Seven years ago, on April 21, 2016, the world lost one of the most talented musicians and artists of our time, Prince Rogers Nelson. Millions of people were stunned by Prince’s sudden passing. Millions of people all around the world mourned him. How could this amazingly talented, prolific, trailblazing, living legend die so suddenly? Eventually, we would all learn that a hidden addiction to the opioid fentanyl was what ultimately took his life. His official cause of death was declared to be an “accidental fentanyl overdose”.

For me, Prince’s death was personal. When he died, I felt as if I had lost a close friend. You see, I have been a Prince fan since I was 16 years old. For most of my life he has been my musical hero. I bought all his albums and saw him in concert at least 15 times. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I found out about his passing. A close friend had text me saying, “I’m sorry about Prince. Are you ok?” Yes, that is how much this awesome man meant to me. Other friends began to call and check in on me and continued to for several days. I’m not ashamed to say that I was a wreck for the next four days.

What can we learn from Prince’s death? We can learn about the fact that this same tragedy happens every day and to all sorts of people. Like so many in our country and in the world, Prince became addicted to opioids after they were prescribed to him by physicians. Prescribed to manage his chronic pain. Specifically, hip pain which he acquired through his many years of dancing and famous splits.

In the same way as Prince, thousands of folks, with no previous history of addiction, are prescribed these medications and end up becoming physically and mentally dependent on them. Eventually, their doctors catch on to this fact and stop prescribing the opioids to their now addicted patients. This often leads to these people seeking out the drug on the streets, where you never know what dose you’re going to get or if it’s going to be a fatal one.

I want to pause here and say that in my opinion, the vast majority of physicians writing these types of prescriptions, are trying to help their patients and not hurt them. In no way am I trying to villainize all the good doctors out there. No way. Not at all.

I have spoken to countless people who unknowingly became addicted to opioids or have lost someone to an opioid overdose. I have met executives, millionaires, hospital administrators, and high school athletes who sustained an injury or required some type of surgery and eventually ended up addicted to opioids because they were prescribed to them for pain. Most of them had never struggled with any type of Substance Use Disorder prior to this. Sadly, some of them were not able to recover from their addiction and eventually suffered an overdose, leaving hearts broken and lives changed forever.

We must end the stigma that still exists around Substance Use Disorder or Addiction. This can happen to ANYONE. No one grows up wanting to become dependent on drugs and/or alcohol. Most times, we don’t see our addiction coming. We only realize it once we are already in the grips of it and when we try to stop, we find it to be nearly impossible. I hit a terrible bottom and nearly died because of my addiction and even then, I had a very hard time recovering. In recovery circles, it is said that addiction is cunning, baffling, and powerful. I can fully attest to that and many others can too! BUT…..Recovery is Possible! I see it happen every day!

If you are struggling with an opioid addiction or have a loved one who is struggling please don’t hesitate and take action now. There is help and there is hope! You are not alone! Whether its treatment or an intervention that you need, call me at 732-599-7817.

Thank you for the lessons you taught us, Prince. The lessons you taught us in your music, your life, and even in your passing.

Love and Light to You All!