Recovering cocaine addict helps other addicts as cocaine makes a deadly comeback in Northeast Ohio
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Deadly heroin overdoses have risen sharply in recent years across northeast Ohio. Now, experts warn of a cocaine comeback after nearly three dozen people have died from cocaine and cocaine mixed with fentanyl overdoses already this year in Lorain County. Richard used cocaine, and crack cocaine for 17 years. RELATED: Cocaine-related deaths skyrocket in Cuyahoga County He agreed to talk, but because he's still involved with Cocaine Anonymous, he didn't want to use his last name. Richard said he started using cocaine when he was 17 and used for nearly 20 years. He’s been clean for 27 years after [...]
Why the Codependency Myth of Drug Addiction Needs to Die
The dubious idea that we might "enable" our partners or loved ones suffering from addiction lingers—despite being unscientific and straight-up harmful. Chances are, if you have been affected by drug addiction or just watched enough reality TV, you've heard something about the concept of "codependency." It's the idea that partners and relatives of addicted people basically have a disease just like their loved ones—leading them to "enable" the problem by preventing addicts from "hitting bottom." After gaining currency in the 1980s, the concept is now infiltrating America's latest national conversation about heroin addiction. The only problem is that it is inaccurate, unscientific, [...]
Cleveland officer’s possible fentanyl exposure highlights drug’s threat to police, children
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As heroin and fentanyl continue to kill users in record numbers, law enforcement officials in Northeast Ohio are now warning of how exposure to the drug can harm or even kill people who simply come into contact with the powerful opioids. A Cleveland police officer was hospitalized Wednesday morning after coming into contact with suspected fentanyl while executing a search warrant at a home in the city's North Colinwood neighborhood. If police confirm that the officer indeed came in contact with fentanyl, he would join a host of law enforcement and unsuspecting people from across the country to get [...]
The Casket Crusades
When a person understands the value of life… they are less likely to readily take the life of another, or engage in activities that would cut their own life short. By the same token, when they’re aware that death could occur at any time, to anyone, of any age, they are more inclined to build a positive legacy, abandon destructive habits, and live in a manner that promotes the well-being of self, family, and community. To this end, Dr. R. A. Vernon and The Word Church present The Casket Crusades, where the goal is to shed light on the alarming [...]
Lorain files lawsuit against major drug companies over opioid epidemic
LORAIN, Ohio - The City of Lorain has filed a 236 page lawsuit against 25 major pharmaceutical companies, drug manufacturers and distributors due to the growing opioid epidemic. Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer says the lawsuit is seeking damages, alleging the drug companies continue to play a role in the heroin crisis. "Largely, It's about accountability," said Ritenauer. "One, they knew they were addictive, and two, they knew that used in heavy proportion, their effectiveness would wane." Ritenauer says the drug companies, their distributors and marketing campaigns are partly responsible for a dramatic increase in Lorain County opioid deaths. Ritenauer said [...]