What the Columbine Shooting taught me about pain and addiction | Austin Eubanks | TEDxMileHigh

"Less than an hour after scrambling out the back door of the Columbine High School library, I was lying in a hospital bed, medicated on a variety of substances intended to relieve my pain," recalls survivor Austin Eubanks. That was the beginning of a decade-long addiction that led to a profound realization about the current opioid epidemic: how we manage pain is both the problem and the solution.
An injured survivor of the Columbine shooting, Austin Eubanks' traumatic experience as a teen was the catalyst to his painful journey through addiction. Now in long-term recovery, he is a nationally recognized speaker on addiction recovery and the Chief Operations Officer of The Foundry Treatment Center, a 30-bed treatment program in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@mountzod]

The fact that this man died later from exactly what he was trying to get others to understand makes this speech that much more profound....Rest in peace Austin.

[@tyffen123]

What???

[@LandBark]

@@tyffen123 Opioid addiction thanks to the shooting, overdosed in 2019.

[@TJSPARKLE]

Did he go back to drugs and accidentally overdose or did he kill himself?

[@QwikMark]

@@TJSPARKLE He OD'd

[@TJSPARKLE]

@@QwikMark yeah I know that I mean was it accidentally or on purpose

[@Jenny247ful]

"Every time this happens we're becoming more and more desensitized." Sad but true

[@SophiaCaton]

Jenny247ful

[@MrRobot-rq6ko]

You should be desensitized, the world isn't a perfect place, wake up.

[@patricioiglesias5346]

It is the effect of technology. We have the access to the news of all the world, and in the news they show us mostly bad things. It is relatively new in history that we have this amount of information. People right now think that we are in a really bad society but it's much better than a few centuries ago were even in western society it was really common to kill because of religion, more wars happened non-stop (much worse than now). I don't find a point to be worrying about things if we aren't going to do anything about it, unless you plan on doing something.

[@lizmowrey9866]

Yes. It worries me

[@mikitz]

When enough many friends commit suicide and/or die from an overdose, the desensitizing effect is way more profound than watching ISIS executions online, for instance.

[@joyenchanted13]

Rest in peace Austin. You won’t be forgotten. Thank you for telling your story 😔💙

[@Djfmdotcom]

Such sad news :(

[@terminatorrc1]

Such a shame

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm3153]

Amen

[@Collected-Light]

R.I.P :(

[@milwaukee1486]

@@Collected-Light Bruh your username....

[@romanc.1097]

I heard him say that the night club shooting was the biggest mass shooting in U.S. history and this really confused me, but I then realized that the Las Vegas shooting happened long after this video was posted. It is really sad to think that the two biggest mass shootings in history happened in my short life time of 14 years, and both of which I remember watching the news report such a panicking event. It is so hard to think that as human, who share the same genetic code (to a certain point) could cause so much harm to those who are like us.

[@nicholasnoriega1205]

Even sadder to think I lived through that plus 9/11 & Columbine in my 24 years of life.

[@cosmokramer4703]

Dusky Dreamer psychotic drugs will do that to us

[@baghaei90]

Its not that sad I mean their hasn't been a major war on North American in over 150 years. To put things in perspective the majority of alive people in the world has dealt with war or is currently dealing with war. I am not saying be satisfied, but we are definitely living in relative peace.

[@LoydAvenheart]

Are you trying to get your self arrested over here Only One Life? Keep it on the down low my bro.

[@forreal245]

Lloyd Nix...I reported Only One Life. I suggest you always report threatening talk. Cruz, the shooter at Parkland wrote similar threats on the Internet before going on his shooting spree. Cheers.

[@theowilson8996]

Austin. Your speech was right after mine that day. You were the coolest cat. We both found success after this night, and I'm wishing your soul a safe passage to the other side. Much love my brother. Until we meet again.

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm3153]

You talked with him pal? Such a sad news DAMN

[@IdaAdele.]

Weird comment

[@rexosaurus_rex5582]

@@IdaAdele. how?

[@IdaAdele.]

@@rexosaurus_rex5582 ''You were the coolest cat'' what does that even mean

[@roobusmcscroobus]

@@IdaAdele. It's a figure of speech to call somebody a cool person.

[@ataglance200791]

"In order to heal it, you have to feel it" Those words are so true. This is a phenomenal speech.

[@barb7124]

It's a terrible thing to feel pain...

[@cockycookie1]

What if you can't handle it?

[@BriaBarrows]

Absolutely!

[@colleencrews9739]

He is with his best friend now. I hope they are at peace together.

[@jackselle4607]

I’m sadden to see that Austin passed away, he lived his life sharing the message that ultimately took his life. If that doesn’t get you then what will.

[@mariamaverick1066]

It just hurts so badly that this man who strove to transform his pain into something positive for others ended up still dying from it. I hope you’re at peace now Austin. Rest and thank you.

[@rippindrummer666]

The shooters at columbine are responsible for more than just the 13 deaths in the school

[@joshinaround9551]

I cannot imagine the physical and emotional pain of being a survivor of a mass shooting. Very brave to talk about this publicly and present such a great talk.

[@chriscunningham8807]

The pain of processing deeply buried extreme trauma is like torching your brain with an oxy-welder. Pain is a term that covers levels from discomfort to raw anguish.

[@em-st2kq]

he’s dead now 💔

[@kellynkarr]

Damn man. I watched this video last month and was so happy that he'd used his pain to heal and move forward. I just read the news today and felt crushed. Rest in peace man. Rest in peace.

[@phunkboxx]

I feel the same way. It's a suckerpunch. It's a constant tragedy that keeps spiraling down further and further

[@EmanoTM]

Im just watching the comments after the speech and WTF! I was about to look for him on social media, because I work in mental health care and wanted to follow him. This dude should be alive, but certainly this issue has became worse

[@rebeccawheelhouse8304]

I wasn’t born yet but my mom was a first responder to Columbine HighSchool and she has told me the story a hundred times My prayers go to you.

[@americavirgen5993]

Can you tell the story?

[@everythingviral972]

When he says that opioids are better at relieving emotional pain than physical pain, he is BANG ON. This is why I've struggled for years with opioid abuse. I use it for mental anguish, more than physical pain, though I still use it for physical pain (I have cluster headaches).

[@SoJustCool]

and now hes dead please dont die all my friends and bf are mostly dead

[@jaysonmuzuruk6604]

Should try gonstead chiropractic. I deal with alot of pain and emotional stress from childhood and now. Body cant handle it. Maybe theres a connection between nervous system strength and our overall health.

[@punkyagogo]

@@jaysonmuzuruk6604 There is. Believe it or not, our body registers physical and emotional pain as one and the same; it doesn't differentiate between the two. This is why people with depression also suffer from psychosomatic symptoms like headaches, chest pains and irregular heartbeak, nausea, etc.

[@iKazed]

Nah their physical pain relief is unrivaled. Yeah they're capable of being good for mental anguish too but they are the absolute strongest we've got for pain outside of straight up anesthetizing people so the pain doesn't matter.

[@outputformat]

please look into medical journals showing proper research on little doses of mushrooms and LSD. they somehow cure the pain of intesne cluster headaches. no not joking, studied in the biomedical field.

[@michaelstrahan2.0]

Rest in Peace, Austin. I know Corey was waiting there to help you transition to the other side.

[@michaelstrahan2.0]

@@RicardoReyes-jw5cb Quite possible.

[@slothyslothbear83]

Ricardo Reyes why is that funny?

[@leiasart4610]

@@RicardoReyes-jw5cb Very funny.

[@arthurdsouza10]

@@RicardoReyes-jw5cb He has to go Underground which is most likely not his next location so chill.

[@32123ABCBA]

@@RicardoReyes-jw5cb f off

[@maj1395]

6:16 "...my emotional pain was just as debilitating as laying in the hospital bed" I relate to that a lot. He isn't exaggerating

[@gracekelly2810]

those 2 bastards are still killing, even after more than 20+ years.... no one will ever convince me trauma doesn't kill

[@NJGuy1973]

Trauma lasts for four generations. Maybe even seven.

[@shanbear421]

EVERYONE in America, and around the world needs to watch this. Not just watch, but HEAR! So sad he (Austin) lost his battle he fought so hard to pass his knowledge on to others. Let this young mans death not be forgotten. Let his message continue to be heard! RIP Austin, thank you for everything!

[@johnjacobs6234]

Delef wishes he knew how to speak in public.

[@edwardpham9784]

Rest in peace, Austin. My sincere condolences are with his family and friends.

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm3153]

Amen pal

[@thetommoody]

Upon listening to this erudite, battle scarred, beautiful human being, it profoundly saddens me to discover that he never truly recovered from that fateful day...in 2019, twenty years following the misery that all subsequent school shootings are measured against, this man gave in once again, apparently, to his demons. And these were demons unquestionably brought on by being a 17 year old undergoing untold horror and never being adequately treated for it. R.I.P. Austin Eubanks.

[@MorbidBabex]

Rest in peace buddy, give Corey the biggest hug

[@sismj6455]

It's sad that he passed away today being such a profound speaker. The world should remember him and the pain he went through because of addiction to opioids.

[@TattedIrishxxx]

And gun violence! That’s what started it!!

[@andthentherewas1507]

Rest now Angel.

[@joannsmith150]

You might want to change that to ANGEL...

[@andthentherewas1507]

@@joannsmith150 Sorry

[@justinwang4386]

RIP 5/18/19 Sorry to hear you lost your battle

[@metropromise5915]

How sad this thoughtful and intelligent young man has passed away. God bless him, his family and friends.

[@n.fer.2596]

People ask why I don’t drink. This. THIS is why. I am one of so many people that are no stranger to abuse. I’m already addicted to self harm and food, man. I’m already battling those addictions. Why add another one?? I’m choosing to value myself. Please. Really think about whether you are mentally fit to drink. It’s never too soon to decide.

[@Chapmangl7]

N. Fer. Ⓥ please don’t hurt yourself, but I’m glad you realize your addiction. Praying all goes well.

[@alienmissy4836]

@@sebastianplaum4667 because not drinking also means not drinking beer? I don't know the person who wrote this but for me, if I even just had one beer once when I feel happy and everything is okay, as soon as I become depressed again that beer might lead to more alcohol and higher % and maybe even drugs eventually. For me, the reason I never drink, not even just one cold beer, is that I have no idea if I would be able to stop once I started.. and by reading the comment above it seems like the person who wrote it feels the same or something similar. So I don't think siggesting a cold beer is a good idea. With that being said, I do agree that if someone selfharms they should try to find something else to do instead, but not something that they don't want to do because they're afraid of it becoming another addiction..

[@nameofthename]

this right here. i know full well i am too emotionally wounded and unstable to drink. i know what would happen if i did. i would become an alcoholic. alcohol is known to numb pain. and i know that nothing good will come from slowly killing myself just to numb the pain. i need to get better before i could ever drink. ive already had my addictions. more "harmless" ones tbh, but they are still addictions. i dont want anymore, especially not more dangerous ones.

[@embroc]

Addiction isnt a choice

[@n.fer.2596]

Emma Bockner very true. My point when I wrote this is that I didn’t trust myself not to get addicted to these substances if I ever tried them.

[@ef4253]

2:42 Rest in Piece Corey DePooter.

[@joyenchanted13]

EdieLouise they’re reunited now s

[@gewdferyew4844]

peace not piece

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm3153]

@@gewdferyew4844 Tru

[@jacktilghman9797]

And rest in peace Austin Eubanks...

[@jimskeuh]

hahahah piece, well he is in pieces now that's for sure

[@tiagov.mendes4422]

"In order to heal it, you have to feel it" this is a very important truth. Feel it and you will learn how to deal with it and become more humane.

[@evelina2363]

These Ted talks are often over hyped. This is highly underrated. Poignant and extremely relevant.

[@littlefishiesinthese]

Rest In Peace, Austen. You fought unbelievably hard 🙏🏻

[@ORISIA99]

Rest in peace, Austin. There is so much wisdom packed in these 15 minutes, it's up to people like me to pass the message now. You won't be forgotten.

[@dannij7081]

RIP Austin, you fought a good fight, you shared your story. You left a mark. Your legacy will make a difference.

[@freddiegrace3770]

RIP Austin. You helped so many and saved so many lives. You did not die in vain.

[@FindShindoHere]

Austin... You cared so much about this. You made it your lifes work on how best to address the issues associated with trauma. You were Bold enough to ask the big questions to those responsible for this addiction epidemic largely stemming from pharmaceutical medications and I applaude you for that... Your recent passing has left me with so many questions. It is my hope that your passing will not be in vain and that your efforts are continued by others to address the underlining issues and get Answers. I miss you bro. RIP

[@informitas0117]

"To heal it you have to feel it" and then there are those that don't feel anything at all anymore.

[@blueeyedmagic6544]

It's sad he's gone now . R.i.p. Austin Eubanks

[@codyhillson1612]

He died later from an overdose. I will never understand how someone with so much knowledge on his issues still couldn’t find a solution. That speaks volumes

[@gewdferyew4844]

Rest in peace Austin. He lived a short yet productive life.

[@jayne9080]

This is by far one of my favourite and most powerful Ted Talk I've ever seen! Thankyou

[@leorio7416]

same

[@humility1st]

Sadly he is no longer with us. May he rest in peace.

[@veroniquecorriveau4673]

I wanted to give you a standing ovation right from my living room when I watched your Ted Talk. Very well explained how pain measurement directly resulted in more medication prescription. "In order to heal it, you have to feel it". This phrase is now stuck with me forever. Thanks a lot for that powerfull message.

[@NT-or9wh]

RIP. Discovered this Ted speech a few weeks ago. Tragedy aside, he won at life and gave so much back. Sad to hear about his passing.

[@benjaminkotran6361]

Hey everybody! I am a Freshman at college who has just went deep into the bowls of the internet regarding Depression, Existentialism, Nihilism, and regarding the meaning or lack of meaning of life, found a comment section filled with people who were all at different phases of suicidal though, some where preaching hope, some wanted to die after years of struggle ,and some who seemed to have struggled for years actually WANTED some of those threatening to kill themselves to die, hope your all having a great day, life is worth living, I recently struggled with a mild form of depression myself, my main take away from my little quest is that people need to share their struggles, don't keep it inside, think about this, some people who I encountered heard someone speak openly about being suicidal and all the troubles and failing they experienced in their life, this made those people feel better, I know, I was one of them, being brave isn't going it alone, being brave is sharing the realist, most pathetic, and most true picture of your life you can, it is the very best way to deal with the pain. Enjoy life!

[@kimberlybass1824]

powerful, moving and so accurate in his assessment of what is wrong with us and how we got here. I became addicted to opioids after being on them for short time for back injury. Duration to addiction is alot shorter when you are prescribed oxycodone or oxycontin. I did not understand what was happening to me either until it was too late. I struggled for about 4 years and finally pushed my way through it. The hardest thing I have ever done in my life, Thank you sir for standing up to addiction - your presentation was fierce. Loved it.

[@generichuman2044]

Glad you managed to beat it and hope you're still doing well. I once injured my anterior cruciate ligament whilst playing football/soccer. I was given gas and air and on arrival at the hospital was offered ketamin and other powerful pain killers. After thinking about stories I'd heard like yours and realising that I had a history of depression that made me prone to addiction i turned them down. It was something I would later become very thankful for. The months I spent recovering lead to the worst depression I had experienced to that point. If I had been prescribed painkillers I know I would have turned to them for help. We really need to be careful about handing out these drugs like candy. Lives and families can be ruined forever.

[@ninamalia2514]

Thanks for sharing your stories. The opioid crisis sounds utterly horrible each time I hear Americans share their story. I'm curious about the prevalence in my own continent and country seeing that these trends inevitably catch up to Africa only with more catastrophic consequences.

[@justajournalist]

Rest In Peace, Austin. A brave, amazing man lost to the trauma of addiction. My heart is always with you. Fly high. Your legacy will live on 💛

[@NCLJNE17]

Rest in peace Austin, really hope your no longer in pain at all.

[@cowsonzambonis6]

Such a powerful message. He didn’t deserve this fight, but he fought bravely. RIP Austin

[@cadeneubanks1180]

That is my dad

[@kelvin3706]

Caden Eubanks Is he still hiding in Russia?

[@phatjesus57]

Kelvin what does Russia have to do with anything and why would you ask that?, I'm guessing you were a bully in school

[@phatjesus57]

Chloe Estavil guuuuuuurl behave. 😂😂

[@YourMomma3012]

You have an awesome dad.

[@romanmoralesqb1]

The Phat Jesus it’s just some sarcasm. He looks a little like Snowden.

[@jmbutler5]

rest in peace Austin ❤️

[@KNellyy]

I just heard the news.... I'm here again. RIP Austin

[@echatoff6555]

My heart breaks for your family and loved ones. You overcame so much trauma and pain to reach out to help others by giving this talk. Your amazing strength to do this helped others, i am sure. Be at peace you beautiful man. You are loved and will be remembered by those who are learning about you, as I do and am. You fought so hard, be at peace now.

[@robertalust5466]

He’s absolutely right But what do you do while you are doing this painful work? How do you maintain success and relationships and the logistics of life? I’ll tell you going back to work after leaving a therapist’s office is brutal That’s why it’s easy to avoid it…life just doesn’t give you the space to recover

[@Cerridwen7777]

I've seen this talk before, but watching it again breaks my heart. RIP Austin. You fought so, so hard. Rest now, and know that you helped others, just by sharing your story.

[@B-ch6uk]

So well-spoken. So sad. RIP Austin

[@KarmiFaye]

Watching this after the Florida hs shooting. Heartbreaking 😓

[@Sxvxnnxh99]

June 12 2016 I turned 17 😩 while I was celebrating a big age people lost there lives wow this hit hard💔💔💔

[@RyanHeinz]

I’ll never forget watching this soaked in tears... thank you for your knowledge Austin. 🙏😓

[@EYTPS]

This guy just died of doing an activity he's criticizing in this video... This is sad

[@nicolasjalon9063]

How did he die?

[@EYTPS]

overdose

[@mackenzie4615]

RIP Thank you for showing us what true strength looks like, Austin. You fought so hard, and I'm proud of you.

[@karenk2409]

Truth!!! I went through a self-medicating period in my life, which ended when I escaped the sadistic person in my life. I told my counselor that now, if I had a friend who was dipping into addiction, my question would be, what is causing you so much pain?

[@AdorableOracle]

RIP Austin. I hope you found peace and you’re hanging out with Corey.

[@kristaboring4130]

Wow. So incredibly relatable... This dude seems like he has an incredible amount of strength, wisdom and bravery based on everything he shared. Thank you so much for sharing and enduring... Rest easy, kind soul.

[@ladybugshyness2011]

RIP Austin. You will never be forgotten 😥😥

[@vickielawson3114]

I learned from other comments here that he died of an overdose so I researched it. That's really sad. I wish more research and studies were being done with psychedelics and empathogens to treat addiction, PTSD, depression and more. It seems like these additional tools for treatment might yield a huge breakthrough if the stigma of their history can be overcome.

[@brodybrady1696]

Rest In Peace my friend.. you saved my life’s without even knowing it❤️

[@jessicaarguera1140]

Rest In Peace. Thank you for your words and reminding us that addiction is a never ending battle.

[@coll4455]

I lost my brother March 7th, 2018 I needed to hear this. I watched him.stuggle with emotional pain our entire life. He was.4 years older than me the closest sibling in age. My best friend. I have wanted to say this to people who will listen but it’s like standing in a room screaming and no one looks up. People can be so harsh with out knowing. I often feel like I’m not allowed to mourn my brother the same way I would if he had been killed in a car accident. It's as if people believe he deserved this or wanted this. The stigma around our loss is unbearable sometimes. Side note I am so so sorry to his family and friends struggling to grieve.

[@user-od5ur4bf8o]

Just read this and had to say I relate. I lost my younger brother in what I think is the same way you did exactly one year before you (March 7th, 2017). I miss him so much it’s debilitating, and, yes, trying to communicate what it is like is seemingly impossible. I understand what you’re going through and hope you find peace.

[@pridden76]

Rest in peace Austin 💔

[@SoJustCool]

it kills me in all ways no one could understand that hes dead. I REMEMBER IT ALL!

[@victoriameyers1649]

Beautiful. We all need to hear this man. Compassionate medical care and not alienation. Face to face listening to emotional pain is the most generous human act.

[@joeybarrelwilde]

Emotional, & mental scars never heal. They linger, and haunt a person forever in the deepest recesses of their brain. Smells, sights, words, thoughts all bring back bad memories. In memory of Austin. When a kid is emotionally wounded, those wounds never heal. My grandmother was a social worker for battered, & abused woman thru the district attorneys office, she would often talk about the situations when she would visit.

[@pottytime1]

So heart breaking that we could not keep you here and help you with your demons. RIP you beautiful human.

[@jamesbehrje4279]

R.I.P. Austin!!! The trauma you endured and rose through saved many lives. The world owes you a bit of gratitude!!!

[@babyjay2932]

I’m have compassion for all the pain you’ve suffered, and idk if I have the right to say this but I’m glad you did. You’ve been able to help me understand myself, and others in a way I wouldn’t be able to otherwise. Thank you for your message.

[@kylemccarthy02]

Rip Austin. Hope you and Corey are up there together at peace now.

[@pubby4155]

R.I.P. Austin 🙏

[@mathhousegiant2055]

RIP Austin...God bless you...

[@lucianaprofiro]

How did he die?

[@leenahancock8056]

@@lucianaprofiro I'm just now seeing your comment but he died of an overdose in May last year :( R.I.P Austin Eubanks :(

[@lucianaprofiro]

@@leenahancock8056 That's so sad 😢 RIP

[@eazyaxcess]

RIP my friend. You made a big difference to many, and because of that, many are alive now. You live within these people and their love ones.

[@oliviariley6484]

My best friends boyfriend just died of accidental overdose at the age of 21. Watching this gave me hope that my friend and her friends, who bond over their drug experiences on a Saturday night, will be able to avoid using drugs and heal from this experience without becoming reliant on drugs forever. Now I have little hope because after being inspired from this video, I read the comments to see that he ended up dying from drugs in the end. Now I feel as though there is no escape, and I'm so scared for the future. My friend has had on and off depression since highschool, probably since her parents divorced, and that's without using drugs. They love drugs but have no idea drugs are taking away their ability to be happy by changing the serotonin release pathways in their brain to only come out with drug use. And that was before she woke up to her boyfriend blue and cold a few days ago. Now, I don't know. All I know is, if she starts drugs now after his death just to feel a release from the pain, there is every chance her life will be over in that very moment, and her own doomed path will be laid before her. Is there hope? She also stopped coming to me as a friend and telling me things for years now as she must think I will judge everything she does. Well, of course I am going to tell her how dangerous drugs are, and how I didn't think her boyfriend should control her every move and make her do everything for him. I've just wanted to protect her. So, the bridge is burnt for her to accept any of my help or guidance a long time ago. So, I don't know what to do now. I don't think anyone understands the danger of the environment she's in. I care so much, but she doesn't want my help at all. I just wish her friends would wake up and see they are enabling each others demise and mental health issues.

[@toxicchipmunk134]

I struggle with addiction and this gentle hit the nail on the head. I can relate with everything he has to say, RIP Austin Eubanks

[@_kimiadventures]

9/11 America I am an Aussie I watched the TV with no sleep for 3 days I literally become mentally deranged. It threw me into a mass depression. I am 44 today still to this day I no longer watch the news. I was so greatly effected by it that it could of killed me .. just a mum in Australia hooked on watching the news. I have not watched the news since then and I am SoooOoo much better for it.

[@stargraved]

rest in peace 💕

[@Jayis4Justice]

RIP Austin

[@1997pinkpanther]

R.I.P Austin Eubanks

[@TheLucyblades]

Thank you Austin. Rest in Peace. A sad loss to the world.

[@prize5ighter]

RIP Austin Eubanks Thanks for trying to make a change by sharing your story. Had known about the massacre since 2012, but just a few days back I got to know about your role, your existence on that fateful day's history. My best wishes go to each and every Columbine student and Littleton resident whose lives changed that day.

[@iamaworkinprogress5035]

RIP Austin you made a real difference in a lot of peoples lives This world has lost an amazing young man Prayers to your family and so many of your friends

[@MM-303]

Rest easy now Austin.... peace brother...

[@BeBeEcstatic]

I am absolutely heartbroken that you’re gone 💔

[@jimbo9313]

He’s speaking the truth. Lost 4 people I loved in the last year to drugs. Another was shot and killed over 600$. As some one who struggled with prescription opioids but never advanced I’d say my life was on pause for over 6 years. My 20’s are almost gone but in a much better place now.

[@mag5020]

Rooting for you ❤️

[@loritorres715]

I felt this I had an addiction throughout my 20s and lost many friends ... Glad you got better .. we do recover !

[@WiFiDown37811]

Something that tends to come to mind when I think about mass shootings is survivors guilt. While one may have fought tooth and nail to survive a horrific attack, they can come out with the knowledge that others weren't so fortunate. That your peers won't be able to see the sun rise again but you can. It's terrible. It's bad enough that you have to live with the fact that you were there to witness what happened. You witnessed your peers being mercilessly slaughtered like animals and you very well could've wound up like them. But you also have to live with guilt for coming out alive while others did not

[@newsing33]

I was pregnant with my daughter on 09/11/2001. I was at work, when on a TV, the news came on showing the twins towers having airplanes crashing through them. I was so scared, I thought World War III was happening! I ran outside and looked up at the sky, looking for planes! I began praying to God, "Please God, I just want to have my baby!" And I started crying for hours. I live in Texas, and for months after, I would terrified when I saw airplanes in the sky. Especially jets flying in groups! PTSD. I finally started feeling better, less afraid, and my beautiful baby was born. My only child. Then, school shootings started becoming more and more common, and when my daughter started school, I was worried for her life. By the time she got to high school, her school had several threats while she attended there. She graduated, and she's at least safe from that. Now, the Uvalde Elementary School shooting. I have cried every day since it happened. We need action, along side prayers, to change security of ALL schools! I don't care if schools look like Ft. Knox! As long as these children get to come home everyday to their families, and live a long life. God bless you all.

[@kiml8800]

Rest In Peace sir . Godspeed

[@melissastapleton1403]

Rest in peace Austin, your life has been such a powerful example and a source of inspiration to me, as a fellow addict in recovery. I'm so sorry that you succumbed to the addiction in the end but I think you're finally at peace now young man ❤️😔

[@theoregonlottery]

Rest in Peace Austin Eubanks :(

[@richardmarkszpigiel684]

Rest in peace, Austin.

[@0924court]

Fly high Austin! Rip

[@sharonwalker3594]

Rest in Peace, Austin. :(

[@jackieshelton1280]

Caden your dad is awesome.. i remember where i was the day this happened and all i could do was sit and hold my newborn daughter and cry.. now its almost normal to hear this stuff on the news.. its sad..

[@arvind01612840261]

RIP Austin.

[@paradoxinmotion]

you will not be forgotten Austin rest in peace

[@bethrozinek3158]

May you finally be pain free. RIP Austin.