Went to another wake for a young person today

[jackio Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close jackio]

A 21 year old young man - I am friends with his mother- died of a heroin overdose the other day. I have attended a few of these wakes, although even one is one too many. Heroin abuse is rampant here on Long Island. This scourge transcends age, sex and socio-economic boundaries.
The recent push to tighten up the abuse of prescription painkillers has led to an increase in heroin use by people who can't get opiates from doctors anymore.

There were about 50 young people at the wake. Nice, clean-cut, respectful. "Doing the right thing", dressed in their dress clothes, they filed past the casket looking shell-shocked, speaking to the mother, shaking her hand, saying the right things.
Obviously they are smart kids.
Then why the hell don't they learn??

I am heartbroken.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I saw a few of my friends go in the same way. It is hard to see it happen but hopefully his dieing may wake up and save others that are on the same path.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

It is just so hard to believe although I know it's true, I am so sorry. There is no appropriate emoticon for this.

[timeos2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close timeos2]

It is so sad to see lives wasted this way. Often the victims don't die but the life they are left with may not be very pleasant. And there is no easy answer. Very sad.

[billymach4 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close billymach4]

Sad very Sad. Sorry you had to witness this devastation.

[easyrider Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close easyrider]

Yup, that is always bummer.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

So sorry Jackie! Its so tragic when a young person passes. When they pass in this manner, there are no appropriate words.

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

So sorry Jacki. When we see torment in the eyes of our friends, it is so difficult to know what to say and do. Just be there, no more is needed.

[IreneLF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close IreneLF]

Happens here too. Middle class kids taking heroin is still unbelievable to me. I have no words. HUGS to you Jacki.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

There are no words to express the pain of a child dying.