Richard Lea says he has seen a hundred people overdose and die, but since being sober, has helped that many with Narcan. (Submitted/Richard Lea)

By Susan McNeil

Power of Second Chances

Overdose and addictions awareness: Richard Lea’s story

Sep 1, 2024 | 4:00 PM

August 31 was Overdose Awareness Day – an international campaign to prevent toxic drug poisonings, and remember, without stigma, those who have suffered from addiction and those who have died.

paNOW’s Susan McNeil spoke with several addicts who shared how addiction impacted their life and those around them. More importantly, they wanted to show others that recovery is possible.

This is the third of four stories that will be published over the course of the weekend

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When paNOW reached out to various addiction support groups asking whether anyone would be willing to share their story, many people replied, but most were anxious to share publicly, worried about the stigma attached to being an addict. One person who responded to a post on the Crystal Meth and Fentanyl Overdose Awareness page, which is run out of Muskoday First Nation, is Richard Lea from Gimli, Manitoba. After ‘many, many brushes with death’, he now chooses to walk a different path, but it took going back to his past in order to help himself and others.

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Like many who have been impacted by drug use and addiction, Richard Lea started using just one illegal substance that eventually opened the door to exposure and experimentation with harsher substances.

“Meth became my poison, leading me down a dark and destructive path. I was no stranger to danger, facing near-death experiences and causing harm to others,” Lea said.

He ended up in jail for an extended period of time but drugs still called his name. Even when his drug of choice was not readily available, he turned his attention to another drug, overdosing multiple times on fentanyl.

In addition to many near death experiences, he learned that there is a heavy price to pay for using drugs and being part of the lifestyle that seems to inevitably go along with it.

“I found myself entangled in gang conflicts, engaging in knife fights and gun battles as the world around me crumbled. The consequences of my addiction were severe – I lost custody of my children, and my heart shattered into a million pieces,” he said.

Losing his children was a serious blow and he only knew one way to numb it – more drugs in what he described as a never-ending cycle.

“Tragedy struck when my house caught fire, leaving me with a mere ten percent chance of survival. Miraculously, I emerged from a six-month coma, saved by the power of prayers and the unwavering support of my loved ones,” he said.

Even then, his drug use continued until he reached a pivotal moment – he overdosed in front of his parents. That was a wake-up call he said couldn’t be ignored.

“Their unwavering love and determination led me to seek help, and I entered treatment with a new found determination to break free from the chains of addiction.”

After six months of sobriety, he decided to enroll in college and become an addictions counsellor so he could connect with his clients through direct experience.

“I have seen over a hundred lives lost to overdose, but I have also been able to save just as many with the use of Narcan,” said Lea.

Narcan is the nasal spray version of Naloxone – a medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid emergency. Opioid examples include hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine. Heroin is also an opioid.Taking too much of an opioid can slow or stop your breathing. If naloxone is given soon enough, it may save a life. You can get a naloxone kit without a prescription at most drugstores or through a community Take Home Naloxone program.

Lea said he is now able to define himself by his resilience and courage rather than by his past mistakes.

“By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to find hope in the midst of darkness and to believe in the possibility of recovery. My name is Richard Lea and this is my story of survival, redemption, and the power of second chances.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, click here for a list of local services. You can also call:

• National Overdose Response Service – 1-888-688-6677

This toll-free, 24-hour hotline aims to prevent deadly overdoses by connecting people who are alone and using drugs with peer volunteers who can call for help if needed.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com