Summary

The website content recounts the personal tragedy of a mother who lost her son to a Fentanyl-tainted Heroin overdose amidst an opioid epidemic, reflecting on the struggles of addiction and the profound impact of such a loss.

Abstract

The article titled "Addiction: Predator & Prey" draws a poignant parallel between the natural struggle of an eagle and a salmon and the human battle with addiction. It tells the heart-wrenching story of a 39-year-old man who succumbed to his heroin addiction, despite his and his mother's efforts, including rehabilitation, Narcotics Anonymous, and safe injection sites. The narrative underscores the devastating consequences of contaminated drugs, particularly Fentanyl, and the grief that engulfs the loved ones left behind. The mother's words convey the depth of her sorrow and the relentless nature of addiction, which is likened to a war that claims the lives of many, leaving indelible scars on those who mourn.

Opinions

The author suggests that the war on addiction involves repeated battles and relapses, emphasizing the chronic nature of the disease.
The article conveys a strong opinion that safe injection sites are crucial in preventing overdose deaths by recognizing and treating contaminated drug use.
The mother's perspective highlights the unending grief and the societal misconception that time heals all wounds, stressing that the loss of a child to addiction is a lifelong heartache.
The piece reflects on the idea that addiction can make a person both a predator and prey, illustrating the duality of the struggle and the potential for anyone to become ensnared by substance abuse.
The author implicitly advocates for carrying Naloxone, indicating its importance as an antidote in saving lives during an overdose emergency.

Addiction: Predator & Prey

When an eagle seizes a salmon too heavy to carry yet its talons cannot release it they both plummet. The predator becomes prey of the sea.

Author’s photo of Bald Eagle Skull found on Pacific Coastal shore

Used with permission; photo of Bald Eagle taken by a bereft mother, Pacific Coast.

My dearest friend lost her 39 yr old son in this epidemic of poisonings with the contaminant Fentanyl. He was addicted to Heroin; with compulsions, lack of control, negative consequences, tolerance leading to higher dosing and avoidance of brutal withdrawal symptoms. He often made use of rehab; recovering for years at a time, Narcotics Anonymous, clean needles and longer acting narcotics. Tragically he was not using pure medical Heroin, or using his own supply at a safe injection site the day he relapsed. At supervised sites the use of drugs that are contaminated resulting in overdoses are recognized and treated. I carry the antidote Nalaxone wherever I go as do many friends of those in the grip of addiction.

Author’s photo Rodin Museum Garden, Paris

In his mother’s words;

“A tormented path to destruction….. the horrendous loss and grief hits hard, crashing in from no where and sinking like a boulder.”

Used with permission; Mother’s photo of her son swimming in a Pacific Ocean Bay

How Does A Mother (used with mother’s permission)

How does a mother lose her child

A tragedy too harsh to take in

How does a mother lose her child

She can not explain what’s within.

Her heart so shattered….unfathomable loss

No matter the year or the day

No matter the reason, no matter the way

Unfathomable loss will stay

Reminders to breathe are needed most days

Her tears fall in private….alone

So often the mention of any one thing

Can take her to ‘grieving’ unknown

For yearning and longing and mourning will be

Her constant companions at hand

When many tell her ….”It’s time to move on”

That’s not possible….they can’t understand

If lost to addiction….a war has been fought

Through years of suffering and pain

Pain indescribable….for often her child

Was lost over and over again

Her love never faltered….though only a thread

Her heart kept a spark burning still

How could this happen to….”her beautiful child”

Till the end….it never seemed real.

Close to her heart special memories stay

The ones that….only she knows

So precious her child….an immeasurable gift

Kept tucked away deep in her soul.

This journey of loss….tooo harsh to describe

She’ll carry forever so near

For her beautiful child that….she loved more than life

She will surely shed oceans of tears

Christopher Dec 1, 1977- Nov 13, 2016

My dearly loved first born son fought valiantly against the disease of addiction for almost 26 years before losing his life to fentanyl tainted heroin in the opioid fentanyl crisis.