Death By Overdose

What Do You Mean She Overdosed?! She’s on Vivitrol!!

Death By OverdoseAfter we discovered my daughter Brittany was using heroin again, we had some hard choices to make. We knew she couldn’t live in our home anymore. After all, we also had a 10-year-old daughter, we had made family rules about consequences and I had to keep our home a safe haven. But the thought of having her not in my sight anymore, doing Lord knows what, not knowing where she was sleeping, or even if she was ALIVE, terrified me to the bone.

Then I heard about this amazing new shot called Vivitrol. Vivitrol is a monthly injection that can prevent opioid cravings. I thought “Praise God!!!” It’s the miracle we’ve been waiting for!!! She had been seeing an addiction specialist and he highly recommended it. While we were in the office, he had drug tested her. It came back with high levels of heroin, Xanax and marijuana in her system.

At this point she was down to 112 lbs.

In order to administer the shot, you need to be opiate free for 7-10 days. Doc was scared Brittany wouldn’t make it that long. He suggested giving her half of a dose…that she would go into immediate withdrawal, but he was trying to save her life. Brittany wanted nothing to do with it. In fact, she pretty much told the Doc to go to hell, stormed out, and started walking down the street.
He then ran after her. I thought, “I love this doctor!!”. He cared so much…he would ream her a new one, but then give her a hug and tell her he was there for her. He was exactly what she needed. Someone that didn’t fall for her BS. I walked outside and saw them sitting on a parking block, talking. This man, this incredible doctor, truly cared. I had such high hopes!
She ended up getting the dose that day. She went into IMMEDIATE withdrawals…right on the way home. She was horribly sick and in bed for the next 5 days. I mean BAD. Vomiting, shaking, sweating, sicker than I had ever seen her before. I kept a close watch on her, in case she needed medical attention, pretty much never leaving her side.

In my head I thought, “she will never want to be this sick again…this shot is going to save her life!”.
On day 6, I was working in the living room, when she came out of her room. “Bye mom, going to hang out with friends”. WHAT?! I knew what that meant. “Brittany, please don’t go, please let’s get you into treatment!”. My words were fruitless.
She walked out.
3 days went by with no word from her. I had no idea where she was, what she was doing, is she ALIVE?! I couldn’t sleep, my heart in my throat with fear, jumping at every little sound.
Then she finally called. “Mom, I need help. I’m ready to go to rehab”. I asked her where she had been sleeping…she didn’t remember. While I’m in my cozy bed at home, I had visions of my daughter walking the streets of Detroit. How as a mother, can we not worry!? I had a treatment center all lined up for her in Florida. All she had to do was make the call for intake. She agreed, she would call right away.
But she didn’t.

Instead she went and bought heroin, cocaine, and Xanax.
She texted me how sorry she was. “Please tell Dad and Brooke I love them. I just can’t do this anymore.” I knew what she meant….
She was going to kill herself.

And had the drugs to do it. She was ashamed, embarrassed, tired of disappointing everyone. Tired of disappointing herself.
Frantic, I kept calling her. No answer, no answer, no answer. I had no idea where she was or how I could even find her. I called all of her friends in a panic trying to find her. I finally got word she was at a bank, in the bathroom.
Urgently, I called 911. I told them my daughter was trying to commit suicide and had drugs on her. I knew the risk…she may be arrested. But I also knew what would happen if I didn’t call.
I was trying to save her life!
They took her to the ER. I raced there and when I arrived, she was tucked in the corner of a hallway, with no one treating her.

She was unconscious.

Time went by, no one came. I was seriously starting to freak out. I yelled for a doctor. “She’s on vivitrol!!!”. They took one look at her and sprang into action. “She’s overdosing right now, administer narcan!”
I couldn’t breathe.
It only took a few minutes, but when she came to, she was mad. Really angry. “Mom, I wanted to die! Just leave me alone!”.
I then signed a petition to have her on suicide watch and admitted into a psychiatric facility. 4 days later, Brittany was on a plane to a substance abuse facility in Florida.
And I could finally breathe again. Or so I thought….

83 Comments

  1. Joan

    Wonder how the story plays out. Vivitrol works on opiates and alcohol, not on Xanax and marijuana.

    1. Laura

      This even real?

      1. Katie

        This is absolutely real Laura….my daughter and I started writing about our journey and experience so we can help others know they are not alone, and to help educate and create awareness

        1. john

          My son is an 10 plus year herion/ everything addict.
          And he’s now in jail for the next year. I knows this feeling ( the mother talks about )
          All too well. I wish we had a better solution to how to get off these drugs, but honestly we are so it gunned. Our society just wants to make money off this problem, our children are completely lost to it, and our own up bringing is I’ll equipped to handle it.

        2. Mahtab

          Hi Katie,
          When I read your story a couple of night ago, I almost couldn’t breath. I am typing these words and tears are running down my face. What a horrible feeling to find your child in the hospital and see that no one is helping. My son is 25 and has been doing heroin and all kinds of drugs for past 10 years. We even took him out of the country for almost 2 years. Our lives as parents of drug addicts is so bizarre that for some people is unimaginable. There are moments or I should say periods in my life that I have felt like my family was in a horror movie. How could all of this be real. My son has a broken old needle stuck in his arm that doctors can’t take it out because if they do, he might loose the motion in his arm permanently. And the sad thing is that the only reason he told us that he had a needle in his arm was to get the operation done so he could get some pain medication from the doctors. He was going to risk loosing his arm just so he can get high. Any way, I wish the best of luck to Brittnay and every single person battling with addiction. I think that it was a miracle and God’s will that you got to your daughter soon enough to save her life, and lets just be thankful for that which matters the most. When I wake up every day, the first thing I say is ” thank you God”, and then I pray for my son. Because there is always hope as long as they live. God bless you all!

        3. shari

          Does it work for Meth?

          1. Katie

            Unfortunately, no it doesn’t.

          2. Alan

            Hi in Australia we do the naltrexone implant I’ve got a few in me as I speak and yes it does work but only for 4 months for opiates and alcohol the implants last 12 months

        4. Michele Matusavige

          I was going to ask the same question. I am a Mother of two daughters. Both became addicted to prescriptions One is deceased the other is . now addicted to heroin. Can I ask WHY do you write this blog like its some kind of mystery. Cliff hangers REALLY??? I came here to connect!! If I wanted a Cliff Hanger Mystery, I would read Nancy DREW. I came her for support , not more unanswered cliff hanging …. I’m unsubscribing!! Hope your book sells… NOT. Because this is a serious issue,!!! SHame on you!
          .

          1. Sherrie

            She wrote this as a blog , a LIVE real time journal. As they lived it. She didn’t know the ending while she was living it right? As another fellow mother of an addict, I’d expect you to have more compassion and to not bash someone who has been in the same place as you. That was pretty heartless. There’s no reason to be angry just because someone didn’t do something the way YOU thought they should.

          2. Stacey

            It’s her blog …her story…her right…I don’t see a sign hanging saying Free help to Mothers of addicted kids…sheeze…its a story not a help group

        5. Debby

          Hi I just googled this site my son is a heroin addict on the vivitrol shot. I have been suspecting him of being high the last two times of seeing him? Is this possible on this? If so I need to find a way to help him.

        6. Ali

          Hi Katie I hope you and your daughter are still doing okay I had a naltrexone implant for 12 months it is an miracle cure for me I haven’t looked back ever since I’ll be more than happy to get an update of how you and you’re family are doing I hope all is well your a brace and true mother this world needs more people like you. Your story broke my heart as it reminded me what I put my parents through but loving proof this stuff saved my life

        7. Trisha

          My daughter was on heroin and now she gets the vivitrol shot monthly. We have set her up with numerous therapists but she always finds an excuse not to see them again . I know my husband and I are enabling her . She disappears for days and then comes home again My two older children are graduated from college and on their own My youngest is still in college . Every time I hear the phone ring at night , I’m afraid . She lives Day to day. Sleeps all day and awake all night I don’t know what to do . I’ve read all the literature She has been sectioned twice and has been in rehab once .

      2. Peggy

        Laura, I can confirm that this is all true! Katie is my daughter and Brittany is my granddaughter! I also lived this nightmare and it was a nightmare! Please know that Katie has dedicated her life to saving other addicts..she never seems to rest. She has a passion for what she is doing so never doubt that what you are reading is all true! Thank you for your comment…it may have helped others who may have doubts!

        1. oceaneyes

          I could use a friend like her,,
          🙁

    2. Jeanmarie Ryan

      I work as a Behavioral health tech in Florida i see these poor kids trying to either live or die it’s a terrible epidemic, I’ve been doing this for 6 yrs & it’s at it’s worst. I hope your daughter is doing well I will keep you & your family in my prayers. God bless

    3. Deb Boutland

      I guess vivitrol is naltrexone a horrible drug which is dangerous if you are addicted to opiates. The crazy thing is if you just had your daughter detox non medicated it would have been a tenth of the pain.
      Naltrexone as an opiate blocker needs to be taken after detox and only by people who are willing to commit to taking it voluntarily on a daily basis. For this reason I like the daily tablet, whereby the addict knowingly recommits each time.
      Otherwise you will end up with a new, possibly worse replacement addiction like methamphetamine.
      Psychological care, learning to self soothe is essential.

      The truth is that opiate replacement therapy has the best success not opiate blockers.

  2. Joan

    Wonder how the story ends!!

  3. Sonia

    Vivitrol only works for a certain amount of time and if she only received 1/2 a dose that would of meant it was out of her system by then. So it was not an od on Vivitrol.

    1. Ron

      You can NOT overdose on Vivitrol. Vivitriol blocks opiums and lessens craving for both alcohol and opium. Thank you for sharing.

      1. Katie

        Ron, you absolutely can overdose on Vivitrol. They even have a warning: https://www.vivitrol.com/About/SafetyAndSideEffects

        1. Darla

          You are absolutely correct. I was told the same thing when I wanted my son to go on the patrol. I was born I should go learn how to use Narcan and make sure I have some on hand in case she did overdose. Sure, the drug does block the opiates from getting them high, but it does not stop the opiates from causing them to stop breathing.

        2. John

          I’m burying my little brother this week. He was on vivitrol. He was on his 20th day after the shot. He had been “clean” for 6 months. It can absolutely happen. He died Friday night. Today is Monday. He was my best friend for all of his 30 years. Please, none of you should think they’re safe. You’ll be risking their lives.

          1. Karen

            I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s heartbreaking. I hope you find some peace.

      2. Patti

        Yes you can overdose on Vivitrol. My son passed away February 5, 2016 of a heroin overdose while on Vivitrol.

    2. Manny

      Dose lasts over 30 days and you can easily OD on vivitrol because user doesnt feel effect

  4. Lisa

    I pray she gets the help that she needs however I do feel the title is very misleading. Vivitrol has helped so many. I hate to see it with negative attention.
    It is meant for opioids and it seems that she was using more than that.

    1. Stacey

      It doesn’t stop overdose …it just stops you getting the high …you can ingest heroin and not feel any high at all…making it pointless and a waste of money
      However it doesn’t take that craving for the needle away nor lessen the desire to try to get stoned….it will not stop a user from trying to get that high even though realistically they know it useless..99% of heroin users are addicted to the needle not just the stone unfortunately
      As an ex-addict, it has its place…but you really have to want to quit
      Personally I believe its a good deterrent when you have gone to rehab detoxed and are trying to live drug-free like Brittany is now…she has her brain back can think laterally and if she felt an urge it just may deter her as she knows she would not feel a shot

  5. Aly

    I follow your blogs religiously. You are so strong. Is Brittany still clean tosay? So motivational.

    1. Katie

      Oh wow thank you so much Aly!!! She struggled for a few years after this event…but as of today is she is 16 months clean!

      1. This is what my son wants to be on when he comes out of rehab he has changed his life and this is his story to a tee

      2. Still continuing to follow you both Katie, although I don’t always comment. Because I know the end to this story it encourages me to not give up hope for my son but at the same time as I read I know there is someone out there who understands the fear we live and fight with every day. Thank you for sharing your story and for your prayers. God Bless You abundantly xo

      3. Lil Cottrell

        That’s wonderful Katie! Hugs!

      4. Maureen Schultz

        So glad she is clean as of today!! I too love an addict. It’s so hard to watch them destroy themself and the family they are apart of. Continued prayers for us all.

  6. Iva

    I feel for you. Thank you for your blog, it helps me feel I m not alone in this fight. While my friends care, they don’t really understand.
    I kicked my daughters dope sick boyfriend out last month and she choose to go with him, leaving me with her son and dog. I m getting ready to try to get custody of my grandson (age 7) and everyone keep saying how the state hates to separate mother and child. She choose to be separate from him!
    Do u know of any other blog or online support group?
    I will be praying for you and your family.

  7. We found that the vivitrol curbed our daughters addiction to alcohol but ramped up the cravings for cocaine. Her doctors finally pulled her off of it. You are in our prayers. Unless you’ve walked this as a parent you have no earthly idea what it does to you. Thank you for being so candid. This is an epidemic where we live particularly on college campuses. May the Lord keep and bless all of us.

  8. That was realy good . Sounds so familiar . I can just feel ur panic and hurt …

  9. Thank you for sharing your heart. Thank you for being so candid. Unless you’ve walked through this with a child you have no earthly idea the fear, anger, panic, resentment, helplessness, despair, and panic that one feels. You literally feel as if your heart has broken into a million pieces. It is literally hell on earth. We found that the vivitrol curbed our daughters appetite for alcohol but caused her to relapse on cocaine. Her drug counselor pulled her off the shot. May the Lord bless you and keep all of our children safe.

  10. Donna

    I am living this nightmare as I type this. But my daughter is 34. She had a baby in December (2 months early due to an overdose of NyQuil!) who she’s never been able to take home. Luckily the baby is with a wonderful foster family who want to adopt her. Currently she is on the run with her felon boyfriend who is also a drug dealer. I no longer have contact with her when she told me “thanks for nothing” when I refused to give her $1,000. Such pain…… I will pray you and all the other mothers suffering from the choices of their children that they find some calm in this sea of despair.

  11. Delilah

    Katie,
    I feel the pain and panic through your stories…just be glad it’s over, mine sons addiction is still going. I’m slowly watching him lose it again

  12. Nic

    Your sweet daughter. I hope she can keep up the good fight. God bless you guys.

  13. This is my sons story to a t. He is in rehab now and is 2 months clean with 8 months to go and wants to get on this shot when he gets out.

  14. Lacey

    Where’s the rest of the story?

  15. Vivitrol is not a substitution for treatment, active recovery program, counseling, and abstinence. It is effective and FDA approved as an Opiate and Alcohol receptor blocker, and has anti-craving properties. Sounds like this young woman had 1/2 dose of Naltrexone/Vivitrol and opted to consume, Xanax, Cocaine, and Heroin. Title of the article is certainly misleading and absolutely may deter others who would highly benefit from Vivitrol from taking the injection. It’s an amazing adjunct for those who are serious about recovery and are working a program. Vivitrol is Non-addictive, not mood altering, simply a receptor blocker. We use it daily at our treatment center with great success!

    1. Stacey

      I totally agree Melissa

  16. Candace

    I know the feeling as well. They hit my son with Nathan 3 or more times to bring him back and then came out to tell us his kidneys were failing…this I already knew. He had chronic kidney disease and the that is how his opiate addiction started. He was in I.C.U for 3 days and walked out. That was 4 years ago. He was in recovery on and off since then. As of now, he his using again and I pray constantly for his recovery…and his brothers too. :'(

  17. Nancy

    Prayers around the clock! Constantly checking my email for the next writing. Keep it up Britney!!

  18. Sleepless

    I was addicted to pain pills and Xanax and tried killing myself 2 months ago. I took a whole bottle of Wellbutrin but I had a bunch of seizures and woke up few days later at hospital. I woke up to my husband and my 2 grown boys. I left my home a couple months prior and I was shocked to see my husband but happy. I couldn’t talk and I don’t remember much. I’d been asleep for days and doctors flushed my body out so when I awoke I had no withdrawals. I decided to not take any more prescription medicine. I wanted to be a good wife and be loved by my husband. I quit smoking cigarettes and everything. I’ve wasted 13 yrs. I’ve been married 22 yrs. My husband don’t drink, smoke or do anything . I thought everything was better but I can’t sleep hardly at all. My body is use to me controlling it with Xanax to sleep and I guess that is what’s wrong with me still. I have tension headaches and allergy headaches everyday, my neck hurts but I take aspirin. And, otc stuff. I want to start a house cleaning business but I’m too tired all the time , but can’t sleep. I’m about to go out of my mind.. It’s better than withdrawals but it still sux.. I am depressed and no one knows I feel like killing myself every other day cause I feel so sad about being overweight and uneducated, no trades.. I use to b pretty and I’m tired of struggling everyday. I don’t have friends and I don’t want to lose my husband, he don’t understand emotions at all. He’s so healthy and happy. He’s always smiling and playing. He works and takes care of the house and yard and cars and never complains about anything.. He loves outside and has a lot of energy.. He falls asleep as soon as he lays down in bed. He is affectionate to me. I don’t know what’s wrong with me… I’m going to a church tomorrow to see a preacher man. He and his wife fast every Friday. I hope that will help. My husband is against taking any anti depressants. I don’t want to take anything anyway. Too many side affects, and money. I am determined to not take

    1. Sleepless

      Any prescription meds . If anyone has any advice plz let me know. I want a life free from sickness .. How long does this take to be normal? I feel so insecure and alone. Please help me!!

      1. Stacey

        Sleepless Sweetie…it will get better gradually believe me and trust me…one step at a time one day at a time …in 6 months you will feel better it’s very gradual…you have been abusing your body with meds for a very long time…you will even lose weight naturally as you are able to get around better
        I am going to say no to antidepressants as they can help some…but its best if you go med-free
        Start small …try meditation…relaxing techniques…there are videos on youtube…treat yourself to a new hair colour a manicure something small and build up from there…look into a weight loss plan…look into some courses so you can use your brain…you will find your life more fulfilled…it all comes back eventually you are very lucky to have a caring husband and kids…live for them.
        Also, look into some healthy options for sleep like herbal supplements…many find they work very well…all the very best and REMEMBER to pat yourself on the back…you have done so well so far keep up the good work I’m very proud of you

    2. D-DAY

      Sleepless. I know what you are dealing with. There is one thing you can do that will help you sleep…exercise. I know, you don’t have any energy but you will after a series of short walks. Just start walking. 1 block a day. Then 2 blocks, and then a mile. You get to the point where you feel like running. Maybe not everyone but you will gradually feel stronger and more confident. When I walk I use that time to vent my frustrations and anything I’m trying to work through. And then you find yourself falling asleep watching TV or reading. Your body has to be tired as well as your mind. Please try this…it worked for me and I was doing the same thing you are. Try it…

  19. Bessie

    So I saw someone write that Vivitrol works to help with someone who is addicted to Marijuana, is that true???

    1. Katie

      Hi Bessie…No, Vivitrol does not help with marijuana….only opiates and alcohol

  20. Casey

    I loved vivitrol at first. I just thought it was suboxone in shot form. My son would get the shot and be drug free for a month, no medication compliance to worry about! Was I wrong! I thought is my son the only one to do drugs while on this “miracle” drug vivitrol? My son, too, did heroin (and other drugs) while on vivitrol. They can overshoot (or try to) the vivitrol and overdose with or without getting high (it takes a lot of heroin to overshoot the vivitrol so you can imagine the amount could overdose or kill you). It also wears off towards the end of the month so there is more leeway to use then, but again, the user doesn’t know how much heroin is needed to get the high because vivitrol is in his system and he may use too much and overdose and die.

    The medication assisted treatment is confusing. Vivitrol (and the new 6 month shot coming out soon) only blocks the opiate high, it doesn’t reduce or eliminate cravings/withdrawals. Cravings are a big problem for drug users. Suboxone helps with cravings and blocks the high, but many users are savvy to when they can get high, so many hours after the suboxone, or they won’t take suboxone that day(s). It’s a daily or 2x daily med so medication compliance is a huge problem (even when mom retains control of the sub and watches her son take it – he previously sold it/abused it and I was paying copays and required counseling copays – he got very clever at tearing the dose apart and looking like he was putting it under his tongue, then wiping his fingers as if to get off the residue from the strip but it was the “slight of hand” like a magician! He stored them in baggies to use when in withdrawal and couldn’t get heroin (he was a functioning heroin addict – working and going to school – until it spirals out of control as it always does) or he would sell or trade it for heroin.

    1. Stacey

      Hi Casey…this is real life and you said it perfectly…I wish you all the very best…you are doing well to work out all this…I hope your boy sees the light

  21. Tracey Burk

    My son is currently in FL in recovery. He called and said he was getting over all the sickness and was getting his personality back. It’s great to hear him recognize that. Praying this is Gods answer for him and he uses this time to realize how lucky he is to be alive. Thank you for sharing your story.

  22. Jessica Lynch

    I am a drug counselor at a long term women’s program in NJ and I have been sharing your story with my clients. Keeping you guys in my prayers!

    1. Katie

      oh wow Jessica, I am honored!!! Thank you so much! If you ever need a speaker, I would love to come up. Big hugs and thank you for all you do!

    2. Jessica I just read your blog and could use your help. I live in south jersey, where is the long term recovery program at in NJ. My daughter is a herion addict and needs help. Please let me know

  23. We have been using an oral form of Vivitrol ( Naltrexone) with our patients for almost two decades. It is important to understand that it block the opioids receptors for the euphoria effects, but all other organs will still be affected if opiates are used.
    Actually, if the person is not entirely committed to staying off opiates and is being forced to take the Vivitrol shot, it might be even riskier; they can try to use more drugs to overcome the blocking effects.

    I think what is really important to understand is that most of these kids are masking some kind of emotional pain that they cannot handle. We often treat young adults that were never properly diagnosed and have been on a revolving door of treatment centers, just to find themselves relapsing. They have been to places where the focus was to treat “the addiction” but human being behind the symptoms was forgotten.

    We all have different histories, internal conflicts, strengths, and vulnerabilities. You can’t have one size fits all treatment; that will never work. Human beings are complex.

    Drug abuse is usually a coping mechanism to aid some form of distress. Distress arises primarily from unmet needs. We often see young adults suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma or simply loneliness. Often these issues have not been diagnosed, recognised and are only partly conscious.

    Professionals need to stop their preconceived ideas of what addiction looks like and start treating the person behind it. They need to take the time to listen, understand the individuals difficulties, and teach them to manage their needs. If these young adults learn how to handle their difficulties and manage their inner needs, then their everyday tensions might feel more like a challenge. If they can achieve a place of a bit more security and emotional stability, they might just want to live life on life’s terms, instead of trying to run from it.

  24. Brandy

    Vivitrol does not help with the cravings! It’s pretty much just neltraxon and that is only a blocker. I am an addict, I went thru a windshield when I was 19. I had two knee surgeries before this accident I didn’t know anything about drugs. I was nieve, I was prescribed 4 OxyContin 80 mg pills a day and Percocet 10 for break thru pain. My doctor was telling me to take the pills so I did. My kidneys shut down I was dying! The hospital told my then husband I was an excessive drug user there was nothing they could do for me. My husband told them my dr put me on these pills I had been taking them for 21/2 years. They got a copy of my pharmacy records and did a pill count before they sent me to bowman grey to get help I needed. They called the board of ethics on this doctor for over medicating a child. After being released I found out real quick I was a addict, I could not afford 400.00 a day to get off the streets what I was use to having. Yes 400.00 they went for a doller a milligram. It was off to the races from there, I snorted I smoked I shot everything coke, heroine, pills I fell in love with a little yellow pill called a 4. The real name is hydro morphone dilaudid, the rush off this pill was amazing it was the love of my life for 10 years. I’d do anything for it! I stole, I sold my body, I lied I went to prison. I’d get clean on my own and something would happen, life would happen and there is go running chasing this pill. I was reunited with now a man whom I knew in high school and we hit the “jackpot” his mothers boyfriend had cancer and he had bottles of the generic pill I was in love with and we stole all 6 bottles he had 120 in each. He didn’t take them so we did. We did so many we had buckets beside our beds we threw up from doing too many and threw up when we didn’t have any. Idk how they did not find us both dead. We both had enough! No one wakes up one morning and says hey I’m going to be a junky and ruin my life and my families! NO ONE!!! I never went to rehabs… We got on methadone long enough to switch over to suboxone, I was on the neltraxon pills which is the exact same as vivitrol it’s just a pill instead the shot. And all it does is blocks the opiate if you do drugs and makes you sick. But we paid 50.00 a day every single day for 7 months to dose until we were finally able to get in the suboxone program. I was told I’d never have kids! I had 14 pregnancies and now I have two kids a boy and girl. God gave us these two beautiful children that not one not two but three doctors told me I’d never carry. Well I did! God gave me the two things in life I wanted the most a family. Suboxone saved our lives! I do not wake up sick, I do not go rob people lie to them I hate a liar! I work I pay my bills I can buy my kids toys clothes diapers. I’m ok with the fact I will be on it the rest of my life. I have to take syntroid the rest of my life for my thyroid, I have to take metformin and tragenta for my blood sugar the rest of my life and I will have take suboxone the rest of my life too. It’s the best decision I ever made!!!! I love my life now

    1. shari

      Love it!!

  25. Tanya

    Katie – I’m reading your blog posts and sitting her nodding my head, understanding so much of your story.
    I’m curious though – did your insurance cover the rehabs? I’m a nurse and I have good insurance, but most of the rehabs that I’ve spoken with don’t accept insurances and some even state that my son would have to sign a financial agreement and fly in. Does this even sound legitimate? Frankly, I don’t have several thousand dollars laying around to invest in a second, third and fourth rehab. We are a working class family of 5, and we are anxious to help our son get clean. We’ve attempted two outpatient rehabs – which is basically a money grab and consists of a meeting and a daily Suboxone strip. Many of them won’t even work with insurance at all.

    Any thoughts or ideas?

    Thanks so much for this blog. I’m finding some peace knowing I’m not alone and other families are fighting this terrible silent battle to save their children.

  26. Beth

    Our son is also a recovering heroin addict. He also tried suboxone for a year, and we found out he would sell it- trade it, shoot it, snort it- he was abusing both suboxone and heroin. (addicts are very crafty and they share all their brilliant ideas online on how to get high on the very drugs that are supposed to help them not get high). After his 3rd rehab stay, we made it a condition that if he wanted to live in our home-he has to take the Vivitrol shot. His psychologist said that an addict COULD OD on Vivitrol- but they would have to do a SH-T TON of heroin to do it. We are now on month # 2 of the Vivitrol shot- our son is smiling, he talks to us- there is light in our home again. It literally takes YEARS for a heroin addict to recover. They say for as many years that they used – that’s the # of years it takes for them to fully recover. Nar-anon meetings helped us a lot- on how to love our addict with compassion- and how to detach with love. Not allowing our addict son to live in our home for 2 weeks was so hard. We know we all have a long road ahead of us. My thoughts go out to each and every one of you struggling, or that have a loved one struggling with addiction.

  27. rose

    I wish you wouldn’t put up Ridiculous storys like this ! She was dieing in the corner ? Dr’s do not give the shot to people who are not Physically And mentally ready ! So how was she able to use a week into the shot with out getting ill ? The shot is time released ? This story will turn away people to vivitrol ! SHAME ON WHO EVER ALLOWED THIS STORY !

    1. Katie

      Hi Rose, unfortunately, this is not a ridiculous story. This is exactly what happened in our life. I am certainly not bashing Vivitrol whatsoever, I do think its an incredible tool. This is only my personal blog, not an educational piece on Vivitrol. My daughter and I are sharing our own personal journey with her addiction…I appreciate you taking the time to read it.

    2. Stacey

      Of course, it happened…and yes they do leave OD cases in the corridor of hospitals on a gurney unattended because they are just another selfish Junkie,,, believe me…ask my Mother!
      And Yes doctors give Vitarol to addicts who are not ready to give up…should they…probably not…but I am sure doctors don’t always know everything…besides Katie was obviously desperate at this stage
      Sure Britanny would have known that she was not going to get high…that fact will not always stop an addict from trying to overshoot the Vitarol…and yes you can OD on the stuff…this is Katie’s blog and her story…not all addicts are built exactly the same

  28. Sherri

    My son is 32 years old. He was a heroin addict. I thought he was going to die in his addiction, but I prayed that God would save him. I spent many years with alcoholics and addicts and I knew that helping him was only prolonging the agony by softening the blows for him. It is the hardest thing in the world to let go and trust God, but I did. Last October he had an encounter with the living God. He thought he was dying after shooting up and was crying out to God, begging him to help him. He says God asked him if he believed he loved him… he said yes and then he heard something like ‘No, do you really believe that I love you… right here, right now, as you are, lost, broken, addicted?’ In that moment, somehow he came to a point that he finally understood how much God loved him… even in his wretched state and he has never been the same. I truly believe he will never fall back in that dark hole again. Pray for your addict(s) and ask God to bring them to know him. He is the answer and there is always hope in Jesus Christ!

    1. Stacey

      Sherri…I’m glad God helped him…but I always think you need a backup plan…besides God is not for everyone
      Sometimes self-effort love and no judgmental patience is involved.

  29. Mahtab

    I am really happy for your son, and I wish the same for all our children. We all need a miracle. You are right! Praying helps. God bless you! Thanks!

  30. Hopeful

    Hi, My son is 26 and we’ve been living this nightmare for about 8 years…..may I ask how long your daughter was addicted to heroin or other opiates? Thank God she is now clean, can I ask what rehab program she went into and for how long? was it of help? we live in Florida and are looking for reputable rehabs. Is she on any other medication (assuming she didn’t stay on Vivitrol, correct?) Thanks very much.

  31. Mahtab

    Dear John, I am so sorry about your younger brother. This is every parent’s and family member’s worst fear. It just breaks my heart to see these young kids lose their life like this. GOD BLESS YOU

  32. Heidi

    Ugh…I hate the fact that I even found your blog! Not because it’s awful but because I wish I didn’t have to search for different things regarding herion or addiction! My husband and I are currently driving back from a three hour drive to meet with our daughters paychatric doctors. Two weeks ago Friday we found out that our daughter relapsed and was not only using but selling as well. Our deal was when she came back home after three years of her addiction getting worse and her praying for God to take her life the only way she was allowed in our home was if she would go to rehab…she had gone to rehab and was sober for 7 months. She did well but spiraled out of control. Friday was the night we yet again asked her where she wanted her things….that Friday she died….thankfully they were able to get her to breath on her own again the next week she was in the ICU no knowing if she would be put in life support or if she did start breathing on her own would she be mentally retarded. That was the week from hell. Last Friday she was made to go to a psycatric hospital. They are only short term and she is scheduled to leave Sunday. I have so many emotions… I’m scared, mad and most of all worried. See Allyssa isn’t my biological daughter we adopted her when she was 16. Unfortunately her bio family live in the same town. We have decided that she isn’t allowed back in our home until we see som major effort on HER part toward her recovery. So she will be staying with a relative that will NOT enable her nor will she put up with anything. I am so sick of this effecting my family but yet I can’t help but love her. I need as much help as she does! Please help me …

  33. Dena

    Wow! So sad to hear home many of our children are addicted to Heroine!! My 27 year old daughter has been battling this for almost 2 years now. I’m scarred everyday that “the phone call” will come that she overdosed. She has two children that need their mama back. I believe we can get her the help she needs but she refuses to leave her boyfriend that is also addicted.
    I don’t believe two addicts together have any hope of sobriety. It’s like the blind leading the blind. Any suggestions on what I can say or do to get her to want to leave him and go to an inpatient rehab?

  34. lucky

    You can die because you got the shot doesn’t stop your craving, but if you do get high means you can’t shot dope because your not getting high you keep doing more you die. Just a dope fiend trying to get clean on the shot i still have craving.i just know i can’t get high on it so whats the point.

  35. Kara

    I am a recovering alcobolic currently living in a rehab facility in Indiana. Reading your blog… I feel like Im tearing pages out of the same story my mother and I journeyed together.
    Two things:
    1. Thankyou for sharing your hope. Its my prayer I beat this and am able someday to offer the same light and courage to others as you both do.
    2. I am on zero strikes left at the rehab im at (Ive drank 3 times in 5 months) I desperatlely want this and know im at the right place, however it feels like Im powerless at times to the cravings.

    This has to be my time to find healing. Ive literally lost everything.

    I recently went on Vivitrol. And can i just say? I feel like ita a miracle in a shot. I feel personally I have found the mental healing i physically required in order to be able to focus on the spiritual and emotional healing I need.

    With that said…. I have a question: Im wondering if Brittany continued with her Vivitrol shots, and if so what impact they had for her.

    I guess part of me is mentally fearing some sort of short term placebo effect happening, because Im in my first month, and it seems too good to be true.

    If anyone has been on Vivitrol or knows someone on it… Please let me know their experience?

    Thanks

  36. good luck God bless and remember I'm a 25 year addict if I can do it anyone can lots of love XOXO

    My name is Kelly I’ve been doing opiates for 25 years I just got out of rehab I lost my husband two years ago from a drug overdose I had 28 beautiful years with him and I could’ve went 100 more I read all the stories and it really saddens me that this is such a pandemic i’ve been clean for 20 days now I have energy I’m happy the hardest part is staying clean that’s a daily struggle for me I’m very outgoing I’ll be 49 this year and I did it for my family and myself I’m a laboratory technologist and I haven’t worked in a long time i’ve been a prisoner in my own body I was tired of going through with drawls all the time and I was tired of chasing the drive I’ve had beautiful homes cars lost it all but that’s OK I’m alive today the worst part was losing my husband I tried to tell him that we are going down the wrong path but sometimes people are just toxic together i’m off all that now and I’m very blessed that my family helped me get help God bless anybody who’s on this drug opiates whether it’s prescribed or Herion mine was prescribed by a doctor and it’s a very evil drug I wanted to kill myself a lot of times I didn’t understand why I wanted to end my life so bad I think I just wanted the pain to stop I lived with a lot of guilt over my husband staff and I went to rehab and was able to overcome all that I just hope I stay clean I try hard every day I change people places and things I go to meetings and if I feel like I want to use I called everybody and tell them so that they will help me but don’t be afraid to go to rehab anyone it will help you and you can overcome this it doesn’t take long it’s a lot in your mind so you have to reprogram your mind it’s very hard I struggle every day I love you all and I hope you get help don’t be afraid to ask for help everybody’s on just stuff and they don’t know how to get help but there is help available you got to want it so just try it I’m on the trail now and it helps even though I still want to do pain pills but I can’t because I don’t want to die and it scares me because I can’t wait till it will just leave my mind completely good luck God bless and remember I’m a 25 year addict if I can do it anyone can lots of love XOXO

  37. Kat

    My only child! This is a nightmare… I thought he was clean as he just received voluntary treatment for 30days and Vivatrol shot… His girlfriend will mot receive treatment and he refuses to leave her .. Found needle and spoon ughhh! I thought he would not or could not do heroin while on the shot. Is he allowing her to do it in his presence or is he doing it again?
    Thanks in advance

  38. Janis

    To help, to enable, to watch their safety, as a parent, as a mother now receive the punishment by police, by family, by society. Tough love, throw them out, we are told, like garbage? No!!

    1. Katie

      Exactly!!

  39. Alan Wartenberg MD

    What this doctor did is medical malpractice. Please consult an attorney with experience in this area.

  40. Mae

    As a Vivitrol nurse I have many clients that swear by this injection, In fact when I initially took the position I thought I was being as they say “PUNKED” and I actually questioned as to whether the testimonials I heard were valid. I was determined to find hidden cameras as this must have been some sort of prank. I came to realize the probability of all my clients concocting a story for the sake of receiving a Vivitrol injection made no sense at all. One client after another came in testifying how Vivitrol had impacted their life for the better in one way or another.
    Throughout each day I listened to clients singing the praises of Vivitrol. Yes, there were a few here and there who complained of the fatigue and headaches that can occur following the injection. Some experienced other side effects such as insomnia and tenderness at the injection site. Several clients shared that their desire to smoke cigarettes had decreased. Though this is not mentioned in the Video presentation it seems to be a common effect lately.
    “I got my life back”, “I have a job now”, “I got my family back”, “I’m in school”, “I’m getting married” these are just a few.
    One client told me he had used Heroin for 40+ years straight with no clean time and this same client completed 2 years of Vivitrol treatment and receiving his last dose in May 2018, each time testing negative per 12 panel test. Another client was so proud of his accomplishment, he took a picture of the first meaningful purchase he made over the past 3 years. (A picture of a new high end washer and dryer). The client held the picture and beamed as though he had just won the lottery.
    This may seem trivial to some of you but to someone who has spent a fortune over years of drug use, this is no small event. Please know that I am in no way being compensated by Alkermes, I am merely sharing the experiences of my clients with you.

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