Mother Shares Photos Of Her Oldest Son, Showing What Heroin And Meth Addiction Can Do In 7 Months
Addiction ruins lives. Those of the addicted, as well as those of their loved ones. Fortunately, however difficult life might get, there are people out there who care about us and do their darndest to help us in our hour of need.
Jennifer Salfen-Tracy turned to Facebook to share with everyone how her oldest son Cody Bishop, who is suffering from heroin and meth addiction, is doing. According to his mom, Cody is homeless and she hasn’t heard from him in weeks. The photos she shared of him are shocking, especially when you realize that they’re only 7 months apart.
A desperate mother shared photos of her son Cody…
…who has completely changed in 7 months due to heroin and meth use
Cody’s mom wants her son to come back home and get clean
Cody’s mom, who is from Missouri, hopes that her son will return home and get his life sorted out because of the major negative impact that drugs have had on his life, health, and outlook on life.
Salfen-Tracy also drew attention to the fact that this sort of addiction is far from rare; it affects more people than you’d expect. Heroin, which is an opioid, is part of a larger problem of addiction in America and elsewhere.
In the United States, addiction— of all types — is widespread. Addiction Center highlights that 21 million Americans “have at least one addiction,” however, only a tenth of them receive treatment. The Center also notes that out of those, 2.1 million have an opioid use disorder and almost half a million Americans are regular heroin users.
Over 700,000 US citizens have died from overdosing on a drug (any drug) from 1999 to 2017. Drug and alcohol addiction is a heavy weight on the US economy: it costs the country more than 600 billion dollars each and every year.
What’s more, around a fifth of Americans who have “depression or an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder,” according to Addiction Center.
Around 130 US citizens die daily from opioid overdose. Since 2017, 15,000 Americans have lost their lives because they overdosed on heroin.
An astoundingly large number of people in the US have used heroin at least once since 2017: 886,000 individuals have tried it and around a quarter of them will go on to be addicted to heroin. All we can do is hope that Cody gets the help he needs and doesn’t become just another statistic.
People who read Jennifer’s story encouraged her not to give up
I'm sorry, but reading over and over again, that people only trust in god and that someone changed his life just because of the help of god sometimes really makes me wonder. Especially the part when someone manges to turn his life around and stay sober, that people say, that it's "by the grace of god" - why not say, that this person found his strenght and was able to change his life by himself.
funny thing is that all the bad things in the world is not work of him! it's like "He" is only taking credit for good things. what about children dying in Africa? 2 years old having aids or cancer? where is the powerful mighty god?
@Carol Emory , okay, could be true, that suffering is needed. But why should an innocent child, that hasn't done anything wrong is his life should be suffering. --- I read somewhere that an all-knowing god can't be all-loving if he isn't helping or he couldn't be a kind god. (I've got a little problem translation this right now - not english native)
@carol emory remember that, according to The Bible, labor pain is FEMALES' fault (she took the forbidden fruit). When God banned Adam and Eve from paradise, said: I will multiply your pain in labor and with pain you'll have your children (genesis 3:16). Just saying (btw I'm an atheist and agree with @Soba and @LuckyL. Just wanted to prove that even God believers don't know what they're talking about). I've always thought that if God (whichever) exist, he/she is a sadistic F&!k. Pain in kids should never be permitted.
Carol's God sounds like a real jerk.
One last thing... I understand people holding to any religion when times are rough. It easies the path. I envy them, I really do.
@Carol: Then it shouldn't be so imbalanced. Why do I get to have a well-paying job and a wonderful husband when someone else, no better or worse than me, struggles just to eat? Also, by your own words, God is some kind of monster.
Takes credit, but not blame… maybe "god" is a Republican.
I will not tell you what my religious beliefs are to pick sides, but as someone who studies multiple religions to study their philosophy, the argument given by Christian theologists on the problem of evil is this. The main one is the belief in free will — or the idea that it is human being themselves who choose to cause evil that God dislikes. Because when you think about it, what would a world be like without human beings be like without our own ability to make decisions? We would do what is kind, but with no deep enjoyment in it because it is not truly our choice and we have no understanding of why it’s worth to be kind. If every emotion was happiness, all the art, stories, music, would be useless because everything would be satisfying as it is. If we knew everything, no need for discovery and science would be there, whether in physics or biology. We would be emotionless, satisfied with pursuing nothing in life because of already being 100% joyful.
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And everyone blames God for all the bad things. Sorry who is doing all the bad things? HIM or Us? I think sir its us. Have you ever met people that tried to live in Africa and work on good causes? I have. You know what they tell me, that the fault why there is so much evil and corruption and suffering is because of their own people in power harming their OWN flesh and blood. We trash the world, we act stupid, we are mean and rude with others, we hate people and have bad feelings and thoughts, we do things we know deep inside are wrong to do and we still desire to do them. The problems in the world are not because of God but because of us selfish human beings that only think of me me me me. Soba, if God is real, which I believe He is, he is not going to control people like puppets to do good or bad things. We choose to do good or bad. For some people, that believe in God and his goodness, trusting in him and asking him for strength is the way to deal with their life's struggles.
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Pain and suffering HAVE to exist. It’s all relative. Good only exists because evil exists. Light dark, sadness joy, etc etc. Your belief that something is good is only because you know the opposite is a possibility. If there was no disease and death in the world, what would be the point of life? You may be happy now but at some point you yourself will be the sadness that allows happiness to exist for other people. It’s life my friend
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@Soba I always like how people try to show a disbelief in God by pointing out the painful things that happen in this world. Zebras don't want to be killed by Lions, but it has to happen for the Lion to survive. And as scary and painful as it may be, that's part of life. If God was to relieve all things painful, then why does He make even the act of childbirth so painful. It's to appreciate what has been given to you. It's so others will be humbled by the life they lead and not take it for granted. If there were no pain or suffering, then we would be fearless and do as we please without any regards to anyone but ourselves. Suffering happens to allow us to separate the monsters from the angels. Because if you're not outraged at other peoples suffering, then you must be some kind of monster.
I don't do the God thing... I got sober on my own & stayed sober.
congrats!!!
@Carol Emory - I'm not saying, that a person should say god helped be through this - because I'm sure, that if you believe in god, then this can really help you. ----- but saying that someone else succeded in something because of god help I think is taking away the effort this person made. ------- in a small way, I prepare a dinner, stand two hours in the kitchen and at the table there's a prayer for god and thanking him for the dinner. (I know, nothing comparing to a person overcoming a drug addiction)
I believe people should be allowed to choose their own beliefs and not be forced to it. If someone says Christianity helps them, fine. If Islam helps them, fine. If to be atheistic helps them, fine. There are too many wars in this world that have been caused due to disagreements about religious beliefs, from the crusades war against Christians and Muslims, to Stalin’s regime in forcing atheism on others in World War II by Genocide. What helps one person, religious or not, is not always what helps you. The most important thing is that they are kind and do what is kind, no matter what they believe.
Probably because 12-step programs typically want you to acknowledge a “higher power” and it sounds like most of the people who commented are in recovery. Everyone arguing, you’re not going to change each others’ minds. Just a thought.
true..
From a sober raging addict.. sober like 7 years. For me I couldn't do the AA and NA stuff they basically made it seem like I can't do it alone I have to have god to do it . And TBH you kinda have to get sober for yourself, can't really depend on anyone to make you be sober or you will find any way every way to get high.... So I hear you and to me, your right because you either wake up want to live and stop hurting yourself and everyone around you, if they are even still there waiting for you, and do all you can to not be that person anymore... Have to be away from it and everything that has to do with it. My advice move away start somewhere new get to a clinic or a doctor that can help addiction. But no one but you can make that happen..
Because jesus is real and he is powerful
We are (collectively) god. So yeah, the god within us does it.
You have the right To not Trust in God.but it is their rigth to trust in God also.
I know we hear it time and time again. Everytime a miracle happens in life, one equates it to God and God-given etc. Studies have shown already how meditation and spirituality brings a sense of calmness and focus to the wellbeing of a person, it even brings a sense of good health too. So, having faith in whichever, in a religion or even in people, in the good of this world or whatever... It's a first coping mechanism most people get, even when we hear the praises as you mention.. That people say "by the grace of god" when someone's life manages to turn around, I think in some way it gives people renewed strength, hope and faith in their God and in Change even. Thats just the way some people go by, as a stress relief anyway.
Not supported by the "happy rat" test on addiction, but keep telling yourself a myth if it makes you happy.
because america is a wasteland of fundementals. they abhor iran for their religious beliefs, but they are the same.
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In what way does that affect your life?
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I can only speak for myself, but I believe that God will give you that strength when you needd it the most, so that you CAN change your life yourself.
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@LuckyL...Sometimes the strength that people need is to have a way to release the stress that causes them to resort to drugs and alcohol. If that release is prayers to God, whether you believe in Him or not, then why criticize peoples methods of coping. You may think they are kidding themselves...but or that other people are giving the wrong person credit, but who really cares as long as they are sober.
Exposing your son like this on a public platform won't help him; only he can help him self. God can't help either. Sorry to be harsh but I've struggled with addiction and only you, yourself the addict, can seek help and work hard to obtain and keep sobriety. If God had anything to do with it, there wouldn't be overdoses or addicts at all for that matter. Offer him resources and help and if he accepts it, that's for him to decide.
I agree, and above all I agree on the exposure part. He's on FB, name and surname, and I feel he could be damaged in the future by this exposure. Imagine he finds the strength to get over his addiction. This pic will stay forever on the web. This is exposing a weak subject. Not nice.
This is a huge reminder of who not to be it is actually can be used as a tool for him to think..
When I was ay my worst point if my mom would've done this I would have had a VERY hard time forgiving her, if I could forgive her at all. Does she really think that's going to make him come home??? I only ended up stopping stuff because I had a couple really good friends and ended up finding the guy I'm married to who basically gave me a "wtf are you doing I care about you I'm not going to watch you kill yourself slowly" kind of ultimatum. Putting him out there like that is embarrassing, only thing it did is get sympathy for her and that does jack for him.
Huge hugs I hear you . Hope he can use this as a wake up call that so many of us are thinking of him and hope he stops and thinks .. he has support, he needs help. I've seen people use mugshot photos to hang as a Stark reminder of who to never be... My heart breaks for this mom., She's amazing for doing anything she can these things never come with instructions. My parents didn't care no one looked for me I was trafficked at 16 no one cared.... This mom cares and I bet she is terrified of losing her son. Just so fkn heartbreaking. Ellen your a star sweetness I'm so very very glad you made it out alive. That is not easy by no means <3
Thanks hun! (Dr girlfriend)
I am so sorry for the mother and hope her son can be saved. I lost my daughter ( as in I had to get an AVO against her), and as a consequence my first grandchild due to my daughter’s drug addiction and her resulting paranoia.
I'm sorry, but reading over and over again, that people only trust in god and that someone changed his life just because of the help of god sometimes really makes me wonder. Especially the part when someone manges to turn his life around and stay sober, that people say, that it's "by the grace of god" - why not say, that this person found his strenght and was able to change his life by himself.
funny thing is that all the bad things in the world is not work of him! it's like "He" is only taking credit for good things. what about children dying in Africa? 2 years old having aids or cancer? where is the powerful mighty god?
@Carol Emory , okay, could be true, that suffering is needed. But why should an innocent child, that hasn't done anything wrong is his life should be suffering. --- I read somewhere that an all-knowing god can't be all-loving if he isn't helping or he couldn't be a kind god. (I've got a little problem translation this right now - not english native)
@carol emory remember that, according to The Bible, labor pain is FEMALES' fault (she took the forbidden fruit). When God banned Adam and Eve from paradise, said: I will multiply your pain in labor and with pain you'll have your children (genesis 3:16). Just saying (btw I'm an atheist and agree with @Soba and @LuckyL. Just wanted to prove that even God believers don't know what they're talking about). I've always thought that if God (whichever) exist, he/she is a sadistic F&!k. Pain in kids should never be permitted.
Carol's God sounds like a real jerk.
One last thing... I understand people holding to any religion when times are rough. It easies the path. I envy them, I really do.
@Carol: Then it shouldn't be so imbalanced. Why do I get to have a well-paying job and a wonderful husband when someone else, no better or worse than me, struggles just to eat? Also, by your own words, God is some kind of monster.
Takes credit, but not blame… maybe "god" is a Republican.
I will not tell you what my religious beliefs are to pick sides, but as someone who studies multiple religions to study their philosophy, the argument given by Christian theologists on the problem of evil is this. The main one is the belief in free will — or the idea that it is human being themselves who choose to cause evil that God dislikes. Because when you think about it, what would a world be like without human beings be like without our own ability to make decisions? We would do what is kind, but with no deep enjoyment in it because it is not truly our choice and we have no understanding of why it’s worth to be kind. If every emotion was happiness, all the art, stories, music, would be useless because everything would be satisfying as it is. If we knew everything, no need for discovery and science would be there, whether in physics or biology. We would be emotionless, satisfied with pursuing nothing in life because of already being 100% joyful.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
And everyone blames God for all the bad things. Sorry who is doing all the bad things? HIM or Us? I think sir its us. Have you ever met people that tried to live in Africa and work on good causes? I have. You know what they tell me, that the fault why there is so much evil and corruption and suffering is because of their own people in power harming their OWN flesh and blood. We trash the world, we act stupid, we are mean and rude with others, we hate people and have bad feelings and thoughts, we do things we know deep inside are wrong to do and we still desire to do them. The problems in the world are not because of God but because of us selfish human beings that only think of me me me me. Soba, if God is real, which I believe He is, he is not going to control people like puppets to do good or bad things. We choose to do good or bad. For some people, that believe in God and his goodness, trusting in him and asking him for strength is the way to deal with their life's struggles.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Pain and suffering HAVE to exist. It’s all relative. Good only exists because evil exists. Light dark, sadness joy, etc etc. Your belief that something is good is only because you know the opposite is a possibility. If there was no disease and death in the world, what would be the point of life? You may be happy now but at some point you yourself will be the sadness that allows happiness to exist for other people. It’s life my friend
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
@Soba I always like how people try to show a disbelief in God by pointing out the painful things that happen in this world. Zebras don't want to be killed by Lions, but it has to happen for the Lion to survive. And as scary and painful as it may be, that's part of life. If God was to relieve all things painful, then why does He make even the act of childbirth so painful. It's to appreciate what has been given to you. It's so others will be humbled by the life they lead and not take it for granted. If there were no pain or suffering, then we would be fearless and do as we please without any regards to anyone but ourselves. Suffering happens to allow us to separate the monsters from the angels. Because if you're not outraged at other peoples suffering, then you must be some kind of monster.
I don't do the God thing... I got sober on my own & stayed sober.
congrats!!!
@Carol Emory - I'm not saying, that a person should say god helped be through this - because I'm sure, that if you believe in god, then this can really help you. ----- but saying that someone else succeded in something because of god help I think is taking away the effort this person made. ------- in a small way, I prepare a dinner, stand two hours in the kitchen and at the table there's a prayer for god and thanking him for the dinner. (I know, nothing comparing to a person overcoming a drug addiction)
I believe people should be allowed to choose their own beliefs and not be forced to it. If someone says Christianity helps them, fine. If Islam helps them, fine. If to be atheistic helps them, fine. There are too many wars in this world that have been caused due to disagreements about religious beliefs, from the crusades war against Christians and Muslims, to Stalin’s regime in forcing atheism on others in World War II by Genocide. What helps one person, religious or not, is not always what helps you. The most important thing is that they are kind and do what is kind, no matter what they believe.
Probably because 12-step programs typically want you to acknowledge a “higher power” and it sounds like most of the people who commented are in recovery. Everyone arguing, you’re not going to change each others’ minds. Just a thought.
true..
From a sober raging addict.. sober like 7 years. For me I couldn't do the AA and NA stuff they basically made it seem like I can't do it alone I have to have god to do it . And TBH you kinda have to get sober for yourself, can't really depend on anyone to make you be sober or you will find any way every way to get high.... So I hear you and to me, your right because you either wake up want to live and stop hurting yourself and everyone around you, if they are even still there waiting for you, and do all you can to not be that person anymore... Have to be away from it and everything that has to do with it. My advice move away start somewhere new get to a clinic or a doctor that can help addiction. But no one but you can make that happen..
Because jesus is real and he is powerful
We are (collectively) god. So yeah, the god within us does it.
You have the right To not Trust in God.but it is their rigth to trust in God also.
I know we hear it time and time again. Everytime a miracle happens in life, one equates it to God and God-given etc. Studies have shown already how meditation and spirituality brings a sense of calmness and focus to the wellbeing of a person, it even brings a sense of good health too. So, having faith in whichever, in a religion or even in people, in the good of this world or whatever... It's a first coping mechanism most people get, even when we hear the praises as you mention.. That people say "by the grace of god" when someone's life manages to turn around, I think in some way it gives people renewed strength, hope and faith in their God and in Change even. Thats just the way some people go by, as a stress relief anyway.
Not supported by the "happy rat" test on addiction, but keep telling yourself a myth if it makes you happy.
because america is a wasteland of fundementals. they abhor iran for their religious beliefs, but they are the same.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
In what way does that affect your life?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I can only speak for myself, but I believe that God will give you that strength when you needd it the most, so that you CAN change your life yourself.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
@LuckyL...Sometimes the strength that people need is to have a way to release the stress that causes them to resort to drugs and alcohol. If that release is prayers to God, whether you believe in Him or not, then why criticize peoples methods of coping. You may think they are kidding themselves...but or that other people are giving the wrong person credit, but who really cares as long as they are sober.
Exposing your son like this on a public platform won't help him; only he can help him self. God can't help either. Sorry to be harsh but I've struggled with addiction and only you, yourself the addict, can seek help and work hard to obtain and keep sobriety. If God had anything to do with it, there wouldn't be overdoses or addicts at all for that matter. Offer him resources and help and if he accepts it, that's for him to decide.
I agree, and above all I agree on the exposure part. He's on FB, name and surname, and I feel he could be damaged in the future by this exposure. Imagine he finds the strength to get over his addiction. This pic will stay forever on the web. This is exposing a weak subject. Not nice.
This is a huge reminder of who not to be it is actually can be used as a tool for him to think..
When I was ay my worst point if my mom would've done this I would have had a VERY hard time forgiving her, if I could forgive her at all. Does she really think that's going to make him come home??? I only ended up stopping stuff because I had a couple really good friends and ended up finding the guy I'm married to who basically gave me a "wtf are you doing I care about you I'm not going to watch you kill yourself slowly" kind of ultimatum. Putting him out there like that is embarrassing, only thing it did is get sympathy for her and that does jack for him.
Huge hugs I hear you . Hope he can use this as a wake up call that so many of us are thinking of him and hope he stops and thinks .. he has support, he needs help. I've seen people use mugshot photos to hang as a Stark reminder of who to never be... My heart breaks for this mom., She's amazing for doing anything she can these things never come with instructions. My parents didn't care no one looked for me I was trafficked at 16 no one cared.... This mom cares and I bet she is terrified of losing her son. Just so fkn heartbreaking. Ellen your a star sweetness I'm so very very glad you made it out alive. That is not easy by no means <3
Thanks hun! (Dr girlfriend)
I am so sorry for the mother and hope her son can be saved. I lost my daughter ( as in I had to get an AVO against her), and as a consequence my first grandchild due to my daughter’s drug addiction and her resulting paranoia.