In this episode, Dusty Dean speaks with Micah and Michelle Sawyer about their journey through grief after losing their son to a fentanyl overdose. They discuss the impact of addiction on families, the importance of empathy and community support, and the founding of their nonprofit, Micah's Hugs, which aims to help others facing similar struggles. The conversation highlights the need for understanding mental health issues about addiction and the importance of changing societal perspectives on these topics.
Support Micah's Hugs!
micahshugs.org
Facebook.com/MICAHHUGS
Instagram: micahs_hugs
Tik tok: micahs.hugs
Twitter or X @HugsMicah
Takeaways
Micah lost his son to fentanyl, which was devastating.
He was a star athlete and popular, hiding his struggles.
Addiction can consume families, leading to overwhelming grief.
Micah's Hugs was founded to help families in similar situations.
Empathy is crucial in addressing addiction and grief.
Community support can help navigate the grieving process.
Mental health issues often accompany addiction.
Patience is essential in the grieving process.
Breaking the stigma around addiction is necessary.
Addiction should be viewed as a health issue, not a crime.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Grief and Healing
09:25 Empathy and Understanding in Addiction
18:35 Creating a Legacy: Micah's Hugs and Community Support
27:53 Navigating Grief: Support and Connection
27:53 Breaking the Silence on Addiction
29:15 Understanding Guilt and Denial
31:28 The Impact of Family Dynamics
33:31 The Mental Health Connection
36:55 Compassion and Recovery
37:12 The Importance of Processing Grief
38:08 A Different Approach to Drug Addiction
40:29 The Role of Education in Prevention
43:23 Hope for Change in Society
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