Have you ever felt like you are all alone and like no one understands what you are going through? I have felt this way for my entire adult life because I have been dealing with a loved one being addicted to opiates. Out of nowhere, the love of my life, the man I had been with for 12 years died multiple times in front of my eyes. I had no understanding of why. I thought, "why me?" I have repeatedly asked myself, "If I had known the signs, would it have changed the outcome?"

Life is short, and trying to understand and be open to the idea that this epidemic is still around us may just save somebody's life and help others. It is time to speak out and not be silent anymore. This does not have to be the end. It just has to be the end of the problem, and the beginning of the solution. I want to help people who are also battling opiate addiction in a loved one, and to let them know that they are not alone. There are many ways to get through it.