Addiction in the West Valley: A Local Family’s Perspective

A local West Valley family shared their deeply personal story of walking through their loved one’s struggle with addiction. Her name was Lorena, a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, friend—a person who was loved by many.

The reality of addiction is that it settles in with little warning, allowing many signs to be brushed off as something other than the monster that it is. For this family, and undoubtedly others, there were regrets, as well as countless sacrifices of time, money and energy spent desperately trying to fight for Lorena’s life.

For many, addiction hits close to home. For others, drug addiction is a foreign topic. One of the biggest misunderstandings about this issue, is the reason why people, like you and me, continue to use even when they’re losing everything around them.

People initiate use for a variety of reasons:

• Parents/Family used, even encouraged their use
• Peer Pressure
• It looked cool in the movies
• Fun/Boredom
• Stress, anxiety, etc.

They continue to use for the feel-good effects, the social factor, and then – just to feel normal. Addiction starts by convincing you one way or another that this substance is the answer to a better life, and suddenly you’re trapped in a vicious cycle of using more and more to either achieve the high you’re looking for, or at least be able to function like a normal human being.

For Lorena, there were signs of depression and a relationship with her boyfriend that proved to be a snare for her.

The signs and symptoms of drug use vary based on substance, and in Lorena’s heartbreaking story, she began using marijuana and later fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid.

Signs of Marijuana Use:

• Red eyes
• Lazy/Tired
• Extra hungry
• Paranoia/Anxiety
• Depression
• Impaired coordination/reaction time
• Hallucinations/Psychosis
• Suicidal thoughts

The developing brain is much more susceptible to becoming addicted to drugs. From SAMHSA on marijuana, “Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is addictive. Research shows that: 1-in-6 people who start using the drug before the age of 18 can become addicted. 1-in-10 adults who use the drug can become addicted.”

Signs of Fentanyl Use:

• Pinpoint Pupils
• Slow/Shallow breathing
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Trouble emptying the bladder
• Irritable/mood swings
• Flu-like symptoms from withdrawal

Fentanyl is sold on the street in counterfeit pills that look like prescription drugs—commonly, blue M 30 pills. Lorena’s stepmother did not find fentanyl, but she did find aluminum foil and a straw, which are used to smoke the pills. The DEA recently updated the lethal dose data, and stated that 1 in 4 pills now contain a deadly dose of fentanyl.

Whether mental health conditions were present before or after use, they contribute to the continued use. It is a truly vicious cycle once the monster of addiction settles in, as withdrawal symptoms beg to be tamed by more use. Fentanyl withdrawal, in particular, is so bad that people would rather end their life than live through it.

The stigma attached to addiction is understandable, but once the struggle is understood, we can have a much more compassionate approach toward the millions of everyday people who battle addiction, both them and their families.

Tips for Preventing Your Child from Using Drugs:

• Talk early and often about your expectations for them
• Set a positive example for your kids
• Be careful to communicate hope whenever hard topics come up
• Be intentional with your relationship, ask them how they are doing, let them know you’re listening, that you care
• Follow through on your word, show your kids that you mean what you say
• Encourage them to never take medicine from their friends, only from legitimate sources
• Set up a code word or emoji they can text you if ever in a sketchy situation, so they have an escape when under peer-pressure
• Encourage them to boldly and graciously stand up for what they believe in

Ultimately, your consistency is what matters—how you show up every day, what you allow and don’t. They may still choose to use drugs, but be encouraged—kids often don’t use drugs because they do not want to disappoint, or get in trouble with, mom and dad.

Visit our Resources page to learn more about today’s drugs.