Mother shares heartbreaking story of son Hagen Jones lost to addiction and trauma
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In a poignant moment at the Stop Overdose Summit, a mother shared her heart-wrenching story, shedding light on the devastating impact of addiction and the stigma surrounding it. As she spoke, the room fell silent, each listener drawn into her narrative of loss and resilience.
On March 19, 2019, she awoke to the unimaginable news that her 22-year-old son, Hagen, had died. This tragedy was compounded by the fact that just ten days earlier, Hagen's younger brother had turned 16. The mother described the profound grief of losing not just one son, but two—one to addiction and the other to the pain of that loss. Her words painted a vivid picture of a family shattered by circumstances beyond their control.
She recounted how, prior to Hagen's death, she had little understanding of addiction or the dangers of substances like fentanyl. The stigma surrounding addiction often labels individuals as "junkies" or "statistics," but she emphasized that her son was much more than that. He was a vibrant young man whose life was altered by trauma experienced in early childhood. At just two years old, Hagen endured severe mental abuse in a daycare setting, an experience that would haunt him for years and ultimately contribute to his struggles with substance use.
The mother’s testimony highlighted the critical need for compassion and understanding in discussions about addiction. She urged the audience to see beyond the labels and recognize the humanity of those affected by substance use disorders. Her call to action resonated deeply, reminding everyone present that behind every statistic is a story, a family, and a profound loss.
As the summit continued, her story served as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction and fostering a supportive environment for recovery. The discussions that followed echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the need for community awareness, education, and empathy in the fight against the opioid crisis. The summit not only aimed to raise awareness but also to inspire action, ensuring that stories like Hagen's are not forgotten but serve as a catalyst for change.
On March 19, 2019, she awoke to the unimaginable news that her 22-year-old son, Hagen, had died. This tragedy was compounded by the fact that just ten days earlier, Hagen's younger brother had turned 16. The mother described the profound grief of losing not just one son, but two—one to addiction and the other to the pain of that loss. Her words painted a vivid picture of a family shattered by circumstances beyond their control.
She recounted how, prior to Hagen's death, she had little understanding of addiction or the dangers of substances like fentanyl. The stigma surrounding addiction often labels individuals as "junkies" or "statistics," but she emphasized that her son was much more than that. He was a vibrant young man whose life was altered by trauma experienced in early childhood. At just two years old, Hagen endured severe mental abuse in a daycare setting, an experience that would haunt him for years and ultimately contribute to his struggles with substance use.
The mother’s testimony highlighted the critical need for compassion and understanding in discussions about addiction. She urged the audience to see beyond the labels and recognize the humanity of those affected by substance use disorders. Her call to action resonated deeply, reminding everyone present that behind every statistic is a story, a family, and a profound loss.
As the summit continued, her story served as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction and fostering a supportive environment for recovery. The discussions that followed echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the need for community awareness, education, and empathy in the fight against the opioid crisis. The summit not only aimed to raise awareness but also to inspire action, ensuring that stories like Hagen's are not forgotten but serve as a catalyst for change.
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