Ellen Isaacs: Turning Heartbreak into Hope in the Fight Against Opioids
Addiction is a pandemic and it's not going to be gone when covid is no longer the frontrunner in the news.
Ellen Isaacs knows the pain of addiction all too well. Growing up surrounded by it, she eventually found herself battling her own demons. But nothing could prepare her for the loss of her son, Ryan, to an overdose. This devastating event propelled Ellen into a new role: an advocate for addicts and their families.
In this heartfelt episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return', Ellen shares her journey from personal struggle to becoming a beacon of hope for others affected by the opioid crisis. Ellen's mission is clear: raise awareness about the opioid pandemic and educate people on the life-saving power of Narcan. Through Ryan's Opioid Pandemic Coalition, she teaches parents and loved ones how to use this crucial tool to reverse overdoses.
Her work underscores a sobering truth – addiction does not discriminate based on economic status, education, or religion. One of the toughest battles Ellen faced was getting her son into treatment. She candidly discusses the challenges families encounter when trying to help a loved one accept they need help.
To aid in this struggle, Bobby Newman, a certified drug counselor and interventionist, has created a series of videos aimed at guiding families through the process of getting their loved ones into recovery. Ellen also highlights the importance of holding those responsible for the opioid crisis accountable. She points to the Sackler family, who profited immensely from the sale of OxyContin, and emphasizes that despite recent settlements, they should still face criminal prosecution.
Throughout the episode, Ellen emphasizes the power of support and connection in recovery. She urges listeners to seek help immediately, rather than waiting for a 'better' time. Her message is one of urgency and hope: if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, act now. Ellen Isaacs' story is one of transformation and resilience. By turning her personal tragedy into a powerful force for change, she is making a significant impact in the fight against addiction.
Her work with Ryan's Opioid Pandemic Coalition stands as a testament to the difference one person can make in the lives of many.