What's Your Story? Submitted Stories

MY BRENT

I was drawn to this website when I saw Robert Shapiro on television one evening, speaking of the death of his son, Brent Shapiro. He said, “HIS” Brent had died due to a lethal mixture of alcohol and the drug Ecstasy. I remember being shaken at the sound of my own son's name, Brent. I stopped and stared at the screen, realizing that the Shapiro family was being haunted by their son's passing from this world, just as I was. We had two things in common: we both lost our sons to drug addiction, and both our sons were named Brent.

My son, however, shot himself while under the influence of alcohol. I choose not to elaborate on the details of his death, as I am in counseling at this time, due to my inability to deal with the horrific circumstances of his passing.

When my child was born, Brent was not a common name. My husband named him after a close friend, whom he admired. He hoped our son would have the same characteristics as his friend. I loved the name and felt it was perfect for our son. He was/is special, and is deeply missed. Each morning I awaken to the heartfelt alarm of pain. Each night I try to sleep while thinking of the "what ifs."

My Brent was an extremely sensitive individual. He suffered the pain of his parent's divorce and the complexity of my second marriage. Brent failed to truly understand his place within our society. At heart, he was a poet, an artist trying to find his audience. He was a pent-up creative genius, searching for a voice to express his talent.

I realize that I was very naive. It is too late to save Brent. However, it is not too late to speak out and express what he could not.

When Brent entered middle school, his grades declined. His habits and friends changed. Due to my lack of drug awareness, I did not have a clue. Yes, I made trips to the guidance counselor, but ultimately, I made no strides in understanding what truly possessed him.

His needs for both escapism and companionship were the driving forces of his habit. I now know that he carried a lonely soul within. He escaped this loneliness by getting high with his friends. This became the central theme of his life.

I am in counseling now. I have been informed that there is a genetic marker in this type of drug dependency. Brent received treatment for depression throughout his school years. Yet, I cannot believe that my child is dead, due to suicide, while under the influence. I do believe that awareness is the key for any parent. No one is immune to this disease, absolutely NO ONE. Brent and I “go by the Grace of God.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Awareness does exercises limited editorial control over the information you may find on FRONTLINE STORIES web pages. Opinions expressed on FRONTLINE STORIES web pages do not necessarily represent the official views of The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Awareness.

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Each voice that is raised chips away at the stigma of this disease, increases awareness about its extent and impact, and educates others about this disease that is ravaging our country by giving it a voice - your voice!

The disease of alcohol and drug dependency, and it is a disease, is suffered in silence. Those who have it or have a special person close to them suffering from it, hide it from the world due to embarrassment, shame, and humiliation, and endured it in isolation and silence. This, despite the fact that this disease affects almost every family in America in some way from family members, loved ones, friends, co-workers and even as a taxpayer carrying the enormous social costs of this disease.

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