Nicolas Getz once had a very specific image of what someone suffering from drug addiction looked like—a person panhandling on the street, wearing tattered clothing. But in his 20s, he learned firsthand that addiction doesn’t fit a single stereotype.

Substance use disorder affects 48.5 million Americans, or 17 percent of the population. Getz became part of that statistic, struggling with opioid addiction and grappling with the guilt of how it impacted his family, his future, and himself.

He recalls knowing, even in the depths of his addiction, that his actions were causing harm. But recovery was possible—with help. Now in recovery, Getz is sharing his story to break the stigma around addiction and offer hope to others facing similar struggles.

If you liked this episode, listen to A middle-class family man’s journey into homelessness and heroin next.

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Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz