Drug addiction is everyone’s problem. The nationwide epidemic is well known, but local stories of fatal overdoses and struggles with recovery go largely unnoticed. The Ephrata Review is publishing a monthly series that covers these local stories. Some are tragic, some are triumphant. The goal is to never lose hope.
Part 1: Beth’s Story
“Beth’s Story” is the first in a five-part monthly series on the addiction epidemic that our society is facing. While names, locations, and dates have been changed to protect her family, Beth’s story is true and sadly becoming too common. The series is written by Janice Ballenger, who works at Retreat at Lancaster County, a premier 160-bed addiction treatment center in Ephrata. While working closely with patients suffering from addiction, she has a passion to raise awareness to what addiction truly is, namely, a chronic, treatable brain disease. There is a need to detach the negative stigma attached to addicts. There is help and there is always hope. One more “Beth” is one more too many lost to this horrific disease.
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Part 2: Laura’s Ladder
Laura’s Ladder” is the second in a monthly series on the addiction crisis that too many people are battling. The series is written by Janice Ballenger, who works at Retreat at Lancaster County, a premier 160 bed addiction treatment facility in Ephrata. Working closely with addicts, she has a burning passion to raise awareness to addiction and offer hope to all. Part I of this series, “Beth’s Story,” detailed Beth’s life as a once-successful registered nurse who ended up dead at age 38 from a heroin overdose. While some names and locations have been changed for the privacy of her family, “Laura’s Ladder” is also a true story with local ties.
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My little brother: As told by a grieving big sister
This is a local family’s drug addiction tragedy as told by a sister who lost a brother to an overdose less than a year ago. It happened right here in our community, and it happens more often than many might think. Identities have been withheld to protect those involved.
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Part III: ‘Andrew’s Actions’
Part III of this ongoing series on the drug addiction epidemic will focus on “Andrew’s Actions … and devastating death,” written from the perspective of the deputy coroner who was on call that day. The power of these compelling true stories serves as a reminder that no one is exempt from this community problem. Look for “Andrew’s Actions” in the April 22 edition of the Review.
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