Fentanyl Kills | Alex's Story

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana created a series of educational videos to raise awareness and understanding of the inherent and often hidden dangers of fentanyl. These videos are free for use.
This video tells Alex's story:
"[Alex's sister] told me she was gonna go to the sober house and check on him. And I asked her not to because if something had happened to him, I didn't want her to be the one to find him."
- Alex's mother
If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, please know there is help out there. You can recover. Call 988 to be connected with services in your area.
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[@wandacastillo4220]

My son is in ICU right now from a fentanyl overdose. Please God help him.

[@dittohead7044]

🙏🏻

[@koko1144]

i hope the best for you ❤

[@kp4636]

Sending love and prayers to your son and family. I hope he’s okay.

[@debbiestinson9983]

Sending prayers 🙏

[@tristensolock7620]

Sending healing prayers

[@rodeanaclark9879]

All insurance policies are different, BXBS of Illinois did pay for my daughter’s treatment. She went to a 11 day detox center followed by a 49 day elite treatment center. That was three years ago she is doing amazing. We thank god daily for her recovery to last a life time.

[@amybauer-kellogg8446]

Thats absolutely wonderful beyond words🎉

[@GemPotagueule]

That great! But stoping fully in 49days is just so rare. Here in France we have free treatments, and even if I was sober for 4yrs, I stayed under treatment ans still am and most of the ppl I know who stopped also, are also under treatment for a while. I mean, after 1yr into drugs, I stopped using and treatments for 1yr. But I got back into using and this time for 10yrs or so. Now 5 yrs later, even if I'm totally conscious of the ins and outs, I know I'll never be a non user, but and old user and, has ones installed, addiction is a life-long disease, so yea, 49days seems really far from enough. US should really do something if its the best they can offer for now. I'm really happy for you and your daughter of course, but I hope things will change in all the countries that are so unhelpful or doing so little..

[@AtMyHappyPlace]

My heart breaks for these families! Every politician should be shouting from the rooftop and addressing this problem. A whole generation is being wiped out by this scourge.

[@glowinthadark]

Kind of seems like a special ops mission right the depopulation of the youth.. and Texas productions has a lot of stories and a lots of families are left without closure because no one is held accountable😮suss

[@deirdrehottinger1224]

The mom is absolutely heartbreaking

[@elexis3728]

Listening to his momma, I felt like if she were to really take a full breath she would wail loudly. It’s like she takes shallow breaths just to try to hold it in so it just sits in her chest, in her heart. I truly hope it gets easier for her!

[@lesliematison5608]

My ex of 5 years (daughter's dad), was smoking percocets and they were laced with fentanyl. He died May 5th 2022. He wasn't a good guy, but it's still sucks that fentanyl is killing so many.

[@christopherrodriguez6545]

Damn man... the pain we cause our families😔

[@glowinthadark]

The fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much❤ You can do it! Anyone can change their whole life with one decision just will to and you will! Decide on it in one split second that is the gift of the present moment * that you can change your whole future with one decision.❤ In the now

[@heathervandermark2192]

The pain is intolerable 🥺😩💔

[@charlesdaubner1017]

Dara and Angela, I am so terribly sorry for your loss.

[@vtobias2]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m very sorry for your loss.

[@thebethlehem2852]

I’m out of options… I hope one of these stories stops me from the inevitable

[@taniesha64]

Just be strong and try your best. We all fall sometimes it's about how you overcome it. Wish you the best on your journey

[@jennifernader2914]

Get help! You can pull yourself out of this ❤️ Please don’t give up!

[@giselavargas5555]

Why do you think is inevitable? There are many stories of people who overcome their addictions. Ask God to get you out of there. I’m praying 🙏🏻

[@jamiebarry1974]

I know how you feel, feel the same a lot of days!

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

Bethlehem, there is an answer! His name is Jesus! He died for you. Eternity is endless. He placed himself on a cross to spare you from hell. Just call out to Him. I did many years ago, He heard me and broke the chains of bondage in my life. If He did it for me, He’ll do it for you!

[@lesvilla1671]

I feel so bad for the mother, but i think he passing away is better than being on the streets homeless getting high everyday ( thats not life ) at least he is resting now

[@deanawells4395]

Talk to your children about your Genetic factors in your family. Tell them about all the people in the family from the past and present that have had or have addictions and how their disease effected or affects their lives.

[@carlallison6775]

RIP Alex, and Mom, I'm so sorry for your loss. This is a tragedy, and what is our government doing about this? Why are they okay with families and communities being destroyed with this.

[@bford5899]

Because they’re making billions of dollars. It’s the American way.

[@juliechandler8695]

I am so so sorry for your loss!!! Just remember to breathe and know he would did not want to die!! Hugs!!!😢😢

[@Gina-tz5nz]

But it seems like parents think chasing your child around is gonna save them the addiction is stronger than love, my condolences 😢

[@myreasonforlife.9511]

Sadly it's not gonna leave, we have to impact. My condolences, I'm so sorry. 🕊️💙🕊️

[@yokozuna165]

BCBS why are you sponsoring this video. You won't even give NARCAN (the nasal spray) with no deductible on your plan

[@germainesampere6898]

Dara and Annie How brave you both were to make this Video. It WILL help others. My love and prayers-Germaine

[@vickirichardson2705]

I am so sorry for your loss. I am so clueless when it comes to drugs. As I had no idea that you it's snort heroin. I always thought it was something that you shot up. I guess I really need to start educating myself more

[@sfenn73]

My daughter Vanessa ❤️ died in March 19 2021. Horrible time. Someone gave her fentanyl she died with her 3 children there. We live right off 1 35 the major drug route thru here.

[@BlueTejada]

Sending my prayers 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽and condolences for your family Lord give them strength 😢💫

[@TraceyM.]

Lord Please have Mercy on This Family!! 🙏🙏

[@sherryhartin2055]

People have to stop taking any drug not legally prescribed to you !

[@CatherineFarrar]

it is legal drugs that started the addiction

[@tmwilliams54]

Yes! I would tell anyone, “unless it’s from a legal prescription FOR YOU, and it’s filled in a registered pharmacy- do not take any drugs; EVERYTHING bought online or in the streets is laced with fentanyl!”

[@KellyUnique]

Crazy how alot seems most of these stories really kinda get started from pain meds prescribed by a doctor 😢 exactly why I don’t take any and don’t recommend anyone to

[@Whippy99]

I have had to take very strong prescription pain meds several times in my life for a chronic medical condition. I’m so lucky that I have no problem when I can stop taking it. However, my drug of choice is food. 15 years ago I was over 200 lbs heavier. I had to have weight loss surgery or I was going to die. So, my addiction to food almost killed me. Addiction is addiction and all are capable of being fatal. The people selling fentanyl are murderers. I thank heaven every day for my life and the brilliant surgeon who saved it.

[@vallee7966]

I don’t get it. I was on narcotic pain meds for back surgery. Graduated to anti inflammatories & was done. Why the big deal?

[@lynnhexler-haan3357]

Go ahead, I would suggest you go down the rabbit hole ! Take a look at the Sackler family & roll from there.The who,what,when,why,which !

[@angelastinson4897]

@@vallee7966not everyone can be as great as you.

[@akitalady]

@@angelastinson4897 You're right - there are a lot of selfish weak people out there, always looking for the next high, willing to play Russian Roulette. I feel for the families.

[@maureenoreilly8700]

Blue cross blue shield does not cover in patient treatment for its insureds suffering from addiction contrary to what its policies claim.

[@wvangel5629]

Im sooo very sorry for your loss, may he Rip and prayers go out to u all, may god be with u all !!!

[@ljubishaivanovski-bb6tc]

People need to realize that even the painkillers are great you cannot overdo them. Go eazy to medium buy never too much.

[@maryannhope8276]

Condolences to the family and friends. May he Rest in Paradise 💔🙏🏼💜

[@elijahj.leconte7357]

Sorry May He Rest In Peace

[@vallee7966]

Videos showing the disgusting lives of addicts should be shown to 6&7th graders with the question “Is this what you want for yourself?” Why would you put anything in your mouth if you don’t know WTF it is?

[@ballet07]

Yes Dr. Beau Clark, the body obviously craves the drug of choice. However, addiction centers in the brain.

[@sandylipscomb7003]

PLEASE DONT DO DRUGS😱

[@eirikrdberg1161]

I’m an opiate addict. In 87/when I was 15 I got bone cancer and lost a leg 12 years later in 99. Been through so many surgeries. I can’t stand life clean. I do work out a lot and stay slim. Last operation the anaesthesia dude gave me fentanyl. I didn’t like it. Other opiates feel a lot better, so it sucks that they blend this crap in good old H and kill kids.

[@nickinurse6433]

Pain pill should never be ordered for teenagers! Give them ibuprofen! They don't know pain pills exist anyway so they can't ask for them. I think it is totally inappropriate to give pain pills after tooth surgery to a teenager! We have to get better at this as healthcare professionals

[@nanav6837]

🙏🙏🙏

[@syedahamdani-ox1ep]

Every of this story really breaks my heart…. But seems no cure for this disease

[@maryannhope8276]

💔🙏🏼💔

[@EyeCue23]

2002 i was 19 and me and my friends were playing with BB guns, i shot myself in the hand and broke a bone in my hand and had to have it surgically removed…. My mom warned me of the strength of pain killers and everything she said was true! I end up being addicted close to 10 years but thank god i always had the strength to not go past pills…I’m just grateful that i cleaned up before this fentanyl epidemic hit our country…. They really need hold these doctors reliable for creating more than half of addicts

[@tinavifquain6958]

' ! ☠️ ! Dr. WiLL E. KiLL says " DRUGS KILL, U & I " ! ' ! ❤️ ! " Responsibility Matters for ALL Lives " ! USA ! '

[@b1k2q34]

They always say their kid got into the wrong crowd. Maybe THEY were the wrong crowd

[@jennifernader2914]

Someone usually introduces the drugs to them .. they don’t appear out of thin air. They eventually become part of the wrong crowd but at one point, yes, they were influenced by others. Of course there are those cases where they get addicted after legal opioid use, but most of the time kids experiment with friends.

[@lisaschooler9992]

@@jennifernader2914 Agreed! I sort of like the approach that Texas pictures documentary channel uses with these stories a little bit better. many addicts start with prescribed pills, but majority of those who ARE originally prescribed pills on a short-term basis do not become addicted. Yes, the Sacklers and/or John Kapoor were also wrong by saying only 3% get addicted, it’s more than that- but it’s far from the majority.

[@angelastinson4897]

@b1k2q34 What an ugly thing to say. Bless your heart.

[@EVIESECOND]

💔🙏🏽

[@li9bo13]

So what is a drug addicted? Because when it reaches a certain community its a sickness or poisoning. Cause when crack ran through the black community in the 80's they were drug addicted.

[@muffycrosswire]

It always starts off with weed.

[@greg9069]

Alcohol* their weed buddies had the illegal connect tho ^

[@carolinecastiglione9075]

no it doesnt

[@rogerboswell5483]

I am 65 and I smoked weed all my life.. I even grow it... Alcohol is the gateway drug.. I know that for a fact all my friends are all dead...

[@JeffHole-wc1tc]

No. In this instance... with prescribed pain killers. Marijuana is not a gateway drug... an addict is an addict all along waiting for the thing, an experimenter... take away the weed, take away alcohol... the pills will then be first.

[@principecaprincipeca2243]

You don't need opioids after a removal of wisdom tooth. Astrally you need no painkillers at all. I have all of my wisdom teeth removed and a few other teeth and never needed any painkillers after the tooth the removal. There are other pain killers than opioids that are safe. US doctors seems to prescribe opioids for minor things. That's just irresponsible.

[@tmwilliams54]

Wow - you must have a strong pain tolerance, because my wisdom teeth were impacted, and I remember taking Demerol 100 mg- and I needed it! My whole face was throbbing! I was 18 that was 50 years ago and I remember like it was yesterday!

[@principecaprincipeca2243]

@@tmwilliams54 surgically removed or pulled? If it's just pulling wisdom teeth out there is not that much pain after the operation. And no, you wouldn't be prescribed opioid where I live for pulling wisdom teeth out. And it's not just me. So either everyone here have a high tolerance of pain or the pain is manageable with ibuprofen and/or paracetamol. I understood this kid had his wisdom teeth pulled and he was prescribed Oxycodone which is nuts.

[@nakiajones8794]

Please don’t blame us providers. We do our jobs!!!!!

[@principecaprincipeca2243]

@@nakiajones8794 you providers caused the problem in US. Tooth removal doesn't need opioid, neither sprained ankle not even a well positioned bone fracture. They are for severe pain. Neither above causes so severe pain it needs opioids. They can be handled with paracetamol and NSAIDs.

[@Abril_Charlene]

Same i had all 4 removed at the same time. Didn’t even take Tylenol just the antibiotics

[@GemPotagueule]

Narcan free distributor should be places in different place known by users. This way if they OD, anyone who can read can potentially save them.

[@jenniferhalf1650]

Please remeber addiction is not a one size fits all type of treatment. Rehab, 12 steps, meeting thats the only option you have to get sober!!

[@gonzaloarvietti4920]

12 steps ?

[@nataliesoultanov5338]

What then

[@sandylipscomb7003]

PLEASE STOP🙏🙏🙏

[@j.roberts6601]

WHY DON’T YOU TALK ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT STARTED DISTRIBUTING THE FENTANYL? THE HEAD OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTING FENTANYL TO POLICE OFFICERS TO DISTRIBUTE ON THE STREETS SINCE 2015. THAT’S WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE POLICE OFFICER STARTED DISTRIBUTING FENTANYL.

[@deniseblackburn33]

Wow truth we don't we ever hear of this ?this is so wrong 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@QueenMabx]

for me i think it's the open borders allowing SO much to cross the border and then being distributed thru dealers... but i sometimes wonder if there is a larger conspiracy going on because it just skyrocketed so suddenly

[@SimoneJ-mb7zu]

How do you know this ? N where can I learn more info on this topic !

[@myreasonforlife.9511]

They will never stop them, drug makers are always a step ahead. But yes they really need to be on the main countries it's coming from, it's sad it went global about Covid, but here we are letting this nasty Shiet slip thru the cracks!

[@stevemorris6790]

This is baloney!

[@sherryworkman7949]

Please make the writing bigger its to hard to read.

[@carolinecastiglione9075]

huh?

[@j.roberts6601]

SO WHY AREN’T YOU DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THE POLICE OFFICERS DOES DISTRIBUTED THE FENTANYL AND HAVE BEEN DOING IT SINCE 2015

[@bigsiebuzz1728]

Got it. Don't do drugs.

[@DY2784]

They choose drugs... We gotta let'em go... and welcome peace back into our lives...❤

[@j.roberts6601]

IT WAS POLICE OFFICERS DISTRIBUTING THE FENTANYL, NOT THE PEOPLE AT THE BORDER