As of 2023, the United States ranked #4 in countries with the highest addiction rates. Unfortunately, the statistics are only getting higher. Families are losing their loved ones by the day, and among Gen Z, rehabilitation rates are worryingly low.
According to Javier Morejon, an ex-addict and current rehab leader, many addicts start young. After a life change or personal experience, some young adults are pushed to substances. They don’t start recovering until they comprehend the damage they have caused and decide to get help. For Morejon’s faith-based program, it all comes down to personal choice and accountability.
“You’re teaching them that accountability is important, you’re teaching them that there are consequences to your actions,” said Morejon. “So it makes a difference.”
Yajaira Colondres, the daughter of a drug addict and alcoholic, had many trials and tribulations with her mother, who was struggling at the time.
“When I was younger, I saw her changes,” said Colondres. “She even left [my younger siblings and I] in the house alone. Disappeared. I was around 14 or 15 years old.”
After continuing for years with the back and forth of addiction and relapse, Colondre’s mom got clean. She realized her addiction was killing her connection with her family.
Paris Bender is a Senior double majoring in journalism/broadcasting and architecture. A Florida International University -Ratcliffe fellow who also works with the Caplin news internship, plans to expand her knowledge on journalism, and international architecture with her latest podcast Ecobabble. She plans to be an international architect and use journalism skills to publish articles on sustainable, eco-friendly design, as well as current issues on environmental protection. In her free time, she creates films, interviews designers leading in ecological innovation and is also in a real estate program achieving her license.
Francesca Cagnana is a senior majoring in digital journalism with a minor in anthropology. She currently works and plans to continue working in Communications for a Doctor where she promotes and explains their services that help those with Neurodivergent diagnoses and traits.
Zariah Broughton is a Digital Journalism major with an area of concentration in criminal justice. The diverse stories of everyday people fascinate her. Upon graduation, she wants to attend law school and work in the Sports and entertainment segment of law.
Aaron Bujeiro was born and raised in Miami and is now majoring in Mass Communications and Digital Media. Currently a junior, he plans to work in public service after graduation, in any field where he can directly help people in need. He is interested in philosophy and theology in his free time.
