Local Man Shares Struggle with Addiction, Upcoming Conference to Tackle Opioid Epidemic
Emotionally, financially and mentally, Jason Abernathy was broken. Alcohol and drugs consumed his life. Growing up in Piney Flats, Tennessee, Abernathy had a great childhood and a loving family. But when he was in high school, he said he just felt different. “I started looking for something to help fill that gap,” Abernathy said. “I truly never felt like I fit in and when I found alcohol that kind of ended up feeling like everything was finally OK.” I started looking for some
Former Drug Addict Works to Break Cycle with New Madisonville Rehab Center
One former addict is fighting the opioid epidemic in Monroe County with a new option for women looking for help. It's called Transformation Haven Ministries. Former Madisonville resident Selena Rider started plans for the rehabilitation center about two months ago. Rider knows what those dealing with drug addiction are going through. She said she grew up with parents who were addicts and became addicted to drugs herself while living in Madisonville. She knows what it feels li
Opioid Epidemic: Fighting the Fix
Consequences come with life and those addicted to opioids or recovering from that dependence live with those rippling effects every day. Pictures on Elliott Jenkins's fridge are worth more than a thousand words. "I just wanted it to be full of things that made me happy and people that I love," she said. It's something she wanted once she got her own place. "Life right now is really good," said Jenkins. There is one picture that's a reminder of how Jenkins got to good. It's he
Trade in Unwanted Prescriptions for a Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is teaming up with the Pigeon Forge Police Department to give away these items in exchange for any unwanted prescription medications. The Drug take-back event scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Krispy Kreme location in Pigeon Forge, 4074 Parkway. Anyone who bring by medications will get a free coupon for either a cup of coffee or an original glazed doughnut. The medications must be in pill or patch form, liquids, needles and any
Family Warns of Poppy Seed Dangers after 24-Year-Old Dies
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - - The opioid epidemic is killing tens of thousands of Americans every year. The federal government is spending billions of dollars to fight the problem. But there is the loophole which allows powerful opioids to enter the country legally, and one family is fighting to stop it. "Stephen was 24 years old," said Steve Hacala, father of Stephen Hacala. "He was a graduate of Bentonville High School and the University of Arkansas." Stephen Hacala loved music
Syringe Trade & Education Program of TN: Chattanooga CARES Provides Syringe Exchange Services
Why offer syringe trade? It is common for injection drug users (IDUs) to share needles, syringes, and other injection equipment. 40% of new IDUs share needles. The one-time use of syringes is the most effective way to limit the transmission of HIV among IDUs, with research showing that HIV infection rates are decreased by 80%. STEP TN provides a way for injection drug users who continue to inject to safely dispose used needles and syringes and to obtain sterile needles, syrin
Six Cases a Week Are Opioid Deaths
STARTING TODAY AT 4: Six cases a week are opioid deaths, according to the Knox County medical examiner. WATE 6 On Your Side takes a look at the opioid epidemic in East Tennessee starting today at 4. https://www.facebook.com/WATE6OnYourSide/photos/a.205213286178001.59558.112945508738113/2336211629744812/?type=3&theater
Opinion | 3 Ways a Federal Bill Will Help Fight the Opioid Crisis
Here’s a true story that is hard to hear, and hard to forget: Becky Savage, a mother of four boys, wakes up one morning in June 2015, and finds one of her sons dead in his bedroom. Then, she finds a second son dead in the basement. Two teenage boys, athletes and best friends, pronounced dead of an accidental overdose from mixing alcohol and some opioid pills together at a graduation party. Here’s another: Earlier this month, I visited the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Dozens Gather for Rally in Support of Medical Marijuana in Tennessee
JOHNSON CITY, TN (WJHL) - More than a dozen people came out for a Greener Pastures Rally in Johnson City Saturday afternoon. Supporters held signs of encouragement on the corner of West State of Franklin and University Blvd in an effort to legalize medical marijuana in Tennessee. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are 29 states that have laws that allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Tracy Yaste Tisdale said she believes marijuana co