LEBANON, Tenn.- An unprecedented epidemic which is sweeping the state has claimed the life of Middle Tennessee man.
Anthony Collins was 29-years-old when he overdosed on heroin in July.
"It is so sad, it breaks my heart he was only 29-years-old, he had the rest of his life, he had dreams and he wanted to go to college and he just couldn’t leave it alone," said his heartbroken mother Amy.
Amy said her son's path to heroin was paralleled to a disturbing crisis being played out across the country. After shoulder surgery, Anthony was prescribed opioids for pain, but then became addicted. Once the pain killer medication became too expensive, Anthony, like a sky rocketing number of Americans, then turned to heroin.
"That choice lead to death and heroin is so addictive and it’s cheap and people are buying it and they’re dying left and right," Amy said.
"The only way I can deal with his death is to be a voice and help others. If I don’t do that I’m gonna die inside and I’m gonna feel no purpose in my life," she added.
According to the CDC, heroin overdose deaths have tripled across the United State over the last five years.
"It’s unparalleled in its addictive qualities. For most people, it only takes one use and they become addicted," explains Ann Clark, who is an addiction counselor with Buchanan Counseling & Consulting.
For more information on how to recognize the signs of heroin abuse or find help for someone click here.
