Family lauded for citing drug addiction in son’s obituary

I am writing in regard to the obituary of Patrick Newell, the young man who passed away Sept.28. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and I applaud their mentioning that he was a drug addict.

My son, Jack, passed away two years ago from an overdose at the age of 26. He also was a smart, loving, beautiful young man. Watching your child go down the path of addiction, which they do not want to be on, is heart wrenching.

These young people are often swept under the rug or deemed not worthy of notice. They hold down jobs and have families who love them deeply.

I commend Patrick's family for letting others know that, if you suffer from addition, there is help for you. Don't be afraid to ask for help, both the addict and the family. My best to Patrick's family.

This story was originally published October 3, 2015 at 9:22 AM with the headline "Family lauded for citing drug addiction in son’s obituary."