Katrice Galloway of Houston, Texas, shares this story of losing her 58-year-old sister, Karen Jackson, to illicit fentanyl. Karen, a highly educated woman with a PhD in education and a respected minister, was someone no one would suspect of struggling with addiction. After initially being prescribed opioids for knee and back pain, Karen became dependent, and when prescriptions were no longer available, she turned to street drugs. Despite Katrice’s experience as a federal probation officer and her deep personal bond with her sister, the family was blindsided by Karen’s addiction. Karen battled denial, depression, and the overwhelming physiological grip of opioids, making it difficult for her to accept help. Although she entered treatment and showed signs of recovery, she ultimately relapsed. Karen passed away at home from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, alcohol, Xanax, and hydrocodone. Katrice’s painful experience underscores the indiscriminate and devastating nature of addiction and highlights the importance of setting aside pride to confront and talk openly about substance abuse.
Naloxone, the active ingredient in 4mg Narcan and higher dose 8mg Kloxxado, along with many generic versions, can reverse an opioid overdose if administered quickly enough. Some areas have Naloxone available for free. Google it.
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In the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with a caring counselor.
Learn more about the dangers of illicit fentanyl at:
DEA – https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness
CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html
Fentanyl Fathers – https://fentanylfathers.org/
A Change for Cam – https://achangeforcam.org/
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