A Nevada Widow Sheds Light on the Harrowing Impact of Fentanyl
In February, a tragic incident occurred when Jacob Wade, a former Marine and devoted family man, accidentally overdosed on a drug cocktail laced with fentanyl. His wife, Britain Tomlin, is now urging people to recognize the dangers of this deadly drug.
Fentanyl-related accidental overdoses have become alarmingly common in the US. Many victims are unaware that they are consuming it. Shockingly, one American dies from fentanyl every eight minutes, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action.
Ms. Tomlin is determined to raise awareness about this devastating crisis. She emphasizes the importance of government intervention and additional resources to support those battling addiction and their families.
Ms. Tomlin and Mr. Wade had an instant connection when they met in 2018 after his return from the military. They quickly married and embraced the arrival of their children, Walker and Blakely. Mr. Wade was not only a dedicated family man but also a passionate volunteer in the community, helping to build homes for families in need. However, he had a history of drug use that began in his teenage years, starting with marijuana and escalating to harder substances.
Throughout their relationship, Mr. Wade made continuous efforts to overcome his addiction. However, the cycle of addiction often took hold again, transforming him into a person even he did not recognize. His actions under the influence haunted him, causing immense sadness and self-disappointment.
Fentanyl overdose deaths have risen dramatically in recent years. In 2010, 2,666 Americans died from a fentanyl overdose, a number that soared to 19,413 by 2016. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the crisis, resulting in a record-breaking 72,484 deaths in 2021.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times stronger than heroin and 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Its potency combined with its low cost and ease of smuggling makes it attractive to dealers looking to extend or enhance the effects of other drugs. As a result, fentanyl is often unknowingly consumed by individuals who are unaware of its presence.
This powerful drug has infiltrated various substances, from cocaine to molly and even street benzodiazepines like Xanax. The devastating impact is evident in the number of fatalities, with a record 75,000 Americans losing their lives to fentanyl-laced drugs in 2021.
Britain Tomlin challenges the common misconception that addiction is a choice, emphasizing that it can affect anyone regardless of their strength or character. She also shares the heart-wrenching experience of finding her husband unresponsive and the impact it had on their young children.
Since her husband’s passing, Ms. Tomlin has used social media as a platform to raise awareness about fentanyl and drug overdoses. She encourages immediate action and support for those struggling with addiction, stressing the importance of kindness, honesty, and ongoing check-ins.
Ms. Tomlin’s grief will always be present, but she has found ways to find happiness and grow despite the pain. She carries Jacob’s memory with her and vows to continue living a fulfilling life.
Fortunately, steps are being taken to combat opioid overdoses. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Narcan, a nasal spray that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, for over-the-counter sales without a prescription.
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