Drug addiction is nothing to take lightly, but for people who have only seen the versions Hollywood puts out on television and in film, there can be some disconnect from what it is like in real life.
Jennifer Salfen-Tracy has been forced to learn firsthand how addiction wrecks the people we love – her son, Cody Bishop, is addicted to both heroin and meth.
The two pictures were taken 7 months apart.
Instead of burying her head in the sand or acting embarrassed about the disease that’s found her family, she’s sharing pictures and speaking out so that others understand the fire they’re playing with when it comes to serious drug use.
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Addiction is widespread in the United states, with 21 million Americans reporting some kind of addiction, and 2.1 million with opioid addiction.
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Between 1999-2017, 700,000 Americans died after overdosing on drugs or alcohol, 130 a day from opioids.
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Perhaps the most poignant part of Jennifer’s messages is the comfort she derives from knowing she’s not alone in her struggle – and neither is her son.
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Others jumped on her post to tell tales of how they overcame their own addiction, how their own loved ones came back to them, or just to express love and support.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and ready to get help, please contact the National Drug Helpline at 1-844-289-0879.
