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Entertainment publicist and adult child of addiction pens new children’s book to discuss life with addicted parents

My Parents Have a Drug Problem by Adrienne Alexander-Allen is a guide to help start the conversation surrounding addiction with children.

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My Parents Have a Drug Problem : Publicist Pens Book On Addiction
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My Parents Have a Drug Problem by Adrienne Alexander-Allen helps start the conversation surrounding addiction with children

Long before the Department of Health and Human Services declared opioid addiction a public health emergency in 2017; there was crack cocaine and the crack epidemic of the early 1980s and 1990s. Although both forms of addiction come with serious repercussions, there is nothing more serious than the children who live through these addictions with their parents without a choice.

Statistics

According to an article released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of children and families in the US are affected by opioid use and other substance use disorders or misuse challenges. Adrienne Alexander-Allen was one of those children.

Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, a city once referred as “ground zero” for killing Black Americans due to the opioid epidemic, Adrienne witnessed firsthand the effects of having addicted parents. After figuring out that the behaviors exhibited by her parents weren’t the behaviors of other parents, her father would lose his life to the addiction, and years would pass before she was able to let her mother go.

“As a previous employee of Baltimore City DJS, I saw my story play out over and over again in real-time with the children who enter detention. Whether it be one parent, both parents, or a family member, most children entering the system have been affected by drug use in their homes. So much emphasis is placed on the addict or recovering addict but not the children. We aren’t having these conversations because children aren’t asking the questions, and children aren’t asking the questions because this behavior is normal for them,” said Adrienne Alexander-Allen.

My Parents Have a Drug Problem

To shed light on this issue, Adrienne has penned a book aimed at children dealing with similar issues she faced with parents battling addiction.

my parents have a drug problem

My Parents Have a Drug Problem was written as a children’s book to be relatable to younger children who can’t yet understand the effects their parent’s addiction has on their lives. The book includes teachable moments that help guide the conversation and ask questions otherwise overlooked or forgotten. The My Parents Have a Drug Problem accompanying guide, A Guide to Talking to Children About Drug Addiction, takes a closer look at addiction and gives some tips on talking to children about addiction and what their parents may be experiencing.

My Parents Have a Drug Problem is available for purchase on Amazon.


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Unheard Voices is an award-winning news magazine that started in 2004 as a local Black newsletter in the Asbury Park, Neptune, and Long Branch, NJ areas to now broaden into a recognized Black online media outlet. They are the recipient of the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and CV Magazine's Innovator Award for Best Social Justice Communications Company.

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Health & Wellness

Hydeia Broadbent’s father launches GoFundMe following the activist’s death

Hydeia Broadbent passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, February 20th.

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Hydeia Broadbent father GoFundMe
Hydeia Broadbent (Photo Source: GoFundMe)

HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent’s father has launched a GoFundMe following her death.

Hydeia passed away Tuesday, February 20th, at 39 years old.

She passed away peacefully

Her father, Loren Broadbent, shared the news Wednesday on Facebook that she died peacefully from natural causes.

Hydeia was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.

At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.

Several years later after her diagnosis at age 6, Hydeia became a steadfast HIV/AIDS activist, committed to spreading awareness about the disease.

She appeared on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.

In 2014, Hydeia became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation.

Hydeia Broadbent GoFundMe

In light of Hydeia’s untimely passing, her father has set up a GoFundMe.

“Hi, I am Loren Broadbent, the father of Hydeia Broadbent. Yesterday afternoon Hydeia unexpectedly passed away. Our hearts are broken. Hydeia spent her whole life since the age of five showing us all how to love, fight, and speak up for those affected with HIV and AIDS. And as much as I wish she was still here fighting the great fight, God called her home. Letting us all know. Job well done”, the GoFundMe reads.

“In honor of her memory the family would like to lay her to rest. So at this time we are asking for donations. Along with well wishes and prayers. We would like to thank you in advance. Thank you, and let’s all keep her memory alive and continue the fight where she left off.”

The family is seeking to raise $20,000. At the time of this posting, they have raised approximately $14,000.

If you are interested in donating to Hydeia’s celebration of life and supporting the family, please visit the GoFundMe for more information.


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Health & Wellness

Hydeia Broadbent, AIDS activist and motivational speaker, dies at 39

Hydeia Broadbent passed away at 39 from natural causes.

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Hydeia Broadbent
Hydeia Broadbent (Facebook)

Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent AIDS activist and motivational speaker, has passed away at age 39.

Confirmation of Hydeia Broadbent’s passing

Her passing was confirmed by her father Loren Broadbent, in a post on Facebook, sharing Hydeia died from natural causes.

“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor, and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with AIDS since birth,” his post read.

“Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around Hiv/AIDS.”

Her incredible story

According to her website, Broadbent was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and, as an infant, was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.

At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.

Hydeia Broadbent and her activism

Hydeia Broadbent on Oprah

Hydeia Broadbent on Oprah

Hydeia became an activist at age 6, telling her story to the masses on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.

Motivational speaker

In 1996, she was a speaker at the Republican National Convention, she stated “I am the future, and I have AIDS.”

In 2002, her family published a book entitled “You Get Past The Tears,” she appeared with her family on “Extreme Home Makeover” in 2004.

Until her passing, she was an international motivational speaker and AIDS activist.

In 2014, she became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation, as well as other AIDS activist organizations, in order “to educate people about HIV/AIDS, raise awareness, and fight discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS.”

“People think because I was born with HIV my story does not apply to them. Well, this same disease I am living with is the same disease you can get if you are aware and informed,” Broadbent said.

“I use my testimony as a warning of what you don’t want to go through.”

Most of us watched Hydeia and her bravery as she shared her story on this autoimmune disease. Her courage was something to be admired.

Unheard Voices sends its heartfelt condolences to Hydeia’s family and loved ones.


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Health & Wellness

Snoop Dogg’s daughter suffers “severe” stroke

Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed in an instagram post she suffered a “severe” stroke.

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Cori broadus suffers stroke

Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed she suffered a stroke.

Cori Broadus suffers stroke

On Thursday, the 24-year-old posted a photo on her Instagram Story from the hospital following the health scare.

“I had a severe stroke this a.m. I started breaking down crying when they told me,” she wrote. “Like I’m only 24, what did I do in my past to deserve all of this.”

Cori Broadus stroke (Photo Source: Instagram)

(Photo Source: Instagram)

Although Broadus didn’t provide any specific details on what led to her stroke or her recovery, the singer has had a difficult health journey for years after being diagnosed with lupus at age 6.

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that makes your immune system damage organs and tissue throughout your body. It causes inflammation that can affect your skin, joints, blood and organs like your kidneys, lungs and heart.

Let’s keep Cori and all those battling autoimmune diseases like Lupus in our prayers. It is certainly a daily fight.


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