The United States has a longstanding history with drugs. The phrase “War on Drugs” has been catapulted around since as far back as the 1970s. From Richard Nixon to Donald Trump, presidents and politicians alike have vehemently fought against America’s drug problem, mostly referring to illegal substances such as cocaine, methamphetamines, or heroin. However, studies show a newer epidemic arising in the States. Opioids in question refer to medicine possessing certain receptors that, when used, generates an effect that closely resembles morphine. These can range from ibuprofen all the way to heroin. 33,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose in 2015. Although these statistics don’t always have an impact, they hit closer to home than one may think. We’ve interviewed a family of a Rolla High School graduate who passed away from an opiate overdose. As per their request, all of the names have been changed.

Josh Williams was a straight A student, baseball player, and the complete opposite of what one would think to be a drug addict when he passed away a year ago.

“When he graduated from high school, four years ago, he graduated Summa Cum Laude. I realized something was up with him on graduation night, actually, and that was when I started learning what was going on. Looking back on it I think I did ignore some signs, but I just chalked it up to [him] being a normal, highschool boy. He had a full academic and baseball scholarship, but he didn’t make it three weeks there when we had to go get him out of drug rehab. I wish I paid better attention for signs,” Williams’s mother, Linda Williams, said.

Williams is still obviously living with the effects of losing her only son.

“Every day, nothing is the same as it used to be. He was an only child, I don’t have any children left, he didn’t have any children, so I’ve lost all hopes of being a grandparent some day. He was still living at home, so now it’s lonely. His room still looks like the last day he left it there. I’ve had depression, I’ve had insomnia, I’ve been through all of it,” Williams said.

Many high school students look for relief outside of dealing with the stresses of school, unfortunately some of them are threatening. Williams contended that her son initially started taking opioids as an escape.

“I believe addiction is a disease. I believe it starts so often with mental illness. He had horrible anxiety his whole life, from his grades in school, just from wanting to be perfect the whole time. So, he told me later that each time he took pills, to him, he felt normal for the first time. He told me that when he started using them, he used them recreationally when he was in school, as did a lot of kids, because in their minds, they could go to a party, pop a couple of pills, have a great time, and drive home without the threat of driving while intoxicated. But that’s not the case, obviously. I believe they self medicate, and after they take the drugs, it’s scientifically proven that there are changes in the brain that make it hard to overcome,” Williams said.

If you or anyone you know are struggling with addiction, Williams offers some advice.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find someone who you can open up to and trust, because the more that they hide it, the worse it seems to spiral out of control. Don’t be embarrassed, don’t be ashamed, ask for help before things get out of control,” Williams said.