FENTANYL KILLS: Matthew Pittman's Story - episode 349

In this story, Christina Murray of Nashville, North Carolina, shares the loss of her brother, Matthew Pittman, a respected lineman, devoted father, and beloved family man whose struggle with chronic back pain led to opioid dependence and ultimately a fatal fentanyl poisoning. Christina reflects on the stigma surrounding addiction, the gradual progression of Matthew’s substance use following a work injury, and the family’s desperate efforts to support him as he battled addiction while trying to maintain his career and care for his daughter. She recounts the heartbreaking day Matthew overdosed, the long wait for toxicology results that revealed a lethal level of fentanyl, and her family’s frustration with what they believe was an inadequate investigation. Through her grief, Christina advocates for greater awareness, compassion, and accountability, emphasizing that addiction can affect anyone regardless of background and that fentanyl poisoning is a public health crisis that continues to devastate families across America. Her story is both a tribute to Matthew’s life and a call to break the stigma that prevents so many from seeking help. Naloxone, the active ingredient in 4mg Narcan and higher dose 8mg Kloxxado, along with many generic versions, can reverse an opioid overdose if administered quickly enough. Some areas have Naloxone available for free. Google it. To use this or any other Texas Pictures documentary at high schools or in other educational applications, contact Texas Pictures through our website at www.texas-pictures.com. If you have a story you'd like to share, learn more about the process and reach out to us at our website - https://www.texas-pictures.com/Share.... In the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with a caring counselor. Learn more about the dangers of illicit fentanyl at: DEA - https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fent... Fentanyl Fathers - https://fentanylfathers.org/ A Change for Cam - https://achangeforcam.org/