Substance Use Deaths

I went to a meeting last night about trying to establish a support group for Substance Use Deaths. One mom pointed out that using the word substance abuse would be inappropriate in her case, since her husband did not abuse his pain medication. I agree, 'SUBSTANCE USE DEATH' would be a more appropriate heading. Just like so and so , 'committed suicide' they committed nothing.. they took their lives.

The mother of Jermain Dunn spoke a boy who had drug addiction problems, but someone who also sought out help, and still after quitting for several months on a single day he caved in, on the May long weekend, and he did not show up for work. I've learned that not just a few family members are affected but the community as a whole. There is great suffering in our communities, and we must recognize it with heavy hearts. Public forums are not clear, and sometimes makes no sense. All the people are hurting and all are afraid together. They were attempting to learn from people who lost loved ones to aids; yet this epidemic is so much bigger than aids. What stands out is a severe form of suffering to be deeply misunderstood. There is the shame, stigma and self blame. Some heal in silence or in nature take comfort, we must respect every person. We must find a space that is sacred, in order to heal. This song was played at the very beginning..'Somebody's Someone' . Private counselling may be the way to go, or  services through Hospice may be also an option. Valley View Funeral Home in Surrey will hopefully have an 8 week healing support group up and running in about 3 weeks time, similar to the homicide or suicide support groups. We hope that many more support groups can be started. God Bless you as you heal on the journey with others.