A year ago, I could never have imagined how much co-authoring a memoir with my son could mean. When Harry and I began writing our story, I gained a new perspective on the ugliness of addiction to opioids – and the hope found in recovery.

For years, I was scared to death for my son. I didn’t know if the hollowed person in front of me was just going through some teenage moodiness or if there was something deeper happening.

Every day 255 people lose the battle to addiction, and I wasn’t ready to come to terms with the idea that I could lose my son.

My heart is with all of you for whom this fear looms heavy.

Through Harry’s journey, I’ve learned that there is hope in recovery. Addiction is treatable, but we must focus on more than just treatment. We need to end the stigma around addiction.

Since releasing our memoir, I’ve heard from so many families struggling like we did. I’ve listened, I’ve learned – and I’ve introduced bills that work to end this crisis. From one that seeks to end the stigma around substance abuse disorder on college campuses to another that makes accessing treatment for opioid use disorder easier, I am committed to addressing this most important issue with compassion.

Are you ready to take action to end this treatable crisis with me? Add your name here to let me know.

We can and must connect more people and families, like mine, to the treatment and recovery resources they need. If you or anyone in your life needs assistance with substance abuse, here is a helpful resource available 24/7 and 365 days a year:

If you or someone you know is seeking help for substance use disorder, please call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TTY).

This toll-free helpline connects you to a professional from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA. SAMHSA can help locate local resources, and services are available in both English and Spanish. All conversations are confidential.

- Madeleine

Madeleine is an attorney, professor, mother, grandmother, and Member of Congress, representing Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional District of Berks and Montgomery Counties. She is an outspoken leader who champions progressive priorities such as education, universal access to healthcare, gun safety, and ethical government. Madeleine Dean has built a reputation for getting things done, and we need her to continue to be our voice to serve us in Congress.

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