Two Mothers, Two Sons, One Epidemic: Katrina Simmons & Kristi Kastler | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Two Mothers, Two Sons, One Epidemic: Katrina Simmons & Kristi Kastler | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this deeply emotional and unforgettable episode, Katrina Simmons and Kristi Kastler open their hearts to share the devastating realities of losing their beloved sons, Dylan and Devan, to fentanyl and addiction. Katrina begins by recounting Dylan’s early years, the warmth of his personality, and the gradual unraveling of his life after moving away from home. She describes the torment of watching her son slip through her fingers despite desperate attempts to save him, the sleepless nights filled with fear, and the haunting phone call that confirmed her worst nightmare. Through immense grief, Katrina speaks of finding solace in faith—believing Dylan is finally at peace—and even hearing his voice in moments of prayer reminding her, “I took it too far, Mom.” Kristi then shares her journey as a mother fighting for Devan’s life, recalling how his addiction began when he was injected with heroin at just fifteen years old. She recounts the heartbreak of the night before his death, the helplessness of being turned away from treatment programs, and the emotional toll of watching her son battle a disease that consumed him. Together, these two mothers bring raw truth and humanity to the growing fentanyl epidemic, exposing the cracks in the system, the stigma families face, and the enduring pain of loss. Yet amid the heartbreak, their voices carry a message of faith, resilience, and love—a call to action for awareness, compassion, and change, and a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:46 – Katrina Begins Telling Dylan’s Story00:04:12 – The Double Suicide That Shattered Their Family00:05:19 – Watching Dylan’s Life Spiral After Moving Away00:08:12 – The Call That Confirmed Fentanyl Took Her Son00:09:08 – Losing Herself Trying to Save Him00:11:48 – The Day Dylan Passed Away00:12:23 – Finding Faith and Accepting Dylan Is at Peace00:18:09 – Hearing Dylan’s Voice Say “I Took It Too Far, Mom”00:21:35 – The Fight to Get Him Help During the Fentanyl Era00:22:26 – Remembering Their Final Beach Walk Together00:28:59 – Kristy Begins Telling Devan’s Story00:38:51 – Devan Is Injected with Heroin at Fifteen00:41:06 – The Night Before Devan’s Death00:43:14 – The Rehab That Couldn’t Take Him Back00:51:00 – “Devan Hated Being an Addict But Loved Drugs”