My son Aaron started using marijuana and alcohol when he was 15 years old. At that time I would punish him, like most parents, by taking away privaledges, etc. I felt he was a typical teen, and didn't take these things as particularly disturbing. It wasn't until he was in college did I realize how out-of-control his drug use had become. But, even then, I felt he would "grow out of it" or I could "love" him out of making such dangerous choices. After all, he was an intelligent, handsome young man from a loving family....and drug addiction didn't happen to families like ours!! NEVER would I have believed my son would use needles....NEVER would I have believed my son would use heroin! But he did, and he died.....only 23 years old....now he is gone from me and I miss him every minute of every day.....

This Story of Hope was created in celebration of recovery and to let families know that there are pathways to hope and healing. The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families who are struggling with their son or daughter's substance use. Please consider sharing this page so that families know where to turn to for help, and that there is always hope.