Matthew Westbury Memorial Fund

The Westbury family sadly lost their son and brother Matthew this past weekend after a back and forth fight with substance use disorder. We’ve set up this GoFundMe on their behalf to ease any financial burden they are currently experiencing and hopefully take away some of the stress that follows losing a loved one. The Westbury family has always been there for my family so it’s time to return the favor. Although it has been awhile since I last saw him, Matt was always nothing but kind to me and my family and I will miss his funny, cat loving presence around their home.

In addition to the current pandemic we are living through, we are also experiencing the largest opioid epidemic the country has seen. Addiction didn’t stop in 2020, we just stopped talking about it. As of 2019, 130 people were dying every day from drug related overdoses with another 20 million Americans living with a substance use disorder (SUD). As COVID-19 continues to spread and consume hospitals, it is even more difficult for patients with SUD to get a hospital bed and may choose to forgo treatment in order to avoid possible exposure.

Addiction, like cancer or diabetes, is a disease. However when comparing addiction to other illnesses, it is easy for stigma to be carried towards these individuals. This may inhibit you from seeing the person behind the illness, while also deterring people from seeking treatment. Chances are you know, or have met someone struggling with addiction. Before jumping to conclusions or judgement, please keep in mind these are people’s sons, daughters, sisters, mothers, fathers and each are going through a fight of their own. Be kind, compassionate, and caring. The more comfortable we become talking about addiction, and discussing the options surrounding treatment the more likely people will be to seek help and recovery.

It’s important to check in on your friends and be there to help them in any battle of they are going through. If you or anyone you know is currently going through a similar situation, please reach out to your loved ones (or even a total stranger) but please understand you are greater than your illness and there is no shame in seeking help.

“Being an addict doesn’t make a person any less of a person, any less of a beautiful beating heart in need of love.”

SAMSHA National Help Line
1-800-662-4357