How Addiction Happens

Our oldest son died of an accidental heroin/fentanyl overdose on his 22nd birthday, in December, 2015. Our family produced this video to help teens and their families avoid the painful path of addiction. Understand how addiction starts and how to prevent it. We welcome anyone sharing this video to help others.

[tasha]

As a teenager who is watching this video after coming home drunk from a party, this made me cry. I wish I could just solve my problems or get help but nobody seems to care.
Thank you for your message to this world, you’re doing great things

[sixkicksfightertricks]

"Act now. Don't assume they can self correct. They need a support system ."

My mom had all these problems mentioned in the video. I failed to help more and sooner. A little piece of me died with her.

Addiction is truly a hell within society. Take this video to heart if you or a loved one is struggling this way. Before it's too late .

[anaru]

Can we talk about how alcohol gets its own separate terminology when discussing drugs? It IS a drug, and is one of the most harmful and damaging substances out there. We never just say drugs, its always drugs & alcohol. So why does it get special treatment when we talk about drugs? Call it what it is.

[howaddictionhappens]

Thank you for your comments and well-wishes. For all of you, including those who are familiar with addiction, our family wishes you peace, love, and joy. The month before Alex passed he said to me (his father), "Maybe I can help others". He is.

[babyjay]

I’m 17and a recovering fentanyl/cocaine/meth addict and this jus made me sad ngl much love to anyone still struggling🙏🏻

[EveningTV]

I also lost my eldest son, Noah, at age 20 in 2016. We had all (myself and two sons) been through a lot of trauma and it was no mystery why he started using. I did everything I could think of to help, but It is amazing how little real help is available, as most of the treatment he participated in only made things worse. I think it is wonderful that you made this video and put it out there for those searching for information.

[BazingifyIt]

RIP, Alex. That made me cry. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the beautiful, informative, empathetic view you bring to this video. There are too many videos that make people with addictions out to be bad people, and they're not. They're sick.

[bluebassboy]

I started using when I was 15 and now I'm 35 years old with 4 years sober. Using drugs to cope was all I knew how as a teenager. It took a decade to learn how to stay sober. Rehabs and jail. I knew I would die if I didn't learn how. I use to think things would never change and that I was destined to be that way. It's not true, there's a whole life waiting to be lived. I'm so thankful to God that he kept me alive all those years.

[GritToGrace]

This is SO so good. It is spot on and so helpful. Especially the part about it becoming sort of an autopilot way of coping without realizing it. It's sad when people shame addicts as a moral failure and in turn making it even worse. Thanks for producing this video!

[secret_salamanders]

im so sorry for your loss❤️, as a young adult who’s struggling with addiction this really pulled my heart strings. thank you

[PaulWagenaar-gwti]

I work in the Mental Health Sector and that was an intensely powerful video in five or six minutes you provided a tool that can be used to save so many young people. I watched it three times and shared it with some of our youth counselors. Thank you so much!!!!

[robdonell]

These videos are informative and helpful. As a thirteen year old (I’d never wish it on anyone), getting high was a way to cope with feelings of low self esteem, thinking I was cool and wanting acceptance by peers.

[mage]

I love how this video says the first step is for parents to pay attention and listen rather than scolding teens for using. That to me is so much more powerful then what we are normally taught

[siriushexa]

Its a vicious cycle. 22 now, I have amazing parents. But compounded mental illness sort of forces you to be an addict. I was 5 when the doctor first put me on ritalin. Currently hopelessly addicted to benzodiazepines after recovering from a cocaine addiction.

This video is super informative

[rhemapradhan]

I was just going through videos related to drugs and abuses, I bumped into this video and I'm so thankful for this video!

[ryderbeats]

I'm currently recovering from a serious weed addiction
What harmed me the most was beating myself up about being addicted, this ended up making my self image a lot worse and just sunk me deeper.

What helped me the most was appreciating my qualities and trying to make myself proud while sober, e.g. making music, getting school work done, going to the gym etc.


I still smoke weed, but only once every week or two, and I always make sure to smoke as a reward for doing good, rather than a pick-me-up while feeling bad.
Hope this helps

[FemBoy-ziok]

Im a 17 year old alcoholic. I drin BY MYSELF almost everyday ro deal with school stress and feeling like an odd one out in my family. I feel so pathetic every single day i wish i coould just restart my life. This really helps thank you😇

[ebbasimone]

One of my family members has an addiction.. I've been in a mild depression, when im happy i remember how much he hurt me and my mother and brother... with my therapist I was able to get better and with this video, i know what he went thru.. thank you

[narcant]

As someone in recovery from fentanyl, methamphetamine, and benzos, this portrayal is a great introduction to addiction for people who do not understand the disease. Nice job!

[christinesponsler]

Your family is in my prayers for losing Alex in 2015. I lost my little brother who was 26 to heroine in 2005, not the same, but I understand pain. I hope and pray that you continue making these videos to save people from addiction and help families understand that addiction is not simply a choice, it is a disease/disorder of the brain. Blessings and honor, Christine C Sponsler