Jess Branas
Jess Branas
Episode 038 - When There is No Sign
Episode 038 - When There is No Sign
Episode 038 - When There is No Sign
Monday 25th October 2021
Deborah and George Houghton discuss their son's tragic death from fentanyl with Merrit Hartblay, advocating for greater awareness of substance abuse.
27 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Empowering
Thought-provoking
Raw
About this podcast
Author:
Jess Branas
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Body & Mind
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Episodes:
44 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Silent Tragedy: The Houghtons' Story of Loss and the Opioid Crisis
I'm ashamed to be an American in this country, one of the greatest countries in the world, and we're letting this happen.
Imagine losing a loved one without any warning signs. That's the heartbreaking reality Deborah and George Houghton faced when their son Chris fell victim to the opioid epidemic. In this episode of 'Recovery Road', Merrit Hartblay sits down with the Houghtons to share their poignant story. Chris showed no outward signs of substance abuse, making his death from fentanyl even more shocking and devastating.
The Houghtons open up about their grief, the unexpected loss, and their journey towards advocacy in a bid to prevent other families from experiencing similar pain. Deborah reveals how she turned her sorrow into action by starting a podcast dedicated to raising awareness about substance abuse. She invites other parents and family members to share their stories, creating a community of support and understanding.
George reflects on Chris's life, his Christian faith, and his commitment to helping others, which makes his untimely death all the more tragic. The episode also explores the role of sports and coaching in substance abuse prevention. Hartblay, with his extensive experience working with athletes, discusses how some coaches' 'win at all costs' mentality can inadvertently foster a culture where substance abuse takes root.
This conversation underscores the need for responsible mentorship and the importance of prioritizing athletes' well-being over competitive success. This episode isn't just a tale of loss; it's a call to action. It highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and advocacy around substance abuse and mental health.
Through their candid discussion, the Houghtons and Hartblay shed light on the often unseen struggles that lead to such tragedies and emphasize the importance of community support and proactive measures in combating the opioid crisis.