In this episode...
During the events of the series' sophomore season's third episode, we are introduced to a less glamorous Justin Foley. Towards the end of the first season, Justin grabs over a thousand dollars from his mom's boyfriend and runs away. In the introduction of a new season, we are left to wonder: where is Justin?
It's revealed throughout the season's fourth episode, Justin has developed a heroin addiction. In this episode, we are diving into the reality of addiction and the power of intervention. We're joined by our resident movie critic, Dan Rockwood (who doubles as a former EMT), for this conversation.
DRUG CONVERSATION
Opioid use and overdose has been on the rise in recent years. According to drugabuse.gov (& several other sources):
- "Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them"
- "Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder."
- "About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids"
- "Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states."
- "The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017."
- "Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states"
BREAK ADDICTION
I'm writing and speaking from someone who has been through addiction and seen it first hand, these powers are real. The more you hold onto them, the worse they get. Please reach out. There is so much power in conversation and intervention.
Another great resource, we found for this episode, was this article from Narconon Drug Rehab. "Interventions can honestly be the difference between life and death for a drug addict or an alcoholic." (click here to read the rest) Intervening can mean the power of life and death for someone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out and get the help. Narconon also provides a hotline, you can call: 1-877-959-7715.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, depression, self-harm or addiction, please feel free to reach out, use any of our resources, call the suicide life line: 1-800-273-8255 or text 741-741.
Music by Logan McElroy and Shawn Davis. The Flash and Man of Steel are properties of WB/DC. The X- Files is property of Fox. 13 Reasons Why is property of Netflix. Resources provided in this episode: KE Vowles, ML McEntee, PS Julnes, T Frohe, JP Ney, PK Muhuri, JC Gfroerer, MC Davies, TJ Cicero, MS Ellis, HL Surratt, SP Kurtz, RG Carlson, RW Nahhas, SS Martins, R Daniulaityte, Vivolo-Kantor, AM, Seth, P, Gladden, RM, Jason Good & CDC. We do not own or claim any rights to these images or these stats. Art by Cute___Vampire