The Drugs War
Sadly, the youngest of LaVonne’s three sons, Justin, passed away in November 2015 at the age of 32.
We do not want to hide Justin’s passing because we wish to expose the sorry pattern that is all too familiar in America today—medically prescribed opiate-based painkilling drugs leading to opiate addiction and ultimately to death by accidental overdose. Watch this video produced by the Minnesota Department of Human Services:
Over 38,000 people died of drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2010, greater than the deaths attributed to motor vehicle accidents, homicides and suicides put together. Overdose deaths from “opioids” (narcotic pills like Oxycontin, Percodan and Methadone as well as heroin) have become the fastest growing drug problem throughout the U.S., and not just in large urban settings. People addicted to prescription drugs are being driven to use heroin, which is readily available everywhere, even delivered to your door, and so very much cheaper than prescription drugs. Families of all backgrounds in America are having to contend with problem in epidemic proportions. We recommend Sam Quinones’ book, ‘Dreamland’. of course, the prescribed opioids route is not the only route. More familiar routes, such as teenagers experimenting with drugs or drugs being freely available at parties still apply, but the prescription route has multiplied the problems of addiction and surplus prescribed opioids are being passed around or resold. it is a growing nightmare that takes families by surprise.
Despite intense prayer and his family’s best efforts to help him, Justin passed away; but he knew Jesus, and is now in a far better situation in heaven. Pastor Eric is now in training from Refuge Ministries of Columbus, Ohio, to be a member of their Champions Network with a view to establishing and leading Christ-centred recovery groups. Watch this video by NBC 4 local news.
LaVonne tells her son’s story on YouTube with her mother’s heart, and, if you wish, you can access it by clicking here, Justin’s story.