#takeimmediateaction

Here's a quick follow up to something I discussed in July, as my downward spiral began here. Here's my cousin John. He died a year ago today of a heroin overdose, nine months before my brother would suffer the same fate this past July. He was only 36. Are you a parent of someone struggling with addiction? Are you a parent? Regardless of the answer, remember this: NEVER ignore the signs that your child may be struggling. Take no chances. Act IMMEDIATELY. This could've easily been avoided if the right action was taken years ago. But it's too late now, and with him goes a major link to my childhood. But it's not too late for you or your child if you act NOW. #unitedinstrength #addiction #ripjohn #drugs #takeimmediateaction #takeastand #dontbeanenabler #actnow #heroin #johndamore https://www.instagram.com/p/B32qullDkIX/?igshid=15490sfqcd4hy

I wasn't sure if I wanted to say anything but I think I should, as I have a message for you parents reading this. If you saw my previous post and couldn't figure out what I was hinting at, this is my brother, Christopher. He passed away last Tuesday at the age of 32 from an overdose, ending a long battle with addiction. The shock of burying my own brother just two days ago won't wear off for a while. But don't misunderstand, this didn't just start six years ago. It goes deeper than that believe it or not this absolutely could've been avoided. So here's my message to you if you're the parent of an addict or know someone struggling with addiction: TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. Stand your ground and never give an inch. NEVER GIVE THEM MONEY NO MATTER WHAT THEY TELL YOU IT'S FOR. Never give second or third chances. If they steal go ahead and press charges to prove that you won't stand for it. If you happen to live near the source of the problem don't let them come home. Insist they move far away for their own safety let alone yours - "Don't come to us, we'll come to you!". You sadly cannot force anyone with an addiction to get help. But you have to stand your ground regardless. If you don't you basically are telling them that they are entitled, making you an ENABLER. Don't be an enabler, you're just an asshole. Also, if you're the parent of or know a recovering addict, why the fuck would you drink alcohol in front of them? Tell me what message that sends them other than their struggle means nothing to you? If there's anything I could tell my brother right now it's that he'll never know how often I fantasized about us having a relationship again. It'll never happen now, but YOU can prevent this from happening to you. How? By taking IMMEDIATE ACTION. RIP Chris 1986 - 2019 #confessionsofanangrymetalhead #takeimmediateaction #neverbeanenabler #ripchris https://www.instagram.com/p/BzydsQ7pUzf/?igshid=1961te43ugv3n