some days will suck, but the fight is one that is worth having and the reality of not fighting is a terrible outcome that should be avoided at all costs.
Human beings aren’t meant to be happy all the time anyways and suffering oftentimes leads to huge growth.
I'm so sorry. My youngest sister died of alcohol poisoning. I had to watch her slowly die over many, many years. She was 53 and a respected sheriff's deputy. You are not alone, by any means.
Why was an alcoholic given the power to arrest?
I’m so so sorry, my deepest condolences. Can I ask you some questions? How do you get alcohol poisoning? You said you watched her slowly die over time. I don’t understand and I’m concerned because someone I love very much drinks daily, 7 days a week. 😔
Statist extortionists (cops) aren’t good people.
Not many deputies are respected where im from and rightfully so.
@@cococock2418 Interesting conversations attract interesting people *and ...conversations.*
Echo-chambers silence all but the most holy, whom eventually self-suffocate from said lack of dialogue.
In YOUR CASE; Silence is golden, duct tape is silver.
My 17 year old finally agreed to treatment before she went “too far.” She has not relapsed, so far, back into fentanyl. Please do not observe a young person sliding into the abyss and think, “It’s not my place to say something.” I thank God for ALL the people who helped rescue my daughter!
My daughter is almost 25 she had a bad addiction and now she is in teen challenge almost been 18 months an she is doing great they helping her with her GED and getting her kid's back I believe that the person has to make there own mind if they want to change there life no one else can do it but the person that wants to I'm so glad my daughter did an with especially with God's help an from teen challenge I let her know all the time I'm so proud of her every time I see her an talk to her on the phone
Praying for you and her and anyone in the village helping you! 🙏🏾💙✨
It took getting myself on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) after over 16 years of heavy hydrocodone, heroin, fentanyl abuse to finally stop using. I thank The Lord I got out when I did. Methadone Treatment saved my life.
From prescription Fentanyl? Highly doubtful.
WOW! That was so real. My mom wondered the streets of our city for 10+ years as a crack addict. She got tired and called me to take her to the hospital. God opened a door for her to get help and cleaned her up in 30 days. She made it out. I am heartbroken over your loss Sis. God Bless You & the family.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Your mum was lucky you were there for her, imagine if no one was there for her at that turning point. Blessings to both you and your mum. ❤️
I'm so GRATEFUL things turned around for your Mom and you! God bless the two of you!🙏🏿♥️
@11kwright Thank You Sooooo much! God directed me every time. I am grateful God cleaned me up and saved my life so that I could be there for her. So I give Him (in Jesus Name) ALL the GLORY!!!
Yesss To God Be ALL The Glory & Honor!!! In Jesus name!🙏🏽
Addicts have to hit rock bottom emotionally before they seek help.
I love the fact she held her accountable and didn’t blame others
True. I hate when I watch some of these videos and all you hear is deflection and excuses
If we’re being fully honest tho, her doctors were the first to fail her. There are things patients do when drug seeking that doctors and nurses can pick up on if they carefully monitor their patients who have been prescribed opioids. Family members also need to be made aware of the dangers of the prescribed drugs and the signs of addiction so they can notify doctors and aid the process of seeking treatment before things go completely off the rails. Nobody is above addiction because they’re strong and capable. They’ll just be a strong and capable addict who knows how to tell people what they want to hear if it comes to that. It also places an undue burden on addicts to self regulate-when that’s not how addiction functions. She was already in the trenches by the time anyone noticed, and they seemed to have an expectation that she’d be transparent and want to be off the substance she was struggling with. Again, not how it works. I hate that they lost someone who sounded like a really amazing person and very loved by her family and community. She probably felt a lot of pressure to live up to the expectations of those around her, and they were able to turn a blind eye when she first started struggling because they didn’t allow themselves to think she could be suffering from addiction. I wish it was required that patients being prescribed opioids AND their families had non judgmental education on addiction, what signs to look for, and what to be concerned with if they experienced symptoms of it so they could get help. And maybe some places to call to get advice and feedback if they had concerns so they could approach the person with openness, compassion, and empathy instead of assuming they wouldn’t possibly have those problems. The pandemic happening on top of all of that was a recipe for disaster.
Black women don’t get the care we deserve from the medical establishment as is (stats don’t lie), so when tragedies like this happen, it’s hard for me to see the deceased as the only person who needs to be held accountable. There are supposed to be checks and balances to prevent this and this woman was failed to the point nobody noticed until she was in too deep and it cost her her life.
That doesn’t absolve her of any personal responsibility at all, but after addiction is in the mix, you’re not dealing with the same thought processes of the person before they were physically and psychologically addicted to the substance.
@@Cashionista
You touched all valid points..I also agree the dr. shares responsibility because they are the one who prescribed this very addictive drug..May she 🙏🏾
I love the fact she held her accountable because most people don’t accept responsibility especially the family the usually blame the dealer
Smart, level headed, honest person
She's still in pain. I really feel for her. My brother has struggled with addiction, being homeless, and being in and out of prison. I lived in fear for years expecting to get "the call", but thankfully it never came. He's doing really well now - out of rehab and working. I really hope he stays strong.
It’s not just pride. Shame is a deeply powerful emotion. I imagine Karen, being the learned theologian she was, carried some heavy shame regarding her addiction. Bless her sweet soul. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I believe you are so correct in your use of the word shame. It seems to be confused at times with being prideful, and the correct term would really be shameful. Let a man examine himself...
The absolute shame the addict feels, is horrible.And that makes the addiction worse. The less that you feel about yourself, the more using is on your mind.
Addiction is a demon and we no longer have pastors willing to cast out demons. Only the Catholics still practice casting out demons. We have the power to do so through Jesus Christ but yet we fail.
@@mycharmedunicorn8715 Fasting along with prayer will get rid of demons. The Bible says that some demons do not come out unless you also fast along with prayer.
Ms Charlotte , what verse can I find this please
I'm a County Probation Parole Officer. I loss my brother to a fentynal overdose last year. It's definitely impactful. To live in Philadelphia which is a fentynal known City, makes this even more relevant. Thank you for telling your story officer. I find parallels and relatability between your story and now my story.
Rest in peace to our siblings. We will continue to supervise from a place of humanity as law enforcing officers.
💞🙏🏾
Bless you 💕🙏🏻
😢sorry for your loss
We need more public service announcements that Fentanyl is destroying families just as crack did. You are as sick as your secrets. Hiding them will kill you. Narcotics Anonymous is online and in person. We don’t know what they put in those street drugs; how they affect the mind. Your sister had a hurt she could not talk about. Having lost a sister to bad judgment and watching her decline over years, I feel your pain. She is now free.
Former Prob Off. So sorry for your loss . Just know, you’re not alone. Many of us are dealing with family members that have experimented or are addicted. It’s so hurtful. Revelation 21:1-4 hugs🙏🏽
My heart breaks for you and your family. As a former addict, I completely understand. I have a Master's degree and graduated valedictorian of my undergraduate class of 750 students. I never thought I would be addicted. Thank God I became sober before the Fentanyl crisis. After 15 years of sobriety, I still know the power of opioids. Occasionally I still have using dreams, but I know better how to deal with them. Bless you for doing this video, and for those who criticise addicts, remember, "There but for the grace of God go I."
🥰❤🤘🏿
@Karl with a K Maybe you've been listening to the wrong people?
@@jimanderson5883 BEAUTIFULLY SAID JIM 👏 ❤
@@karlwithak1835praying that words of loving kindness helps you…
@@katymcginn4644yes beautifully said
I had surgery for a torn meniscus at 62. The Dr prescribed 90 oxy pills! I didn't even fill the prescription. I took Aleve for a few days and was fine. Now I THANK GOD I didn't fill that prescription! It was Almighty God!! It wasn't a bad surgery, what's wrong with these doctors? Reading these stories makes me thankful for God's divine intervention 🙏
I was prescribed oxycodone liquid for 3 weeks after I had my tonsils out as an adult. I took it exactly as prescribed for 3 weeks and that was it. Not everyone prescribed pain medication becomes addicted. In fact, most do not.
@@michah321Pharma rep detected
I have a very similar story. I thought the doctor was crazy. I wanted to fix what was wrong, not pain pills. Have a sister who is an addict and never filled the prescription.
I’m in daily chronic pain and you can’t fix muscles and nerve pain! I take it correctly and I would be so happy not to have to have it but some of us don’t get a choice if we don’t want to live our life in bed!
@@katluann don't have any bad feelings about it. That's what it was made for. I get so mad when they try to be stingy with people who need it. Don't ever feel bad about it !
I really needed to hear this!! I just recently lost my only sister to this!! I've been grieving something terrible!! My sister was all that I had. Our mother was murdered in front of us on my birthday, and as we grew up, we promised to look out for one another. She was my everything!! Because of the trauma we experienced as kids, life was difficult for us. More so, her then myself, but we had horrific lives. Moving forward, we had a bond that was irreplaceable!! I became sick, and she came home to take care of me and never went back. ( Another State). I got a call one day that she passed out in the street on her way to work, her heart stopped!! I rushed to the hospital when I got there, the Dr. Said she overdosed!!! What overdosed??? She denied everything!! She worked, had children and grands, went to concerts and shows, and spent time with family. She had a very active and fulfilling life. She went to NY one night to visit a friend!! She always told me where she was going. But, she didn't tell me she was going to NY to visit an old friend. She went on a Friday and was supposed to come back to Jersey Saturday for work. That Saturday morning, I received the call she was dead!! I was devastated!! I found out who the person she was with and I spoke with them. That conversation was a nightmare!! The girl/ woman she was with wasn't someone mybsisyer should have been with. The girl lied and said, "My sister fell and hit her head, and she rushed my sister to the hospital because she hit her head hard!! The coroner told me that my sister was already dead when the EMTs came to take her to the hospital!! That girl told me she took my sister to the hospital and went back home. She said she was waiting for my sister to call her to pick her up from the hospital. The police also.said, No she died in the girls' house." An autopsy was done, and 2 months later came back a cause of death. Fentenyl! My sister would have been 62! I miss her so much! She was the only family I had!
May God grant you peace and comfort.
I'm sorry sweetie I hope your pain gets better. 😔
Don’t break before your Breakthrough...please draw nigh to God, & HE most certainly will draw nigh to you. You have such a Testimony - from your childhood trauma to the tragic dependence and loss of your sis to addiction - that can HELP save others lives and in doing so, help you.
God Bless you 🙏🏽✝️
May God Bless you to have peace for the rest of your life!🙏🙏🙏
My sincere condolences 💐
Your sister sounds incredible. I’m so sorry for your loss. I have a friend who is in the hospital right now…it’s her 23rd trip for ODing. I don’t know how she is still alive.
Any prayer warriors that sees this, please pray for Alyssa age 27.🙏🏻
Dear God Our Father,
We pray & confess the deliverance of Alyssa right now, Lord, in Jesus’s Name! We declare that Alyssa is FREE from the demons that continue to attack her mind, spirit & heart, Lord. May she find true deliverance in You & Your Precious Son, Jesus. We love You & we thank You for the healing you have worked in Alyssa. Keep her family also during this trying time. God. Our Father, we thank You! In Jesus’s Holy & Mighty Name we pray, Amen!
🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Please read the book Don Dickerson "when pigs move out" (0r ot may be in)
Dang 23? That’s a lot, hope she gets help😏🙏
@@BeautyLoves88 Amen🙏🙏🙏
I'm not a believer, but I wish for nothing but the best for her. And I send my heart to you, too. Loving an addict is...I can't even find the words for how devastating it is.
This is the most eloquent and realistic description I've ever heard of what it's like to have an addict in one's family. Sending condolences on the loss of your dear sister.
Agreed
I agree with you 100%. The guilt and shame is almost impossible to bare. My heart goes out to you and the beautiful way you told your personal story. There are many reasons why addicts don't seek help. One reason is financial. If you're not working, you don't have insurance. Another reason is embarrassment, just look at some of the hateful and disrespectful comments on this post. You're already beat down emotionally and financially, who wants to stand in the middle of TIMES SQUARE with the scarlet letter A on your chest? Nobody wants an intervention where you've been tricked by whatever lie, just to get there and be put on display so everyone can humiliate, embarrass and threaten you. Nobody wants to sit there while they drag you through the mud and tell you the negative impact on their life you have become. Addicts are aware of everything they have done and being made to sit in a chair like a child while listening to every story of how crappy, worthless, and disgusting you are is NOT going to make them have an epiphany and stop taking stuff in that minute. None of those theories work. The only way a person will STOP, is when they want to. No threats, screaming, ultimatums, or tears work even if they wanted it to. Sadly, some never break free from addition. Hopefully if someone really wants that help to change the road they are on, there's a friend extending their hand out, to walk you out of that dark place. Whether you are the addict or the exasperated friend or family member, I wish you all the best on your journey, you are not alone.
Seeing your own sister relapse … man I’d be torn . I don’t know how the sister has the strength to do this interview while exposing her sister in her later days.
Your family member died the day they chose a hard drug. Walk away
@@jannaknight9384 Yes! I think interventions are weirds af. If I were an addict of any kind, that shit would be humiliating. I do not believe in public humiliation for anyone, that includes children.
What a tragic story. Painful to think after all her accomplishments she suffered from the curse of addiction. A terrible, terrible loss for her sister. I think the sister has a very intelligent, healthy perspective on what happened. I appreciate her brave effort to tell the story for the sake of others.
Addiction is not what killed her! The person who sold her a fake pharmaceutical cut with fentanyl is who/what killed her. As a former drug user xannax hydros Vicodin even heroin isn’t going to kill you at the drop of a hat. But any of those pills pressed by the cartel with fentanyl will absolutely kill you. She was poisoned!
Amen🙏🏽
❤Powerful story, hard one to share. Thank You ❤️🩹
❤🙏❤️
I also was a probation officer and lost my brother to opiates. I still feel guilty for not realizing how sick he was.
I know it is very shocking because you would least expect that person to be using but it isn't who the person is or what they are capable of it is what is and has happened in that person's life and for me "not taking that leap" where's my success, I'm sure everyone has their own inner anguish but believe me if the person is intelligent and determine you wouldn't know. Even if there was someone who suspected me, I would get out front of that thought. I have been clean for at least 38 years made the career moves and graduated in social work -I'm not fulfilled but I do realize and understand and have no interest in using as a matter of fact I'm an addiction counselor. I'll stop here but my condolences and you are right it is a sickness.
Denise Porter I am sorry 4 your loss 😢 But please don't blame your self, with feeling guilty 🙏🌺 I am sure you brother know that u cared 4 him ❤️ Mayby he was good at hide how addicted he was, than it was not easy 4 you to realize how sick he was.
Sometimes you just can't tell how sick someone is. I am an addict in recovery. I tried like hell to hide it, most addicts do. You can't blame yourself for what happened. It's not your fault.
I lost my brother to opiates as well. I'm very sorry for your loss. Shattered hearts forever but we carry them with us.
Hugs...it's not your fault and not your burden to bear.
I lost my brother this summer, he overdosed the same evening he was released from rehab. Condolences to you and your family... to all of us..
🙏🏾🙏🏾💞
💛💕
Geesh thats terrible I’m sorry for your loss as well
I can believe you really can become addicted with these pain pills when I was hospitalized due to a car accidents i was in traction for pelvis fractures I had to lay one way in the hospital bed so they would ask me if I needed a pain pill sometime I will say yes sometime I will say no because it was for comfort since I was put in one position due to my injuries i sustain.I had a doctor that to me when I ask him to prescribed me pain pills he refuse. To I was find he really was looking out for my well-being Percocet is a true enemy with my experience taking them while I was in hospital said once leaving the Hospital the only pain medication that he would prescribed be Tylenol 3 he look out for me .Doctor said to me when I got ready to leave the Hospital I will give me Tylenol 3 that was a blessing because I asked him for Percocet and if I had not been a strong individual I could have been a failure falling through the cracks as well my Orthopedic doctor said no Percocet i was wanting that drug he said to me only Tylenol it was a blessing not Percocet, was not good once having take them they was terrible they had me seeing things that you think you're seeing when it's did happen in my hospital room door it look like I was seeing animals some of these doctors should not prescribe theses painkiller to individuals I'm so happy I had a very good doctor said no you will be getting Tylenol 3, instead of Percocet which Percocet was fine as long as I was in the Hospital i would get one tablet if I felt some discomfort only for a moment not often because I had to lay one way in the bed. I couldn't turn myself at all. Theses Doctors are at fault.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I think I have to look at this a little at a time. I lost my daughter at 24 yrs old in 2021. I can’t stop crying and it hurts so bad. I will be back to listen to the last 5 mins😢. I really don’t think people understand how hard it is.
❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I’m so sorry for your loss.
It's well time heals all wounds
Prayers for you. Praying you will find comfort in your memories.
Hey y’all I finished it. Thank y’all so much for the prayers. They have directed me to this grieving counseling thingie but sadly to say it only made it worse. I’m sorry my dear but time does NOT heal ALL wounds. I hate when people say that 😞. Yet I’m so very thankful for the ones that have prayed for me.
"...because she was such a strong person, weaknesses was not in her vocabulary"
To admit a truth is one of the biggest strenths we can ever have. So many of us struggle with this and the difficulty to put the pride to the side.
My daughter died July 21 this year from fentanyl, alcohol and cocaine. She was 38. Her 4 year old twins were with her and could not wake her up. We have custody of them as of now, and we are also taking her 18 year old son and supporting her 22 year old son as they grieve. The oldest said that his mother, my daughter, had been dying as long as he remembered. She was a working addict but was emotionally not really available because getting her fix took so much time, energy, and money! Heartbreaking.
Thank you for your story! Well said!
I am hoping her children will be okay. You are the best! for helping them.
Bless you and your family!! 💜
🙏🏻❤️🕊️❤️🙏🏻
God bless and keep your family ! So sorry for your loss
I am so so sorry for your loss and I pray God give those baby’s his peace
My first exposure to opiates was post c-section. I became a stranger to myself. After an overdose I checked into rehab. I’m proud to say that was 16 years ago and still clean!! It’s not easy but so worth it! ☮️💗🙏
💕
They gave me oxycontin and percocet for breakthrough pain after both of my c sections. They gave it out like candy back in 2000. For whatever reason I did not become physiologically or psychologically addicted. Thankfully.
Congratulations and I know the struggle you deal with everyday but don't look back and keep going forward. Be blessed
The funny part is, I never liked taking narcotics before my accident. I always refused them.
@@formerfundienowfree4235 I took them for 5 or 6 days after I tore up my hand a long time ago. I took the last of the pills back to the pharmacy and said, " Its not safe for me to take these anymore." I'd never felt so...free. I didn't care. My anxiety was gone. It was like a dream. I recently had surgery and was prescribed oxycodone, and taking them the 2nd time didn't give me that free feeling at all. It just kept the pain away. After my first time taking them I'm so glad I didn't chase that relief again. I'm fortunate. Nobody chooses to be addicted. But once it happens, you do have a choice to make. And I think total abstinence and therapy are the only things that work. But I don't believe in programs, or being cured by god. You put it down. And you go straight to therapy and stay there. I apologize for writing so much. I'm so sad about this woman's death, and I'm so sad for any addict.
My husband overdosed August 5th on fetynal 😢 I am so torn and lost! My grief is unbearable, My heart goes out to your family 🙏🏽❤️🩹
I'm so sorry for your loss, Nicole. I hope you find peace and healing 😢❤
I’m sorry for your loss also I’m sending prayers your way 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I'm sorry for your loss you're not alone and being prayed for. 🙏
So sorry for your loss 🙏🏻
My husband did also 😢he was addicted to lortabs and got some from a stranger and died 💔💔💔💔💔2/10/23
Little sister, I'm sorry for your loss. Your big sis sounded like an amazing woman. I work in substance use treatment, and I'm in recovery myself (8+ years) and I'd be thrilled for any of my clients to work with someone as understanding and compassionate as you. Thank you for sharing your story. Many blessings to you. ❤
I know that she is so proud of you for telling this story so beautifully. Addiction does NOT discriminate
I am so sorry for your loss! I was in my early 30s married to a law enforcement officer when I was prescribed oxycontin. I became addicted and subsequently lost my marriage, my children and my home. Prior to that, I had been an active church member, a foster parent and very involved in helping troubled teens. I became an addict,a liar, a cheater and a thief. Eventually I became an IV heroin and methamphetamine addict. I lived in cars and on the streets. I was in and out of jails and hospitals. By the grace of God, I have 6 years clean. To stay clean, I have to be rigorously honest with myself and others. Bless you for sharing Karen's story and your story! This disease can strike anywhere and anyone. My husband, like yourself, dealt with drug addicts every day as an officer but he was blind to the signs he saw at home. No one wants to believe that someone they love is lying to them. No addict wants to hurt someone they love or be cut off from the thing they are addicted to. Thank you again, for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m proud of you. I was in active addiction for almost 30 years it’s a real miracle I’m still here. I’ve been in recovery for over 6 years and I’m so happy to be Cindy again ❤
Thank you sharing. I think accountability and honesty is the cure to 90% of the worlds problems. Stay strong, accountable, and honest you never know who is drawing inspiration from you.
I'm so proud of you🫶🏽
You are very courageous and strong.
I'm proud of you. ❤
Prayers for all of the addicts still suffering and all of the families affected, including mine.
Prayers to you and your family.
I needed to hear this from a sibling. My brother is suffering with addiction. I love you Colie 🤍
Absolutely heartbreaking story! We need to stop marginalizing, disrespecting and shaming drug addicts. These persons did not set out to be drug addicts. It is a horrible disease, and these people need medical attention, treatment and love.
Well said.
This 10000%!
Yes! I was a prescription pill addict and didn’t realize it. I went to treatment for four days. Got clean and switched to a Pain Management Dr that cares❤ThanQ Jesus for Deliverance
Exactly! These drugs are used in the silent war we are under right now. We're losing so many lives, often very young lives of people who weren't addicted to anything but wound up with tainted drugs. I blame the ones who set the trap, not the individuals who got caught up in the trap for various reasons!
Exactly right. I PROMISE you no one says one day I want to be a drug addict. Nobody says that. It’s a disease. Not a choice.
Wow. Both ladies are so well accomplished. Their parents must be so proud. I'm sorry for your loss. This could happen to anyone. Her first dealer was her doctor. So sad!
Very sad ❤😢
Exactly why alot if doctors can't be trusted
I am a woman with two graduate degrees and in the teaching profession. As a result of debilitating migraines, along with searing pain due to a nerve compression in my neck, I got hooked on opiates. Threw in some alcoholism to boot. While I did not buy street drugs, that makes me no better than someone scoring on the street. For years, I got away with it, unless my life started crumbling. Karen was a strong woman, but the addiction was stronger -- I get it. Bless you for telling Karen's story. If it leads to just one person getting clean/sober, it's worth it. You make Karen proud with your video. Thank you.
Did you misuse your prescriptions? WHY did you misuse them?? What was missing in your life? Your listing your credentials means nothing. You are using excuses. Unless you know WHY you will always be tempted.
@@aruglaempire2518 You sound bitter. I am, however, no longer troubled by anger and bitterness. Got to the root of those things long ago, and I not only do not abuse prescription medication, I avoid anything addictive (other than creating jewelry and art).
@@aruglaempire2518 "misusing" your prescriptions ≠"something is missing". Its the equivalent of, we should eat 4oz of meat, u eat it & ur still hungry so u eat another 4 and BAM ur full. No harm no foul. Sure youll gain a few lbs, but walking an extra 30 min will fix that. With pain pills...you take 1 & youre STILL IN EXCRUCIATING pain. You have a newborn, toddler and 5th grader waiting for baths, homework & dinner & hubby is at work. You take 1 more pill and BAM! Pain is still there, but tolerable. Its a vicious cycle. Perhaps educate yourself on LEGITIMATE chronic pain patients that become DEPENDENT on pain meds, but then they really taken off the meds due to red tape. And withdrawal from the meds + irretractable CHRONIC PAIN is not something that can be treated with PT, vitamins, herba, ice packs, acupuncture, advil, ginger ale & all the other things that yall naïve to severe chronic pain, think work.
It took getting myself on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) after over 16 years of heavy hydrocodone, heroin, fentanyl abuse to finally stop using. I thank The Lord I got out when I did. Methadone Treatment saved my life.
@@maandren Methadone is a godsend for so many, and I'm so glad that you found your way out of the darkness and into life. People who don't have chronic, sometimes debilitating pain will never understand what it's like to battle that every minute of every day and how easy it is to become addicted. Some of us don't even escape it in our sleep; it infiltrates everything. The problem with the drugs (as with any addiction) is that our tolerance grows, even when we take them EXACTLY as prescribed, and that is simply medical fact. People who don't understand don't know what they don't know, and they choose to write it off as a character weakness. The American Medical Association ruled that addiction is a disease. In 1953.
My brother in law died from his addiction in March of 2021. He had just gotten out of prison only 5 months before and seemed to be doing so well. I still cry when I think about it. He was an amazing dad to my niece and nephew he just couldn’t shake the habit.
I lost my sister 2 years ago. I adopted her twin boys and have had them since birth. I understand everything this lady is saying. Been there done that. God bless this lady
God bless you and the twins.
I was started using pain pills at 13, tar at 15 and got clean when I was 19 and I’m now about to be 25. This story got me in tears and I just hope this lady is doing okay.. she has such a sweet soul. :(
Glad your clean and ok
Wow. How did that happen? Were there other things that you were going through that led you to start using them or was it just ppl around you that introduced you to that?
❤❤❤
@@earlem9771 sorry for late reply, but getting prescribed painkillers from doctors for injuries is a HUGE reason as to why most people become addicted and once the doctors cut them off they turn to dealers from the streets and sadly most is laced with fentanyl
@@earlem9771 Stop asking about someone else's trauma. Just wish them well and move on.
I'm so sorry for your loss. The drug changes the mind, so that's probably why she didn't realize she was justifying her use. It's an evil thing. What a beautiful woman she was❤️
Good point..
You’re so right, Kim. I can hardly believe the risks that I took, without a second thought, and am amazed and grateful that I am still alive.
Katrice, I am so, so sorry for your tragic loss.
I'm so excited about this conversation and my opportunity to learn from other view points.
No judgement or maybe it is judgement I'm still trying to figure out when she realized she was seeking drugs with all the information we have about drug addiction why she couldn't recognize it. I just feel like with all her education she was supposed to know better and made it her choice any way despite the repercussions.
I'm afraid of drugs fearing becoming addicted and how that could impact my and my family life
@@EYE_GOTCHA bless you for being so honest. I'm so so glad you are better now. What a great thing to celebrate during Christmas. Take care❤️🎄💚
One of the best interviews on this channel, so detailed and she explained addiction so perfect. She addressed her sister with respect and love, so sorry for your families loss
This story is compelling because Karen wasn't what we call a usual drug user. She was accomplished, educated, intelligent and spiritual yet like any other drug addict there were issues that she hadn't dealt with, that unfortunately led to her untimely passing. Grace and Peace to her husband and to all her family and friends.
Most addicts are.
This is where we make mistakes. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. People with accelerated degrees and high profile careers become addicted just like the stigma of what some people would consider an addict to look like. Please understand that they look just everyone else. Addiction is addiction is addiction. As someone who has worked in an Addiction Treatment Unit in a women’s prison, I’ve encountered teachers, nurses, and an anesthesiologist as well the opposite spectrum of society. Addiction is a brain disease.
Addict are some of the smartest people in the world. Even the ones you see on the streets nine times out of 10 if they get clean, they will be accomplished productive members of society.
@@gerrisimone thank you. Addiction does not discriminate. I am so sorry for the pain, physical, spiritual, psychological . Namaste.
@@gerrisimoneExactly, that person doesn't know what they're talking about.
This hits close. My older brother was a D1 football player, college grad, and a volunteer youth football coach. Watching his life turn due to opiates is so sad, i pray he accepts help before its too late.
I hope so too God bless him always
I pray he accepts help ... too 🙏 hugs
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Praying for your brother. Rise above King
Watching this in shock. I've helped Mrs. Jackson at work countless times and she was always a joy to work with. I'm a recovered addict and it's mind boggling how this drug doesn't care about the color of your skin, age, religion, education, or your status in this world. Praying for the family and I sure will miss hearing about her last trip and the next one she was planning and seeing her smile.
😭
Nobody growing up says, "When I grow up, I wanna be addicted". These drugs physically change the brain...takes years of being clean to reverse that.
Good Riddance.
@@Uncle.Ruckus.No.Relation. which will be what people say when u finally kick the bucket I presume?
How can I get in touch with her?
Wow!! My condolences to you and your family. I can truly relate as i lost my baby brother at 40 yrs old two years ago to fentanyl. He was a chef, a husband and father of 5, a college graduate.. he was a Sigma and an amazing church musician. It’s still really hard to wrap my head around it. Since his passing i am looking into becoming a substance abuse counselor. I never want another family to have to go through what our families are going through. I pray that God will comfort and strengthen you. I pray that you will find some sense of peace during this time.🙏🏽❤️
Such a fantastic sister. She decided to talk about and relive that painful ordeal to help others. So selfless. ❤
No, no nothing is EVER black peoples fault. Its literally raycist to expect them to take any responsibility for their own actions. White folks caused this!!!
True 👍
I agree, it was a totally selfless thing to do ❤
I am so glad you mentioned that the addiction is physical. Not just mental. Watching your video was like looking in a mirror. The depression comes from shame. People really don’t understand what this drug will do to you. It will turn you into someone you never thought you’d be. And you justify your actions because you know this isn’t you. At times I don’t know what to do. I was very accomplished just like your sister. I lost everything. I lost my career, ministry, friends, and on the verge of losing family. Thank you for your testimonial. I needed to see that.
You are important in this world, despite your struggles!
I have this feeling that addiction is spiritual warfare. Just my personal feeling.
I know it is hard as hell. You aren’t alone. For whatever that’s worth.
Pray and fight 🙏🏼🙏🏼
@@4GreaterWorldPeace very good point. The drug and addiction is a spirit and definitely can be described as a spiritual battle or warfare. Well said
Thank you Mrs. Galloway for your strong testimony on behalf of your sister. I empathize and sympathize with you. I endured a similar situation with my older brother who was addicted to oxicodone. He too was in denial and overdosed on pills and liquor. He too was my rock and losing him was devastating. I know that addiction is physiological and very difficult to defeat permanently. My prayers and good wishes go out to all who struggle with this burden.
David Welch 😌🙏🏽😌🙏🏽🌻
Sad story. I think she needs healing too, because I think she’s angry at herself and Karen. In addition, she’s extremely saddened by the whole thing! RIP!
So sorry of you having to deal with the aftermath daily.
This shows us how powerful Satan is in the last days
I watched this purely based on her photo. What a beautiful smile she had. I have then watched a lot of things based on these repulsive drugs. Too many people to this day make money off prescribing this drug they don’t care about the consequences to the poor people whom become addicted. What a waste of a gorgeous human being. Sending so much love to her and her family. I’m so so sorry for your loss ❤️🙏❤️🙏
Prescription drugs didn't do this.
@@ravenesqueone3033That’s funny. Cuz prescription drugs is all I was on. I never took ANYTHING other than the pain pills my doctor gave me for chronic pain. Nothing. And I became dependent on them. Took years for me to get off of them for good. And thank God this was before fentanyl was a thing, or I could’ve ended up just like the woman in this story. You are so naïve and ignorant to sit here and say, “prescription drugs didn’t do this”. So what, you HAVE to be on street drugs to have an addiction or overdose? Afraid you are sadly misinformed. I never took anything but the Vicodin I was prescribed and the withdrawals from them were like walking through absolute HELL. But you go on with your naïve little theories. I guess you knew this woman better than her sister huh? And on top of that, you know better than the doctor that did her autopsy. They showed the autopsy report….fentanyl, hydrocodone (generic name for Vicodin), Xanax, and alcohol. That’s 2 prescription drugs, alcohol, and fentanyl, which I’m sure she had NO clue she was even taking. She obviously bought some pills, which look identical to the ones from the pharmacy, complete with serial numbers & stamps on them, & that fentanyl alone would’ve caused her death most likely. Educate yourself before you speak. People do die from prescription drugs ALONE!!! They did BEFORE fentanyl was a real problem, but now they definitely do.
Same. I saw her photo and it immediately drew me in. She had very kind eyes. Such a shame. I wish her family peace, and I hope she is at rest 🙏🏻❤️
@@ravenesqueone3033do better, you're wrong. Grow up.
I appreciate how this woman is open about her sister's struggle and the reality of their situation. My condolences . HalleluYAH 🙌🏾
Amen in the name of Jesus 🙏❤️🙏 keep me in your prayers. Thank you 😊 God bless 😂🙏❤️ Happy Holidays 😽.
Thank You for sharing this. I am so sorry for your lost, may God be with your family, This can help so many people today.
This message was so open and so clearly why people get addiction and I am praying people will listen and get help just for you and your family Amen
"god" didn't save her tho
There is never no one that is different from the next person she got addicted to a prescription drug which was perk 30. Your only suppose to take every 4 to 6 hours. Her next step was going to be Heroin. Believe this can happen to anyone it starts with drugs you get from Dr. It's just a Lable drug. missed used.
My brother overdosed and died from Hydrocodone in 2006. It helps to hear about another sibling dealing with that loss. Thank you
O wow! My heartfelt prayers and condolences to you and your loved ones. 😢😢
. I just had a reconstructive foot surgery & was prescribed Oxycodone. Sometimes I allow the pain to build til I can’t take it because I’m so scared. I don’t even drink soda, so I don’t want to become addicted to anything.
Stay away from it, nothing good comes out of it. Was addicted for 12 years, protection from Jesus blood. I through away a bottle of Xanax. It's not worth respiratory depression. I'll pray for you.
My best friend started with hydrocodone then graduated to oxy then eventually heroin, and OD’d in 2011 after over a decade of escalating opioid addiction.
🌹🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I'm sorry for your loss.
As an alcoholic in recovery I understand exactly what you touched on. My heart goes out to you and your family my sister✝️
Let me first say my question comes from me not understanding NOT from trying to start an argument. I'm very sincere.
Do you feel that your alcoholism is different from opioid addiction? I have a opioid addiction I'm sure. I have fibromyalgia, sciatica, and advanced schliosis. If I don't take my meds I can't walk. The pain is UNBERABLE. I have tried EVERYTHING, from PT, yoga, meditation, everything.
But when you drink alcohol was it started from genuine PAIN & is it the same? I'm confused, and would like to have it explained. If you care to share🤔☹️😖
@@luananana4679 That's a good question. I'd say whether it's fentanyl or alcohol I'd say it's the same. It's both an addiction and you have to fight it day in and day out not to relapse.🤷
🙏
I wish you the best in your recovery. I pray that God blesses you with the strength to never touch alcohol again in your life. And the Lord Jesus name I pray amen. Be blessed because you have posted this many will be praying for you.
This is tragic on so many levels. Was she given the help she needed? Religion did not help as it, in itself can be an opiate.
Thank you for telling your sister’s story with such great love and honesty. Addiction is a real thing and it doesn’t care who you are.
This resonates with me SO MUCH! I “lost” my sister/best friend to Vicodin then OxyContin then heroin. She is clean now, but she is not the same sister I used to have. Drugs changed her brain or something. We are raising her grandson now as her daughter is an addict as well. It’s brutal. I’m so sorry for your loss! So sorry.
Sorry for your loss. You are right it completely changes your brain. Thank goodness I’m now over a year sober. ❤️
My brother will never be the same either. I don’t even know how to be around him… 😢
Mama I’m so sorry and I feel your pain. I lost my fiancée of 7 years to a fentanyl od this past May. He was my best friend and I’m so broken, but somehow I’m still clean. You’ll be in my prayers now.
Hang tough. You got this. I’m sorry for your loss. You have the strength to stay sober.
I blame Karen ...... who else can one blame
She holds back her tears like a champion. I could never 😭
Seriously 🥹
Right. I noticed it right away, my heart is heavy for her 😞💔
They both have been holding things in from a young age. Clearly he bff
I lost my niece 2 years ago from Fentanyl poisoning, she also didn't know what she was getting, she had plans for her future, her death hurt me to my soul, she was 29, One pill, ONE PILL changed our family forever 😢😢 So sorry for your loss
its not poisoning when they go looking on the streets for drugs
@nickmanning3307 Actually, it can be poisoning because some don't know that there's fentanyl in the pill.
@@MsShonni2U well the first clue would be dont trust a drug dealer off the street. the fact that they were going on the street to get what ever drug they thought it was should tell them maybe i shouldnt be doing this.
@nickmanning3307 Apparently you haven't really dealt with someone that has a drug problem or have never been in their shoes, or what could have led them to start using, so please stop with the remarks, you never know what someone is going through!!!!!
@nickmanning3307 You don't have to get drugs from the streets to die from it, some of the most addictive drugs are prescribed by your DOCTOR!!!!!! And people die from it!!!!!
It breaks my heart to see a woman like your sister die from this problem. She was someone who worked so hard to have her life in order, but she wasn't prepared for how a simple substance could take it all away. It is a lesson for everyone to see how these problems can affect anyone. You are doing so much to help others by sharing her story! GOD BLESS!
Katrice Galloway, Karen's sister, is an amazing communicator. Her love for Karen comes through, along with a powerful warning for all of us. Maintaining that balance of love and honesty is not easy. Thank you for sharing this important story! I'll be looking for more talks from Ms. Galloway!
God bless your family
I remember 3 hospital staff people coming into my room after having major surgery. I was prescribed hydrocodone for pain. The pharmacist said " please ween yourself off of the hydrocodone and transition to ibuprofen as soon as possible" It was a strong message and I'm so glad I listened.
Why isn’t this advice given to everyone?
Wow you were lucky.
@anitakinnear6735 Good question. It should be.
I had a pharmacist tell me I could sell them and chuckled. I couldn’t believe it. What a weirdo.
Ibuprofen is just as bad. You can get addicted to it too. And it can cause other problems. Just stay with Tenlyol if you really need something. But start with prayer to God in the name of Jesus to cleanse you with the blood and water that came from his side. Because all pain comes from the soul. Even if it's from some physical trauma. The soul has to be healed before the body can be healed. Spirit,.Soul, and Body have to be one. The Bible says beloved, above all things I wish that thou mayest prosper and be in health even, as thou soul prospereth (3 John 1:2). You soul have to prosper in the Word and things of GOD before anything can change in your life. You start with your Spirit being born-again. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Then moving on to being baptized in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking/praying other tongues. This is a place of connected as one with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit and they three are one then you being in them and they in you. And with that all of you are one. You cannot live apart from this manner then preach the Word of God like Karen did. Her walk deceived her sister but we get deceived because we believe what we want to about people that we are close to or we depend on for some kind of support. Therefore, we purposely, over look the red flags hoping that we are just dreaming. I am not moved by people's performances whether coming from a religious, political, relational, professional or any standpoint. Especially, religious. People ware mask all the time...
So sorry for your loss.People have to realize addiction is a disease.My 40 year old daughter is addicted to opiates since 2011.She has disappeared again- this time for 25 days.I love her and all I can do is pray she is still alive.
Hello Kathleen, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??!
Updates?
I really hope you found your daughter and that she's getting help.
Mental health issues are the disease, addiction is a symptom
I’m so sorry for your loss and sooo grateful that you shared. We as a black community seem to shy away from topics like this, I thank you so much for bringing light that it has no color or race it’s just an illness that anyone can suffer from.
GOD is your everything, GOD is a Jealous GOD, 😢👀you say the drug was so powerful for your sister karen, she was sick, you should have took her to the Elders of the church when this first happen, GOD first👀but she was your everything you said, but you didnt talk about it, i dont have a sister but if i did have one and she was like karen i would take her to my everything GOD at a Holy Ghost Church and let them put that OIL over her cause she was SICK, 😢👀it is in the Bible in JAMES👀but she was your everything, Wake up Everyone if you get or have a Karen in the Family take her to the church not some building there is no power in a room, at a building. the power is in the OIL with the praying old Elders with Faith who had GOD in them🆗 Let this be a Warning no more taking your sister(Everything) to a dang cold dont care building, thats making money off these sick people👀i did not say any church i said a Holy Ghost Church. like the church gma go to from back in the day people who dont have all that make up on and the dress is long and you cant see the shape, and they got them hats on they head so you cant see the hair, and the men dont have all that gold around the neck the woman wearing flats in the church they come to the church to heal someone today to really help you. take you in that back room and all i said all the Elders pray over you, and this church when you put the money in the basket they ask you to write down what you want GOD to do for you like back in Solomon days. and they put it on the Altar and pray and pray🙏🏽over it, and GOD said turn from your SIN come back to HIM not the World then i will heal you, meaning. karen make the first step, you take her at the Altar, they put the OIL over her, she dont go back to her pass she move forward she stop Sinning, she dont go back to that old life smoking hanging in the street, but she was your everything😢i just cant get over that Word👀🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️
@Karl with a K this is just fundamentally false.
@Karl with a K you sound angry,
Maybe you shouldn’t be here listening to this, I mean if it’s just mumble jumble to you
Blacks were judged very harshly and criminalized for addiction. Now that it affects all demographics it's recognized as illness/disease and deserving of compassion (to some degree). The past alienation likely has caused too much trauma for many blacks to easily trust that it's now safe to talk about without being judged guilty.
You’re not even black tho. Your picture is a white man. So you saying “we” as if you were black doesn’t make sense. Other than that I agree
Dr. Jackson was my direct AP/supervisor for a few years at a middle school. I had no idea that she had passed away. She was a good solid person. I'm so sad 😢
Tragic isn't it
I lost my favorite brother in 1983 to a heroin overdose and I never recovered from the pain. He took a part of me with him, so I understand your pain. My condolences to you and your family!
I absolutely feel your pain. My brother has been gone for years and I’m lost….grief is a life sentence..
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm going through the same thing. I lost my younger and only brother in March 1998 to a heroin overdose also. Still hurts every day.
Please, please Seek after professional counseling. It worth every steps you take forward 🙏 Stop blaming yourself or others. The Why start with that person. Help is available ✝️📖
I'm so sorry. I unfortunately know your pain all too well and also will never recover. I lost my brother October 2020 to Fentanyl overdose. I miss him more than I could ever put in words.
🙏🏽
This story was so beautifully spoken til i cant even be sad about her tragic untimely death. Karens sister told her journey with so much respect, dignity, grace, accountability and strength. I was just in awe of that. She opened my eyes to addiction doesn’t discriminate also.
True testimony that fentanyl addiction is powerful and deadly. My son suffers from this as well. I haven't lost him yet as he is in treatment as we speak. God bless you for bringing this story to us and you are in my prayers.
🙏🏽🙏🏽
Wow she is so transparent & nonjudgmental. what a good sister you never know what people are going through. This hit home so hard 🥹🥲 RIP Dr.K🕊❣️
😢🙏🙏
I'm so so sorry for your lost I dont believe it was pride it is definitely shame and guilt and your sick as your secrets I know it oh so well I've lived my life like that for far to long and I'm so GREATFUL to still be HERE GOD has a plan for me and I have a story to tell GOD BLESS YOU'RE SISTER DEPRESSION IS REAL AS WELL AND IT WILL KEEP YOU USING IF WE DONT DIND AWAY
I got my own issues. Dont bring issues to yourself deliberately. Dont do drugs!
Thank you for your selflessness, vulnerability, and courage to share your sister's story. This is powerful. God be with you and your family.
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your sister. Drs need to be able to practice medicine and if this is the issue by God let people have some damn relief from pain. Drs never tell you when prescribing opiates for pain that one day I will decide you don't have pain anymore. And everyone's pain level is different. People would not be going to the streets and getting most any street drug has FENTANYL init. Even Xanax that are fake have it in them. And the people that do that street speed even is being cut with just a very small amount of Fentanyl to actually get you physically addicted to the speed. Speed is usually not physically addicting but mental and emotionally addicting. It gives you such a false sense of well being until you want to quit. I'm very sorry for your loss. I am a sufferer of long term severe pain which they can't do anything about. But you have to buck up and keep moving, exercise and she obviously suffered a lot of pain. And with pain comes so many problems. It isn't only physical addiction, it's emotional addiction and psychological addiction also. But addiction is such a horrible disease. I am praying for you and as you said she was sick and her pain is no longer there. But death leaves we survivors with guilt, pain, denial, anger etc. Such a tragedy. Just give people what they need so they don't go to the street. I mean within reason. Thank you for doing such a wonderful explanation I have been on both sides and I totally understand. God bless you and your family and all the loved ones your sister have and had been affected by her loss. May one day healing comes but it's so hard.
Thank you for having the courage and humility to speak out.
It's a lot of shame in addiction--especially if you're an accomplished person. Thank you so much for sharing your sister's story, and I'm so sorry for your loss.
True. And it only get worse with every mistake and relapse they make. We won't forgive themselves. I agree forgiveness is not easy
We won't forgive ourselves. I meant to say
@@galahopkins6106 True!
Dear Family of Dr. Karen Jackson,
My deepest condolences. I’m so sorry. May the Lord be with you.
This is probably one of the most important videos ive seen on this channel. If it can happen to a person who is a minister and a Dr it can happen to anyone! People need to really understand how powerful this addiction is, it does not discriminate. Thank you for speaking out and sharing your story. My condolences to Karens family. 🙏💗
@@Augfordpdoggie I’m sorry but you can’t blame GOD .. when Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree that’s where it all started
@@AugfordpdoggieYou guessed wrong. God gives choices, not protection. Your body is merely loaned to you, and God says to treat it like a Holy Temple. Rest in peace Karen, and I will pray for you siti1ca.
Our government is responsible for allowing these drugs into our country.
@@_sal.god isn’t real and I’m not sure why yall worship a Jew on a stick? Yall do realize Jews have oppressed blacks for years?
@@Augfordpdoggie who will you pray to?
This interview really touched me. A highly well educated woman can have this terrible addiction. Thank you for sharing with us. You really helped many people!
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s heartbreaking. Addictions knows no boundaries. It can happen to the smartest people in the world. I’m 15 yrs clean and sober!❤️🙏🏼‼️
Big Congrats to you and God Bless...Peace and Blessings to everyone...
Bragging about clean time often hurts those who are still struggling... I was on heroin for over 30 years, but I did earn a PhD in mathematical physics...
What is your point?
May the grace of God continue to give you strength.
@@barneyronnie bragging, no. Stating I can relate, yes. You have no idea if my background so go away troll.
This one is powerful. Brought me to tears. I hope that my word choice to my daughters about what I call "crossing that line..." has made a difference. I know first hand. "Once you cross that line, it is almost impossible to come back..." There was a popular rock band in the '80's known as Ratt. Their charismatic, loveable, guitarist Robbin Crosby put it best for me when he was interviewed shortly before his death, "Quitting opiates is like quitting breathing." Ironically, that's what overdosing does, causes respiratory failure. I must say that I love the photo of you two sisters wearing the shawls and sunglasses. Rest In Peace Karen.
It really is like quitting breathing. Withdrawal is like you arent even human anymore. Ive never been so close to suicide as I was in withdrawal.
We live in a society that does not often acknowledge how devastating the loss of a sibling truly is. Thank you for sharing the admiration, love, and respect you and Karen had for each other. You have reached out and secured Karen's legacy by comforting and helping others.
The fact our borders are wide open guarantees thousands more will die.😡 What the horrible so called ‘leaders’ who are allowing this debacle to take place don’t realize is - the cartel will control the unnamed illegal immigrants for decades to come. They are building up their drug operations as we speak. America (& her families) are under siege!
Cunning, baffling and powerful. I am so sorry you lost her.
What a wonderful sister. One of the best testimonies about addiction I’ve ever heard. A strong woman telling her sister’s story. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m sure it will help someone. You are so right. Pride causes so many falls. Pride goes before a fall. ❤️
.
.... Karen needed to repent before the Holy God and was in need of true salvation that is in the Lord Jesus Christ!!! Amen!!! Honesty was necessary and the need to be thirsty for the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the Holy God...and in doing so she would have been filled with the Holy Ghost!!! Amen!!! What the world called drug abuse, substance abuse is a spiritual issue and is modern day sorcery that has been going on for years and years... But the Holy God promises to be a swift witness against all sorcerers!!! Amen!!! It enslaved the people and captivates their minds!!! Amen!!! But if one truly makes up in their own mind they don't want to use again... The battle is over... But first a willing mind is needed to even began to resist the call of it...which is the spirit of defilement and destruction, but for the abundant grace and the plentious mercy of the Lord... they shall not prevail against that spirit or those spirits!!! Amen!!! The Holy God hates pride and promises to mar it...many people have pride and refuse to humble themselves before the Lord who is the only hope for the world...the only hope...but many still reject the salvation that is in the Lord Jesus Christ...WHOM we ALLLLL need to escape this valley of the shadow of death!!! AMEN!!! AMEN!!! He is not far from anyone of us but is near even in our mouths... Call on him and he shall surely here one's cry and shall answer thee!!! AMEN!!! Call on the Rock who is higher than thee... Jesus the Christ, the SAVIOUR of the world and whom indeed came and is come to take away the sins/one's own thoughts of foolishness/one's own UNRIGHTOUSNESS of the world!!! AMEN!!! Deliverance is available because there is power in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ whose name is far more excellent in all the earth than fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, beer etc... Far more excellent is that name... Even so "King Jesus" come on through "my King" come on through NOWWWWWW... Thank you Lord...Thank you...
You are so right ! You hit the mail on the head- addiction does not discriminate-doctors, lawyers, ministers, teachers, Christians, Moms, Dads, Homeless, Judges, police officers-the list goes on and on- I know first hand how powerful it is
Agreed. I never thought I would be addicted to anything especially drugs. But I was, 11 years or more I lost track but God, if it wasn’t for The Lord I wouldn’t be here. Peace and love. So happy for your recovery. 🙏❤️
Yes I know personally I’m sorry
I knew wonderful people with serious addictions
I’m so so sorry for your loss
But she not no doctor? Having a phd doesn’t make you a doctor. When we say doctor we mean medical doctor
As a 23 year old man that’s two years clean from an opiate addiction myself, and also having lost my best friend back in 2018 to a fentanyl overdose. This hit me hard because I understand how she feels and also how hard the drug can grip you.
Proud of you.
i’m happy your doing good.
Congratulations stay strong
Congratulations on getting and staying clean! I lost my best friend 11 years ago. She was in detox and left after three days. She used and overdosed the next day. They brought her back. That night she went to go get her phone from this chick she met in detox cause she stole it 🙄 and she wrecked on her way back. I missed her call that day cause I didn’t know the number she called from. I believe she wanted me to go with her. I still struggle with that. I would either be dead also or she wouldn’t have been using and with me there she would be here. Only God knows. I also missed her last phone call from the hospital. That one really hurts. Idk who called her or them there was no voicemail. I miss her daily.
Stay strong, Young Man! My prayers are with you. 🙏🏾
I appreciate you speaking out. I run a Mental Health program for 17-25 year olds. Our addiction & mental health crisis is critical in this country.
It’s critical that people know drugs & mental health don’t discriminate; race, education, economic status or age😢