Question F

[Jonetta]

Through Del and Celia, we get an inside look at the issues regarding addiction and the opioid crisis. What was most revealing? Did you learn anything new? How well did the author do in presenting all the legal and social issues?

[Sharon]

I think they did an excellent job.

It was very similar to our experience with my oldest granddaughter who died. She went to rehab then stayed with me for a year. We thought it would help keep her away from the "friends" she hung with in the past.

She was sober for almost two years when her old boyfriend started calling her. She had a good job and money. Before long the word got around, we found conversations between her and her ex that sounded like J-Man. They have a way of wearing them down until they get what they want.

[Robin]

So sorry to hear about your granddaughter, Sharon. I'm sure everyone would feel helpless in a situation like that. All the family can do is try to get them help.

[Sandra]

I'm not sure I learned anything new, but I was saddened by the fact that it's often so called "friends" that pull these addicts back after they've worked so hard to get clean. And most of the time they're only using them. I know it's no surprise to anyone, but the saddest thing is how it totally devastates and destroys families and how hopeless the family members are left feeling when the addict repeatedly backslides...until the point it kills them.

Sharon - I'm very sorry to hear about your granddaughter. My nephew is completely lost to the addict life. We know it's only a matter of time and nothing his parents have done has helped.

[Jonetta]

Oh, Sharon, that breaks my heart. This had to have brought back some painful memories. There’s a special place in hell for people like J-Man and your granddaughter’s “boyfriend.” It’s one thing to use yourself. It’s another to go after those who’ve overcome an addiction.

I thought Dugoni did an excellent job of presenting all sides and angles regarding the issue. I loved Del and Celia’s discussions because they were both persuasive and rational. It’s how you should work out compromises and solutions.

I wasn’t aware of the lengths used to sell these drugs online. It’s frightening. And, I didn’t know about efforts to stop criminalizing the users. It’s a start.

[~Melissa~]

Sharon, I'm so very sorry to hear about your granddaughter. Hearing Del read all those emails and texts his niece received was so sad and maddening as well. As the outsider without the addiction looking in - you could tell the texter is just looking to use the recovered addict. You could definitely see how the struggle goes for the recovered addict to stay well under all that weight/stress.