The Story of James

 

James was popular, adventurous, athletic, a college grad, a top fisherman, and a World War II history buff who fluently spoke French.  In 2015, he died at age 27 after overdosing on fentanyl.  

His family was in shock. How could such an intelligent, well-rounded young man from a good family die from a drug overdose?  The answer, they realized, was that anyone – no matter how smart they are, no matter how promising their future – can succumb to addiction.  Opiates are not recreational. Anything can become addictive, but the opiates grab you right away, James’ father, said four days after he passed.

A Promising Life

James graduated High School in 2006.  In 2011, he graduated from post-secondary education, and not too long after, he made his first appearance on the large screen by getting involved with the local film industry as an extra in a movie being shot here in Sudbury.

Overdose and Death

James’s parents don’t know what drove him to initially use fentanyl.

“This just doesn’t make sense. We’ve said he was intelligent … we have to chalk it up to ignorance. It was just a different way to cop a different buzz,” his father said.  He also described James’ drug use as more than “dabbling” but definitely a “weekend thing.”

While his parents gave a loving eulogy highlighting all of James’ accomplishments, they also offered a stern warning to readers about the dangers of addiction.

“James left us too soon by making a bad decision,” his obituary said. “Please, please stop before you or a loved one thinks that no drug is too powerful – there is no turning back, no ‘do overs.’”

 

Public Health Status in the City of Greater Sudbury

 

Sudbury Public Health Statistics report that in January 2021 Paramedic Services responded to 67 opioid-related incidents.  In 2020, first responders responded to 683 opioid-related incidents. A memorial (And Call to Action) to those that died of an opioid-related death is set up at the Sudbury Theater Center.  Over 170 white crosses have been erected to remember those loved ones that have died.  That works out to 25% of the opioid-related incidents results in death.  With a population of just over 160,000, the per-capita opioid death rate in Sudbury has been eclipsing the provincial average (10.3%) in recent years and is climbing at an alarming rate. 

 

 

The addiction scene in Sudbury is horrifying.  It is the worst in the province and is going unnoticed by the general public. We need to raise awareness of the Opioid Crisis in Sudbury. 

As such, did you know that a fast-growing Facebook Page is trying to raise awareness of this very serious issue? The Facebook page is titled: Silent No More !!! Sudbury’s Overdose Epidemic.  Please take a moment to view the posts and become aware of the issues in the Sudbury Area.  You can also volunteer time with the team or you can offer daily prayer to those involved in helping and to those suffering from addictions. 

The goal of the group is to be able to share stories, to alert the city and to make it a reality that addiction exists in our community. Carfentanil and Fentanyl are killing our loved ones.  This group is bringing attention to an issue that the politicians and other right people need to see. 

EMAIL:  silentnomoresudbury@gmail.com

 

If you know someone suffering from addiction.  You can provide them with some information on the services available to them.  

Here is a list of some services available.  However, they can call 311 for more information on the many services offered throughout the Greater City of Sudbury.  

 

1.  Sudbury Mental Health, Addictions and Gambling Centre

Website: https://www.hsnsudbury.ca/portalen/Programs-and-Services/Mental-Health-and-Addictions

 

2.  OATC – Sudbury

Website: https://www.oatc.ca/clinic-locations/sudbury-clinic/

 

3.  Northwood Recovery Clinic (Sudbury)

Website: https://www.northwoodrecovery.ca/

 

4.  Monarch Recovery Services

Website: https://monarchrecoveryservices.ca/

 

5.  Methadone Sudbury

TEL: 1-800-319-2943

 

6.  Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Website: www.camh.ca

 

7.  Alcoholics Anonymous

Phone: 705-674-6217

 

8. Narcotics Anonymous

Website:  sudburyareana.com 

What can you do to help build a Culture of Life?