'Nobody grows up planning to get addicted' says mom who lost son

Jenn is a peer volunteer with Interior Health. The 30-year-old from Kelowna came from a home marked by abuse and alcoholism. Her brother left home when he was 13 to escape the abuse. She and her mom fled from her dad when she was nine. By her early teens, Jenn had started drinking and doing drugs.

“My addiction started with Xanax® and prescription pills like clonazepam and lorazepam,” says Jenn. “I thought, these are safe because they came from a pharmacy and I’m okay to take these. I also wanted to feel the way they made me feel all the time to numb my pain.”

Jenn eventually turned to unregulated street drugs and was poisoned by carfentanyl-laced pills in 2019. She was in a coma for 12 days, had organ failure, and lost most of her hearing. One year later, a few days before the pandemic in 2020, her brother died of an overdose at 36 years old. He had developed schizophrenia at 28. Feeling misunderstood by family and friends, and lacking the mental health supports he needed, he had turned to drugs.

Related Stories@IH: Penticton overdose awareness memorial bench to be unveiled Aug. 31

“Mental health and addiction go hand in hand. When you’re hurting inside, when you don’t like who you are, or don’t understand what you’re struggling with, drugs can fill that void,” she says. “Drugs made me feel more like myself.”

Today, Jenn is using her social work education and lived experiences to help others. “I've just always wanted to help and support people in any way that I can,” she says. “I still to this day struggle with addiction, but if it wasn't for the support, 12-step program and resources that I've reached out to, I truly don't think I’d be alive today. My hope is that this crisis can eventually come to an end.”

The shame, blame and embarrassment people who use substances feel can prevent them from accessing services or reaching out for support. If we can help end stigma, we can help ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it.

Penticton mother Jill and her husband lost their son Daniel a week before his 24^th birthday from an opioid overdose. Daniel grew up in a warm and supportive family. “Nobody grows up planning to become addicted to any kind of substance,” says Jill. “Just walk a mile in somebody else’s shoes. Just think before you speak. Try to show some compassion, and be kind, because you never know what that person has gone through.”

Listen to Jill, Brian, Shane and Rachel’s stories in the End Stigma and Substance Use series on YouTube.

Related Stories@IH: Peer volunteer sews ribbons skirts for overdose awareness

On International Overdose Awareness Day, communities are invited to stand together, raise awareness of this public health crisis, honour those we have lost, and those who save lives. Help combat stigma by giving thanks to the many people and organizations who respond to overdoses daily.

IOAD events are happening throughout B.C. Check your local listings for an event in your area. We’ll continue to update this listing as more events are added. If there isn’t one in your community, you can get involved and show your support in other ways.

Kamloops: Community Popup. The theme is: Together We Can. Early morning Tie Purple Ribbons to Trees to showcase the number of accidental overdose deaths and drug poisonings in the Kamloops + Area regions. Organizations will have booth space to promote their services and offer on-the-spot services/ education to reduce stigma for our community/ information/ community connection
Where: Downtown Kamloops
When: Saturday, Aug. 31st. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Kelowna: Please join us for a Round Dance celebration in observance of IOAD. Featuring drum group Spotted Horse, bannock by J&N Catering, and tea and coffee from Starbucks. Richard Jackson is our master of ceremonies. 
Where: Kerry Park, 1480 Mill St.
When: Saturday, Aug. 31st. Round Dance and celebration, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Candlelight vigil with Moms Stop the Harm, 9 p.m. at the sails

Merritt: Join us to raise awareness about overdose, to promote education about naloxone, and to learn about available supports in the community. Free food, take-home naloxone kits and local resources. Everyone is welcome!
Where: Spirit Square, 2012 Granite Ave.
When: Wednesday, August 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Penticton: Join local community agencies as we come together to honour those lost and learn about local initiatives happening to combat stigma and the effects of the toxic drug crisis. Enjoy performances, an interactive memorial display, kids’ zone, smudging and emotional support, naloxone training and a BBQ.
Where: Gyro Park, 55 Main Street
When: Saturday, August 31, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Vernon: The community of Vernon is inviting you to gather in a ceremony to remember our lost loved ones and to heal together. Food will be provided.
Where: Civic Memorial Park, 3033 37th Ave
When: Thursday, August 29, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

West Kelowna:  Drop by with your brown bag lunch and learn. Come hear the voices of Moms Stop the Harm, Westbank First Nation and many community partners. Let's remember the tenacity of our community as we lean into the power that we can have when we work together.
Where: West Kelowna Library, 3731 Old Okanagan Highway
When: Wednesday, August 28, 12–2 p.m. 

Williams Lake: A free event to educate on the toxic drug supply, reduce stigma, raise awareness and honour and remember the loves ones lost to the toxic drug supply.
Where: Boitanio Park, Borland St. & 7 Ave N.
When: Saturday, August 31, 12–3 p.m.

Call 310-MHSU (6478) to reach your local Mental Health and Substance Use Centre for support in your community.

If you’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm, you can call one of these numbers. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays:

• Interior Crisis Line Network- 1-888-353-2273
• Suicide Crisis Helpline- 988
• KUU-US (Indigenous) Crisis Line- 1-800-588-8717
• Métis Crisis Line- 1-833-638-4722

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