Ep35 When Addiction Comes Home, Remembering Kai

Warning: This episode is deeply personal and covers addiction, depression, loss and grief. If any of those topics tap into your own pain or struggles, I strongly suggest you pass on this episode.

Sunday October 18th 2015 I received a phone call that would change my life forever and send me on a journey to understand addiction. My older brother Kai was was gone. One of countless victims of the current opioid epidemic. Kai was so much more than an addict. He was a loving son, a doting father, and a friend to many. This podcast is a tribute to the man he was and the lives he touched.

Recording this was one of the most difficult and emotional journeys I've experienced. My aim in sharing Kai's story is to humanize the struggle of addiction, and hopefully raise empathy for those who are struggling.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction - know you're not alone. There are many resources available that can help you. I've worked with experts to curate some of them at https://kaischmidt.org.