Sherrie Ruben and Jodi Barber share their passion to educate after RX addiction tossed their sons off two entirely different cliffs. They will not be silenced!
May 7, 2013
Hosted by Bradley DeHaven
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Sherrie and Michael Rubin’s son, Aaron, overdosed on oxycontin October 9th, 2005. He laid three and a half weeks in a coma, on life support. They began planning their son’s funeral when, against all medical odds, he began to open his eyes. Aaron survived, but the overdose has left him a quadriplegic and unable to speak. In 2009 Sherrie began speaking at schools warning students/parents about prescription medications, drugs and the deadly “REAL” consequences that can occur by misusing and abusing these drugs. On November 24th, 2010 Sherrie and her husband Michael founded, The H.O.P.E. Foundation. The Ruben family marches across the US telling their story and spreading awareness and education. They have been seen and featured on more media than space allows. True warriors in the fight against the RX drug addiction epidemic. Jodi Barber lost her 19 year old son Jarrod to a prescription pills overdose on January 8, 2010. Since then she has become an advocate because these are needless deaths and it's an epidemic. Jodi Produced the documentary Overtaken and walks into every shool she can demanding they show this gripping documentary at schools and thousands of students have now seen the truth behind Rx drug addiction. Copies of Overtaken have been distributed accross the nation, including Oprah's all-girls school in Africa. Overtaken is required in the DUI classes and the judges are requiring those on drug related probation to watch it, then write a report. Jodi has been a guest on several local talk shows, including Dr. Drew twice. Jodi’s son’s tragic story was also one of the catalysts for the award winning documentary Behind The Orange Curtain. Jodi and Sherrie share the stage often and share a common goal of informing you that this is an epidemic across the nation and no family is immune.
Afflicted By Addiction
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Our guests include parent activists and treatment professionals from all across the US and politicians who are active with RX reform. These people have almost all lost a child to addiction and have huge lists of followers who share the same fate. I am a father who has been on the front lines of addiction as opposed to a doctor with a degree in addiction and a 2 year old. Parents in the throes of addiction need to know they are not alone and parents of younger children need to understand that addiction can happen to anyone. Not one of the parents who lost a child to addiction every thought their child would become an addict. Not one addict ever thought they would become addicted. The road to addiction is clear when you look back and I will share the wisdom of those who have traveled this road to help other avoid the Hell of addiction.
Bradley DeHaven
A passion to help others with understanding addiction has brewed inside Bradley DeHaven for years. Having been surrounding by addiction his entire life from father, step-father, brother and then his own son caused Brad to dig deep inside to discover what defined himself as a man, a husband and a father. Brad wrote his first book "Defining Moments" from an odd perspective while he relived the thoughts that rushed through his head as he was undercover, wired and setting up a dangerous drug dealer in a parking lot less than a mile from his home. The deal was made to get Brad’s addicted son out of a prison stint and into rehab where Brad believed his son belonged.
Brad’s second book; "The Addict Among Us" is an 18 month journey. Brad interviewed over 400 parents and addicts and discovered many teachable moments. He believes these dramatic interviews will open the eyes of the "not my child" club and educate them so they do not join the club of so many of us who never saw addiction coming. Brad was honored that Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack who is a true champion of this cause, read this manuscript and graciously offered to write the "Forward" to The Addict Among Us.
Brad’s other specialties are as Author, Public Speaker, and raising awareness and education regarding prescription drug abuse. He also is no stranger to radio, having once hosted a financial radio program.
