Just Words – Surviving Fentanyl: Loss, Recovery, and Resilience

Special Guest: Andrea Thomas & Mike Fiore Website/Information: https://voicesforawareness.com/ https://facingfentanylnow.org/ Episode Description: Just Words Nobody Cares two incredible guests to share their deeply personal journeys intertwined by the devastating impact of Fentanyl. We welcome Andrea Thomas, a passionate advocate from Voices for Awareness and Facing Fentanyl along with Mike Fiore. Andrea Thomas, who tragically lost her child to Fentanyl poisoning, opens up about the unimaginable pain and grief she experienced as a result. Through her organization, Voices for Awareness, Andrea has dedicated herself to raising awareness about the dangers of Fentanyl and advocating for better support systems for grieving parents. Mike Fiore, on the other hand, offers a unique perspective as a recovering addict who has battled and triumphed over addiction. Having faced the darkest depths of addiction, Mike emerged as a beacon of hope and now shares his story to inspire others on their journey to recovery. He aims to be a “secret weapon” in the war against drugs by providing support, education, and resources to individuals struggling with addiction on every spectrum. Together, Andrea and Mike delve into the harsh realities of Fentanyl's grip on society, discussing its potency, accessibility, and the devastating consequences it has on individuals, families, and communities. They shed light on the urgent need for prevention, intervention, and support for those affected by this lethal substance. Andrea and Mike share their personal struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned. We hope listeners will gain a profound understanding of the pain and challenges faced by those who have lost loved ones to Fentanyl, as well as the resilience and determination required to overcome addiction. Two remarkable journeys intertwined by tragedy and hope. We shine a light on the devastating impact of Fentanyl, offering empathy, insight, and inspiration to those in need of understanding and support. ___________TABLE OF CONTENTS____________ 00:00 00:01:43 Guest Intro's 00:02:08 Andrea Thomas 00:02:31 Mike Fiore 00:03:31 Media highlighting 00:07:12 No Safe Dose with Fentanyl 00:08:47 There is no Do-over 00:09:44 Recovery community reaching people 00:10:10 1st story 1st comment 00:10:47 Prevention is stopping it before it starts 00:11:02 Mike's Journey 00:11:28 Fentanyl isn't just killing addicts 00:11:39 Overdose vs poisoning 00:12:56 Fentanyl vs covid awareness 00:14:50 Perceptions of an addict 00:15:55 You can't tell the difference 00:16:51 Fentanyl Poisoning 00:18:40 Deception to maximize profits 00:20:01 Recovery community secret weapon 00:20:31 Impacted communities & Recovery Community 00:21:55 Detox feels more severe than using 00:22:31 Composition of pills 00:23:05 programming your brain to do drugs 00:23:58 Live the life for a week 00:24:44 We are too far in 00:25:12 Addiction is not being addressed 00:25:44 Xylazine 00:26:36 Tackle the illness of addiction 00:28:24 Snapchat to buy drugs 00:30:04 Origin Story 00:31:41 National Awareness Day 00:32:46 Andrea and Mike meet 00:33:42 Recovery is for life 00:35:05 Recover outload for those dying in silence 00:36:47 inspire to inspire 00:38:54 Letter to the President 00:40:38 Mike teaching Dre 00:42:26 Bikers to Christians 00:43:45 Mike Staying Humble 00:44:59 Relationship w/ Reality 00:46:24 Comfortable w/ the uncomfortable 00:47:45 Hard Truths 00:51:48 Don't try to understand the persons pain 00:53:23 Recovery is a fall and get up process 00:55:10 higher up plans 00:56:33 Gov't addressing issues w/ other Gov't 00:59:33 Illicit fentanyl vs hospital 01:02:59 What would the "win" be? 01:06:00 Covid reference 01:14:34 The Love Drug 01:15:40 Last Call For Words Season 2 Episode 06 | 206 Record date: 05.13.23 LINK IN BIO ON MOST PODCAST APPS STREAM VIDEO ON @spotify | @youtube Guest Social | IG @mikefiore118 | TT @INSPIRE2INSPIRE_ Host Social | IG @ron.kain | @dre.drizzo | @just.ladyh