Overdose Awareness

On June 20th 2018 my son Caine Albrecht died of any overdose. His drug was laced with Fentanyl, toxicology came back showing 7 x over what the recommended use would be. His drug of choice was heroin, there was no heroin in his system. The drug dealer called 911 and he was released, not charged with anything. The other young man with him using the same drug, lived and has not gotten sober as of yet to my knowledge. This is the reality I live every day. My son was 24 years old at the time of his death. He was my only child and my whole life. Caine was so much more than the drugs he had used in his short adult life. Caine graduated with honors from HS and went on to play college soccer. Caine was a Junior Olympic skiier and competed in both racing and moguls. Caine was a hard worker and was an amazing grandson to his Grandma Lu and Grandpa Butch. Caine was an awesome neighbor and babysat for Jimmy, our neighbors boy, who is now 18 years old. Caine was fun loving and loved his friends like brothers. Caine was so fun to spend time with in the outdoors. He was an avid rock climber, amazing skiier, he loved mountain biking, hiking, and camping. He could row a raft and white water kayak. He loved to read books and we spent time going to meditation at the Dharma Center locally. Caine was deep spirited and loved nature. Caine loved cooking and ate healthy. Caine is love. The drugs he chose to use overtook him very quickly and he struggled with shame, depression, and the addiction challenged him to the core. Caine got sober with support from his good friends, counseling, meditation, support groups. and with family close by his side. The day he relapsed was the day he died. I learned a great deal through this process. The biggest lesson I learned is that addiction and recovery is a lifetime of work. Family and friends are much needed for support and to hold the person accountable. Exercise and meditation are key to keeping a stong mind and body. Support groups are valuable to keep the person in tune with recovery. This is not solved in 90 days, this is a lifetime of work. As a parent I felt alone, shamed, and at a loss of how to handle this situation. I learned that it is very important for families to have counseling and support as well. They need education on how to work with an addict as their brains have changed. The biggest thing I learned is to say it out loud, there is no shame, it is the situation and you are not alone. This website and foundation was built and will be continuously worked on for others to find the resource and start conversations that are deep and meaningful with your loved ones about topics that could impact a life. Caine still teaches me and guides me as I walk with my grief. His life meant something and continues to have meaning. I want to honor him by sharing my story so others know they are not alone.