We see it every day in the news or even on Facebook, that another life was taken due to a drug overdose. It’s heartbreaking and an epidemic seen all across the world. Pain medicine is one of the easiest drugs to get, therefore it’s the most likely to be abused.
Here’s an open letter to opioid pain medication, to show how it isn't just a pill.
Dear opioid pain medication,
You started as a name written by a doctor on a white pad of paper. You were soon filled at a pharmacy and that’s when you were given life and became my worst enemy.
You did not care about our race, income, or religion.
You were happy to be a part of a family that you soon planned to destroy.
You became a part of my family and soon became the unwanted family member that I wish would leave and never come back!
You turned someone I loved, into someone who was evil, lying and hurtful.
You took a hold of my family and controlled us. Lying became something more common than the truth. The person I once knew, became a total stranger because of you. Because of you, I was losing my family member right before my eyes and there wasn't much I could do.
You took someone with a loving, caring personality and turned them into someone who enjoyed calling me evil names and hated me.
They did not die. Thankfully, God spared them and my family from a devastating loss. But a part of them left forever. They became more absent at family functions and even in my life. Years went by that they missed milestones, like high school graduation and important things like college tours. Those were moments that can never be relived.
Somehow, pills became more important than family.
Pills have a best friend that sometimes tags along, that friend is alcohol. When they are together they make for even more trouble and hurt.
While my family member was addicted to pain medication, our whole family became addicted too. We were all under the evil spell of drug addiction.
One little pill spun my entire family into a cycle of hate, anger, and lies. You turned a normal, loving family into a family of lies, and addiction.
But, you did not win.
You started as a name on a piece of paper and quickly became my worst enemy.
My family and I were given a second chance, and you can have a second chance too.
My biggest piece of advice is to seek help. We all think we are invincible and bad things can't happen to us, or our families. But, it can.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of drug or alcohol addiction, here is a National hotline number and site that is here to help 24/7.
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
