Mother’s Loss To Heroin Abuse Leads To Involvement With Addiction Community, New Mexico Drug Rehab Centers

An Albuquerque mother of two named Jennifer Weiss-Burke lost her son to heroin addiction in 2011. Before her son’s death, Weiss-Burke became involved with a nonprofit organization that drives substance abuse awareness throughout the state and connects struggling addicts with the help they need. Today, the work Weiss-Burke has done with New Mexico drug rehab centers has helped other families overcome substance abuse and support their loved ones in the fight for sobriety.

Opioid addiction can be difficult to overcome on one’s own, and increase the risk for relapse and an accidental overdose. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about local rehab centers that can help you or your loved one successfully combat opioid addiction.

From Prescription Painkillers to Heroin Use

New Mexico Drug Rehab

HOPE is the Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education initiative for New Mexico.

Sixteen-year-old Cameron Weiss, high school wrestler and football player, started using prescription painkillers after breaking his collarbone while wrestling. Weiss, who was taking advanced placement classes in high school, broke his collarbone again three months later and was given another painkiller prescription. When his second prescription ran out, Weiss turned to the streets to replenish his opioid supply.

Months later, a friend introduced Weiss to heroin, which was far less costly and easier to obtain than prescription painkillers. After going to rehab for two years to overcome opioid addiction, Weiss was arrested in October 2010 for disturbing the peace. Upon his release from jail, Weiss immediately began using heroin again, and used a higher dose than his body could handle.

Weiss died on August 13, 2011 at the age of 18. According to his mother, Weiss believed he would quit abusing opioids immediately following every release from rehab and jail. Unfortunately, Weiss would relapse quickly each time after spending time with friends who fueled his addiction.

Spreading Awareness Throughout the Addiction Community

Prior to her son’s death, Weiss-Burke joined a nonprofit organization called Healing Addiction in our Community, which offers education and awareness surrounding substance abuse in New Mexico. Following her son’s death, Weiss-Burke came to manage HAC full time, and helped launch a sober living facility owned and operated by the nonprofit. The organization is part of the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative, which drives awareness about opioid abuse through education, treatment, and similar efforts.

New Mexico residents who struggle with opioid dependency and addiction can reach out to HAC and HOPE, and ask for help with addiction treatment. These organizations will then connect addicts with the resources and help needed to help them become sober and achieve lifelong sobriety from heroin and opioids.

Rehab centers that specialize in opioid addiction offer a number of treatments that can be tailored to individuals based on their unique needs and preferences. Opioid addicts at high risk for relapsing can seek treatment at inpatient rehab centers that offer 24/7 access to medical support.

If you or someone you know is suffering from heroin or opioid abuse, understand that help is just a phone call away. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about New Mexico drug rehab centers that can guide you or your loved one to sobriety and an addiction-free life.

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