Everyone who has been under the influence of opioid drugs has their own story to tell. Originally launched in 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Rx Awareness Campaign” uses ads and messages to share the stories of people who have been addicted to prescription opioids. By learning all about these stories of opioid addiction, you will understand how important it is to share your story and you are not alone.
Britton’s Story
Britton is a United States veteran who, at 19 years old, began taking opioids prescribed by his doctor. The prescription was intended to help Britton, who had sustained a severe shoulder injury while serving in the Army. Unfortunately, he became addicted when he was 22. Britton was surrounded by many people who abused drugs, such as his wife and other fellow veterans. During the 11 years he struggled with opioids, Britton separated from his wife — who ended up passing away from drug use complications — and lost custody of his kids.
In 2018, Britton was arrested, jailed, and referred to the Veterans Treatment Center, which provides an alternative to incarceration. This structured therapy program helped him get his life back on track and enabled him to stay in recovery. Britton is now re-married, raising his children, and is goal-oriented. He hopes that his story can prove that addiction can happen to anyone and that there is “light at the end of the tunnel.”
Tele’s Story
Tele was a popular teenager in high school who played sports and got good grades. Tele also misused opioids in high school with his friends. Unfortunately, Tele’s anxiety and depression had a bad effect on him, as he was struggling with his sexual identity. He began using heroin during his senior year. Tele hit rock bottom after getting into a car crash where he was arrested and jailed for illegal drug possession and being under the influence. Tele eventually went to treatment and has been sober for four years. He felt he got a lot of help from his family and friends during recovery and hopes that his story helps reduce the stigma of opioid addiction.
How to Stop Prescription Opioid Overdoses
It is important to be informed about prescription opioid overdoses so you can help people at risk in your community. Help them find the right care, as recovery is always possible. Never be afraid to share your story of addiction, either, because it can inspire others to seek treatment.
Sharing your story of addiction can be a beneficial tool in your recovery. The CDC’s Rx Awareness Campaign helped break the stigma of addiction by having those in recovery share their stories. One thing that a lot of these stories have in common was that it took hitting rock bottom for them to realize they needed help. However, you do not have to wait for it to get to that point, because Alta Loma is here for you. At Alta Loma’s transformative treatment facility, we encourage you to be confident about sharing your story and entering sobriety. We have a team of Master’s-certified addiction specialists you can talk to about constructing a plan that can best fit your needs. This plan may include individualized therapy, therapeutic recreational activities, life and coping skills education, 12-Step programs, and more. To learn more about these life-changing tools, please give us a call today at (866) 457-3843.
