FENTANYL: STREET VIEW - Anchorage - episode 173

[@SonyaHiter-hx9gf]

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone out there struggling with addiction. I know how it feels. Thank God I have been clean now for over a year and my life is getting a lot better. God Bless

[@perrycampbell5580]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT ♥️ I AM 19 MONTHS CLEAN TODAY 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 GOD BLESS YOU

[@Lenisakey]

That’s so awesome Sonya!!!! Keep going!!! do the work, and it will get better and better!!! Eventually your body will fully recover…I know a year in I still felt drained, still do sometimes…but I had 10 years out there so for me it took a long time for my brain and body to fully recover…anyway, I’m so proud of you! I’m so proud of everyone that realizes dying a little everyday is no way to live…it’s truly amazing we all made it out alive

[@SonyaHiter-hx9gf]

@ Thank you!! I’m so proud of you also. Sending love ❤️ and prayers. God Bless

[@Sheila612Miller]

This stranger is SO PROUD of you and all who did/do the work to get/stay clean. A warm hug sent your way from Minneapolis,Minnesota!

[@bridgethockney2303]

"people don't want me to exist near them" how awful to feel that way. Wish you could see your beautiful caring soul that we see. You are worth it. Wishing you the best.

[@billstill1794]

Sorry but I wouldn't want him around or near me and this addict rightfully understands that fact. Drug addiction breeds sickness, criminal activity, and other desperate, violent people.

[@bridgethockney2303]

@billstill1794 I'll never forget the gentleman I helped by buying him a Pepsi and lunch. As he sat there and we talked, I took his hand and said you've got this. He started crying. I thought I offended him and expressed my apologies. He said you don't understand. That's the first time I've been touched in years. What have we become. Truly.

[@kendrahansen1175]

@@bridgethockney2303 Although I give you some credit for your act of kindness, you experienced only one side of that man. If you want to experience the other side, hang around him for a while or, better yet, invite him to live in your home. Only then will you truly understand what it is like to live with an addict. Again, your actions were kind and commendable but I can tell you don't have much experience in this subject matter because your statement is all roses and daisies.

[@bridgethockney2303]

@kendrahansen1175 no. I just haven't shared the non daisy stories. I loved an addict. It was the worst. But his being was not encompassed by just the one area of addiction. That's what made it so hard. Sure he stole from me, took my car in the middle of the night and totaled it, etc. All the horror stories. He still calls me to this day. I won't give him any money or anything but I will still talk to him. I get it. By the way, I never said the gentleman was an addict. He was homeless. The two do not go hand in hand.

[@kendrahansen1175]

@@bridgethockney2303 Well, then maybe you still have not learned much because those of us who have gone through it personally and with family members will tell both sides of the story. Whether you said he was an addict or not, I will tell you right now He IS an addict and there is NOTHING wrong with saying that. No one should be sugar coating his crap. In terms of homelessness, most of them are addicts and if they are not, they are mentally ill. The small portion who don't fit into these two categories don't stay homeless for long because they eventually are able to get out of that situation.

[@nightgarden7]

oh dear, I hope this gentleman somehow reads this. The biggest hug, and wishing you the absolute best. You are loved. ❤

[@TexasPictures]

He does have a phone, and subscribed to our channel when we met. I hope he sees it too.

[@erikaeverly5035]

So powerful, so impactful, so full of wisdom. When he said 7:05-7:11, "people don't want me to exist near them, uh simply because I'm me i guess...", made me realize there is no humanity. God bless you, Ill be praying that u make it out❤

[@PaulaSanders-tp1wr]

@@erikaeverly5035 Amen 🙏

[@MsAdventure531]

Raw, candid, and honest. I don’t have the answer. Just know I heard your story, Elijah, and I care. Be well, Friend. 🙏🏽💙🌹

[@FEVERDREAM889]

It's so so bad in Ketchikan, Alaska too. We're getting absolutely devastated by it. One of the homeless shelters closed down, and the one left open won't accept people using drugs. So there's addicted homeless people everywhere. So sad to watch.

[@tlc0963]

I went on a cruise to Alaska and we stopped in Ketchikan and I never would’ve thought that Alaska would be one of the worst with addiction. God bless these people and I hope they know there’s help. I feel horrible people have to go through this.

[@tlc0963]

I couldn’t imagine what being homeless in Alaska would be like with how cold it is. So so sad and my heart breaks for them .

[@megscott222]

Handsome, kind, intelligent and caring. You really don't belong out there. I'm praying that Jesus takes you in his arms and gives you the strength to break free.

[@lizreilly8336]

So much wisdom and compassion being shared by this man. It’s heartbreaking 💔 to hear. May God bless and keep you safe. 🙏🏼

[@cindymartin7518]

What a sad interview 😢 he broke my heart....

[@inthechairwithcloochy8102]

What a beautiful soul this man truly is. Here in Ireland when you have a chronic and life long health condition you do not have to pay for your medications, especially if you are in the lower income sector. I don't know what the answers are for this man and people who also suffer from a mental health issue and who also happen to not have the means/housing/support. But the first step should be empathy/sympathy/humanity. The human race has become so unkind in many ways. Please God send this man a few hero's to help him get through his grief and to find a secure place to live, that would be a good start. I often think that if all of us help just 1 person at a time, fully commit to whatever level you can, and give it your all. What a different world we might have to live in. "There but by the grace of God go I" is an Irish saying that my Nana and my Mammy both said regularly and now I fully understand what they meant. Anyone of us could easily be in this mans shoes had our circumstances been dealt to us differently. XOX From Ireland

[@tschandraheinze1680]

Hi Eli, it's been a good 15 or so years since last time I saw you. Sending you best wishes. I hope you the best ❤

[@beginnertoexpertprohvac3676]

I got a story to tell...I went through alot in a short time span being addicted to fentanyl...I get so emotional thinking about it seriously

[@janekerby]

Hang on for dear life...praying for you

[@TexasPictures]

Welcome to email us ([e-mail])

[@beginnertoexpertprohvac3676]

@janekerby thanks I really appreciate it...Day 9 of Recovery Happiness for me

[@janekerby]

@@beginnertoexpertprohvac3676 Yahoo!

[@Sheila612Miller]

I just want to hug this man and tell him he is loved.

[@sonquatsch8585]

he was hemmorhaging wisdom.

[@7jenicruz7]

Praying for him and everyone struggling! Another Great video! Thank you for all you do!!

[@jackiewilliams7876]

My, Condolences too him on the lost of his Family Members Thank you for sharing your story too help Others. Thank You Texas Pictures.❤

[@CarinaPiersay]

Sending loving prayers and positive thoughts to you, Eli. I pray you are able to find your way out of this spiral you are in. 💙🙏🏼

[@MorganWebb-x6g]

He has a caring soul and such a wise perspective. He is so well spoken and intelligent, and I hope he finds a path to stability. He deserves respect and the resources he needs to stabilize. "None of us will have a better world until everyone else's world is better" Thank you for sharing this with us Elijah!

[@patchesblack7490]

I'm so scared for you Eli. I'm sorry you are going thru this. Thank you for sharing and for being so honest. I pray that you get the help you need and that you stay safe 🙏 God bless you.

[@TexasPictures]

Thank you for your comments. It was a tough conversation with Elijah. He was so real, so open. We were on a ride along with Anchorage PD when we met him. We always bring some kind of food on ride alongs because you never know if a meal break will happen. I gave Elijah the food I brought. It wasn’t much … and after his interview, I gave him a roll of Lifesavers … that made him cry.

[@tschandraheinze1680]

@TexasPictures I wish I had known you guys were coming to Anchorage or Alaska as I am now in Wasilla. I got some serious stories from my days in addiction and have always wanted to help from my story. What you guys are doing really hits my heart. I also was friends with Eli in my 20s, so it's been so long since I have seen him. His heart is one of a kind, that's for sure. It breaks my heart knowing he's here in these cold streets in alaska. Thank you for all you do. ❤️

[@bodemiller5282]

Eli, sending you love from Germany ❤

[@kimflynn2868]

Bless you son.You make more sense than most everyone I know.I am a nurse a mother a aunt that has loss my son,a nephew and a nice to Fentanyl.I also have a son with the same mental illness as you.please be safe yourself and take care.❤

[@robinsimmons1526]

Praying for those addicted to drugs they are people too 😊❤

[@Pink_143_6]

We are losing a generation to fentanyl 😞

[@deanawells4395]

Not a generation anymore. We are going to loose multiple generations. 😢.

[@people_watcher]

I agree. It's everywhere and it's heartbreaking.😢

[@candicandler2512]

By design...😑

[@cadominer]

Poor soul. This is the clearest explanation for this crisis that I’ve seen.

[@erica_0612]

You can hear the pain in his words and voice. I hope he gets the help he needs for his mental illness and addiction. He sounds like he would be a great counselor/help to others once he gets his own life on track.

[@KmvS86]

Damn it’s everywhere in Nortb America. Even in Alaska is crazy

[@FEVERDREAM889]

It's actually really bad in Alaska. They occasionally catch huge shipments coming through the southern most airport in Alaska, but it's coming in on boats big time.

[@myredpencil]

I lived in Alaska for many years & we always seemed to somehow keep up with society even before the internet. It's sad but not surprising then that fentanyl is there too. Elijah did a wonderful job explaining the role of drugs in his life & the sadness it has brought losing people to fentanyl. The way he lost his nephew inspired me to write a cautionary text to my grown son that fetty's even in Alaska's coke! Thanks, Elijah, I hope you're okay this winter.

[@lynetteowens946]

My heart goes out to this man. I hope one day you find your way 🙏

[@animalsrus3]

WOW Great Interview Great Perspective Much Respect 💯

[@browneagle2393]

Prayer for a Waiting Parent.....or for a precious loved one. Precious Lord I pray for all those who wait....Lord, I pray that love comes through the doors...Lord I pray for a phone to ring...Lord, I pray for a car to pull up...Lord, I pray for an empty seat to be filled...Lord, I pray for a delivered letter...Lord I pray for hope to be rekindled by a simple act of kindness, Lord, I pray for another’s time be spent for Your lonely sheep.... Hebrews 13:5b... NEVER will I leave you; NEVER will I forsake you. Whisper: Praises lifted Lord when You find a willing vessel...to reach and love another through. I love You Lord, Brown Eagle

[@cherryjohnson6632]

I’m glad to hear your side of the story Elijah and I’m praying for your healing and safety out there. I do agree that there’s a harsh expectation for people in the streets to be clean right away in order to be accepted in a shelter. There’s a need for facilities that are willing to accept ppl willing to get clean and going through a transitional phase without costing a ridiculous amount of money. I do not agree with “finding a safe place to use.”

[@manuelamootsy6871]

😢😢😢 I'm so sorry for what you are going through. Even the addiction to function is hard. I truly hope you find a healthy, different way. I am so sorry for all your loss. I still hope and pray you find a better way. Is there not a clinic that provides help? Such as methadone or suboxone? Will those not help? Also, remember there's a God in Heaven who is loving, forgiving and merciful.

[@friendlygirl964]

I'm sober in Alaska Anchorage to be exact we don't have petty clinics but we do have methadone clinics n they help I believe there are 3 in Anchorage atleast one 30min to hour drive n Wasilla so the help is there but without insurance it's expensive I hope best 4 him it's 2 cold 🥶 to b homeless here n Alaska

[@mariamaldonado8937]

Praying for Eli in NM

[@Starlacefield]

All my thoughts and prayers to you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@christinekowalski6132]

I was addicted from 2000 til 2017. My drug dealers were white coats until 2010 then herion. I finally got fed up in 2016 and on news years eve of 2016 I went into detox. I am treated with suboxone now for 8 years. It keeps me off the streets and alive and a normal life. I wouldn't be here if it were not for the subs. I recommend it to all who just are not strong enough to do it on their own. God bless everyone struggling and I pray you find a trpatient center to help. ❤ I habe never relapsed either thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

[@perrycampbell5580]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@maryannmalott3527]

I’m so very sorry 😢 I will keep u in my 🙏❤️‍🩹

[@pjak9886]

😢 we are tied of losing our friends and loved ones. I hope u pull through this 🤞

[@michellescarlett4023]

Never thought of it this way. I’m so sorry that you are going through this. My 14 year old kinda mentioned something like that, and I thought he was nuts, but it makes sense

[@Mphscat]

How heartbreaking 💔 it sounds like when his kids were removed his life took a downward spiral. He did not mention why it happened. He really does believe the drugs allow him to live a more normal life. I pray he makes it out alive. This was very interesting to hear his views on how to solve this epidemic. I am so sorry for the loss of his family/friends and pray his soul finds peace. Thank you Texas Pictures, as always, for doing what mainstream media should be doing but won't for some reason. Perhaps this will change for the better in 2025.

[@myreasonforlife.9511]

Wow Alaska, I love Alaska and Canada and Wyoming and the rest of the beauty. 💙

[@Jennifer-z9e]

All things I thought about saying have been said already. Thank you for sharing Elijah's story. I would like to know when the video was recorded, not just posted.

[@TexasPictures]

This interview was recorded less than two weeks ago during a ride along with the Anchorage Police Department. The light on Elijah is from the light bar on a patrol unit.

[@mysmirandam.6618]

Idk what he took but lithium made me a zombie i know what he means my heart goes out to him

[@PaulaSanders-tp1wr]

One thing stood out to me about him, the state government took his children, and took his reasons to live, and he turned to drugs to get out of the pain. This is what they want for Americans to give up, don’t ever give up and fight for what God gave you. They set us up to fail, don’t give up, that’s what they want you to do..

[@drintx5734]

Do you think the govt should have left his children with him while he was doing drugs ??

[@PaulaSanders-tp1wr]

@ no I do not, but when they tear families apart and parents don’t get to see the children again parents sometimes turn to Alcohol and drugs..I have seen it over and over and they lose their ways in life. And that’s not all the children suffer too from abandonment of the parents, and that’s what the state government tells the children..do Research on what the state does with the children, and how many children come up missing while in foster homes, you’re government is guilty on so many levels..

[@PaulaSanders-tp1wr]

@ do you know he was doing drugs when he was with his children? No you don’t. Sit down and pray for him..

[@PaulaSanders-tp1wr]

Texas pictures, why did you take down my message? I try to educate people about the situation and you take it out. Not good!

[@TexasPictures]

What message? We only rarely delete anything. When we do it is either because a comment is hurtful toward the storyteller or is inaccurate, misinformation that could harm others.

[@richardg4095]

Best wishes from in Seattle. Not Richard but I am connected to him!!

[@nathene069]

Hello from Anchorage. 😞Heartbreaking statement "They don't call the police on me when I exist near them."

[@beginnertoexpertprohvac3676]

I'm in Louisiana

[@dottiestensing2189]

💙

[@perrycampbell5580]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@EVIESECOND]

🙏🏽💔🙏🏽

[@mizabel539]

😢!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@NatalieOzkan]

New Day recovery!! They pick u up !!! I was so terrible on fentanyl 11 years new day recovery Niles ohio

[@Gail-l2o]

It certainly is a "vicious circle" and I understand what you mean but if we have a safe place for addicts and give them their drugs wouldn't that cause more addicts. What about goving them suboxone or methadone free for those who reallt want to kick the drug habit. Rehabs are so expensive so that is a problem for sure. Maybe every home should have Narcan so save a life but does that encourage addicts, but as you said your nephew thought if I have Narcan in the house my parents will know I am using and on the other hand now he is dead so which is the worst outcome. Is it a losing battle?

[@marykaymacshane1001]

This is….💔.

[@Lori-db8vl]

The same approach to the crack epidemic should be used with the opioid epidemic.

[@Nicholascovicci]

Has this guy ever heard of a methadone clinic?

[@cecilialopez1001]

Methadone isn’t any better the withdrawals from that are horrendous but I know what you mean it’s better then being on heroin or fentanyl

[@chelseagirl278]

Take your MEDS! you admit not to taking them this is the result. I am sorry there is no one to help you with your mental illness, so you need to do it yourself. before everyone jumps on me, I have my own illness and no family and i get treatment

[@chelseagirl278]

btw, no one is "forcing you" to find hundreds of dollars a day to feed your habit