Families Against Narcotics is near and dear to my heart. I
personally know families who have been deeply impacted by the love and support
of this organization.
FAN is a support group for people with addictions, family
members of addicts, and the community. FAN is based out of Macomb County,
Michigan where I was born and raised. FAN inspires the community to work
together in the fight against drug addictions many of our young adults are
facing. They offer support through monthly meetings for those to share about
addiction, and those who are looking to learn more information about how to
deal with the affects of addiction.
FAN has assisted two of its members in opening a ¾ house to
assist others who are seeking help. Through a partnership program with the 41B
District Court, FAN has been able increase its outreach within the community
for those already within the court system.
I support the organization’s efforts because I have lost
close friends to drug addictions. In 2009, we
lost two very special people. Matthew Meyers, and Shawn Belcourt lost their
battle with addiction and left families and friends devastated. Addiction
deaths can be prevented with the right support and education. I hold out hope for every single person and
family that FAN can touch. If FAN can save one family from this grief, then
we’ve all achieved a goal. Addiction doesn’t see color, age, nationality, or
sex. We are all at risk of becoming a victim of addiction without the proper
tools. This is why I support the efforts of FAN.
I met Matt when I was 16, working at local grocery chain. He
was an amazing person, and always knew how to make people laugh. I have to
admit, he scared me a bit at first. He was a metal head with big wide jeans,
band shirts, and wallet chains. Under all that black clothing was a very
sincere man with a big heart. He joined the military after graduation and when
he returned home from deployment, I could see he was facing bigger demons than
one person could handle on their own.
His friends and family tried everything they could to help
him return to “normal life”. We went through hell trying to save him. The ups
and downs during this time were beyond imaginable for everyone involved, not
just Matt. Matt’s father Bob starting attending meetings at FAN. They helped
him to understand there is no magic cure. They taught him how to love Matt
while not enabling him. Matt also participated in a few addict group meetings.
Unfortunately, nothing within our power was strong enough to save him and we
lost him in May to a heroin overdose. FAN was very supportive throughout the
process. The hearts of many will never be whole again, but our love for each
other remains strong in his memory.
Matthew Meyers
Shawn was the diamond in the ruff. We became amazing friends
when I was 15 years old. He had the biggest heart, and the most amazing spirit.
He could turn your day around with just one joke. I think his goal in high
school was to mooch my lunch money every day; I still smile when I am reminded
of his slick ways. Shawn grew up with a single mother, and 4 siblings. Life
wasn’t the easiest at his house, but they made it seem effortless. Everyone
knew his family had a deep love for one another and worked hard to survive.
Shawn eventually fell in love with my best friend, and they
had a beautiful daughter together. He suffered from depression, which he hid
behind his bubbly personality. Over the years he began to lean on prescription
drugs in an attempt to “feel normal”. I remember feeling shocked realizing his
life had gotten out of control. After a few difficult years of living with
addiction, we lost Shawn in June to a prescription drug overdose. Neither
Shawn, nor his family were involved with FAN but I wish they had been. I keep
his family and daughter in my prayers regularly to find peace with his passing.
I hope his life, struggle, and death inspires others to seek the help they need.
The time he spent with us means more than anything. I had some of the best days
of my life with him. I cannot imagine my teenage years without him.
Shawn Belcourt
In honor of my friends who were lost, and those still
struggling I look forward to working more with Families Against Narcotics after
graduation. Drugs use and addiction have become an epidemic in our community. If
you would like to help, you can donate here, and to volunteer your time, sign up for events
here.
I participate in the FAN 5K “Run Drugs Out of Town” every
year and encourage all of my friends to come with me. The donation goes to the
FAN organization’s continued efforts helping those affected by drug addictions.
The 5k is coming up Saturday July 16, 2016. I would love to meet everyone who is
willing to join us. By following the link here, you can register to participate
in the 5K.
Loving someone with an addiction can be as hard as
experiencing it yourself. Get yourself educated, speak with those in recovery,
and their families, and take the time to understand the best way to support
your loved ones.
