- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Friends & Family
submitted by Susanne Johnson
Ever since we were little kids, my brother and I were extremely different. He was the fearless type who thrived off adventure while I was a little bit more conservative. Casey and I were three years apart and grew up in a good home with loving parents. We lived in a little town in the suburbs of Washington, DC. We enjoyed the holidays, laughed on family vacations and fought just like many brothers do. As we got older, I became involved with team sports and fell in love with basketball. My brother fell in love with skateboarding, dirt biking and anything to do with weather. His adventurous personality led to a lot of experimentation, and that’s when it all began. Casey’s battle with drug addiction started at a young age when he was introduced to marijuana. From sixth grade to January 30, 2015, he battled a terrible addiction that eventually claimed his life at age 25.
My brother struggled for years to find his place in society. He couldn’t escape his feelings of guilt for the loved ones he had harmed, the social isolation from friends he cared about, the drug addict label that followed him wherever he went and the shame of knowing he wasn’t living up to his incredible potential. My brother eventually spent 11 months in prison for drug charges and was never able to really connect with society when he got out. He showed glimpses of hope and moments of clarity but couldn’t quite overcome his troubled past and damaged reputation. He went to several rehabilitation facilities before his addiction got the best of him.
During the last few years leading up to my brother’s death, our relationship faded, and I was angry at the damage caused to our family. While Casey made attempts to connect with me, I always said to myself, “When Casey gets his act together I’ll be there for him.” Unfortunately on January 30, 2015, I got the call that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life. My brother had died from a drug overdose on fentanyl, and my father found him in our childhood home.
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone that has a family member struggling with addiction, it would be to love them unconditionally. Stigma from addiction can lead people down a dark hole that makes recovery even more difficult. My brother felt that stigma, and the guilt he felt from his addiction contributed to his death. I would do anything to have my brother back, but unfortunately all I can do at this point is to let people know that there is hope. Soon after Casey’s death I started a blog to help inspire individuals to become the best version of themselves. This project aims to connect people in my community through healthy activities, inspire people through my weekly magazine and provide people with a community of others that believe in them regardless of their past. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Hug your loved ones tight, and let them know you believe in them.