Like many parents, Susan May didn't think that it was possible for her child to become a drug addict. Her son, Ryan, grew up in an affluent suburb of Syracuse, New York, as an excellent student and accomplished musician and athlete. Despite having all these great skills and advantages, he became dependent on drugs.
In an interview with the Syracuse Post-Standard, May opened up about what it's like to be the mother of an addict. She also spoke about her journey at a vigil in memory of those who have died from drug abuse or are currently suffering from addiction sponsored by the Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education Task Force, a Florida-based nonprofit.
May told the publication that she first became aware of her son's substance abuse problem when he came home from college on a holiday break and admitted that he was addicted to Oxycontin. After receiving a few pills from a friend, he said that he had quickly become hooked.
For the past two years, May has been supporting her son through multiple rehab stints. She said that while he is doing well now, every day is a struggle. She also noted that for addicts without a strong support group, getting over the stigma of drug abuse can be difficult.
"There are thousands of people who don't get help because of the stigma, because they don't want to get labeled as an addict or former addict," May told the source. "There are a lot of people lost to this and they need help."
If you are trying to get a loved one on a path to recovery, contact Intervention Services today. Our experienced interventionists can help your friend or relative enter an effective treatment program.