On February 19, 2015, my son, Jason, tragically passed away from a heroin overdose at just 30 years old, in his Los Angeles apartment. He was my beloved child, a brilliant comedian, and a beacon of joy for so many.
Jason grew up in a comfortable suburban neighborhood, often referred to as a “nice Jewish boy.” His father is a doctor, and I am a retired educator. As his mother, I thought there was no way he would ever get involved with drugs like heroin. After all, kids like him just didn’t go down that path! I’m sharing our story in hopes of enlightening other families about the realities we faced.
In his brief life, Jason achieved more than many do in a lifetime. At his bar mitzvah, the rabbi foretold of his future success, saying he would perform at the Laff Stop one day. By 18, he had already placed third in a local comedy contest! He graduated from the Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and later earned a degree from Emerson College in TV and video production.
At 22, Jason caught the attention of Sarah Silverman while performing stand-up, leading to an exciting career in television. He penned many scripts, coined the term “humblebrag,” which is now in the Oxford Dictionary, and wrote a book on the subject. He worked on hit shows like “Parks and Recreation,” where he also appeared as an animal control officer, and collaborated with big names like Louis C.K. and Aziz Ansari.
Despite his talent and success, Jason struggled internally. He began using recreational drugs at the age of 12. How could we have missed this? We were attentive parents, and he excelled academically. He made straight A’s and was driven about his ambitions. Yet, he had tried cocaine in high school and vowed never to use drugs again.
In the last few years of his life, our visits to Los Angeles became infrequent. Jason seemed distant, but we chalked it up to his busy Hollywood lifestyle. He attended fewer family gatherings, and the spark in his eyes dimmed—yet I attributed it to his overwhelming success. Unfortunately, he had become a high-functioning addict.
Jason did eventually confide in his sister about his addiction to OxyContin, but he made her promise not to tell us, believing he could manage it on his own. When he checked into rehab, I was hopeful. He seemed to be making strides towards recovery. However, I was devastated to learn he had left rehab a week early, and during that time, he lost his battle with addiction.
The day after I received a heartwarming email from him about his future, I was blindsided by news of his death. I found out through a text message from a friend, and my world shattered. How could this happen? I had hoped he was finally on the right path. I lost not just a son but a future filled with family milestones and memories.
The current treatment methods for addiction are failing, and overdose deaths are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States—an epidemic that demands our attention. In the wake of my loss, I founded a local support chapter for families dealing with grief after substance-related deaths and committed myself to advocating for change. Here are some insights I wish I had known before losing my son:
- Reframe Substance Misuse: We need to treat addiction as a health issue rather than a moral failing. Not everyone can casually use substances, and we must recognize that addiction can be a lifelong battle.
- Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT): Options like methadone and buprenorphine should be readily available. It’s essential to focus on individual treatment plans, even if that means long-term maintenance.
- Increase Availability of Naloxone: This life-saving drug should be accessible not just to addicts but also to their families and friends. We need laws that encourage people to call for help without fear of legal repercussions.
- Syringe Access Programs: Providing safe spaces for drug use can help mitigate the risks of overdose.
- Regulate Opioid Prescriptions: Many addictions begin with prescriptions. We need stricter guidelines to prevent addiction before it starts.
- Rehabilitation Oversight: Rehab facilities must stay updated with current best practices and not rely solely on outdated methods.
- Support for Relapses: Families should be educated about the realities of addiction, as relapses are common. Continuous support is crucial for long-term recovery.
- Decriminalize Addiction: Individuals caught with small amounts of drugs should not face harsh penalties. Instead, they should be directed towards treatment.
- Educate Schools: Comprehensive drug education programs should be implemented, and families must share their stories with students to raise awareness.
Jason worked tirelessly to achieve his dreams and fought hard against his addiction. His kindness and humor touched everyone he met. One of his memorable sayings was, “Let’s stop burning the witch of the week. We are all wonderful and horrible.”
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Summary
Rachel Stevens shares her heartbreaking journey after losing her son Jason to addiction, advocating for essential changes in how society approaches substance misuse and treatment. She highlights the need for better education, support, and understanding of addiction, urging families to engage and share their experiences to foster awareness and prevention.