Childhood is a time for making mistakes. But some decisions have horrific consequences. Knowing what’s out there and teaching awareness to our children is the best way to ensure they make it safely into adulthood.
Aaron* is a 16 year-old attending yeshiva and earning decent grades. A popular kid, lots of friends, raised in a stable home-there were no warning signs of the impending crisis.
We received a frantic call from Aaron’s mother, telling us that her son was in a coma after a drug overdose. His blood contained fentanyl: a synthetic pain killer often used after surgery, a tiny dose of which can kill an adult under the wrong circumstances. The medics administered narcan en route to the hospital; but Aaron’s brain had been deprived of oxygen, and the doctors did not know whether he would wake up or if he had sustained permanent damage.
Aaron’s parents were in shock; our case manager connected the family with grief counselors as well as chesed organizations that would help with preparing dinners and other resources.
A week later, Aaron woke up, and Baruch Hashem, he was okay. But the story that emerged has sadly become all too common.
Facing an important exam, Aaron was having trouble studying and asked a friend for help. He suggested adderall, a drug used for ADHD that was sure to get Aaron “focused.” The friend knew how to get the pills, and he figured what was the harm? It was just one dose; he wasn’t doing “real” drugs or taking it to get high.
That decision almost cost Araron his life. The adderall contained fentanyl-a method used by drug dealers to convince people they are getting the fix they need without realizing what they are ingesting.
Thankfully, Aaron’s story isn’t over. He and his parents got the education and assistance they needed; and Aaron now knows about the dangers of trusting unknown sources and appreciates how fragile life can be. But this tale could have taken a tragic turn, and our mission is to educate the public about how high the stakes have become and to prevent other kids from making the same mistake.
If you or someone you know is in trouble, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Amudim is just a phone call away and ready to help.
