DECATUR, Ala (WHNT) — According to the CDC, more than 50 thousand people died of an opioid overdose last year alone.
That’s a shocking and unsettling statistic, but one ESPN sideline reporter, Lauren Sisler, knows all about.
“Both my parents passed away from prescription drug overdoses,” Sisler said. “Both of them were going through a pain management doctor dealing with chronic pain, taking multiple narcotics, oxycontin, and ultimately, fentanyl is what took their lives.”
Sisler said she got the call about her mother’s death in the middle of the night. She was shocked and caught the first flight home.
Although before her plane could land, her father also overdosed on opioids just five hours after her mom.
“I think the hardest thing is it wasn’t something that was just out in the open,” she said. “We as a family had no idea what was going on.”
She said she knew her parents were seeing someone for pain management, but no one knew it was becoming a problem until it was too late.
Battalion Chief Bobby Peavler with Decatur Fire & Rescue has seen firsthand what this crisis looks like in our community.
“All different demographics, all different income levels, doesn’t matter what neighborhood you live in, it does not discriminate,” he said.
Sisler said she wrestled with her story for years, hiding the truth behind her parents’ deaths. Although now she boldly shares her story in hopes of touching others.
If you or anyone you know may be struggling, help it out there.
“Please seek help,” said Officer Tori Moseley. Moseley is a police officer with Calhoun Community College. “It’s not a shameful thing. We have resources here in Morgan County, Madison County, other surrounding counties…go out and find the help.”
If you need immediate help, call the Crisis hotline at 988.
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