How Addiction Happens

Our oldest son died of an accidental heroin/fentanyl overdose on his 22nd birthday, in December, 2015. Our family produced this video to help teens and their families avoid the painful path of addiction. Understand how addiction starts and how to prevent it. We welcome anyone sharing this video to help others.

[@anaru369]

Can we talk about how alcohol gets its own separate terminology when discussing drugs? It IS a drug, and is one of the most harmful and damaging substances out there. We never just say drugs, its always drugs & alcohol. So why does it get special treatment when we talk about drugs? Call it what it is.

[@Lo-bc9sp]

Maybe because it's more available to everyone and so distinguishing it helps people understand that it is also harmful.

[@Lo-bc9sp]

and not everyone is going to think that alcohol are drugs so there's also that.

[@silenzebeats5409]

@@Lo-bc9sp That makes no sense, what are you trying to say? That’s the point. Alcohol is just as bas as other drugs if not the worst, so why do we make a difference between “drugs and alcohol”

[@Lo-bc9sp]

@@silenzebeats5409 My point is that we can see more of alcohol in our environment like with adult family members, so using the term alcohol and not drugs alone, gives the idea that that "beverage" that you see from your adult family members and in the media is also harmful.

[@user-in1yw9ty5t]

Why is alcohol so accessible that it has its own category? That is what you are questioning.

[@tasha8567]

As a teenager who is watching this video after coming home drunk from a party, this made me cry. I wish I could just solve my problems or get help but nobody seems to care. Thank you for your message to this world, you’re doing great things

[@jj_thegreat9645]

I’m 16 and I climb ladders everyday I drink when I don’t have bars and steal shit. I’m a terrible person but please don’t end up like me

[@gilbertoroo6451]

You are not terrible, you are just misunderstood

[@aidenprocopio6438]

Care for yourself don’t wait for somebody to help you, and be open minded to peoples advice a,only take the right advice.

[@ferg9401]

As someone who has fought alcoholism for the past decade of my life, I have been through inpatient and outpatient treatment and then quit drinking cold turkey to preserve my long term health and be a better father to my kids and lover to my partner. You want the kind of help that will get you results? Start doing activities that improve the quality of your life. Get friends, REAL friends that motivate you to be strong. Find something that will improve your life worth chasing and fucking go after it. Don't try to tackle the world head on, you won't succeed. Tackle YOUR problems first by having someone help you identify what those problems are and looking for attainable solutions to those problems. Progress, ANY KIND OF PROGRESS (be it small or big) IS BETTER THAN DOING NOTHING.

[@jamescarr8196]

❤❤

[@sixkicksfightertricks949]

"Act now. Don't assume they can self correct. They need a support system ." My mom had all these problems mentioned in the video. I failed to help more and sooner. A little piece of me died with her. Addiction is truly a hell within society. Take this video to heart if you or a loved one is struggling this way. Before it's too late .

[@sofya6553]

Hey dont say you failed to do anything. I get you might have learned information now that you could have used to help her at the time but your mum was meant to be the one to put you first and the addiction got in the way of that, how were you meant to catch up on everything you missed from her and then learn extra to put solving her addiction first? Nobody could have done that, it wasnt for you to solve. It is sad that we cant save the people we love.

[@sploshsploosh]

you failed to do nothing. thats not your fault in the slightest and you shouldnt think it is.

[@IMSLIMEFR]

is weed a addiction

[@sixkicksfightertricks949]

@@IMSLIMEFR It can be. But it's far safer than opiates.

[@BlazeCon97]

@@IMSLIMEFR it's possible to be addicted to it, it depends if they can go without it without getting angry or experiencing other withdrawal

[@babyjay5692]

I’m 17and a recovering fentanyl/cocaine/meth addict and this jus made me sad ngl much love to anyone still struggling🙏🏻

[@Marlin123]

Praying for you

[@stuckoncod]

HOW TF ARE U DOING HARD DRUGS💀

[@Wildon88]

@@stuckoncod how tf are you stuck on cod💀💀🤣🤣

[@DggamerK]

Holy fuck

[@Quandussy]

@zen:3 you can get addicted to drugs at any age if the people around you use them you doofus

[@howaddictionhappens4260]

Thank you for your comments and well-wishes. For all of you, including those who are familiar with addiction, our family wishes you peace, love, and joy. The month before Alex passed he said to me (his father), "Maybe I can help others". He is.

[@lindaallen2552]

Absolutely. I run a substance use program for our county school district and will be using this with my students. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@mercurio.almutem]

Thank you for sharing your story! And sorry for your loss :( Can I use this video and add my voice to translate the audio to portugues to use in my work with teens? Thank you

[@howaddictionhappens4260]

@@mercurio.almutem Hello Joana. Absolutely. If you would like a digital file of the video...if that would help...just send me a note at [e-mail].

[@user-in1yw9ty5t]

Thank you for the vid. A man, person(s), god or gods who understands you and the ordeal you are goin through and helps you cope with life in a constructive manner and more deserves love, honor and trust. Teens tweens kids go through a whole lot of problems that only makes sense when you can recall yourself growing up or if you ever really had a good heart to understand and listen people or you really understood what childhood really is and gone through it conciously. A Need for emotional intelligence. Although it takes more than that. A more of patience and work than that. To some- parents dont do a great deal and hence humanity may have looked for god and the cumulative inherited knowledge. Either way a parent figure and the responsibility to bear child and look after is a mutual responsibility from both end even if that doesnt make sense. For we grow up to parent ourselves and our children. Some lost their battles and some live among us. To those who havent lost. Please lookup gabor mate. Read books. Pray to god. Study atheism. Read learn and work it out. Meditate on your problems. Feel the pain embrace it and be willing. Be forgiving.

[@laurisdanschool]

This resonates with me. I lost a loved brother a year ago to addiction to alcohol. It took a toll on his self-esteem, jod, marriage and he withdrew from everyone. If only I knew how to help him...I fell so sad loosing him. I will use this clip to help the teens in my church with the hope they it will encourage them decide how they help themselves stay out of harm's way. Sorry for the loss of your son.

[@mage4423]

I love how this video says the first step is for parents to pay attention and listen rather than scolding teens for using. That to me is so much more powerful then what we are normally taught

[@bluebassboy22]

I started using when I was 15 and now I'm 35 years old with 4 years sober. Using drugs to cope was all I knew how as a teenager. It took a decade to learn how to stay sober. Rehabs and jail. I knew I would die if I didn't learn how. I use to think things would never change and that I was destined to be that way. It's not true, there's a whole life waiting to be lived. I'm so thankful to God that he kept me alive all those years.

[@rileyg720]

What would you say to a 19 year old college student smoker, i have quit alcohol, pills and weed; but i cant seem to kick nicotine i dont know if you smoked or anything though

[@LawAbidingSociopath69]

@@rileyg720 just think of this way instead of spending monkey on smoke it's better to spend it on gym membership or yummy foods

[@blackqweenmars]

I wonder why people always think first to do bad things when they’re dealing with something hard instead of drawing pictures or something

[@maarimoon]

Proud of you

[@RawDiscovery]

⁠@@blackqweenmars because for most addicts it isn’t just a bad day. It’s a bad month or year or decade. When you need an escape from a hard reality, drugs are far easier to use than to try and escape through drawing or reading. Regardless of how you feel about drugs, they are a far more potent and easier way to escape reality. There is a reason so many people use them

[@EveningTV]

I also lost my eldest son, Noah, at age 20 in 2016. We had all (myself and two sons) been through a lot of trauma and it was no mystery why he started using. I did everything I could think of to help, but It is amazing how little real help is available, as most of the treatment he participated in only made things worse. I think it is wonderful that you made this video and put it out there for those searching for information.

[@madhuriyadav820]

Srry😞

[@fatiafatumah4500]

May his soul Rest In Peace

[@gabi_doodles]

So sorry for your loss ❤

[@genericfirstnamegenericlas6490]

i wanna see the full picture, you dont win my sympathy.

[@EveningTV]

@@genericfirstnamegenericlas6490 Why on Earth would I care about that?

[@BazingifyIt]

RIP, Alex. That made me cry. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the beautiful, informative, empathetic view you bring to this video. There are too many videos that make people with addictions out to be bad people, and they're not. They're sick.

[@Zanescontent]

As someone who's turning 15 in a week and has had multiple addictions due to addiction running in my fathers side of the family, this video really just gave me a reality check of what my actions which I saw as just a pass-time thing could do to me and my family. I hope that I can quit for my family and for myself :)

[@sethmclaughlin9765]

good luck, im turning 18 this year and im honestly scared for myself with my own addictions. all i can do is just hope for the best and try my hardest to have a good life. i hope you can do the same and just know there is more to life than just drugs, if you do chose drugs choose ones that change your perspective not make you feel good weed is one of the best in my opionion, the right strain can help you think things through and realise what youre doing wrong and make those life changes that could change your mind. some drugs are bad some can be good abstinince isnt always the answer just always be carefull on dosage

[@Zanescontent]

@@sethmclaughlin9765 I haven't tried any drugs yet, and I hope I don't because of how easy it is for me to fall down bad habits. I hope that even through all this bad stuff, you can live a life that you love and try as hard as you can to keep going on :)

[@brinistaco1970]

read my above comment and know that you are not alone. You have a choice, get help before you do not have that choice. Addiction is the loss of choice in your actions whether you are aware of it or not. It is like your brain has a self destruct. I cannot guarantee happiness or a great life but that is what I have now. It took years but it is worth it.

[@the_madgi5349]

Hey bro I was the same way in highschool. Turning 20 now and still party and bro I wish I ended this shit earlier. You're young and smart homie life will be so much better when you reach university. Just leave the addiction in highschool. Goodluck lil bro.

[@guitarplayer1495]

jesus, from your about me i can see you're a delusional soul. unfortunate. get a better relationship with your dad.

[@ryderbeats67]

I'm currently recovering from a serious weed addiction What harmed me the most was beating myself up about being addicted, this ended up making my self image a lot worse and just sunk me deeper. What helped me the most was appreciating my qualities and trying to make myself proud while sober, e.g. making music, getting school work done, going to the gym etc. I still smoke weed, but only once every week or two, and I always make sure to smoke as a reward for doing good, rather than a pick-me-up while feeling bad. Hope this helps

[@Workingclassheros]

This comment is super underrated. I am proud of you being self-aware like that. It really isn't easy to do self regulate after dependency-(of course some things are just not worth the risk to benefit ratio) but its that in-between that often gets overlooked when it comes to recovering. I got to commend you cause it takes a real awareness of your intention and what triggered the need to cope, when deciding whether or not to engage with weed or anything-like there are good ways of coping! Things that make you happy because they are part of what you like and feel proud about yourself. cheers dude!

[@Lysergic_]

I was once in the same boat as you. I wouldn't have called what I had addiction though. What I had was more like reliance/a grasp on the idea of being high or the nostalgic feeling from smoking. Eventually smoking became a habit, one where the act made me happier but the product made me unproductive. Eventually I got to a state like you where I slowed down, and now it's been almost half a year I haven't smoked just because I realized I just don't feel like it. I want to smoke again eventually, with a new, older mindset, but the only things holding me back now are my current mental state and the need for a new job lol. Also, I wouldn't call it addiction because the only thing ever holding me back was myself. It wasn't a chemical dependence. I've used nicotine, alcohol, and some harder stuff, and I can tell you those give you a dependence where mental state and opinion do not matter. Matter of fact, I'm not sober as I write this. Weed is different. This isn't to downplay your experience though. When people are in your position it might as well be what society calls addiction. Instead of a one-up, interpret this as a warning, and an achievement in you own mental discipline. Because getting over smoking weed is kind of like going into an MMA gym and getting beat repeatedly daily, to eventually be ready for any in-ring match or street fight you may encounter. Personally, I think society as a whole as absolutely 0 grasp on addiction vs routine, obsession, habit, etc... But I think you have a much better grasp than them. Don't listen to what any dipshits may have to say about your path, and stick to what works best for you. By the sounds of it, it's being sober for the most part, and occasionally dabbling in "old habits". That's my outside perspective

[@rileymichael2694]

>I always make sure to smoke as a reward for doing good, rather than a pick-me-up while feeling bad. Shit. I'm in kind of a similar spot and this sentence just made me realize how I can go about changing my relationship with weed. Thanks man!

[@MrSaul_]

Boohoo nga

[@FemBoy-zi5ok]

Im a 17 year old alcoholic. I drin BY MYSELF almost everyday ro deal with school stress and feeling like an odd one out in my family. I feel so pathetic every single day i wish i coould just restart my life. This really helps thank you😇

[@GenghisClaus]

@@JackNapierRisus poop?

[@spaghettiisyummy.3623]

@@GenghisClaus Orn.

[@PDD555]

I hope you can tell someone you trust so they can help you, I believe in you

[@GenghisClaus]

@@deinemutter5257 Does mocking someone for opening up about their psychological struggles make you feel good about yourself?

[@n8thantaylor]

@Deine Mutter you have no clue how the world works and clearly no sympathy. please keep your heartlessness and general repulsiveness away from these spaces. there is a lot wrong with you.

[@siriushexa1971]

Its a vicious cycle. 22 now, I have amazing parents. But compounded mental illness sort of forces you to be an addict. I was 5 when the doctor first put me on ritalin. Currently hopelessly addicted to benzodiazepines after recovering from a cocaine addiction. This video is super informative

[@TanishqRulania]

Dude, you can fight through it! I believe in you.

[@Melissa-rb6ct]

I was just prescribed anti depressants sertraline is one. I’m scared I’ll be addicted to em. Any advice?

[@robdonell9915]

These videos are informative and helpful. As a thirteen year old (I’d never wish it on anyone), getting high was a way to cope with feelings of low self esteem, thinking I was cool and wanting acceptance by peers.

[@ZeeshanAhmed-os6bw]

unfortunately, I am suffering from undiagnosed stomach disease. We tried our best but no results. It's been five years but still not diagnosed. I belong to a poor family. Bonus on stomach disorder and vomiting is I have too much incredible unbearable headache. So every 12 hours I use narcotics for quick relief. Tell me what should I do brother ? I tried to suicide twice but my family saved me. I know suicide isn't the solution but how to live 😭

[@shiro_kuma3817]

@@ZeeshanAhmed-os6bw Immediately talk to your doctor about your health and ask them for resources for low-income families. If you feel suicidal, call the Help Line. They will listen to you and help you guide you. Call them as many times as you must. Don't give up, someone will listen to you.

[@qlly]

@@ZeeshanAhmed-os6bw hi, ik it’s been a while since u made this comment. how are u doing now?

[@heavenlydusk]

​@@qllylast comment is 8 months ago and says that they checked the appendix and there is no fault. it is on the same video.

[@justsomeguy1671]

​@@ZeeshanAhmed-os6bwtry. I know it's hard but it's the only way. Try one meal a day. It gives your stomach time to heal. Try cutting out dairy or sugar or simple carbohydrates. Try cutting gluten... Idk but best of luck to you

[@GritToGrace]

This is SO so good. It is spot on and so helpful. Especially the part about it becoming sort of an autopilot way of coping without realizing it. It's sad when people shame addicts as a moral failure and in turn making it even worse. Thanks for producing this video!

[@theresefaithramos7618]

as someone who is struggling with anxiety disorders, adhd syptoms, famliy problems, and hard coping skills this video helped me before getting addicted to alcohols, drugs, and ciggaretes. This is a really really great video for us teenagr who needs help with our own problems, Thank you for making this video. I am only 14 year old but, has lots of problems that i need to cope with.

[@makro666]

Was addicted to cocaine for 2 years starting at the age of 15. Life went downhill and I stopped caring. I was underweight, I lost all hope, I embraced that I would grow up to be a disgrace (if I even lived to see myself at that age). I tried therapy and rehab, I always ended up relapsing. At the end of the line, willingness is what helped me quit. Not therapy. Not rehab. Pure sweat, persistance and wilingness. Thats my case, at least, but in general, I would say that having clear objectives is the first step, because if you dont, therapy and rehab will NOT help you in the long term. Just dont lose hope. Try your best to not give in to the urges. Break the routine of consuming. Its hard, but completely worth the effort. Thats my grain of salt.

[@secret_salamanders]

im so sorry for your loss❤️, as a young adult who’s struggling with addiction this really pulled my heart strings. thank you

[@ZeeshanAhmed-os6bw]

unfortunately, I am suffering from undiagnosed stomach disease. We tried our best but no results. It's been five years but still not diagnosed. I belong to a poor family. Bonus on stomach disorder and vomiting is I have too much incredible unbearable headache. So every 12 hours I use narcotics for quick relief. Tell me what should I do brother ? I tried to suicide twice but my family saved me. I know suicide isn't the solution but how to live 😭

[@MrG9r]

@@ZeeshanAhmed-os6bw The only advice I can give you is to pray . I hope everything will be ok for you 🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@PaulWagenaar-gw4ti]

I work in the Mental Health Sector and that was an intensely powerful video in five or six minutes you provided a tool that can be used to save so many young people. I watched it three times and shared it with some of our youth counselors. Thank you so much!!!!

[@rhemapradhan3632]

I was just going through videos related to drugs and abuses, I bumped into this video and I'm so thankful for this video!

[@mahima7638]

This video brought tears to me. Guess why? Not because I’m an addict to any kind of addiction, but because…….I remembered the day in my teenage when I spoke to my family about my problems. Idk what happened to me on that day, I suddenly burst out and told my mum EVERYTHING that was going on from a year. Now, I’m living a normal and truly happy life. Thanks to that day.

[@narcant5695]

As someone in recovery from fentanyl, methamphetamine, and benzos, this portrayal is a great introduction to addiction for people who do not understand the disease. Nice job!

[@yigitseferozdogan3385]

don’t give up buddy!

[@YTSadShorts]

I'm 27 years old now and I can confirm the video 100%. Even if you've known for a few years that you're stuck and you're working on it, there are too many days when you feel bad again and everything starts over again. I have no idea how long I can keep doing this

[@MenisXTO]

I told myself I’d stop by 27 idk if I can do 4 more years tho 😂

[@Red-zt5bg]

Addiction may be a key word for someone who takes drugs and alcohol But being addicted is beyond from only that. Someone can get addicted unhealthy to Day dreams, food, social media, working, and much more. It may be hard to identify if someone has a unhealthy addiction to something because it may just seem harmless and you don't think there is anything wrong with them like a teenager posting photos in instagram all day. It's tricky to notice someone having addiction. You need to ask their struggles calmly and observe them if they are coping themselves with something that aren't going to let go of their pain. and by that their problems are going to get bigger and that's when they need help. I'm not a professional but I struggle for being addicted to social media. I learn't to help myself throughout the years with healthy coping.

[@otzelbrutzel3678]

Why do you separate the words drug and alcohol, alcohol is actually the worst drug. Just Goggle drug harm table

[@craz2580]

Tbh, i realized long ago that i am addicted to social media, but it is not something people think is true, and no one listens

[@ebbasimone]

One of my family members has an addiction.. I've been in a mild depression, when im happy i remember how much he hurt me and my mother and brother... with my therapist I was able to get better and with this video, i know what he went thru.. thank you

[@christinesponsler1355]

Your family is in my prayers for losing Alex in 2015. I lost my little brother who was 26 to heroine in 2005, not the same, but I understand pain. I hope and pray that you continue making these videos to save people from addiction and help families understand that addiction is not simply a choice, it is a disease/disorder of the brain. Blessings and honor, Christine C Sponsler

[@Steelfly12]

Hit the nail square on the head. Parents split up, started living with dad, dad was not a parent who was emotionally open or emotionally supportive. I'm 27 now, I found it hard to cope and still resent my dad, I would highly recommend this to all adults to consider about teens and wonder youth.

[@chosensamurott4907]

Going through life with no idea of how to get along with other people breaks you. The only "help" i know of out there for lonely people like me is anti depressive medecin and top 10 social tips. Sometimes i wonder how many there are like me. I think about what to do and it scares me when i realize that there might not be a solution for me. Even though psyciatrist and psycoligist didnt work for me, you should still try it. Todays "help" cant help everyone but it has saved many.

[@_ZOINKSx_X]

I’m a teen who struggled and still struggles with addiction, it started when my mom got so depressed all she would do was sleep, I didn’t have anyone there for me emotionally as she was the only one who cared, and also at the time my only friend, being so alone changed me, it started making me seek out destructive behavior for attention, I nearly got expelled due to addiction and after that event I was given a therapist, I have yet to see them but I hope this will help me get back on the right path, I’ve been sober all summer and it feels really good to see things around me have changed for the better before I was too clogged up to notice anything good and could only focus on the bad, for those who are or were in a similar situation my heart goes out to you, I just want to say there are people who care! Even though it’s their job teachers will help you, they don’t just have too, they want too, you aren’t alone, not really , not truly, it may feel like that but it does get better, especially if you quit

[@KompadoodleLEL]

❤

[@maryperry1773]

Thank you for sharing this. Very relatable. I hope your Mom is doing better and your relationship improved. Best wishes.

[@auto_lisis]

We shouldn't bring children to this world if we know there's something bad with us. Telling to ourselves that it will get better never happens. We just know what are the chances of being good parents based on our childhood issues, trauma...

[@UraniumStorm]

Absolute truth

[@auto_lisis]

@@UraniumStorm thank you for thinking like that.

[@EveningTV]

Unfortunately we don't always know. I thought I was bringing kids into a perfect situation, but only after they were here did their dad change and then I started to see how dysfunctional m family was, and everything turned into a mess I never could have imagined when I made the choice to have children. I have asked myself about this for years.

[@inumaru4583]

Having children is so normalised in society that a lot of people don't actually realize how big of a responsibility it is to raise a child until it's too late.

[@auto_lisis]

@@EveningTV I feel you... Some have the best environment to raise children, but of course everything could change. I really hope yours are ok as well as you are.

[@sorryeverafter523]

I don't even know for what reason I did it in the first place. It was opiates and at that time of high school I feel strongly that it was my saviour, last hope and I wouldn't survive without it. This is an illusion hovewer. Maybe I'm too scared of proper human emotions and living normal life that I really prefer to escape and to this day no-one can really help me, as long as I don't let him :/ Sometimes I don't feel like human being any longer. Everything I know is that I'm chronically ill and that illness is deadly. And still can't reach for help🙁I learned very clearly when I was young that I have barely any right to ask for help and that those, who are asked, should never be relied upon

[@claudioclaudio7953]

Videos like this one make me realize how bad my parents were. I had trouble managing through middle school, not because I wasn't smart enough, but because I had started to not sleep enough at night and had no energy to study enough during the evening. My parents didn't care at all about everything that was causing me to behave like this (lots of unhealthy habits, some of which came from them), they only cared about fucking grades. I was fortunate enough to have a brain that allowed me to study very little and still come out with decent, or even good grades. But one of the worst things that happened one night just after dinner and that I will never forget is this: my mother was rambling about how work had been tough and all, and it was getting annoying because she did it too often for anyone to care. Well, I had had a rough day as well, actually a rough month, so I started complaining as well, and my father said something like "school is easy, and you're having the best time of your life" (I wasn't at all, my childhood is basically filled with neglect to the point it feels like they expected me to just grow up with no input, which I somewhat managed to do for my own sake, but it is evident I'm not what I could've been with a decent family). So I get kinda angry (my father had anger issues, which I had of course copied thinking they were normal behaviour), walk to my bedroom and shut the door hard. Just a few seconds later my father throws the door open way too violently and starts shouting about how wrong I was for the same reasons I previously wrote. I was scared for my life. He rarely got physical, but I was always scared when he raised his voice. He is a fucking boot licker towards my mom. Being an only child I always felt alone in my fight against these two dipshits. Fucking stupid ignorant people. I hate them and always will for how they dared to "raise" me. I had to fucking raise myself. They have already lost every right to see my children if I will have any, because I do not trust them to be good grandparents. I want to be a father partially out of spite towards them, so I can show them what a parent can and should do to raise a great human being. Over the years I started researching this topic and started seeing how deplorable my parents had been. During the 3rd year of highschool I started putting on some muscle, and the last time he dared to hit me because I was being edgy with my words (as I said, I had it rough for years, so much I didn't even know other ways to adress other people when I felt I had been wronged, because nothing was taught to me by my parents), well, I blocked the hand he was coming at me with, then the other hand he tried to get me with, and kicked him straight in the balls, rendering him powerless before me. In that moment I felt so much pleasure and gratification, it was my revenge. If it hadn't been for my mom (who had just slightly come to her senses and was a bit more on my side in those years), I would've sent him to the hospital, and I am not exaggerating. But there is an important thing I wanted to say. I have never used any type of drug except alcohol (and I have only once gotten drunk, not even during that period though), but I was still addicted to sugar and... porn. Although not usually lethal addictions, these were still addictions I used to cope. After all, I still had a sense of self-preservation. And I find it hard to understand why others choose heavy drugs or light drugs which are easy to get permanent damage from when overused (such as cigarettes). Are these people weak? Am I more resilient than the average person? Were my addictions worse? Did I not go through something dire enough that it needed such coping mechanisms? What do you people think? I am genuinely curious. I haven't described much of what I went through, and probably did a poor job at it, but I hope you can get the picture.

[@cattysplat]

You are an abuse survivor, but how we chose to deal with that abuse is up to us. You learned to cope with what you had and tried to fight back when you could, not necessarily healthy but what you felt was necessary. Sugar and porn addiction can still make you suffer and kill you slowly. Others cannot find relief and seek deeper solutions to what feels like an impossible problem. Imagine the desperation of someone who cuts or attempts suicide. These are people who are seeking any solution accessible. Many believe they have control over their addiction and rationalise their behaviour away, even seek the abuse to justify it. Our understanding of all of this from a medical profession is incredibly new despite the problems have been around forever, we don't have solutions that work aside from some drugs and therapy that helps some people, so people who get nothing from their help will still seek their own solutions. Even just the feeling of control and comfortable habit gives comfort to someone's life that can feel out of control.

[@JazzerciseJustice]

You probably have better coping skills than most

[@demarqueefus]

as a teenager who struggles with a lot ive done alcohol, weed, oxycontin, and adderall and nobody knows except for my closest friend

[@kimetari3369]

As a 30 year old suffering from compulsive masturbation addiction that started as a young child to cope with emotional neglect, loneliness my advice to you young ones is that no you are not alone

[@craz2580]

Everyone describing addiction to alchol and drugs, but watching this video actually made me realize that i am addicted to my phone and youtube

[@anzievlyn6820]

You know, I made it to the end of your video. And I have to say I’ve been making bad choices and impacting my overall weekends into some bad couple of days, and I think it’s all because I shy away from my responsibilities and have bad coping strategies. And I think I’ve never really watched informative educational videos outside of school. So I’ll be doing that and thanks for this revelation. I made it to the end and I have to say Alex is so grateful to his family for taking action and honoring him this way. Rest in peaceful peace.

[@deinpxdoxd8490]

I really don't understand how alcohol is legal while it is the most dangerous drug to every human alive. I was doing good before drinking, when I started I thought that the taste was shit and there's no way I'd drink regularly. Now I know how bad of an drug it can be, especially for teens.

[@johnwarak5375]

May Alex rest in peace. Thank you for this powerful and impactful message.

[@SuperStokeed]

I broke my circle a year and a half ago. Forever thankful I had the strength to do so.

[@acer4237]

To anyone out there struggling, there are many in your circle that are hopeful that you’ll recover. best of luck.

[@erinegloff]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for providing this video.

[@tabea9691]

Im a teenage girl, 17, and currently falling into addiction, skippimn school, getting increasingly worse grades & generally not able to cope; With a school, loved once death, war, trauma, covid - life, essentially. I want help I want to get better But no one is there and no one listens, or no one listens enough. I almost called a suicide hotline a little while back because it was that bad, I was planning out my overdose & got out the paper for a last letter. I was that close too many times, But there simply is no help, No care, no support system. All there is is pressure. The light at the end of the tunnel seems to be a train, So here i am, Writing pathetjc youtube comments in an effort for someone to hear me. I can't do this.

[@samuelchambers5761]

Hi Tabea, I'm sorry to hear it. Know that you are not alone in this, I'm sure it may feel like it. You have people that care for you out there somewhere in the world and there are many of us together who feel and understand the pain. You may feel like it's pathetic to write a KZbin comment about this, but it is actually really strong of you. I may not know you or know your situation, but I hope and pray that you feel better and that you will know that even though it's really hard sometimes that you have purpose.

[@howaddictionhappens4260]

Tabea, our family appreciates all of the comments here. We rarely respond to individual posters, even though we wish each and everyone encouragement and send them love. A little distance from this subject, at times, has been important for us. That said, I wanted to respond directly to you. I know your pain. It's a very dark place. Suicide is not the answer. Your comments are not pathetic. Call the hotline. Find a local group or counselor. You are not alone. In how you feel, how you are thinking, and what you are going through. Our family hugs you. Me, my wife, our younger son, and Alex, from where he is. Sending you Peace and Love. Make the call. Connect.

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

I'm 18 and I have autism I stayed back once and I skip alot of school because I'm going insane I rage alot I have a bad caffeine addiction too on top of that.

[@Mikimouse1011]

Hi Tabea, I am sending you a hug. You have so much life left infront of you, it is hard to see that when you feel this way. Does your school have a counsellor you could talk to some of these feelings about? The best thing you can do is tell someone you trust and find the support you need. Life is tough as a teenager, especically during all the disruptions of Covid. You just need a bit of help adjusting to things you are facing and ways to manage what you feel, and you will feel better with your parents or counsellor knowing so you don’t have to face this alone. You are loved and valued, your life is precious and you deserve to live a long life. In moments when you feel alone, ask God to help you. He has always helped me when I have faced those dark moments of feeling unloved and like I don’t belong. Have courage and speak to someone. You are loved x

[@tabea9691]

@@Wheresthepepsibismol i think i might be autistic too, have had a hunch for months & all tests seem to agree with it, so maybe we relate to some things? got some social media and care for a convo? :)

[@zer0her048]

I feel like it needs to be stressed, that addiction does not automatically equal drugs. My childhood got me addicted to video games and this video still applies. Don't just assume that anything other than drugs can be easily put off.

[@beaclother8685]

I was addicted to drugs and alcohol before I found AA. This video made me cry. I am so sorry for your loss.

[@timeriver2008]

Thank you for your whole family including Alex. Your effort will help many, many youth and families ! My God protect and keep you !

[@caseralord7533]

Oh god the ending! Thank you for taking your sons passing and using it to prevent it from happening to others! This really helped me too thank you

[@TrevorTheHyena]

I wanted to thank you for procuring this video experience. I've struggled with alcoholism for over a half decade now but lately I've been moving in a healthier direction as of late, as a streamer building his own community online I pride myself heavily on spreading Mental Health awareness and doing what I can to positively impact those who care enough to hear what I have to say about it based on my own experiences; may Alex rest in peace and may his story have a profound - hopefully even life changing impact - on all those who may learn about it moving forwards. Thank you again. 💚

[@jameslancefield9810]

This video just explained my childhood and life in general, pretty much exactly. Except instead of using drugs to cope as a teenager, I also used them to be more confident. I would say the alcohol makes me into the person I want to be. When, in fact, you are seen by everyone else has a drunk idiot, but you don't see it in yourself until you have the cringe inducing flashbacks that keep you up at night.

[@marieschrag3918]

as a teen who just tried drinking for the first time yesterday, this made me cry. im so scared im gonna fall victim to addiction. thank you for this.

[@adamjonesdrummer]

Don’t go down that road..very painful. Not worth it

[@inumaru4583]

If you're so scared that you might become addicted, you can always just stop while you're still in control. No social acceptance is worth potentially ruining your life.

[@AndroidX1X]

addiction only happens when you want it to happen you can drink everyday and not be addicted it's when you choose to be addicted you're truly addicted.

[@Spexamini]

@@AndroidX1X lmao child gaslighting

[@AndroidX1X]

@@Spexamini hihihihi ;)

[@FanAnimeXXX]

So sorry to learn about the loss of your son. This video was very helpful, as I too am struggling with addiction. I grew up with an alcoholic/physically abuse father, and without going too into things, simultaneously found myself very isolated as a child/teen. Don’t get me wrong, I had many friends throughout the years; but the thing is, none of them had actually felt “safe.” By safe I mean somebody I felt I could talk to about any and all things that troubled me most. This isn’t to say I had bad friends or anything, just that there wasn’t a single person I could open up to regarding the most problematic elements of my life; because the risks of my confidence being broken far exceeded the benefits of transparency. In fact, I didn’t have a friend I believed I could be 100% open and honest with until I was 19 years old. Now i’m 28 and for the past 6 years have been struggling with a Meth addiction that resulted in the aftermath of some highly traumatic events I experienced while being homeless. Ive had a general understanding of what led me to this point, but your video provided some added insight I didn’t previously have. So thank you. For the longest time meth had been the only thing keeping me okay when I wanted nothing but to end it all. Just that alone continuously keeps me in turmoil over my feelings about it/how I intend to deal with it. I’m not sure how things will turn out for me going forward; but I do hope to one day find something else.. something better to live for.

[@clivec10]

Sorry for Alex, thanks for being so brave and helping others in Alex’s memory ❤❤

[@TriflingToad]

Crazy that the #1 factor of why kids use drugs is School stressing them, and yet the kids get blamed 90% of the time.

[@felixoupopote]

My parents didn't want to hear if I needed help. They saw it as whining about THEM, even on the unusual occasion when it wasn't a them problem.

[@swastikpravit4090]

Hey, sorry to hear that. I guess you're in a situation where you need to maybe give them sometime to get their thoughts together. They're probably going through something and I'm sorry about you as well. I've been through the same as a teenage at some point but my parents came through and understood later. Everything will be fine, stay positive!

[@LuhRen]

I'm watching this while at work and I'm tearing up. I just recently broke my weed addiction 3 months ago after 10 years of chronic use. 3 years free of sex addiction,, and I just realized I have a sugar /food addiction. I've been having reoccurring dreams of being chased and running away. I prayed to god for him to show me why I keep having the same dreams because I realized I have unresolved issues.. I realized after watching this my addictions come from poor coping skills and a lack of emotional support/wanting to fit in/ wanting love. I still struggle every day not to go back to drugs and sex, especially now, that I'm isolated and just looking for a strong support system. I don't know how to cope with my intense feelings and I'd rather just run away or act like I don't feel what I feel. . . I have to check in with myself and think hard and long about what I've been hiding from and avoiding so I can be truely healthy. Thank you for this video and I'm sorry for the loss of your son. 🙏

[@CommonPainW]

Keep going I hope you will get a better life this is an underrated comment

[@eltonsstuff]

This misses the most important factor. Teens are growing up watching influencers and e-celebs live extremely comfy lives, even though those influencers have no skills of their own (Unless you want to count manipulating young minds as a skill). This leads the children to foster a false sense of reality. And when their lives turn out to be inevitably harder than what they see. They fall into depression and drugs.

[@Yasmintjuhhh]

As a 16 yo who has been doing drugs for 2 years now its rlly special to see vids like these idk why but sometimes i just forget its an addiction and it feels like its normal.. vids like these help me remember that its not so normal

[@brinstonpharoah1878]

I just wanna say thanks for this video. I actually played this for my students in class. Really inspirational stuff.

[@andromeda2229]

as someone who struggled with caffeine and nic from the ripe age of 10, this really helped and made me tear up. thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@silver2290]

caffeine 💀

[@wellthen4128]

Bro said caffeine, I understand nic, but coffee and monster😂😂

[@GoGicz]

@@wellthen4128 caffeine is literally a drug and is addictive, this clearly shows how some drugs are accepted even tho they are hamful.

[@leoalper4530]

people look down on addicts as low lifes and people wasting away their lives but these are simply people who are sick and battling an disease, that's what addiction is...

[@xirofinn]

after reading the description just wow.. must be the most painful thing that could possibly happen to a Parent, i wish everybody who is going through a tough phase in Life the best, and stay Strong. Youre not alone.

[@robynboyd3168]

Sending love to every person struggling, addiction is so hard 😔 you are so strong and still a person underneath it all. You can do this 💕

[@marylynnheath1944]

Thank you! What an insightful, beautiful and valuable way to remember your son. This is very helpful and I'm thankful for your selflessness. Truly! The Heath Family in Oklahoma

[@pamelarosalita2902]

I'm so sorry for your son, Alex. My heart breaks for you. This is an excellent video! Alex really is helping others! Yes you are right just spending time daily and listening to your kids will help them navigate these difficult school years. Sports / instruments and hobbies are also very important. Kids just want to be a part of something with other peers. As addicts, that age old rule seriously applies: (Get your mind off yourself and onto others. By helping others, we help ourselves.) Kids and adults are not well after the pandemic lock down and all the latest junk being taught in the schools that is adding to the confusion. I wish all of you the best. I know its difficult, I was near death numerous times, now its been since 2009 sober. All of you who are clean, need to be involved, and all who are still working on their testimony need to be on purpose moving forward. Don't let withdrawal scare you. Kick its ass! It will empower you. After that you can have a 1,000 lb Bear chasing you and you'll be thinking "Give me something difficult, I beat withdrawal!" God will use everything you go through, You know there is something wrong, when during a pandemic, liquor stores are open, but AA & Church are shut-down. Know your enemy. Bless you all.

[@anthonyaird]

Great animation. thank you! I'm sorry you lost your son to drugs. That must have been very sad.

[@SukioncarX]

i started vaping at 13 because of attention lack and addiction runs in my family.

[@lindzeydeleon7941]

Same and lost both my parents at a young age being the only one to take care of them and watch them die

[@Fontae2hunnid]

@@lindzeydeleon7941I’m sorry lindzey

[@michelebliss5431]

I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. Thank you for creating this video. I will share it with others and help spread the word of hope.

[@brandiguel7209]

Thank you for creating this video. I found it when looking for something to share with my 13 year old daughter. No telling how many lives it has saved. God bless you.

[@OneTwoFive0]

I’m trying to stay away from drugs at the moment, I feel neglected and useless in life and I keep getting fired from jobs because of my untreated ADHD, I’m trying to do myself a favour by not getting close to drugs because hopefully my life will turn around!

[@markheckerman8138]

Never once as a young child did I think I would put a needle into my arm, a loaded syringe full of heroin & cocaine. That's something you only see in those hardcore drug movies & it rarely happens to people, right? Plus, why would someone knowingly put a potentially deadly substance into their veins? I said these words to myself as a young adolescent before I had my first sip of liquor or the first hit off a joint given to me by my older brother, which eradicated my debilitating depression & anxiety almost instantly. Thinking I had found a miraculous cure, I continued chasing that high for many years with many different drugs. Eventually, I was introduced to snorting opioid prescription pain medication, then smoking it off of foil. Years go on & you switch to heroin because it's cheaper & the high is better. Then, a using buddy pulls out a clean syringe & teaches you how to shoot up. Game over after that as all my money went towards it, then I almost lost my family because I lied, stole & manipulated. Overdosed multiple times, psychiatric ward stays because of stimulant induced psychosis & alcohol withdrawals, hospital admissions, because of almost losing my left hand when I missed a shot of dope, causing a severe staph infection. I've lost good friends from overdoses too. Also not living up to my full potential, all for a high that inevitably fades away. I have much unprocessed trauma I need to heal.

[@thomas.thomas]

maybe the book atomic habits can give you some ideas to build some healthy habits, or at least explain how bad ones work

[@jefrito7170]

Am I the only one wondering why this channel is so professionally made, has a business email and translations- but it all revolves around ONE VIDEO!? The video was very similar to something of TED-Ed's content, it was very well made and animated, but that's it, one video. I find it quite odd. I thought there were going to be many people talking about this as well on the comments.

[@almasbestembek]

I love how the second reason for addiction is literally skill issue

[@deadlypickle6748]

as a former 15 year old mdma addict i quit a month ago shit was hard. mistake doing it for 9 years.

[@n4ttyyy]

Im 19 and addicted to weed. I guess its not as bad as being addicted to alcohol or coke or something, but its a struggle. I get high as soon as i wake up and im high all day long. I cant cope with the pain inside me, I cant even bear to think about anything traumatic that happened to me. I tense up inside and start to cry and feel afraid. I just cant. So i just get high to suffocate all these thoughts in my head. I dont know how much longer I want to live

[@rileyg720]

Im 19 too and i quit weed nicotene is my issue now

[@Brex806]

In memory of the many taken by addiction.

[@olivertankenginepreston3291]

This video was truly moving. I didnt understand the complete path to this long spiral and its really has helped. It might not mean alot but it has helped me understand more this issue others have, and ways in the future i can recognise myself if i ever start going down this spiral. I am truly sorry for your son. I would never ever ever want my friends and family to expierience that on my behalf.

[@chadnoobchess]

This is truly an Art, A Great decision, A responsibility, I loved the concept, the art, the animation and the care i felt. Guys, let's pray for Alex and his beautiful Family.

[@yuki-rl3fg]

Thank you for this video and thank you so much for making Japanese subtitle! I will share this with my family and friends. I felt so much love to your son from your video. I think Alex is really helping so much people.

[@lukahmad5683]

Keep spreading the message and share it to everyone, there is a lot of people who still got the chance to change!

[@kiddketathereal]

this was more touching than i expected everyone goes to dark places in their life one ore two times but most things aren‘t permanent and i‘ve seen multiple people beat addiction i would‘ve never thought they even could. you can too. take care everyone.

[@jimharvey5373]

Sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this video. It helps me to open a discussion about addiction with my sons. We were all touched at the end of it. Sometimes life make us to experience challenging moments but how you deal with that pain is what it counts. Well done for helping others.

[@howaddictionhappens4260]

There is hope. The keys are to connect and get perspective. Connect with a counselor and/or group, whether that group be part of the counselor's practice and/or a 12-step addiction group (e.g., NA, AA). Check online for the regular meeting list in your area. Once you are connected with the counselor and/or the group, you will gain perspective. You are not alone, in how you feel, how you think, and how you act. In the pain that you feel. Perspective will help you understand why you do what you do. And how to positively break the pattern. To forgive yourself and others. To live your life. To be happy. We read all comments. Our hearts are with each of those who are suffering and have suffered. And with each of those who are helping others. Sending each of you hugs. Peace and Love.

[@powerbeast5691]

This is a great approach. Most anti drug training focuses on demonizing the addict. To reach the addict, you need to show you understand where they are coming form. I lost my ex girlfriend in the swamp of narcotic addition.

[@erikluzparada9964]

To all of those struggling, I pray for you and hope you can find your way to yourself again, this World can feel abusive, but there is always something you can hold on to, you are not alone.

[@scottash351]

Really beautiful! I'm looking forward to watching this with my niece and nephew. Both their parents were drug addicts.

[@sanam14]

True description of a teenager addition.. ❤️

[@7oloa8anii12]

It’s just pains me seeing someone close is going down that road even tho it’s no there fault it’s just heartbreaking

[@jettonbaba2030]

As a 17 year old whos been smoking weed for 4 months almost everyday i wanted to say thank you for helping me think more clearly. My friends have lately been telling me that im smoking too often and that i should stop but i always shut them off because i thought its not that serious. I smoke weed because i just like the euphoria, not to necessary escape my problems. Or so i thought. Through this video i realised how fucked up my life actually is and started crying, i checked every box you said about the reasons as to why i might be addicted and its actually true. I always say i feel disconnected from everyone when im high and i love that feeling. I guess thats the pause i crave from the endless stress i have going on, my coping. Thank you

[@howaddictionhappens4260]

Our family infrequently comments because it brings back some difficult memories. Two weeks before he passed, Alex said to us, "Maybe I can help others." We send our hugs to you.

[@Spidy52761]

I’m sorry for your loss. I am an addictions counselor and I would like to point out that when you stated the reasons teenagers start addictions one of them is addictions already happening in the family. For that case, when you propose early intervention from parents as prevention it just would not work. We come to this world preconditioned already and we mirror existing behaviors at home. I do not have the answer because - as you stated - each case is unique, but I keep myself educating on the subject. Thanks.

[@blackqweenmars]

I’m 16 with no addictions. I have tried small amounts of alcohol, but never got addicted to it, I’ve never smoked, been in a romantic or sexual relationship, done illegal drugs, had depression, etc. I somehow stumbled across this video though, and decided to watch it. Looking for these comments and see if there’s people my age addicted to a bunch of illegal drugs and dealing with serious mental health problems is crazy especially when it’s due to school. Like school can be hard and all but I’ve never thought about picking up a bottle or smoking weed or harming myself just because a test is hard or something. Were addicted, including my great uncle, with a straw thin temper and my step grandpa. Both of those people quickly could become violent for no reason. My uncle was crazy and borderline abusive at some points, but I still loved him. I have a video of him throwing a shoe at me and cursing me out simply for walking downstairs and it still cracks me up.😂 It’s sad that there’s so many people who can’t find better coping mechanisms, so they turn to harmful things. There is help out there for everyone and no matter how minor or stupid it might seem if it’s a problem to you it should be treated. You can do it! Many people have become clean and there are way better coping mechanisms out there. Treat your body like how you would treat the body of someone you love. Turn your pain and suffering into art not into something that makes your friends and family worried for you and is illegal and harmful to your body.

[@xxkush420]

I can only pray for you in your naivety.

[@imaperson5118]

A lot of people have attachments to bad coping mechanisms since childhood so as you get older they progress and you barely realize it

[@user-hb8zb7hr6e]

​@@xxkush420You can get out of whatever is ruining your life. I love you. So does Jesus. I suggest you turn to the Bible.

[@laurisawitch0707]

My dad is a polyaddict and so wss my mom. They both had very severe mental illness and traumatic history. I got on stimulant medication for adhd and ketamine TREATMENT under a doctors care and have quit marijuana and even caffeine when i was 18 i was abusing otc meds due to undertreated mental health issues. Break the cycle, show compassion. We talk so much about not enabling addicts but the truth is they can't get better if they have nothing to get better for. So support people struggling.

[@bettsy949]

In memory of alex, that melted my heart...

[@acegang4979]

I wish this didn’t only say teen’s

[@nitakate10]

I'm done with the amount of suicides daily in Australia . I'm soooo sad

[@CH3RRY_B0M8]

I’m 12, a lot of kids my age are vaping or doing drugs… Even kids younger than me… I’ve never had any drugs, yet. But I have a phone addiction, eating addiction, gaming addiction, anything to try and stop me from thinking about the world is ending, all my family close to me are dying. The world is ending… I’m sure I need help…

[@karenbaird7402]

Someone’s mom put this out so listen Most compassionate video so far Thank you

[@Find-the-Devil]

This is completely supported by the researches related to environmental role of using drugs. I think we face the same thing with behavioral addiction like using social media and video games too. I think we should pay more attention how we teach different coping mechanism to our young generation. This is a very important topic that we should talk about it more. Thank you for putting the effort to make this video. My Condolences.

[@Idontknow-to7yr]

Thank you guys so much for this beautiful meaningful video. I've learned a lot even thought I am not addicted to heroine. Sending you love from Algeria ❤️🇩🇿

[@gingersnapz4205]

addiction runs long in my entire family. i have no experience with hard drugs but i get addicted and dependent on less severe drugs the same way. my horrible and traumatic upbringing could be tied to my addictions. i almost got addicted to alcohol in middle school and i once overdosed on delta 8 gummies and ended up in the er. at the same time i had an awful nicotine addiction that was destroying my mental and physical health. ive been nic free for almost a year now thanks to my boyfriend. he understands me in a way no therapist or councelor ive ever met has. this video made me cry because it made me recount my life experiences, the awful past i had and the beautiful present i have now. it made me remember that i was in that position too. it made me remember that people actually care about me. i feel like my life has just begun. your love will come soon whether its a person, animal, or even an object, you will find peace someday, i know you will. i believe in you. -love, a highschool senior

[@goober_985]

this family made one banger video, made a ton of translations of it, and then stopped, honestly an amazing use of this platform especially with the video topic

[@Jinxorlopp]

Thanks Nancy Orlopp for sharing this, it was very insightful.