Jacob Wade Tomlin was a 26-year-old former Marine and father of two who died from an accidental fentanyl overdose in February 2024. He had a history of drug use that started in his teenage years and struggled with addiction throughout his life. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Britain Tomlin, and a loving father to his children, Blakely and Walker. He was also a carpenter and a volunteer who helped the less fortunate in his community. His death was a tragic loss for his family and friends, who remembered him as a wonderful man with a big heart.
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Fentanyl: A Deadly Drug
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, to increase their effects. However, this also increases the risk of overdose, as users may not know how much fentanyl they are taking or how it will interact with other substances. Fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death in very small doses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl was involved in more than one-third of all overdose deaths in the US in 2020.
The Opioid Crisis: A National Emergency
The opioid crisis is a public health emergency that has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans in the past two decades. It is driven by the overprescription of painkillers, the illicit supply of heroin and fentanyl, and the lack of access to treatment and prevention services. The opioid crisis has affected people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. It has also caused immense suffering and hardship for the families and communities of those who have lost their loved ones to addiction and overdose. The opioid crisis requires urgent and comprehensive action from the government, the health care system, and the society at large to address its root causes and mitigate its devastating consequences.
Resources and Support for Those Affected by the Opioid Crisis
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction or has experienced an overdose, there are resources and support available to help you. Here are some of them:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a national helpline that provides free and confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. You can call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit their website for more information.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides information and research on drug abuse and addiction, as well as links to various treatment options and recovery programs. You can visit their website for more information.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is a professional society that represents physicians and other health care providers who specialize in addiction medicine. They offer a directory of addiction specialists and treatment facilities that you can search by location, specialty, or insurance. You can visit their website for more information.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots mental health organization that provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness for people and families affected by mental illness. They offer a helpline that connects callers with trained volunteers who can provide information, referrals, and support. You can call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit [their website] for more information.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that raises awareness, funds research, and provides education and support for those affected by suicide. They offer a lifeline that connects callers with local crisis centers that can provide immediate assistance and counseling. You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit [their website] for more information.
