The public health crisis of addiction and overdoses continue to rise. Fentanyl poisoning now ranks No.1 on the biggest list of killers of 18-45 yr. olds in the United States, for the last three years by a wide margin. Destigmatizing mental illness and addiction is crucial to empower those suffering to reach out for help. Many people do not understand and also fail to educate themselves on the importance of mental health and due to stereotypes and misrepresentations, some people do not understand that addiction is a disease and believe that people may even choose addiction. Much of the stigma comes not only from friends, family, the public, and the judicial system, but many believe that it is a moral character flaw and fail to see people struggling with addiction through the lens of integrity of individuals as whole human beings.

In this episode I have a conversation with my next-door neighbors Eileen and Barry Cook whose daughter Catie died recently at the age of 31 of fentanyl poisoning after struggling with addiction for over 15 years. We talk about their journey as a family and a couple in navigating the rough waters of emotion and how they had different ways of coping and addressing their daughter's addiction and ultimately the respect and compassion that grew in their hearts.

"Your journey is your journey and it's okay to feel your feelings"

- Eileen Cook

Related Podcasts:

Addiction and Their Effects on Relationships

Resources:

Lost Voices of Fentanyl

Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Group

Parents for Safer Children

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Theme music "These Streets" provided by Adi the Monk

"Transition music "Dream of a Butterfly" by Frozen Silence