“7 Days: The Opioid Crisis in Arkansas” - Mid-America Emmy® Nominee

[@Sicilia928]

I moved to Florence, Italy, in 2015. I have had to see a doctor once for a foot injury and a dentist once for oral surgery. I asked for pain medication with the foot injury and I was refused. I assumed that I would get something prescribed for after the oral surgery as I had had similar surgery in California and I was AUTOMATICALLY prescribed 30 Vicodin. The dental assistant gave me two pills prior to surgery and she said they were for pain. I don't know what they were but they had no detectable physical effect on me whatsoever (in other words, there was no buzz or high). Afterwards, I was only prescribed antibiotics and I experienced no pain AT ALL from the moment the anesthetic wore off. If you want to fix a big cause of this problem in the States, the medical profession has to get out of bed with the pharmaceutical companies and they have to stop dispensing opioids like candy!!

[@millertoyal]

You're forgetting, Americans have a strong sense of entitlement. I work in health-care. Ppl will demand medication and threaten law suits, be belligerent, and cause all types of uproar, to get what they feel entitled to. It's more of an entitlement issue. I hear it from family members constantly, " she/ he said they're in horrible pain, and you're neglecting to give medicine. This is inhumane, and I'm going to report you!" White ppl's entitlement is a curse within itself.

[@brandonhenderson322]

I think we all wish this would happen in the States. It’s how everyone starts. Taking some hydrocodone pills from mommy and daddy’s medicine cabinet. Then it only goes downhill from there. Our government and pharma companies pay wayyyyyy to much for any elected official or doctor taking these pills away from the public and off our shelves. It’s scary for the ones growing up now and such a shame it’s just all about money and power. Rest In Peace the ones who haven’t made it and I pray for you if you are still battling this disease.

[@suzannaj3834]

I had my wisdom teeth pulled and got zip. Nada. No pain meds prescribed. I thought man I’m going to hurt. Guess what. Took ibuprofen and no pain. (USA FLA)

[@jodybobble]

Absolutely. The doctors prescribing these terrible drugs are hugely responsible for the epidemic.

[@Charger285]

@@suzannaj3834 Florida was the heart of this problem, they had to start the crackdown. West Palm primarily and throughout were stacked with Pain Clinics.

[@deborahskasick8600]

44:27, in this video you will see the picture of my beautiful son Max! We miss him so very much, he fought this battle for a few years. In life he was extremely intelligent,an incredible athlete, excelling in every sport, and he made friends so easily, When he became a father at 25, it was the happiest day of his life, he loved her so much, and she was a daddy’s girl for sure… Sadly when your in the middle of this disease, the drug comes first. Honestly, at the end of the day, I never once thought he would die… He attended several rehabs, and tried so hard the last 2 years to get sober,.. but this disease runs deep.. I wish I could give you a big hug, and tell you just how much I LOVE YOU!!!I thank God daily for your beautiful little girl. Every single time I look at her I feel your presence.. She looks so much like you, her little freckles are in the exact spot as yours.. Forever grateful that you were my son!! Love you forever Maxer💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@ScottyPeabody]

Been sober for over 10 years now but it should be 26. Rehabs give you the tools to get well and STAY sober but the problem is coping with the world on a sober basis. It becomes overwhelming, especially when you get sober, the past is still there. I wished I’d have met Max, as I have a 28 year old son who has 6 years of recovery and has a new baby boy. Please don’t stop sharing your messages of hope because this disease is cunning & baffling. Maybe Max’s story will help save someone else’s life. That’s of little consolation now, but I’ve got nothing else to offer. I’ll be thinking of Max for awhile. As they say in the rooms of recovery, it’s easy to get sober, staying clean & sober is the hard part. God bless y’all and I’m so very sorry to hear of this, and I hope the sorry bast*rds selling this poison find hell hot.,🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@barbaramcdaniel463]

My heart Breaks for you sweet Soul. He knows, you love him mama...God Bless you both.

[@taraalan1131]

What a heartbreaking thing to happen. My thoughts are with you ❤️💙❤️

[@cindyweir9645]

I’m so sorry you lost your son. I lost a teenage son to suicide and I understand your grief. What keeps me going is knowing he’s ok and I’ll see him again one day.

[@taraalan1131]

@@cindyweir9645 You really will- energy never dies. x

[@BIgBass255]

I begged my doctor for pain pills, he just wouldn't give them to me. Ten years on , I still thank him from time to time.

[@memyself6360]

To each his own 20 later and i see it just makes life harder all drugs should be leagle then black market would die

[@mereje]

I had the same. Begged my doctor for sleeping pills because I was exhausted of travel schedule. She would only give for 2 days. You are young just get some sleep

[@prihaps]

Im the opposite. 7 years on and I hate them for denying me

[@misterx6276]

When you shatter part of your hand and have two other fractures but are only offered ibuprofen...

[@iheartageplay6314]

The trick is NOT begging. Over here we get the skittle fentanyl candies where u really only need to take a 1/5 bite PLUS cheaper than percs or vicodin. Hit it up, we're here all day. As well as a new shipment of tussinex

[@Evian1990]

I'm exactly 48 hours in to quitting an 8 yr oxycodone addiction that was up to 200mg a day for the last year. I realize that I completely forget what it's like to do anything when I'm not high. Kind of looking forward to seeing and experiencing things again for the first time through my own eyes.

[@AllAboutLyrics12]

I hope you are still clean ❤️ you got this.

[@Evian1990]

@AllAboutLyrics12 I am! I had a couple very small slip us about 5 weeks in but I am still going very strong. Although I'm still not feeling 100%, Life is wonderful. Thanks so much!

[@RickCostello]

Well done dude. No excuses. You are in control. Exercise is your best friend.

[@MsAlien911]

Good onya. Me too. Been 4 months clean. Had a weekend on booze but gave that a swerve too

[@wendyrowland17]

How was the first 72 hours? Ty

[@BrianKeith2006]

This is a beautiful put together video. I was addicted to pain pills for 20 years and although I may never fully conquer that demon I pray for all of us who are affected by addiction in one way or another.

[@MrCtsSteve]

Right there with you somewhat. It's a sonofabitch dealing with chronic pain . Stay strong man .

[@celestialchaoscustomsoaps2653]

I highly recommend looking into kratom tea. It might not work for everyone but based on my experience is so worth trying. Good luck on your recovery. 🖤

[@brianr8581]

Thank you Brother! I'm praying for you as well. Are you on a maintenance program or did you kick it completely?

[@BrianKeith2006]

@@celestialchaoscustomsoaps2653 I tried Kratom and didn't have any luck with it.

[@rorydunne1218]

You can do it people!! 😊🙏 Xx

[@haggardartistkek1330]

3 years off methadone and 5 years off opiates.

[@freshbme2]

Congratulations. I've known people on methadone maintenance for almost ten years. ...good for you!!👏👏👏💪🙏✌

[@encouragingword799]

Congrats! Keep it up and hang in there... there is someone else out there who will be encouraged to hear your beautiful testimony.

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

Nice work brother

[@Csakuraly]

Congracts

[@rustydemz7919]

Good! Get on with your life.

[@Zak_Meents]

44:27 - My brother Max. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. I will miss you for the rest of my life Maxer.

[@naui_diver9290]

Im sorry man I lost my big brother tommy...

[@urmammy84]

Sorry for your loss.

[@donnawentz2221]

My condolences for your loss of Max. May Max R.I.P. 🕊🌹

[@phyllisbirks]

Tommy Real High NOW!

[@Zak_Meents]

@@donnawentz2221 Thank you!

[@lenabartscher9139]

I‘m a doctor here in Germany. An anaesthesiologist to be precise, so we deal with opioids every day. We rarely prescribe opioids to non-palliative patients. People get oxycodone for a few days after major surgery. But we always give them metamizol too and more often, we supply them with a regional anaesthesia catheter in the leg (or arm, wherever the fracture is) and use ropivacain (numbing medication as used by dentists) to control for the pain. It‘s amazing, they usually don‘t need any pain meds with this. We also use peridural catheters („epidural“ as for women giving birth) for abdominal surgery. We take out whole organs and the patients are completely pain free after surgery with the epidural catheter. They are also seen by physical therapists, psychologists and occupational therapists during their hospital stay. As for GPs…they usually prescribe physical therapy first and have patients see other doctors to see if the problem is treatable by surgery. It‘s all paid for by universal health care. When I broke my leg I had PT 5 times a week without any cost and recovered very quickly, without pain meds. I truly hope the US gets a grip sometime in the future and helps EVERYONE to good health care. It‘s a human right. Pain has to be treated in it‘s entirety with all it‘s components.

[@christiancarle1454]

if you need to keep treating a patient for pain, you can charge him for each visit, curing him would deprive all US doctors of an easy check...

[@lrrrruleroftheplanetomicro6881]

The Austrian here totally agrees from a patient's point of view. Can't speak to the procedures, only the meds a bit. Had two episodes of kidney stones, only used Metamizol. Still had pain. But I didn't expect to have rattling kidneys without pain. For adults, if you can't avoid it, manageable pain should be good enough for a few days or weeks.

[@2200-au]

Действительно странно такое тотальное употребление опиатов, в США вне закона НПВС что ли ? Тот же метамизол который действует на те же болевые рецепторы что и опиаты , но не вызывает эйфории и зависимости.

[@janedern34]

Thank you for the insight,would be great to have that here

[@crand20033]

@@christiancarle1454 And when the patient goes off the meds the pain gets 10 times worse so he needs more and more. It's job security for docs.

[@BostonRobb]

That doc in beginning forgot to mention that The sackler family and Purdue pharma also pushed doctors to prescribe opioids and they also paid for studies to say Oxys were NOT addictive. That was the huge missing part in this piece. Without a major Corp pursuing profits - the amount pushed by doctors could have alter the course of this opioid pandemic

[@thebigmon]

There is another missing part to this piece that is missing. It is that although thousands of people are dying from this narcotic every year due to abuse, millions of people every year have been helped by this narcotic by alleviating the pain caused by terminal deceases, surgery, accidents and even combat wounds. I have been injected with morphine and fentanyl while suffering from debilitating pain and during surgery. Like all things in life, dosage is the poison.

[@dalhousiekid]

@@thebigmon Amen. They are therapeutic if you stay on top of the dosage. You have to be almost militant about it.

[@LauraBeeDannon]

@@dalhousiekid if you only get 2 a day from your doctor to treat flare ups of major pain it should be easy. That's if you're straight with a doctor.

[@hollydancergirl4]

THIS!

[@MyCleverHandle]

Purdue Pharma was far from a "major" drug manufacturer before Oxy. They had a single product, Betadine, that was their bread-and-butter, and they were a small, privately held company when they started us on this horrendously bumpy road. Hulu is now streaming a miniseries that dramatizes the Oxy story, "Dopesick," based on a non-fiction book of the same name which I'm reading now. The stupidity of the FDA combined with the venality of a few members of a very greedy family running the company within a few short years is what got us into this mess.

[@kathymorris4553]

I used to go to Arkansas pill mills, they would give me anything I asked for. I never thought I could live without pain pills, now I don’t know how I ever lived that way. Suboxone saved my life and sanity.I have 16 years of sobriety, no alcohol either! Life is so much better, I have no desire for either. I was pretty bad off, overdosed I don’t know how many times. I blame these drug companies for the majority of the opioid problems in our country. Please get help, it so worth it, everyday gets better and better

[@iy4563]

Drug companies are not to blame for the stupidity of people. Drug companies do not force you to swallow pills that's the bad choice you make free will. All while growing up all the commercials said was SAY NO TO DRUGS. Irritating when people blame others for their choices. Help and healing starts when you take responsibility for you.

[@tiffanynfl]

Oh honey I’m so glad you had the will to get help! I’ve been sober 9 years with the help of treatment center. My life is so much better! Congratulations on your sobriety! 😊💜

[@durawins]

Subs were a life saver at one point for me. How long did you stay on them? Depression was at a all time high when I stopped taking subs.

[@emdawn80]

Are you on suboxone now…if so you are still addicted and an addict! It helps to stabilizes you and gives you no anxiety about where your getting it but you’re not ‘clean’ if you’re taking it.

[@emdawn80]

@@iy4563 doctors prescribing to folks is a big part of the problem…did ya watch the stories of these folks! It’s really easy to blame the addict when you have never felt or experienced what it’s like…if ya think addicts just wanna keep on doing the drugs you’re unaware of the complexities of addiction.

[@trint3089]

I’m an x addict at 29. Last week I went to Chicago and my friend had bottle and bottles of pills. I saw this before I went. Thank you so much for helping me stay 2 months sober. 😔

[@youtubehastakenovermylife4979]

You’ve got two months and your already calling yourself an “x addict”..... god help you.

[@Hotdogwateryum]

@@youtubehastakenovermylife4979 I think he meant "x" as in molly.

[@justjonni9330]

If your sober for 2 months and that "friend" pulls pills out…. Then I don't see them as a true friend! In my book misery… just loves company! Might wanna have them find new company!

[@wombatcube]

Good job staying sober for 2 months and hopefully, you've found a reason to stay so every day since and will continue every day henceforth. Hopefully, you have a good support system in place. Reach out, if you don't. Know that along the road to recovery will come growth, and with growth will come new people in that support system. Some may fall by the wayside...they're on their own journeys. Yours can continue no matter their involvement. We're on this earth to emote, I think. I think emotions are powerful things. Don't be afraid of them! (I'm telling myself all of this too, just to clarify I'm not being preachy)

[@CaptainRockoBD]

@@youtubehastakenovermylife4979 well… that would be an ex addict, idiot.

[@dizzydeanfpv45]

Went from taking ten, 30mg. Oxy a day to 3 years clean today! I finally feel like myself......took so long but I did it and those out there with addiction, you can get help!!!! It sucks the first couple of months but it's soooo worth it!!!

[@Shortfarmingking]

Bro that’s fucking crazy hard work to kick 30 mg of oxy ten times a day. Congrats.

[@dizzydeanfpv45]

@John hardest thing I ever did.....but I lost 2 of my best friends this year because their oxy was laced with fentanyl....not just dudes I new in my drug circle....I mean we were all friends since 3rd grade bro almost our entire lives....if that doesn't sober u up...I don't know what will...

[@MsDione110]

Congratulations and continue the journey strong

[@jackiefruge5884]

Congratulations

[@Sky.DRAGONZ]

​@John-lx3jf i am by no means bragging but at My worst I was taking 80 mg a day. Often more. I have been clean for 4 years

[@stevealdrich1365]

I don't miss those days for nothing. I was a college grad with an awesome career. I caught spinal meningitis as a pharmaceutical rep working in intensive care and almost died. Then my wife and oldest daughter had fatal car accidents. I dove head first into the oxymoraphone medication prescribed to me. I ended up out of control and homeless. I tried several rehabs but this time has been different. I use to think of pills nonstop after rehab but this time God intervened. Drugs haven't crossed my mind in over 3 years. My career is better than ever. I owe all the glory to Jesus Christ. I used opioids for over 15 years. Most of it I was as a functioning addict but the last 4 led to homeless and losing my career. Most people don't get this many opportunities or walk a way with their life. That is why I thank God everyday and pray for others to survive and be spared as well.

[@jodybobble]

I'm so sorry for your terrible losses. May you continue to make great strides in your life. Take care. x

[@stevealdrich1365]

@@jodybobble thank you so much for your kind words. Everyday is a blessing and I welcome it with open arms. God has given me another chance at life and I refuse to waste it.

[@lbu9542]

My sincere condolences for your loss, and I'm sorry you dealt with addiction. I am so glad you survived that time 🙏

[@stevealdrich1365]

@@lbu9542 I really appreciate it. I give the glory to God. Without him I wouldn't be here.

[@sweetsk3884]

Yes God is the Alpha & Omega (Rev 1:18)kjv. You need to be PROUD of YOURSELF because YOU DID THE WORK TO HEAL once God gave You the opportunity...Respect!🙏

[@meteor2012able]

The lady connecting with troubled addicts is a professional angel 😇... I retired from corrections psychiatric services and fully understand the misery of opioid addictions.

[@5thdimension625]

Me too. You can’t make up the madness associated with substance use disorder. The mental health system of this country is corrupt as hell.

[@ginajoseph8776]

The woman is a Saint.

[@picilocarnal]

@@5thdimension625 anyone helping drug dealers is the real evil here. If drugs weren’t so easy to access, this would be a VERY different story.

[@tinavogel7966]

She is a beautiful soul

[@briancarter5412]

And ''Misery'' it is, thats what addiction has to offer ..believe me. Lisa, Australia🕊🦋🕊🦋

[@timlenard1646]

I'm from hot springs Arkansas and have lived in fort Smith Arkansas for the past 10 years, I am 1.5 years clean from a 15 year opioid addiction, there were times during my addiction that I thought I'd never get clean but here I am clean, I turn 55 tomorrow (Jan 2nd 2022) and I am finally living my best life in a very long time... peace to all struggling and mad respect to all recovered...

[@jaychanchez1772]

Congratulations,

[@Udontsay948]

Immense accomplishment. Much love and support to you.

[@RJB1090]

How do you get clean when you still have alot of pain? Is there something out there to help with pain that not bad for ou

[@thatpart]

Your message meant a lot today, especially. Keeping that good fight! Thank you. 🙏

[@melissagottlieb3381]

Happy almost 56 and Congratulations

[@theeclipsedtruth]

I survived opioid addiction, my beautiful husband did not. So i ask every day…did I survive it if it took half of me? I’m clean, but I’m lost without Jason. We had a life before all of this, and for 2 yrs after, in the end it still won. Facing this world without him is….😭🤯 I’m happy for the people who are living in blissfully clean. I’m tired of being told I’m feeling self pity. It’s grief. I’m grateful I’m clean, I’ve worked hard at it for 5 yrs, but what’s it worth when you don’t have your other half, best friend, love of my life??? I’m just saying it ain’t all peaches and cream. It’s the Devil, and he will take till there’s nothing left.

[@countrycaliforniagirl32]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@5thdimension625]

Sending prayers, Pink dahlia. I pray you meet another equally as beautiful person to share your life with in the future. It will say a lot about your lost relationship.

[@goldielocks8231]

Learn to love yourself I lost the love of my life 26 years ago time heals all wounds pray to god he will help!!!

[@theeclipsedtruth]

@@goldielocks8231 every day of my life! 💛🙏

[@theeclipsedtruth]

@@countrycaliforniagirl32 thank you 💛🙏

[@carlamitchell7467]

Dr. Martin was my substance abuse doctor while I was in residential treatment via Zoom. Her clinic is now my substance abuse management program. I went today, and she was there. I got the best hug from her.

[@carlamitchell7467]

My addiction is not opioid thank goodness, but alcohol. I still thank Dr. Martin for her help and support.

[@taniesha64]

Lost so many friends and family to fetanyl. I'm glad I was able to overcome opioids because its a very hard drug to quit. My condolences to those who couldn't beat it.

[@yourbeautifulnightmare4657]

Same here sis, congrats on getting clean. I'm still a work in progress but I don't plan on giving up. I got my son depending on me...so everything I do is for him...

[@AlliWritesNow]

Congratulations, I pray you’re still clean, I’ve been taking it one day at a time for over a decade now, it gets better and better! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@freshbme2]

I've been to eight funerals this year. Five were opioid deaths. I'm ashamed to admit it, but it's happening so often I'm becoming numb to it.. and it seems the covid situation has actually made it worse...take care of yourself ma!!!🙏💪✌

[@jennifersuzannebk5149]

Thank the doctors

[@billy6pack887]

@@jennifersuzannebk5149 Yes, and now China and lax Southern border policies

[@scottholdrenjr5694]

My heart goes out to all of these families. My youngest daughter succumbed to multiple medications and in the end she ended up hanging herself in her closet. She was 25 years old. This is a pandemic that continues to kill our loved ones. I pray for each parent and each family who has lost their loved ones. I will never forget my sweet daughter and hope to see her on the other side. I also care for families in this documentary. You are loved too.

[@katc5051]

I'm truly sorry for your loss.

[@chattingesque372]

Sorry for your loss

[@jeremygreen2796]

God Bless you

[@tamikoluong7628]

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My heart is saddened. I pray that God will help you and our country.

[@catherinepraus8635]

So sorry for your loss I think everyone has at least one or more person or family member that has a some kind of addition in their mist big pharma or soulless murders 🥺😥

[@lindastonebraker2512]

If you’re addicted and reading this, I swear on everything I love, your life after addiction is beyond amazing! You will find joy, you will have energy and you will really dig getting high on life! Don’t quit, you got this!

[@amoresj8]

Were you addicted?

[@amoresj8]

I feel like I read this for a reason. My Mom passed away a year as well as my Dad, 3 months apart. Super hard to deal with. Anyway, her name is Linda. May not mean anything to other people, but it means something to me that ya’ll share that name. Thanks.

[@lindastonebraker2512]

@@amoresj8 yes I was addicted. I’m so incredibly sorry for the loss of your parents! I’m so sorry for what you’re going through too. I put my children through hell. It’s not fair to them, or to any child who has to experience the anxiety and sadness of watching their parents struggle. I hope you’re doing well and finding positive ways to deal with your loss🫶🏽

[@govindagovindaji4662]

@@amoresj8 It has been a year since you made this comment. I am very sorry for your great loss. I lost a son to Covid-19 3 years ago so I know that the grief-well is deep. It comes in waves and never really leaves. It really is that hole in your heart that everyone mentions. However, I hope like me, that you have found some solace in your life because when we think about it, really, everyone dies eventually. It is just plain sad but I guess because we are human and we do love deeply and become attached to those we love, sadness has also to be a part of our lives when we lose them. I hope you have or make good friends and meet many Linda's! God speed to you!

[@nalakittymeow]

Im 2 years clean from heroin/fentanyl... ive lost most of my friends to this disease. Prayers 2 all who r struggling. Life is so much better sober.

[@virginialewis8046]

Bonnie from this video worked with me she was my sponsor at one point. I was addicted for years thank god (even though I dnt talk to her or anyone from back then) I’m still going strong Dec 4 will be 8 yrs I still hard days but I work through them. Thank you Bonnie for everything ❤❤

[@chasnfireflies317]

This was a wonderfully made Documentary. I lost my 1st and oldest daughter to being shot at age 21. She was with a friend from school trying to get a ride minutes before her death. He denies involvement. My Katelyn was so beautiful inside and out. Then her sister, my 2nd daughter, Madison, age 21 was suffering dry socket in a tooth she had pulled. A "friend" gave her a counterfeit pill and she died of fentanyl poisoning in her sleep. She left behind 2 beautiful girls. She was my rock. My best friend. I miss her every minute of every day. I feel the need for more answers. Then, one of my son's best lifelong friends died gge same exact way as my Madison. His name was Ben. His parents suffer terribly also. I am the face of two of the #USA's #epidemic (s). God help me. My condolences to everyone suffering loss due to #gunviolence or #fentanylOD. I feel your pain.May you find some way to make it into a beautiful #tribute to your loved ones ❤️ #onepillcankill #overdose

[@vershawnsea9219]

I pray that God can eventually heal your heart. Please try not to blame yourself. I'm sorry for your losses.. Merry Christmas

[@abef.9085]

Sorry for your Loss...Sadly,where there is Dope,there is Money..These thugs don"t care...

[@Denise_Suzanne]

Oh my gosh. A mother's worst nightmare. My heart goes out to you.

[@BA42197]

I pray for you. I’m so sorry for the loss and pain you have experienced

[@Rob-ws2kh]

So proud of the guy working for the police after overdosing 14 times. He is right it is Cool!! Good luck for the future, you’re doing a great job Sean Willits!

[@jackiefruge5884]

Congratulations

[@Tyme_flies]

I've typed my fair share of comments on KZbin but this literally hits home more than most would know I was born in Ouachita Hospital in Hot Springs Ark in 1978, I'm a loud and proud Arkansasan! With that being said I took my 1st pain pill in 1996 . It was a slow burn back then no one even knew what you were talking about. By 1999 I was addicted. I left home and ended up in Los Angeles I'm gonna leave out the gory details of that time. I'm 42 and now live in Seattle Wa. Watching this documentary, this is my story. I've been clean for 6 1/2 years now with the help of God, Suboxone and shear determination. Please to whomever see this YOU ARE NOT ALONE, YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE. You can do this.!!!!!! Peace&love #Gorazorbacks

[@lifesprettygood]

Kristy, I just read your comment and want to say CONGRATULATIONS! You are an amazing example of what can be after drugs. Take care of yourself and Peace

[@hopeful8975]

People HAVE to start fighting back by realizing the danger of starting drugs and the ones on them need to make up their hearts and minds to get help. No one is coming to save us, we have the power with Gods help to overcome. Knowing that everyday is a brand new chance. Choosing who we stay around. Our friends have great influence. No one can help anyone until they really truly want the help. It’s ok to fail time after time but set your intentions on a good future, it can be had one step at a time. God will catch you when you fall, get back up and try again! Very happy you have chosen to go forward and choose a good life! Congratulations and thank you for giving others hope!

[@valerieshealy741]

Kristy congratulations on your sobriety. If you read this I hope is that you have continued on your sober journey.

[@juliekoszelak9918]

Kristy, I take oxycodone for chronic pain, but I wonder if I can do without them since they cause their own pain. I no longer know the difference and wonder if I would feel better without them. Do you know anything about this?

[@justlucky8254]

@@juliekoszelak9918 I took oxycodone for many years for chronic pain (arthritic hip that needed to be replaced) They made me stop taking the pills before surgery in order to better manage the pain afterwards. They tapered me off and then the surgery was rescheduled for almost 6 months later. The Dr was going to prescribe them again but I decided to stay off them for a while. What I found was not only was I addicted, the pills masked the pain well enough that I basically abused my hip more. Instead of my body telling me to not do certain movements or activities by giving pain, the pills would allow me to do all sorts of physical movements and actions that made the joint worse and the pain would really kick in during the night or morning after the pills had worn off. I stayed off the pills and put off the surgery for a few years because I was able to deal with it even though I work in a physically intensive job as a millwright. It has degenerated enough now that I'm finally getting the hip replaced in a couple of months at age 40. My point is that in my personal experience, I actually had less physical pain during the months and years without the pills than during a lot of the years when I was taking massive amounts of oxycodone. On a side note, suboxone was immensely helpful to me when quitting. Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do!

[@ChildofYAH_33]

Gosh.... I cried through this entire video,it resonated with me, I am a recovering addict of opioids,benzos,& methamphetamine, 2 years,& 10 months now and I NEVER want to go back. I am so grateful 🙏 & I give praise 🙏 to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 1Chorithians 6:13 My body is for the Lord,The Lord is my body . I 🙏 for every soul that is battling addiction, may they be led to our Lord and Savior for he is a merciful Lord Amen!

[@kaycoats8344]

May they repent & be led to Jesus!! I agree with that! What the world needs now is God's love!! 1st.John 4:7&8. Amen

[@mirjamweibel9678]

Wow 💪 respect 👏👏 I can’t do it. No chance. Stay strong 🙏🏼

[@Nostalgic_1]

Very happy for you! 🙏♥️🙏

[@Ultrameowmeow]

Amen sister ❤️ praise up!

[@terrirawling3590]

Stella 🌹, sending love & prayers from Australia 🇦🇺 xxxxx

[@domleah1987]

My Dad overdosed in 2019. 55 years old and was gone just like that. It’s so painful to lose someone like that.

[@JaziRedz]

Its also a shame when America killed 1 million Iraqi civilians for no reason.

[@thatpart]

I'm so sorry to hear this. My father passed at 49 from suicide, caused by polysubstance addictions (cocaine, IV drugs and alcohol). It changes you. I hope you're doing well with all of it

[@Mskaytee]

I'm so sorry for your loss 😢

[@domleah1987]

Thank you all for the positive comments ❤️

[@thatpart]

@@domleah1987 Big Ups to you, too 🙏

[@jadefire2817]

One of the worst things about this, especially the problem here in Arkansas, is that many of these people get these prescribed legally. So many people in Arkansas work farm-work, factory work, construction work. *HARD physical labor* with great incident of injury. They first get these pills to help them be able to *continue* working, supporting their families. Then it just spirals out of control. I have *so* so much compassion for anyone with substance abuse disorder. May they all find their way to health and happiness, I pray.

[@LisaMaryification]

Exactly. Doctors are so quick to offer opioid based painkillers. It's so unnecessary.

[@carolapplegate2885]

There is some personal responsibility in this issue

[@jadefire2817]

@@carolapplegate2885 Oh absolutely. I'm not discounting personal responsibility. Just saying that there are underlying factors also.

[@jimfleming1979]

Good point.It’s a blue collar rural kind of state.Your doctors are more than capable of understanding the problem and being able to put a dent in it.They are the front line.

[@neacienation]

I lost my big sister to this mess. What they don't talk about is how family and friends are judged BC we didn't help our loved one enough. Trust and believe we do call we can. You just have no power to save somebody who isn't willing to save themselves. Nothing hurts more then losing somebody you love slowly and feeling powerless to stop it. :(

[@braxlucky5718]

It took me 7yrs to get me to that point where I wonted It needed it and finally opened my eyes to the hurt and destruction that I had caused to everyone around me and the long road began from there I’m clean 4yrs but you are right you must won’t it yourself not for anyone else but you then everyone can come after

[@chimbob67]

I can't imagine how difficult it is for the families. I'm sorry for. your loss.

[@sugareemel8784]

What others need to understand is that until the addict is ready to be sober there really isn’t anything you can do except love them and let them know when they are ready to get clean you’ll be there for them. Families are often hurting as bad as the addict because they can’t do anything. But as a recovering addict it was wonderful when I was in treatment to get mail or a phone call from my loved ones. My last day of using I knew it was time to get help. My first phone call was to my mom who had thrown me out of the house months ago. She told me on that day if I wanted to get clean she’d help me but not sit around and watch me kill myself. That she loved me with all her heart but she had to let me figure it out. So that day, I was so messed up and looked around at the terrible shape my body was in, my mind was in and that the people around me weren’t there for me but the drugs. I made that call and was immediately told to pack my bags and meet her at my grandparents. They all hugged me, fed me and then I went to treatment. That was July 1996, and after one 28 day program and another 6 months long term stay I felt ready to start life fresh again. I’m so thankful for those friends and family that took time to make sure I knew I had people behind me, it saved my life for sure.

[@braxlucky5718]

@@sugareemel8784 god sounds so much like my story but just with a partner that I just couldn’t let go of for ages he was the last this I said goodbye to before I went into treatment and never saw him again and I’m glad cause it was just a cycle

[@denamitchell2334]

I got judged for helping my ex too much. There is a lot of judgement around the addict by those who don't understand it wasn't a choice at first.

[@GermsOilCotten]

ive been off the needle for a little over a month, it aint much but im proud of myself, i thought i couldnt go a day and now im thinking as long as i focus on getting back the things i ruined over the years due to that addiction ill be alright. and if by some chance i get the things back than ill start focusing on not losing them again.

[@mollyjcmt]

Congrats!!!

[@lucysphotosfromar]

I hope you watch the video again and see that you have made it almost a year. Never take anything again. Stay stong. Eat ice cream!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@genxreactions]

I am proud of you too!!!! One day at a time and celebrate small achievements

[@paulaellis6242]

Good for you, my 40 yr old son, just got clean after years of using. Like I tell him, stay strong, it gets better, my son finally has a bank account. Good luck!

[@catherinepraus8635]

Hope you're still doing well its so hard proud of you don't give up much love your way

[@srogers500]

I get opiates from time to time for kidney stones. I can understand how people get addicted. The "euphoria" this video speaks of is powerful, but it's really just hitting the surface. Those shots and pills mentally put me in a place of calm, peace, and satiation that I've never even been close to feeling in life. Anxiety and depression just rule my Universe and it disappears in heartbeat with opiates. To be content an unafraid. A quiet mind. No racing thoughts. I've never had an addiction problem, but it could take me if I let it.

[@MaximillianJ]

Thank you for being compassionate enough to understand

[@27273100]

🥂 🔥

[@ghoststarstalk]

@@srogers500 A feeling of well-being.

[@phyllisthompson4207]

This is so hard to watch, but very sobering too. If i can help somebody as i go along my life’s journey , i will. I RIP to all the precious souls lost!

[@dustinphillips9221]

So grateful to be clean and sober today. Addiction is a daily battle that must be won each day. My heart goes out to the one's who are picking up for their first time and their last time. May God Bless everyone.

[@mariaseidi4023]

WE all have Battles,i was battling Depression since 2012 ,it comes to the Point a was wondering If with was worth to be around anymore,but in the Last Minute i was save...

[@yourbeautifulnightmare4657]

Congratulations and I couldn't agree more 🙌🏾 I'm a work in progress but I refuse to give up. I have my son counting on me....

[@mariaseidi4023]

@@yourbeautifulnightmare4657 Greetings from Germany ...please Go to church,this is more than adiction this is a Spiritual battle,i was battling Depression and Walking in a street i See a church and step him ,i feel a warm ligth shining on me ,thats when start my recovering process...Thank you Jesus

[@dustinphillips9221]

@@mariaseidi4023 My relationship with Jesus has completely changed my life. I was once living a life that was dark and consumed by drugs. Since I got clean, I now have meaning in my life. It is amazing to know I have a purpose in life!

[@mariaseidi4023]

@@dustinphillips9221 Greetings from Germany,for me too ,my Depression get so Bad that i was Always in bed ,i was drinking alcool alot ,i was really in the end ...I was never a church or religiouse Person,but when you Dont have nothing left ..."They say you will find that " God is all you need when God is all you have...".Sametimes this additions have to be Battle in diferent fronts ,medication , Therapie... But when you Dont have nowhere to Go Bend your knees and cry for God in despair...for me that really start to heal me...its difficult to explain but i will never be the Same ...Thank you Jesus.

[@missgigglebox748]

On New Years Eve, I received a phone call from my previous mother-in-law informing me that my ex husband had passed away. Once the toxicology tests came back, it showed he died from an overdose of meth laced with Fentanyl. I had moved out of state so I hadn't seen him for awhile (but we still spoke often on the phone) so this news shocked me. When we were together, his choice of drug was opiods only. I had tried so many times to get him into rehab but he would never go so I finally had to end the marriage. My heart broke when I found out about his death. He was only 41 years old. I always knew that he would pass away at a young age due to drugs but I was hoping I would be wrong. I beg you, if you have an addiction problem please try and get help. Your loved ones need you here.

[@mikaellindqvist5599]

Tried for 10years. Were i live help is nowhere to be found. Its not as easy as you make it sound. Most people hates on people using whatever... Truly sorry for your loss however. Decriminilaze the stuff and shit like that wont really ever happen. Its truly dsngerous ingesting something that turns out bei g something different and alot more potent.

[@annegranata9055]

I'm so sorry

[@dankLogic250]

Dr. Martin is an incredible empathic person. That first conversation was just the perfect way to deal with people suffering from substance abuse. And she is 100% accurate and understanding of the struggle in getting into treatment.

[@ashotofmercury]

She is an amazing human being!! 🙌🏻🥰

[@encouragingword799]

There is no shame in getting help. I don't feel shame for those addicted. I believe that aside from vets, recovering drug addicts are the BRAVEST people I know. Praying for you all, with love.

[@ck3082]

i kicked oxy almost three years ago. literally my story, neck surgery then BOOM. GET HELP U CAN GET OFF THE DOPE!!!!!!

[@encouragingword799]

Glad you kicked it! Addiction is easy, fighting to be free of it... is hard

[@ckj3210]

Thank you

[@desireeespinosa3954]

Many of my fellow Veterans are addicted as well unfortunately. I won the battle, but too many of my brothers and sisters are so lost or just dead. Support the VA. It saved my life

[@alexisrose6217]

Thank you. It’s so nice to see someone not bashing addicts

[@TheDenizxo]

Me and my partner/fiance finally beat fentanyl abuse of 9 years. The invisible shackles finally released off my hands and feet. I'm now in school but on methadone. It hurts to see others loose amazing children. It's still hard for me but I never want to go back no matter how much the urge gets I remind myself I almost lost my soulmate. R.I.P to all the souls lost to this evil 💔 ❤️

[@urmammy84]

🥰

[@ScottyPeabody]

Proud of you, as someone with 10 years & 7 months sober. You’ve made incredible progress. Continue with the methadone and TBH, the methadone is nobody else’s business. It’s none of their business what you take. DO NOT discount your progress in SHAME because you’ve made incredible progress. You have the rest of your life to discontinue the methadone, just focus on the gratitude and blessings you’re receiving now. It’s going to be okay. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@DocBree13]

@@ScottyPeabody yes!

[@hollienelson6738]

I wish you great success and a blessed life, Deniz. Keep doing what you're doing 💐💗

[@jojofreelancer1210]

I came home from a prison in Baltimore in 2014 next day went on methadone for third time I cant say I stayed clean but since then I've been on methadone probably 5 years and if nothing else I haven't been back to prison, I see power that be are pushing buprenorphine maintenance over methadone, I was exposed to that in 90s on my first met program at 18 do whatever u have to not to use,

[@Muhfuc]

Recording someone dying of an overdose is fucking crazy

[@nickyhustle]

And the way they were talking to the person made me furious.. like sit them up so their lungs aren’t compacted so they can at breathe a little bit better

[@jupiterr9892]

It took me two hours to keep someone alive after an overdose on heroin. Her lips went blue, and she whacked her head on the radiator on the way to the floor. I had no access to a phone and nobody was there to help me. I slapped her repeatedly to wake her up. It worked but she kept going back under, it was the worst two hours of my life. Then she went and died a year later. I'm 3 years clean, I got off it just in time, as there's been 17 deaths in less than 3 months in my town. Just about everyone I used to hang with is dead. It's a hell of a life, people think it's a choice but they have no idea what these people have been through. I got a habit from my doctor prescribing codeine after a car accident, and later it led to heroin.. I was using it for just a little over ten years, the last 3 years injecting it, until I nearly died myself, after getting an infection in my foot, cellulitis and sepsis. While in the hospital I was lucky they helped me out and got me on a script of methadone, and now I'm being reduced, by Xmas I'll be on 10mil and closer to my detox, which I'm not looking forward to, but I also can't wait to get off the shit. Drugs are a very hard way of life, you have to hit rock bottom to help yourself, and some people haven't got it in them to do and end up in the grave. It's the worst thing to go through.. and I will never go back to that life..

[@veea.4936]

Exactly!!

[@ItsAllAnillusion]

Sending love to all of those who suffered during the crack cocaine epidemic. They were never given any compassion, grace or help, just death and prison sentences. Glad that addiction is now looked at as a illness and those suffering from it can receive help with less judgement.

[@thekaerichtexas]

Exactly

[@thekaerichtexas]

And locked up in prisons disproportionally to other drugs

[@thesandrabebe7478]

That part. Let them die off by their own hands.

[@Anca820]

@Hurqseey Wairimu Not true. Stop your racist nonsense. Plenty of white people were and are addicted to meth and crack. Plenty of white people died of heroin overdoses in the 60’s and are still dying now.

[@picachicaasmr260]

Addiction should have never been treated with "prison"!

[@aportman58]

I am a retired firefighter captain, ER nurse/paramedic who has managed literally 100s of overdoses. I appreciate the drive to control and limit opioid output, but the problem I have with making it more difficult for people to get needed pain medication is that it only pushes and causes the creation and development of more dangerous deadly uncontrolled-unregulated medications. I currently volunteer with our city's large fire department and have been on 2 overdoses within the last week which we had to give Narcan to reverse unconsciousness!

[@bobloblaw204]

It is sad that people in need cannot get the drugs that would work best because of the misuse. My arthritis meds are so regulated that I worry month to month if I will have enough. Every so often my local pharmacy runs out and I suffer in pain waiting for my refill.

[@oest2029]

I'm perhaps not medically that well informed on this, but is fentanyl really a good option for the people who genuinely need pain relief? It seems very easy to overdose on. In the UK where I'm from, fentanyl is very rarely prescribed. For serious pain it's usually something like codeine or tramadol that's prescribed here. Even then you have to have regular consultations with a GP/doctor before those are prescribed, they'll first go for weak painkillers like aspirin or a high dose of ibuprofen. I don't know anyone who takes fentanyl here. Of course our healthcare system is largely not for profit, and we don't have the epidemic that the US seems to have with the abuse of opioids.

[@ashotofmercury]

​​​@@oest2029 Right?? My jaw hit the floor when the first guy said he was prescribed opioids after having TEETH removed?? 😯 I mean, I know having wisdom teeth out is especially brutal, but.....OPIOIDS?? 🤯 We're not even prescribed pain relief here after having teeth out, they just tell you to smash down a few paracetamol in a few hours time! Unreal. American doctors are just a legal cartel at this point. 😮

[@yoongistongue4163]

But it might save another generations since it's going to be harder to get addicted from prescribed painkillers which is how many people in the US started. Here in Europe you will never get opoids as painkillers, they are considered as a very dangerous drugs that are only used in oncological patients or those who are already on their death bed. And we're completely fine here. And the reason for this is a heroin epidemic during the early '90. 3 decades later as you can see we're nowhere near the America is these days. So add 2+2

[@yoongistongue4163]

@oest2029 exactly. No one needs such a strong drugs to deal with pain, unless they're actually on the verge of death. And even then it is only used in hospitals, under strong regulations. But i assume Americans need super strong painkillers so they could be back immediately to work after surgeries etc since they don't have paid sick leaves... So even more this leads us to conclusion that American healthcare system is at fault

[@eunicestone838]

In 2010 I was arrested for narcotics trafficking. I was in deep denial about my addiction and was making tons of cash money by going to Florida and getting as many pills as I could afford. That still didn't teach me. After losing my home, family, vehicle, freedom I finally got into recovery. I have a lot of health problems but I've been in treatment for almost 10 years. I tried suboxone. It's a band aid. Maybe be good for acute withdrawal but I weaned myself off that too. Not everyone can do that. Keep working on yourselves. Just for today.

[@jarvisaddison8560]

I'm from Miami, Fl and work for the post office. I remember back in the 2000s while making deliveries to pain clinics and remember seeing so many cars with out of state plates and thought nothing of it. Until the Miami Herald ran a series on these pain clinics and how they work or avoided regulations with the help of the doctors. They made sure to write prescriptions and tell patients to avoid Walgreens and CVS. They eventually shut down that particular pain clinic and arrested many doctors too. Many were convicted as well. The governor at the time Rick Scott had be bribed by Purdue pharmaceutical to setup a clearing house to stop the out of state patients flooding into to Florida. They own many politicians as well.

[@vladdyydaddy]

Drugs r only a symptom of a deeper disease. Selfishness is the root driven by a 100 forms of fear.

[@Mrs.CGraves]

Congratulations! I hope you got your family back. I have almost 16 years but really I only have today. One day at a time. We do recover!

[@Anthony-dj4nd]

Boo hoo junkie!

[@FSOKrYpTo]

Shout out to Dr. Hughes in Fort Smith for saving me from my 12 year addiction. Its been 6 years and I've never looked back and will always be outspoken about the absolutely life devastating problem these drugs cause.

[@kaitlinsmith458]

I wish I was as strong as you

[@vershawnsea9219]

How did u ween yourself off

[@ashotofmercury]

​@@kaitlinsmith458I believe you are, you can do this!! 🤗🙌🏻

[@janelle009]

​@@kaitlinsmith458I bet theres a lot you're surprised you've made It through and could overcome opiate addiction too. If you have support it's best to do it before you may not but fact is most do it because they're forced in some capacity. It took me getting a felony.

[@karleet]

I have the most respect and admiration for anyone who’s been an addicted and overcame that demon and are thriving!!

[@awkwardautistic]

It's not easy...and I wouldn't say I'm thriving...but I've been clean for 4 years now. I hurt a lot of people and made a big mess during my addiction..trying to fix that is hard but I'm grateful I'm still here to try and do it.

[@karleet]

@@awkwardautistic first, major congratulations on being clean for 4 years!! That’s huge!! Most things that aren’t easy and hard are the most difficult to do, but you are doing it! Sounds like you’re making amends and righting the wrong you’ve done. I’m sure you’re surrounded by a strong support group that has seen the change and love you more now because of all your hard work and effort. Coming from a stranger online it might not mean much, but I’m proud of you and will keep you in my prayers!🙏🏻💗

[@awkwardautistic]

@@karleet it means more than you think it would...thank you 💜

[@Speedster189]

What drug addiction did you beat Karlee? It's almost like your making fun of us. 90% end up in jail The other 5 percent they never get clean it's a cycle for their whole life. With the last 5 percent only one of those gets clean and "thrives". Nobody is thriving over here you gotta look elsewhere. We're happy to escape with our lives

[@karleet]

@@Speedster189 it’s a twisted world when you wish others well and congratulate their success and someone comes out of the bushes and condemns such comments! Perhaps relish in more good and positive things in life, whatever and whomever that might be, and your first assumption wouldn’t be negative. The love I send to those in any hard time has nothing to do with me, but just wanting to spread a tiny bit of love and support. I suggest you take a cleansing breath and let the love come in. I hope you’re blessed.

[@Vlad-nw8rx]

I have my long term boss to thank for helping me get clean off fentanyl and it was in a way no one expected. I have to be the luckiest person to come out of this the way I have. I had a 150 dollar a day blue habit. This all started from 2 back surgeries in school from football. Doctor progressed me from tabs to Percocet and then eventually sold the Percocet to buy pressed pills (blues) because they were better than the real thing. I had (still have it too and that's why I am thankful) a great job but I was single with a 200 thousand dollar house and 60 thousand dollar truck and was still able to put money in an IRA from my check, full health insurance etc. I had a month where I had many unexpected expenses and had to help my parents out with some money at the same time. I took a 5 thousand dollar "loan* from the business. Basically embezzled it but with all intent to pay it back. I needed it to maintain my bills and to have the pills I needed an also took more than I needed. I was caught by my boss before I could pay it back. Long story short, instead of getting mad he knew there was a problem and he also knew I would figure out a way to pay it back as well. I also had the extra I took for just I'm case money I gave directly back. A little over a grand. He sat me down and listened to my problem. He paid for me to enter in a 2 month treatment plan and called it 2 week vacation and continued to pay me and when I got out he let me continue to work for him and I have paid him everything back now. This was 4 years ago and been clean since. Only thing I did not payback was the cost of the treatment facility. He paid for that and refused to let me pay that back. He could have ruined my entire life if he got the cops involved, which it was what I deserved. But he didn't and he even helped me so I didn't loose anything i owned. I am also so Iucky I didnt die or end up in jail. Since then I have helped him grow the company to be now making triple in sales what we were back then and now the company is profitable the past 2 years and growing fast (started as small start up). Last year I met his niece as well and now engaged to her and he approves. I will always do anything for that man and owe him my life for giving me a second chance. I will bust my ass working for an him as long as he will have me. He also will not let me tell anyone we all personally know about it because he wants no recognition

[@hunterhill1013]

@Vlad is he a christian?

[@hunterhill1013]

What a great guy Thats the type of guy you want to work for. I just came clean w my boss today and instead of firing me he gave me a bible and told me tp read it every day. And he encourages me to get clean. I love Mickey.

[@bobloblaw204]

Wow, your boss knows God to have been that good to you.

[@techlife9853]

Its people like your boss that make America great ... Stay blessed

[@ashotofmercury]

What an absolute legend of a bloke your boss is!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Best of luck to you and your fiancée my friend. Much love from Blighty. ☺️🤗

[@enough1494]

Trauma causes addiction, traumatized people needing to fill that hole, cover that pain……we have been falling apart….now it is all in our faces…..God Bless Humanity

[@sidtreesin904]

I agree many are however, not all addicts have traumatic or horrible lives and are numbing the pain. Many people like myself simply loved how I felt on opiates. I liked getting high plain and simple. My life was and is great. There is a huge % of addicts like me. If it didn’t come with the negative aspects of addiction, I would take opiates every single day. But eventually one ends up chasing the dragon and that ends badly.

[@jjdogg0]

It's easy to be weak in this society.

[@Kaikōura7]

Exactly! And each person has a different mentality before the Addiction.. we all have different mentality’s in general.. that’s a proven fact..

[@cooyahshakur864]

No, using drugs causes addiction.

[@enough1494]

@@cooyahshakur864 that is only a result of. People who live stable lives, for the most pet part have no need to fill the hole nor cover the pain!

[@kiwigirljacks]

As someone who has lived with intractable pain for 30 years, and has been on a steady dose of oxy for 7 years, (without needing to increase or getting a high from it) in order to have some quality of life… it breaks my heart to see how these medication have been pushed on people for acute pain (which is short term) and have been abused by so many with other traumas. And to see how they have ruined lives…when they should be used for the opposite. I am eternally grateful for having a host of amazing medical specialists who have managed my health for the past 20 years. I still have some breakthrough pain, but on the whole I live a normal and content life despite my disabilities.

[@PinkyakaAyannaj]

I am so happy that you have a position that is treating you with dignity and correct pain management that you deserve. It's so sad how many people loose themselves in opioids for emotional pain and getting high. I pray for those who are lost in that cycle. I also pray for people who really do need opioids just to maintain a productive life due to medical issues.

[@kiwigirljacks]

@@PinkyakaAyannaj thank you for those kind words. I recognise how fortunate I am to have such great care, and also free medical care in New Zealand. I know this is such a complex issue and I hate to see the abuse of these medications… I also feel extremely sad for those who do actually need them but can no longer access them due to fear from health professionals. The way these medications have been managed (and the shocking practices by big pharma) since they came to market has done a huge disservice to everyone. It a tragedy all round really.

[@PinkyakaAyannaj]

@@kiwigirljacks You are so very welcome 😌 I've just had a lot of experience with taking opiates. I understand both sides. The saddest thing of all is when you truly have health conditions that cause severe pain, because of all of the abuse by people, a person can't access those meds. Praying for you that you never, ever have to deal with your health issues without the medicine you need. Stay blessed, stay safe, and most of all stay healthy/happy 💙🤍😘🙏🏽

[@RDLondon2023]

The users among us here all know how this addiction feels but there are still no words to explain the fight,the withdrawl,the misery in words.

[@allisonpineda5170]

The book "Such Unfortunates" by Andrew Mann explains it the best I have ever heard!

[@Hu-WhyteMan]

I've tried to describe it to sooo many people and I can never find the words to REALLY describe it. I've been hooked on opiates for almost 2 decades with no end in sight.

[@Rinney88]

Especially when your body isn’t strong enough to make it through it without ending up in the hospital, etc. sadly permanent damage to your health is something you don’t think of until it invades you’re entire existence.

[@RDLondon2023]

@@Rinney88 the worst thing about it is that even in rehabs they don't know the actual danger for your health from withdrawl. There should be more awareness!! Thanks for your post👍

[@RDLondon2023]

@Ragnar lod’brok i had another one today,looking at me telling me, absolutely convinced of his own words that it was all in my head.You know how this feels🤯

[@catg943]

I am an opiate addict and an alcoholic. This March 8th, 2023 will mark my 5th year of being clean and sober. I cannot imagine going back to that life but it could happen so quickly if I make one wrong choice. Please reach out if you need help! Addiction is slavery, and I feel like I've been let out of a cage. There is help out there guys, and trust me, if I can do it anybody can! Good luck and I'm praying for all of you who are suffering.

[@x4at197]

I was in active opiate addiction for almost 30 years. I’ve been sober for almost 14. I’m so lucky I’m here to type this. I used to chew on Fentanyl patches. I’ve done so many dumb things to not be dope sick. I’ll spend the remainder of my days trying to be the person my parents always said I could be. I try to live my life in a way that makes them proud. The people in my life never gave up on me. My parents spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on rehabs. But they never used tough love on me. Even though it was the widely accepted manner to deal with addicts when I was a teen. I truly believe one of the main reasons I’m alive is because my family stood by me no matter what. They didn’t give me money. They didn’t pay my bills. But they never shut me out because I was in active addiction. I hope that the tough love model disappears because I really believe it does nothing but push active addicts further into the despair and shame, doing nothing to help them realize they need help

[@YOUAreTheSecretToLife]

You're a rockstar. Period. Your parents HAVE to be SO proud of you. ❤️

[@x4at197]

@@YOUAreTheSecretToLife thank you so much!

[@anon2427]

God bless you

[@katherinedavidson2029]

This was a great piece. We need more doctors like the amazing woman featured in this. You can tell she genuinely cares and is making a difference in the lives of her patients. Idk if she will ever see this, but as someone who has been surrounded by addiction her whole life, lost my mother to an overdose when she was 43, and have been fighting my brothers addiction with him for 15 years while he's in and out of jail, thank you for your hard work and for caring for this part of the population that is far too often written off. They deserve and need people like her on their side.

[@janice8514]

Do you know how she was helping these folks? Was she prescribing methadone or suboxone or something?

[@vinny160]

Truly an amazing woman. You hear it in her voice and you see it in her actions.

[@billy6pack887]

@@janice8514 She runs an Ibogaine clinic in Hawaii. If it's the same lady I saw a bit ago on a podcast.

[@kobold7763]

Nothing wrong with recreational opiate use, government isn’t helping by preventing doctors from getting their patients the medicine they need! The opioid epidemic is a scam!!!

[@billy6pack887]

@@kobold7763 Yea I agree..gotta read up first though and do your research then yea enjoy..the very odd time though my man. Like K or MDMA, whatever. Few times a year I'd say.

[@Todaystruecrimereport]

I am so blessed to have survived a long bought of addiction. After watching shows like this, I am so grateful for God’s grace and mercy. Having left several treatment facilities , it was a pharmacist, law enforcement and the courts that ultimately lifted me from the darkness of my self pity into a life of confidence, hope and endless happiness. It was not until I confronted the reason for my self pity and pain that I was able to break the unhealthy lifestyle of addiction and begin living my best life. I celebrated 10 years on 10/25/21 and can attest that it is a long uphill journey but one that continues to bring me such happiness. For those who are wishing to end their addiction, please do not think the traditional treatment is the only one. Please take my advice and try different facilities, programs, friends and any other option until one works for you. I promise that once you achieve a drug free life, you will be absolutely amazed at how happy you will be. Keep trying!!!! My prayers are always with you and I know you can beat this!!!!

[@veritas-revelare-omnis5217]

2000-2017 opioids.... now subutex...thank you doctors!

[@1jmiker]

If you don't mind can you share what finally worked for you? I have tried traditional rehab twice and both times was satisfied with the experience but never followed through with the steps etc. and I relapsed both times within months. I am now looking for a way to stop again. Unfortunately traditional rehab is not an option for me at this point so now that I have been on fetty for 6 months instead of heroin it feels I am living on borrowed time with all the overdoses I witness. I don't know why your post made me feel like sharing this with you ad I have never done this before.

[@Todaystruecrimereport]

@@1jmiker Mike, honestly, I am not sure why I opened up and commented either but thank you for sharing. Traditional rehab was nice but unfortunately, didn’t work long term either. I continued further and further down until law enforcement got involved… When the police showed up at my front door to arrest me, I told my family that under no circumstances are they to bail me out and they didn’t. The courts sent me to a state facility for 28 days and a total of 90 days in county. Not proud of it but it was my saving grace. Made me take an honest inventory of my life. Despite all that, I still fumbled twice and it wasn’t until I started suboxone/subtext that I was finally able to keep from relapsing again. I just celebrated (all by myself and in silence) 10 years clean and honestly happy with where my life is going. There is never just any one thing that will help keep your demons at bay. It is a combination of countless factors. The story above is just the top of the iceberg in my journey and I’d love to tell you everything and then some but I cannot type it all at once. Before I go, please answer me this: do you really want it, have you left your surroundings (people and places) What does your family life look like When was the last time you were truly happy without any doubt And….. Do you know the exact moment you began to escape from and what it is you were escaping? I really look forward to receiving a response soon. My head understands your pain and my heart surrounds you with love and support. One step one day one life!

[@Todaystruecrimereport]

@@veritas-revelare-omnis5217 keep singing their praises. It has been part of the path of my sobriety for 10 years as of 10/25. Keep it going. One step one day one life.

[@veritas-revelare-omnis5217]

@@Todaystruecrimereport 😊

[@ahmadhamaoui7857]

Wow. Have never seen a documentary on the opioid crisis as brilliant and as hard hitting as this. I thank god that after 10 years, I finally made the decision to get clean. I’m very lucky I made it out of that mess with my life. I thank god everyday. Rip to those who weren’t as lucky. Condolences to all families affected.

[@gowdsake7103]

GOD ? really This would be the god that allowed this shit to be made? The god who allows all these to die ? The god that allows pain in the first place

[@MoreBuffMoreMuff]

Congratulations

[@aliyamoon80]

My oldest has worked in the field of addiction for 5 years. The number of friends he's known who died from overdose is stunning. I knew these kids. I knew their parents. They weren't scumbags, and their parents were attentive and loving. Addiction is such a horrible thing. You don't know who will succumb. You just don't. My heart goes out to these families. It's such a tragic loss.

[@Meanie74]

Throughout the history of substance abuse, “they” never were scumbags. That was always a lie

[@Tina-wi5ng]

The saddest thing is we don't start off wanting to be drug addicts I find it very degrading for anyone to call someone a scumbag God did not create scumbags sometimes people could handle pain and hurt in different ways and some are not as strong as others God bless all addicted human beings you are important to society may God bless you and help you find your way

[@mrsholl9608]

Thank you for saying this. I’m so sick of the bs assumptions about addicts and their families. I’ve NEVER heard someone say anything crappy about the way a diabetic childs family eats 😏

[@karinteeples6517]

It was Pharma, FDA, that created this heinous addiction epidemic with their push of Oxytocin~ lying to the public saying no addiction worries, and now look where we are, but it’s the patients that have lifelong addiction disease with little long term care. The Government needs to get off their ass, and start funding many low cost rehabs. It’s disgusting they’re not being held accountable yet the patients are being criminalized for being addicted!!! It’s sick!

[@leodelicious865]

I agree...its shocking

[@projectionv.accountability1010]

I was the classic case of "pain led to pain pills". When actual pain creates dependence, dependence becomes addiction. They are different. (I'm also dependent on my asthma medication, but I'm not addicted to it.) The hardest part for me was the berating comments from doctors, telling me I couldn't take those pills forever. It's terribly difficult to take a prescription from a doctor while simultaneously being treated like an addict. That was what got me to stop. I hated feeling worthless and judged, but I had NO IDEA how hard it would be to stop cold-turkey. After around 5 yrs of opioids, along with ongoing chronic pain, it was the restless leg syndrome that was horrendous for months. Cold sweats for days, but restless legs for months. It doesn't sound 'that bad', but when you cannot sleep no matter what you take it makes the process absolutely hellish. I was made to feel so disgusting for taking pain pills that I never felt comfortable asking for help from my doctors. Though I'm thankful that I made it out of that, I truly think that if medical staff stopped judging and started offering more assistance to those who are addicted to pain meds, more people would reach out for help.

[@lapradsglass6657]

Bro I understand exactly what you're talking about. I would get this energy in my legs and wrists Couldn't sleep for months It is torture not being able to get a wink of sleep but being so exhausted.. I wanted to break my wrists/legs it bothered me so much.

[@Ultrameowmeow]

Dependence doesn’t equal addiction. They’re two different things - dependence means feeling terrified of being sick and having to feel okay. Addiction is when someone totally loses control and loses touch with reality completely. I’ve known both very well - I had a dependence and I had loved ones who are addicts. The addicts can only help themselves - they won’t listen to anyone, and it’s something that’s taken over them. Horrible.. absolutely horrible

[@corythomas5228]

Same...but I only get restless legs when going through withdrawals....makes me wanna blow my head off😢😥

[@kiara198923]

Exactly. I have sickle cell disease and it's so painful. I just got in a car accident on Nov 5th, 2021 which I'm so mad about.

[@projectionv.accountability1010]

@@lapradsglass6657 Ugggh, I know what you mean!! I used to say that I was definitely going to cut my legs off. My husband didn't know I was detoxing (I know, I should've told him, but the stigma really freaked me out) & I have a very distinct memory of him 'waking me up' because I was basically circling my family room with my eyes closed. My legs HAD to move, but I was sooooo tired. I felt so zombie-ish. I've had surgeries since then, but it's the memory of nights of hell that made me not be tempted to get more pain meds than needed.

[@moonandstars4690]

My son Shawn lost his life at 21, 10yrs ago,this opiate epidemic has been going on for over 20 years. For the most part it is heroin and fentanyl that is killing our children😞

[@FromtheLightofTheDarkness]

🔥❤🔥

[@jodyblizman9397]

Sorry for ur loss... And also ur comment is straight FACTS!! 😘

[@Rae-lh7ex]

I am so sorry for your loss

[@crazyforrap9876]

I'm sorry about Shawn 😔

[@JonBernard41]

Your "children" are ADULTS who kill themselves. Blame EVERYONE, except addicts themselves.

[@Luna-rg8le]

"When drugs are involved nothing is ever going to be ok, never." Oofff that one hit me hard. And she's right... She is absolutely right.

[@iheartageplay6314]

It almost sounded like boss hogg was trying to blame the drugs INSTEAD of taking responsibility.

[@Luna-rg8le]

@@iheartageplay6314 I am not sure what you comment means. Can you explain please?

[@tbrowntracyj]

peoplethe drug war was the reason we have a drug problem the reason for the drug war was that drug users were doing so well the government was afraid kids would use drugs

[@DocBree13]

My heart breaks for Haley’s mother - I can’t imagine

[@donsweet6133]

To lose a young son/daughter to drug addiction is just as heartbreaking as a baby born asleep.

[@DocBree13]

@@donsweet6133 😢

[@naui_diver9290]

So grateful I got sober...

[@phyllisthompson4207]

Happy for you too! Stay encouraged, and remember, you are loved. I dont know you, but Im cheering you on; because i dont have to know you personally to encourage you. Stay safe , and God bless..

[@larocc1]

Great job stay strong day by day

[@theeclipsedtruth]

I’m grateful too and grateful for you as well. It’s a hell I wouldn’t wish on anyone. And NEVER want to relive.💛🙏

[@fetez1]

Congrats to you🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@Adrian-zd4cs]

I am very impressed with Arkansas PBS and every agency and public service member in this video. As a nurse for over 10 years, from a family of addicts and who has chronic pain and bounced around from treatments to mistakes... If the rest of the US would start treating addiction like this, we could finally see hope for treating addiction. 💕

[@MsFlamingFlamer]

Maybe if this was the attitude towards addiction in the 80s and 90s maybe more sophisticated and effective treatments would have been developed decades ago. Too bad suburban America didn’t get on that page until it was their own kids.

[@hannahtumbleson1331]

I OD march 2020, two weeks before my 22nd birthday. I’m from central Arkansas it’s all over Little Rock especially southwest Little Rock. I’m working on my third year of sobriety and I’m so grateful to be here!

[@abeltesfaye_]

I'm a legitimate chronic pain patient and have been for years. Issues like this makes it harder for me to get what I need to survive. I've had two hip surgeries, including a total hip replacement, and the hip replacement is now loosening. I also have chronic back pain bc I walked on a deteriorating hip for years. This caused me to get two herniated discs and scoliosis. I need medication and these people have made me go through hell every 30 days when it's time for me to pick up my medication as well as monthly when I need to talk to my doctor. This isn't fair - especially since I'm just one of MILLIONS who deal with this!

[@garybarr2023]

Think yourself lucky that you aren't addicted to your medication and you are still getting it..Just to let you know that no drug addicted person ever set out to become a drug addict.

[@friendnamedjane8686]

@@garybarr2023 well the fact that Abel Tesfaye has been taking it for what seems a while, I’m sure he is addicted. Im sure you, Abel, we’re not set out to get addicted but given your circumstances you are now dependent on opioids. Opioid addicts all had an initial reason for taking it, physical or mental. It’s sad to see so many people losing the battle before getting the help.

[@margaretnorvell9555]

You are absolutely correct. The bad behavior of many put legitimate pain patients in a bad light.

[@coinjeremy8864]

I'm the same way. I have AS and live in pain everyday. It's hard to find doctor that listens and gives you pain meds that help. I find a doctor that truly listens to me and is trying to help. We will be the ones punished for all this.

[@snookies1224]

The pills aren't going to take away your pain, they only f8ck with your head. I've had a broken back at 27, a 3 vertebrae fusion at 41. I live with pain every day. I take anti-depressants that are good for pain, panadol or an anti-inflammatory if it's bad. Other than that, i manage it the best i can. It's not ever going to get better, only worse. Couple of years ago (now 57) i had an accident and smashed my knee, my hip so bad it had to be replaced and snapped my right wrist. I'm full of metal. How do you think that feels on top of a busted and bent spine? I have scoliosis and collapsing discs that cause sciatica. I can't walk down stairs anymore. I could be whining in self pity but i still work full time and take zero opioid meds. My pain is never going away, opioids won't make it happen. I can only help myself. I suggest that you look more at managing yourself and accept what you have to live with because it's not going to change. YOU make the choice to have pain and be addicted OR, just to have pain and deal with it the best you can. The drugs do NOT help the pain. It's all in your head.

[@blessedbeyondmeasure2419]

My call was from the coroner at the Morgue telling me that my 22yr old son died from huffing air duster. That was definitely a call I never thought I would ever receive.

[@chantellmoody828]

I’m so very sorry for your loss. And his loss of life. Sending you love and strength ❤️

[@Speedster189]

Air duster..that's a joke you can't huff air duster. It has bitter chemical in it tastes gross

[@ms.faiththomas4372]

@@Speedster189 yes you can and people do so shove a sock in it. She clearly just said she lost a child.

[@GeekyLifter]

@@Speedster189 Do some research before you say anything else that's ignorant and hurtful.

[@stephaniejunkins9674]

@@Speedster189 How tf you gonna tell someone they can't do it? 🤦🏻‍♀️You abs CAN actually & ppl DO. 👌Been a real life occurrence for yeeears actually. Google is everyone's friend!

[@C.kirk1287]

That opening scene man 💔 I was addicted to pain pills for 6 years and I lost almost everything but I wasn’t going to lose my babies and even though I’m still trying to build my life back together I thank God for this second chance at life! I’ve lost a beautiful best friend and family members to drugs and nobody can prepare you for life after that you’ve lost soo much! I’m still trying to figure out how to live life after addiction so there’s hope ❤️

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Its a really tough time to try to rebuild Godspeed

[@Feverm00n]

I know that clip was so so distressing to me. I felt terrified for both the person ODing and the person filming.

[@hadassah6085]

@@Feverm00nheartbreaking :(

[@hadassah6085]

You’re doing a great job. I pray God shows you step by step, the path to keep rebuilding your life.

[@joemacinnis1972]

This is brutal! I had the demons of addiction for years! I'm 8 months clean and sober and never felt better. There's life after addiction, I promise you. Ask Jesus Christ to help take this burden. Please don't give up

[@deeppurple883]

We are all born wanting comfort because we're helpless, it's natural. If the bad experience started in the whome you are predisposed to terror uncertainty and fear going forward . This is the hand your delt when starting out in life. We don't understand the half of it when dealing with people's emotions. Empathy and love is the way back. There might still be a spark left in a life. ☘️

[@MB-mq1sf]

As a person on maintenance program I realize the battle is far from over. I will keep everyone of these people in my heart and prayers. Please keep me in yours.

[@lilasfaves7846]

I will 🙏💝

[@Missditabomb]

You're in!! Keep working on you!! Proud of you!! xo

[@elle9547]

why tf would you film your friend overdosing and barely breathing? that should literally be the last thing you do tf

[@frankG335]

Should be calling 911!

[@candrice100]

I agree, but so many need to see that.

[@gwenythdavies6958]

It is time for the way we deal with both addiction and pain management to evolve. We need a reasonable, rational, and compassionate approach to addiction and to pain management. No more demonizing and criminalizing people who are clearly suffering from one or the other. What chronic pain sufferers are dealing with is completely unfair, and what these families have had to endure and suffer is utterly unacceptable and devastating.

[@saraarntson3159]

I was a late bloomer. Didnt start until i was 30 & im 41 now with 45 days clean. I never had tried to quit. Its been easy but i was ready!

[@basedlord]

45 days aint shit!!! Keep that attitude up though you got this

[@robynjohnson1759]

That's awesome

[@stephE80]

Sara yes!!🙌 Keep it up, one day at a time. You got this

[@marylouguerra3410]

Ur so lucky, how do u get ready to jst quit? I really would like to knw? I'm trying really hard to get clean

[@gregbastounis]

@@marylouguerra3410 gotta want it!! Go get it!!

[@wt460]

I lost my son too on 9/6/21, but to Meth. We too are broken, and not sure when the darkness will lift. I’m so sorry for your loss, and we send you our love.

[@anjylkat]

One of the most difficult things for me with losing my first born son to an overdose in 2017, has been how his father (we divorced when he was a baby) and his wife and others would never discuss the fact that my son was an addict and had been struggling with it for years. This is mentioned a few times in this video and I feel it’s really important for families and communities to address because it often feels like it’s such a taboo subject. No one wants it to be a reflection on them. I always felt his dad didn’t want to talk about it because he was ashamed and didn’t want it to be a reflection of himself. I have never felt ashamed my son was and addict & his dad never knew HALF of all the things I knew our son had done to feed his habit. Opioids were his drug of choice and I know a few people feel that opioids affect the brain similar to heroin. My son always said they made him feel “normal.” He died from acute toxicity of meth and morphine. He was an up down all around addict and most likely had some co-occurring mental health disorders that he was self medicating with drugs to help him feel “normal.” He went to treatment a few times, (court ordered) and would have periods of sobriety where he was doing really well. He had a beautiful wife and 3 beautiful babies and a 4th son he didn’t get to see much anymore. I will always believe his legal troubles really contributed greatly to his addictions and his own shame at the things he had done to score drugs. Once some people find out a person has a struggle with drugs or alcohol they are treated differently by some family members and friends. Then with no one talking openly about the person’s recovery or relapse - it ends up being swept under the rug. This doctor in the video is awesome and I am hoping that more and more of those who are working with individuals struggling with addiction are becoming more non-judgmental and critical and truly just offer support and resources to help them in their recovery. I pray for all who struggle today and for all those who lost their battles and have crossed over/passed passed away. I am always comforted by telling myself how fortunate I have been to have had my son with us for all of his 33 years when there are so many who have lost their children much younger at 17-18. I no longer have to worry if to my son is going to get thrown back in jail or murdered at the hands of his dealer or some deal gone wrong or overdoses. I do miss him every day and it’s hard sometimes to see his children growing up without their daddy, but I can always find solace in these things I’ve mentioned and feel peace. I send my love and prayers to all who are struggling and their families and to those who have had loved ones pass on.

[@kermitandmisspiggyb]

I’m so sorry about your son passing away. From what you’ve written I believe he had a wonderful loving mom. I’m happy you had time with him and one day you will be reunited. I’m glad you love him so. Bless you and yours.

[@kellietaylor9913]

So sorry for your loss..all the dysfunction of the x and others the court doesn't help.. Russell brand talks about This often with countries government wish we would listen and make it a health issue not a law issue

[@CCbeans]

Thank you for sharing your son and your family's story. Self medicating is really prevalent, some people who don't identify as addicts self medicate as well. Your story is helping educate and its very relatable.

[@alNange]

I’m sorry for your loss. May our Lord Jesus bless you and your grandchildren 🙏🏽❤️🔥

[@fooddrugadministrator4079]

Ritalin might suppress pregnancy like birth control pills. Ritalin is the solution for all addiction except porn and sex addiction

[@Mmm72616]

This incredibly moving. It’s hard because you never see this kind of empathy for those of minority backgrounds. Sure they say it multiple times in the video, but this was never a crisis until white kids from affluent backgrounds started dying. Black and brown Americans were met with brute police force and prison sentences, while these young people are met with tears and piano music. It’s a hard disparity to see. Addiction affects all the same, so should recovery efforts.

[@MsFlamingFlamer]

I agree. Maybe if this was the attitude towards addiction in the 80s and 90s maybe more sophisticated and effective treatments would have been developed decades ago. Instead it was “just say no” and prison. Too bad suburban America didn’t get on that page until it was their own kids.

[@juliekoszelak9918]

Very true!!!

[@cr1994yellow]

Facts. Now we see documentaries and tv shows that show how this affects people while humanizing the person but people of color would rarely get that. Our communities were ridiculed and incarcerated. Maybe they feel extra guilty because big pharmaceutical companies and doctors were in on the problem 🤷‍♀️

[@debrabaird633]

Social economics is at the heart of all addiction problems As unfair as it seems it’s a reality. The crossfire comes between illegal drugs and big pharmaceutical company prescriptions. It’s a very sad state of affairs cartels, government , and street crime . Years ago the drugs weren’t synthetic, so they weren’t so powerful Nowadays one dose can kill you instantly There are no more recreational drugs A vert sad state of addiction

[@doughodges3495]

The throwback to this is no matter the ethnic or social background, it’s usually not crossed. For instance,how many white people go into inner city black neighborhoods to buy pills or heroine? The circles are usually kept within themselves.

[@mud5377]

From Arkansas. I made a decision around 2010 to stop going to funerals/viewings resulting from overdose because I could no longer bear to watch Mother's crying over the loss of their babies. It's hard to see a way out sometimes but it is definitely possible. Really glad to see the outpouring of support from communities around the state centered around recovery, I hope AR can lead the way and teach the world of a compassionate and effective way to help those who need it the most.

[@Dennzer1]

damn

[@eustab.anas-mann9510]

Why would you go to those funerals? I'm not being sarcastic, I'm genuinely curious. Were they relatives or..?

[@justlucky8254]

It is incredibly scary to witness somebody overdose. You know they are on a razors edge in that moment and the slightest nudge towards either side is life or death. The sound of somebody gasping for each small breath is a sound that stays with you. It's not just "scary as hell", it's worse.

[@j.elizabeth4621]

Wow this video jumps right into it. I was in a minor car accident and had pain meds for 7 days. I have lingering pain from early onset arthritis anyhow, and the pain meds made me feel normal. After 5 days all I could think about was how good it made me feel and couldn’t wait to take them. I’m glad I only had a week’s worth. It was terrifying.

[@mackinacisland3825]

What a heartbreaking documentary. Very well done. Every school should show this video when children enter 7th grade. We need to address drug and alcohol addiction in schools and at home.

[@pha-qall6435]

I was a dope addict in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for a decade been clean for years all i can say is welcome to the party and best of luck to ya

[@tinarobinson4710]

As a former Substance abuse counselor, I know it's a pandemic but as a chronic pain patient myself who can't get any medication due to the war on drugs, it makes me mad. So many chronic pain patients committing suicide or turning to street drugs now. I, myself, found natural meds to help ease some of my pain. As a mom to boys ages 18 & 14, it terrifies me how readily available these fake pills with fentynal are.

[@Kujo19]

My Nephew passed away last Christmas to Fentanyl at 19 years old by taking 1 pill and he lived in Little Rock Arkansas. Rip Christian aka 👑 Franco!! I love u buddy u were a good young Man and Your momma misses u more then u would have ever known. I wish u would have been able to live out your dreams bubba!! I hope all young men and women relise these pills lead to nothing but your grave and I hate to be so blunt but I’ve seen it first hand and I just hope even if it helps 1 person reading this say NO to pills!!!!💯💯🙏🙏🙏 anybody kicking right now u got this it can be done!!

[@Kujo19]

Thank u for the like who ever u are you gave me a reason to think and talk about my bubba RIP love u 👑. Y’all check out KZbin KING FRANCO rapper from Memphis TN passed away before he could live out his dream but he was a talented young man y’all check him out he was a good young man and deserved to be heard! He got a song played on no jumper right before he passed and it was the highlight of his life! He would have had a lot more if it weren’t for these fake pills please kids stay away it’s not worth your life! Check out you tube King Franko it’s music there are a lot of profiles but to be right (type king Franco big body cars) from Memphis and had a picture on Beal st on the profile. Thanks from the 901 go subscribe even if u don’t like rap blow my nephews page up he deserved it I promise!!🙏🙏🙏👑👑 Rip 🐬🐬Dolph aswell!

[@maureenmellott5738]

So very well done. I am in tears. I am hopeful that my son will survive his addiction.

[@amyblack1052]

Prayers for you and your son

[@reneejr3650]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jazminmendoza5333]

I’m so sorry. Praying for you both.

[@odonata9838]

Mr. Willis, the production team, and every participant in this excellent documentary, deserve the highest praise. Thank you for your hard work , honesty and bravery! Blessed wishes for enduring recovery and a healthy future.

[@kerridavis2630]

This is heartbreaking 💔 I'm praying for all the people who struggle with addiction and mental health 🙏🤍 I'm watching from New Zealand 🦋

[@gowdsake7103]

Prayers the act of someone who wont do anything

[@kandyyarbrough3120]

I hope and pray that this documentary can reach many people who are out there trapped in addiction and i hope that this can positively impact many lives. There is hope and we do recover so please reach out. Thank yall for making this and sharing your stories to help others.

[@echospaw899]

For every 100 Arkansans there are 80.9 opioid prescriptions in the state??! What? I'm cheering you on Kenny. You deserve a better, happier & healthy life. You really do! And to be able to watch your Grandkids grow up. Also, I love how she said "we need to normalize it"...(ie; drugs and addiction conversations}. Yes we do, even to those kids of a much younger age, unfortunately.

[@bjh1]

They must have filmed this several years ago because Doctors in Arkansas stopped prescribing painkillers in 2018. After that they send you to pain Management clinics and all they offer is steroid injections.

[@alysewoody773]

Such a well made piece. Sending love to all those broken and suffering.

[@Becky_Cal]

A comment here hit the nail on the head. So far, the healthcare industry and specifically the many doctors who did not abide by their oath “do no harm” have escaped ALL responsibility. Even if I buy the argument that they didn’t “know” it was addictive or that the pharmaceutical company “told them” it wasn’t addictive, these are highly trained, educated individuals. They should have been skeptical that any opioid derivative was not going to be addictive. Second, they absolutely would have seen their patients’ deterioration over time and would have known something was wrong. Lastly, they should have never accepted fancy vacations, dinners, honors, and other “BRIBES” (because that’s what they are) from Pharma companies. These doctors sold their integrity for a few thousand dollars in gifts. And now, here we are. Absolutely mind boggling and tragic what has become of our country with this epidemic…which began with doctors and Pharma companies and was considered LEGAL for decades. 😞

[@ShanieCakesss]

My mom started funeral arrangements for me ten years ago. I have 8yrs clean and was recently diagnosed with cancer. Life isn't fair. But I've seen more on 8yrs than in 25prior

[@taraboo5148]

Prayers

[@carlstevens4981]

I put my father through so much bullsjit due to heroin addiction. I hated my life. Done so much jail. Even now it's still hard to forget about it. But my father died a proud man, he was proud of how I changed. I owe that to the birth of my daughter. My daughter died a year ago. I still fight my mental battle, but I'm winning.

[@megalou6567]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your Daughter and your Dad. I bet he rocks her to sleep up there. God bless you and your journey.

[@carlstevens4981]

@@megalou6567 thanks for your message. Means a lot. X

[@traceystanley1331]

Within a 5 day period, there were 5 overdose deaths in my community.. meth and or heroin laced with fentanyl. My prayers go up for all addicts/alcoholics that are still using

[@TheCaleb8700]

In my area of hardly 25k people we’re losing 2-4 people a week. It’s in every single product on the streets. I’ve lost 3 friends in the past year along to accidental overdose

[@traceystanley1331]

@@TheCaleb8700 I’ve even heard of weed laced with fentanyl!

[@TheCaleb8700]

@@traceystanley1331 had the first report of fynt laced weed just a county over not long ago, it’s messed up

[@traceystanley1331]

@@TheCaleb8700 That’s insane!!

[@luna9871]

just started this but “i had my first exposure to opioids first year of college when i got my wisdom teeth out, i was prescribed oxycodone.” - a friend of mine had the exact same experience and literally had to flush them bc they started getting withdrawals after only a few days. they were given 30 oxy WITH A REFILL. no one needs that for wisdom teeth pain. i feel so lucky that they had the strength & foresight to get rid of them bc they so easily could have experienced the same thing.

[@negralopez5025]

In the 80s we were put in prison for the addiction

[@beautifulsoul4521]

So many families were ruined. It was a sad era! Yet no compassion was given, drug addicts is what they were called!

[@Nunziata131]

Yea Thank your current President for those laws. He wrote the crime bill and destroyed the Black Community and their Families meanwhile his son is a crackhead and never spent one day in jail and his family ripped apart

[@prandamanda3087]

Actually, people are still put in jails and prisons. My brother is in jail and the county believes that drug rehab doesn't work. So it's still a thing.....

[@carlosabram6030]

@@Nunziata131 girl Joe Biden wasn't making laws in the '80s the crime Bill wasn't until like 94 or 95 stop lying and educate yourself.

[@PFlaw317]

@@carlosabram6030 Right, the 'tough on crime' political sentiment of the 80's and 90's was a bi-partisan coalition of conservatives who supported mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines and those on the left who acquiesced in order to remain electable.

[@UnwrittenSpade]

I’m not a conspiracy guy at all but I am an addict in recovery with over a decade off substances. And I fully believe that this whole issue is the governments blame. When they got rid of the old oxy contin that many were addicted to cause of doctors alllllllll those people struggling switched to heroin. Instead of cutting those pills away they needed to work with and set up a way to help those that got a bunch from doctors to help them before cutting the pills off. We would have a lot less people on heroin if they had

[@clare5687]

The term conspiracy theorists was started to discredit people speaking truth. It’s a trigger phase. Essentially they successfully did a Pavlov experiment. Stand in the truth. Don’t further reinforce the agenda by using “conspiracy theorists” .. ESPECIALLY before you even say what you know is truth.

[@sharoncrawford7192]

My daughter was taking prescription pain med. Not long ago they just cut her off. She has severe back, neck pain from car accident. She just wants to have something to get rid of, or help her pain. She's trying to cope with it. But I think because she feels so bad from the pain, she is feeling discouraged.

[@Udontsay948]

my problem with your comment here is "We" are "They". The government should be "We". Hope you're voting your beliefs and involved every day in "the government".

[@UnwrittenSpade]

@@Udontsay948 you are correct for sure. Could I ask you a question in all seriousness, I’m not trying to be an ass. Do you feel like our current government has fallen so far away from what it should be?

[@UnwrittenSpade]

@@sharoncrawford7192 I’m really sorry to hear about your daughter! What’s scary is her situation is the exact situation that many many people find themselves in that leads to addiction. Of course many people are able to find that balance and don’t get addicted also!! I feel for your daughter and your family! All I can say is try to be there for her…

[@lanitagoins1238]

As a recovering addict from cocaine and alcohol for 27 years. The opiate addiction is something I had to familiarize myself with in order to help others and see the signs of abuse, what the New--day drugs look like and what's their struggle. There is hope and we can recover.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@lajoyjoyjoy8047]

It’s a struggle and I’m trying 😢

[@countrycaliforniagirl32]

@@lajoyjoyjoy8047 🙏🙏🥺

[@beautifulsoul4521]

@@lajoyjoyjoy8047 You can do it sis, I was in them a whole year! I went through with drawl for about a week, that was really a terrible feeling. You going need Gatorade, Imodium, any over the counter pain relief and plenty of rest. I had a spinal injury. Once I noticed it didn’t help with pain, I went cold Turkey . I told my Dr I didn’t need another script . Good luck, seek guidance from you ancestors and listen to a lot of gospel to alter your mind set. You will Have to retrain your whole mental health!!

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

*HARE KṚṢṆA* lanita 🙏🏻🌅🌹

[@jonmunch3298]

We lost the war on drugs a long time ago. If people are seeking Fentanyl on the streets they have bigger issues than just pain.

[@Puppet2183]

People that devote their life to helping others break the addiction or the most amazing souls......especially the ones who (like the nurse on this show) come from a place of love. I will never forget those who helped me in the midst of years of addiction and rock bottom. Those are truly special people

[@lukegraham5105]

I'm over 7 years free from heroin addiction! No matter how bad things get there is always a way out! The juice is definitely worth the squeeze!

[@edp8301]

Junkie

[@chrissy3684]

Many of the kids that passed were in their 20s, just starting life! So sad, my condolences to all

[@joycewright5386]

As a PACU nurse patients were daily given up to 120 OxyContin for minor procedures. We constantly tried to tell the doctors and PAs that it was too much. They would just shrug. No one listened to the nurses.

[@bisket2003]

As a father of three young daughters, Hailey and Tristan's stories made me cry like a baby. So incredible scary and sad. I can't imagine that daily pain and weight her parents carry.

[@lampalm]

My heart goes out to Kenny, I hope you’re doing well! Keep being honest with yourself and those who are there to help you. Don’t give up, you’re a good man. You’ve got this.