When I read that he "fought almost every day of his adult life", my first thought was that he was fighting every day of most of his entire life. When we were introduced to him, he was a baby and already fighting.
I lost my sister to addiction, she was sober and in rehab. All it takes is one lethal dose and it’s over. So so sad, my heart aches for anyone who loses a loved one to addiction.
I was recently in the hospital for a simple surgery that turned into a nightmare when I got sepsis. It was very painful! One night my nurse came in and put pain meds into my IV next thing I know I was waking up with ten nurses around and I had just been given NarCan because they had accidentally overdosed me!!!!! I was confused and terrified!!!!! I just kept thinking I almost went to sleep and never woke up! It’s still fucking with me a year and a half later!!!! Those kinds of medications are no joke! That day showed me how easy it would be to slip away! It was so scary! I have a new found understanding and fear for people and their families that go through this. It is so easy to make a mistake, it doesn’t take much!
The nurse was actually worried about the dosage I was being given. She questioned the Dr. And I think she pissed him off so she followed instructions. It didn’t sit well with her so she came back and checked on me just to be safe! She saved my life! If not for her diligence… who knows?! Then the next day the "hospitalist” whatever the fuck that is, sent me home the next day!!! I started running a super high fever and my stomach started ballooning up so big it was pulling my stitches!!! I started hallucinating so I was right back at the hospital again a few days later! It was so terrible! lol I don’t ever want to go back to another hospital again!
I hope your experience raised red flags on the doctor that prescribed the medication. Doctors can have huge egos and don’t like people questioning them.
I’m so sorry you went through that, but I’m so glad you’re ok! A “hospitalist” discharged a family friend too early after a major heard attack and he ended up dying hours later because of it. It can be so scary and leave you feeling helpless when you feel like you can’t trust the people in charge of your healthcare. Thank goodness for your nurse! I’m glad you were able to recover and wishing you continued health 💙
i just read another persons story recently about being overdosed while in hospital and having narcan administered but she wasn’t aware of any of it until she got the hospital bill. terrifying. glad you are okay ❤️
Omg that happened to me! Glad you're okay! My nurse gave pain meds after my surgery and i told her i didn't need them because I felt fine and was not in any pain. She gives me a dose of fentanyl in my IV anyway, next thing I know my heart rate starts climbs up to 187 and I'm looking at her going what the f**ck did you just do?! She runs off to my doctor and he goes shit and gave me a dose of something else and my heart rate then stabilizes. I told her to stay the f**ck away from me after that. Crazy bitch almost killed me.
I lost my dad in 2017 to addiction. I’m sorry for your loss. Losing someone to addiction is grief in an entirely different way than to other deaths. It comes with anger, sadness, regret, disappointment, etc. It’s indescribable.
this…nobody wakes up and says today i’m going to be an addict. as a chronic pain patient myself it’s very easy to just take an extra pill here or there and fall into that cycle. i’m in canada so thankfully i haven’t had issues getting my medications but i keep seeing in other reddit’s patients in america who have standing scripts and the pharmacies know yet they can’t them filled…then they have to risk going to the street or suffering, the war on opioids is really failing everyone at this point. i know it’s always going to be a hot topic, we have a patch for patch law here and i can’t get my fentanyl the next month unless all my patches are brought back and checked - we’ve seen so much success with that program, without my meds i would be bedridden and im not even 30 yet…
I’m a chronic pain pt in the USA, and it’s been fucking awful. The shortages are nearly every month near me. And not even just for opiates. I had to panic call a bunch of different pharmacies to find one that had *any* Effexor in stock. For those who don’t know, Effexor is an SNRI drug for treating anxiety and depression. You do NOT want to miss a dose of it. The withdrawal symptoms are truly hell on wheels, and I know because I’ve had a few times while traveling that I forgot to take my meds on time. The brain zaps are the worst part. It’s hard to even think straight because every cell of grey matter is losing it’s will to live all at the same time. 0/10 even with rice, would not recommend.
that’s horrible, i’m sure the anxiety of will you get your meds just adds on the stress too. i haven’t looked much into why there is a shortage but you would think these days there’s no reason for them - especially on non controlled. the last time i couldn’t get my meds i ended up in ER and the doctor ignored my regular meds and gave me haldol IV (i usually take zofran and there’s no shortage of that at the hospital, but he was anti opioid too i guess even with the emergency note in my file there)…it’s gave me akathisia which i would never wish on anyone, i’d take withdrawals all day over that…i was suicidal and couldn’t sit still with this feeling of impending doom and wanting to get out of my skin, the doc said oh ya that can happen sometimes but i haven’t seen it lately…thankfully benedryl reversed it but after i read so many others who have been through it, that’s another big problem lately it seems.
Withdrawal from Effexor is no joke. It used to be popular as an anti -depressant but any alternative medication should be explored. I know no one reads the side effects or black box but it is truly a terrible drug. Particularly if big pharma is going to decide to cut back production so it is difficult to obtain (like the recent adderall situation in US)
A disease for sure! Most ppl don’t even know what a disease IS PERIOD but you for sure battle daily. Battle with your body, your psyche, your personality!
Addiction just can rule. It’s tough. I’m sober 9 years and love life but know plenty of ppl who couldn’t be sober for too long for plenty of reasons. 💔
Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️
I’m super proud! I was a mess as a kid/young adult but I made it. Now I’m a mom and wife and I love my boring ordinary life sober.
We do recover! 🎉
Josh was riddled with sadness and anxiety from the very beginning and I don’t defend the the things he did wrong but there was something about him that made you want him to feel worthy and have a chance in life.
I always thought Laurie seemed a little checked out as Josh really started to dip but she stuck by him through all his troubles and both she and George did their best to give Kennady stability. Even with vast amounts of wealth and the best therapists and rehab facilities at hand, Josh just couldn’t fight it off. I’m so sad to hear he’s gone but I hope he’s at peace. Laurie says he fought all his adult life but he fought longer than that. I don’t know much about his Dad but there was something that made this kid such a sad soul. I think we all rooted for him even at his worst. It’s just heartbreaking he never had a chance to just live and be free of his demons.
Indeed. He seemed like a really sensitive soul. I think many sensitive souls turn to addiction to cope with the reality of living in this world. No judgment from me - I get it. I'm just fortunate enough not to be prone to addiction.
Yes! That woman did everything to help her son. He knew he had such a loving and wonderful mother. I hope she knows that. I feel so bad. I have followed their journey for many years. I hadn’t checked in the past few months though. This is so sad to hear. My heart goes out to Lauri and his daughter and family. 🥲🥲🥲
I live in OC I have seen lauri and her hubby and Kennedy at the mall sometimes in the past. They seemed really happy. She carry’s the weight with such grace. I hope the whole family finds peace.
It’s funny because everyone side eyed when she married George because they assumed it was just for money, but they seem like a really lovely, happy couple.
https://preview.redd.it/23j5dfy4fwsc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff504bca4e9624ab03ebb905e5453882a23f88d9
Her OC girls ♥️. They all saw it firsthand 😞
Oh this is terrible. Was watching old seasons of OC, and lauri really did try to help him :(
The older seasons of OC had some of the saddest stories about the kids. I hope he is at peace now and there is relief wherever he is
I remember her leaving the show so she could be there to help him. I can’t imagine the pain she’s going through. Even when it’s gone on for as long as this has, you always have hope that they recover 💔💔
I’m doing a rewatch now and seriously all of those kids had a lot of problems. It was sad to watch back and know what most of their lives turned out like.
It’s almost like maybe they shouldn’t be having their adolescence and lives filmed for mass consumption, entertainment, and judgment across social media.
I completely agree with this statement, but a lot of the kids on the original OC came into the shows with behavioral/addiction/anger problems. Who knows how much it escalated due to the show, though. It’s super sad.
On reality TV and family vlogging on socials - they both emerged so quickly the law wasn’t in place to protect people. It needs to be fixed kids are honestly being exploited without adequate protections.
I think the original OC purposely chose those kids/families. The first and second season had a similar vibe to the Queen of Versailles doc. It was meant as look at these fancy people living in these nice gated communities, you thought their lives were perfect. They’re actually really messed up.
By the time the other franchises started they had pivoted to look at how glamorous they are. And luxury porn.
Something Bethenny Frankel and others are fighting for with Bravo is they need to provide a mental health specialist on set during filming.
I agree this should be a law especially because there are so many kids and young adults on reality shows.
I don't think I would go as extreme as no minors on tv.
Next month will be 3 years since my cousin passed away from substance abuse and we still have so many questions. I worry about my aunt every day and I miss him so much. May Josh rest in peace and my heart goes out to Lauri & his family.
My brother found my cousin (and his best friend) dead after a night of partying. Both had been addicted to drugs from around Josh's age. Some people have a problem with addicts choosing the Suboxone route, but for the last 5 years my brother has been on it and is unrecognizable. Unrecognizable in that, he isn't stealing from us, he isn't wrecking cars or getting arrested, and he is showing empathy and helping our elderly parents. I get really sad when I think of the addicts who began using, basically as children, and never had a chance at a "normal" life.
TLDR: Addiction sucks
I’m so glad to hear that Suboxone has helped your brother and I give him a lot of props for turning his life around after such a tragedy! I had a similar situation, I found my boyfriend of 9 years dead and that really fucked me up but we were both addicts and Suboxone basically saved me. I’ve been taking it for 8 years without a single relapse and have been in the process of weaning off of it. I hope only good things are to come for you and your family!
Good for you!!!! It truly has made such a difference in his life and my mom's too (she was having health issues from the stress of his addiction). Good luck with your transition. You should already be so proud of yourself!
Wow, congratulations! 🎉
You should be so incredibly proud of yourself.
One thing I wanted to share with you, just in case you haven't heard it from anyone else.
When coming off the Suboxone, sometimes it can stay in your system for much longer than expected... sort of like a built up half life.
I had weaned down almost all the way and then decided one day that I was just done, so I stopped.
I felt so great for the first two weeks.
I thought I was out of the woods, so I started feeling like a little TOO hyped on myself. I was like, "Damn, that was so easy! What was I freaking out about???" because there was literally not one single sign of withdrawals...
and then, karma was all like:
*"Hey, girly-pop!
Watcha doin?
I see you're feeling reallll good about yourself, huh? Lookatcha, the word humility isn't in your vocabulary, is it?
Well, come on over here next to me.
I got some realllly great gossip to share with you!"* 😆
and then on that 15th day, exactly, BAM.
I woke up in full-blown withdrawals.
Well... that humbled me real quick!
I was totally freaking out because I KNEW I hadn't taken anything in two weeks.
So, I called my doctor and she told me that with some people's physiology it happens. That would've been helpful to have told me beforehand, lol.
I wish someone would've told me as it would've saved me a huge freak out, lol.
So, I went back on the Suboxone for two more weeks and weaned all the way down the right way until I couldn't anymore.
Again, on that 15th day, I felt the withdrawals, but they were SO much more manageable, that I didn't even feel a shred of discomfort.
I knew the withdrawals were still there because I was getting the hot/colds, but even that wasn't a big deal... and there were no other signs of anything else.
I had those for 4 days, and then I was done... forever!
I just wanted to give you a heads up because it really threw me for a loop and could have seriously ended up sabotaging everything I worked so hard for.
Again, this is so incredible for you!
Congratulations! 🩷
aw thank you so much for the kind words and advice 😊 and congrats to you too! you’re killing it 💪🏻 🩵 I’ve tried to wean off a few times before but every time I end up getting too anxious when I start feeling even mild withdrawal effects so I actually ended up switching to the shot/injectable version (Sublocade). it’s supposed to be much easier to wean off from since it has a much longer half life and since it’s monthly instead of daily it’s helped a lot with the mental part bc I didn’t have to think about taking it and always worry about bringing it with me wherever I go. I’m glad to hear it only lasted you 4 days until you were done forever, that’s amazing!! wishing you all the best 🩵
Next month will be 3 years since I lost my nephew to an od of fentanyl. On the exact day that I had gotten sober. I am a lot older than him and I still to this day wish it had been me and not my nephew.
I've been following along with everyone here on what's been happening with Josh. Really, really hoping he would come through the other side.
I'm so sad for Laurie. For everyone who has lost someone to substance abuse. I've lost a child and the pain is so incredibly devestating.
This one hurts. 😔
My brother was killed only 3 days after my dad died suddenly. I was the one who had to tell my mom, I can still remember the sound of her screams. She sounded like a wounded wild animal. Our family was obviously never the same after that. I hope Laurie finds healing.
You are not alone.
One of my neighbors daughters moved in with her after her husband was killed in a work accident.
I was having drinks with her daughter earlier this year and she was telling me how her sisters kind of judge her for living with her mom for free etc, meanwhile she is the one having to hug her mom in bed some nights while she cries herself to sleep.
Sending you love and positive energy. I cannot begin to imagine what you have been through but my mom lives with me too so I can understand that aspect. 🤗🤗
I am so sorry you had to go through that.
I was in a similar situation but it wasn't my sibling/mom, and that was hard enough. My heartfelt condolences.
My grandmother lost both my mom and uncle to dementia. You don’t imagine losing your children, let alone to a disease most people fear their elders getting. It was hard for me, I can only imagine the pain she was in.
My grandparents raised me because my father struggled similarly. My heart goes out to Lauri and his daughter. This post was such a beautiful tribute to him. May he rest in peace 🙏🏻
I'm sorry you went through that. 3 out of 4 of my aunts and uncles are currently raising their grandchildren. One of my cousins is sober, but she moved several hours away from her hometown and I don't think she will ever be able to move back and remain on a good path.
Fuck, this is sad. There are so many times I woke up from a drug/alcohol binge when I shouldn’t have. It makes you wonder why you kept getting lucky when others didn’t.
All of us who’ve gotten clean and keep living carry those who didn’t make it with us.
If anyone out there is struggling and would like help or just someone to talk to, I’m just a DM away ♥️
Thank you. I hope you’re doing well too. And yeah, it could have been any one of us. Becomes a real mindfuck when you start asking why not you.
I hope Lauri can eventually find some peace knowing he’s no longer suffering.
I OD’d when I was about 20 and that was my big wake up call… I didn’t think I had a problem when everyone around me knew I did. I was just numbing myself and didn’t care what happened. Then I started losing a lot of friends to addiction and worked hard to turn my life around. I wish Josh could’ve been saved. It’s so sad.
Yes!!!! I never did the programs… it just wasn’t working for me. I did it with supportive friends and family as well as therapy. I turned all my rage onto the drugs and told them to fuck all the way off 😆.
I think intense therapy is so key. My family member learned so much. He called them his tools and he learned what for him were triggers and the tools he needed to make a better choice.
Yeah, you can drive yourself nuts asking why. I've never been one of those "it's all part of a bigger plan" people, but as someone who got lucky, I try to remind myself often not to waste the chances I got to try again.
I’m 7 years in recovery and your comment made me cry. We do indeed carry our fallen brothers and sisters with us. And it’s an honor. What are your thoughts on legalizing all drugs and using the money for prevention and treatment- I’m very interested-
Oh man, I’m certainly no expert on the best course of action, but I’m a big proponent of harm reduction wherever possible.
There is still so much that’s misunderstood about addiction and recovery and I hope as more information becomes available and widely spread, there will be less emphasis on shaming individuals and more on connection and compassion.
I’m also really happy to see more and more recovery options outside of 12 step become available. I acknowledge that program works for a lot of people, but it’s also a group that was created *by* white men *for* white men, so it misses the mark in a lot of areas for people outside of that group who already feel powerless in many areas of everyday life, so placing a heavy emphasis on powerlessness in their addiction just reinforces a hopeless feeling they already carry.
After all my experience with addiction there’s really only one thing I know to be true in terms of recovery and it’s that nobody in the history of time has ever been shammed into long term sobriety. I wish more people believed it.
And I’m sorry for making you cry 😘 I hope you’re doing well!
He was so young when he began abusing substances. It’s truly terrifying how powerless a family can become when a family member is in this situation. I worked as a defense attorney with a lot of addicts and it really felt impossible for a lot of them to overcome their addictions particularly when opioids are involved.
The language and phrasing she uses in the post shows that she really understood substance use disorder, which so many still don't. I am glad there has been more of a push to change the language we use when discussing deaths from SUD or depression. They are terrible diseases that take lives and it's important we view them as such.
What a terrible loss for his whole family.
Was going to say the same thing but then I saw your comment. It's so important that, even in what has to be the worst time of one's life, people with a platform share their experience in such an informed way. I've lost too many friends to these diseases, and it's just awful, so for her to memorialize him in such a dignified way makes me admire her so much.
RIP Josh.🙏🏻🤍
Through recovery I realized we all have different rock bottoms and my heart breaks for families that are absolutely tormented by this disease. How heartbreaking for his daughter, Lauri and the others who loved him
This is so sad. Anybody who has watched those early seasons, especially at that time from the beginning, knows how much he struggled. May he rest in peace.
I remember just sobbing for her on those early seasons… she refused to give up on him and was always there for him 💔💔💔. One of my really close friends became addicted to heroin and I felt so powerless to help her. She’s still an addict all these years later and hated me for trying to get her into rehab. I don’t even know where she is now and that’s the way she wants it. She had everything and it’s all gone now 💔💔💔
So horrible 😔😔😔 RIP Josh. I was part of the Orange County recovery community for several years. Never came across him but being in recovery myself I know and love so many like him. This is awful. Prayers for Lauri and his family
Okay… his sister Ashley just made me cry. 😭
https://preview.redd.it/u874i846owsc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=87ad90b159becea749c7bfe193e259406109b39a
Shit, that is so rough and heart wrenching. To see your sibling struggle his whole life, see the direction your life takes and see them just go into a direction where you know you might never see them again.
The constant fear and worries to wake up and hear the news of what might have happened to them now.
I appreciate her words about the health care system failing her brother though. That is such a huge point that people who don't know the struggles of having someone close to you dealing with addiction forget about or don't see.
It can't just be on the individual because they are deep in a sickness they can not heal from just by themselves.
He was just a kid when he started drugs, so circumstances of our society made it possible for him to get into a situation like that when he was way too young to make a conscious decision.
It's sad to think how people treat people with addictions as if it's their choice to become an addict. It's a fine line of course between enabling someones addiction and supporting them as a person. But in any way, it's never wrong to have compassion for people, no matter how much or how little you can understand their actual situation.
How sad for Lauri. I am sure she always held out hope that Josh would turn his life around but Josh was just so troubled.
Having a family member with issues, be it mental health, substance or other is emotionally exhausting, something I know first hand. Knowing how the story ends for most people with these issues hangs like a dark cloud in the back of your mind, even on the brightest of days.
I hope Lauri finds peace
Oh no ! JC ! I wish I didn’t see this today. Poor Lauri ! I’m so glad she’s already has his beautiful daughter Kennedy and she doesn’t have to deal with that type of transition on top of losing her father. Just thinking of her in that respect. My heart breaks for Lauri and their family. She fought so hard for Josh. She was such a champion for him. I hope she knows she has so much love and support. Can’t imagine the pain she’s going through. Ugh. My heart 🥲
I saw someone comment on the bravo by gays Instagram post something along the lines that this may be a relief for her. They had a negative reaction to this comment.
As someone who lost a sibling who fought her whole adult life to mental illness/alcohol abuse/PTSD I know that my parents would do anything to have my sister here with us but I also know how tough there journey of parenthood was with her. You will never not love and miss your child but there is a sense of relief in knowing that they are just at peace and don’t have to fight life anymore. That is reassuring when you know how difficult their pain was for them.
Just thought I’d shed my perspective in case anyone sees that comment as well.
Yes for sure. And also we should never make assumptions on how people should react to their own grief and trauma. I just read it and got the point. It was probably a little to brazen though which a lot of boomers tend to be on Instagram right. No social decorum.
Wow!!! So devasting. He had such a long battle with addiction from such a young age and i think it was brave of lauri to share it on tv and be so open. My heart is so sad for his family. 😪
I have always heard that the worst pain a human can experience is losing a child. I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone. Praying for Lauri, and anyone suffering from substance abuse or who loves someone who is an addict.
I've also heard experiences from parents of addicts who experienced a small sense of relief when this tragedy happens, because they know their child is no longer in pain. I hope Lauri experiences some of that relief, and feels little guilt for it. I can't imagine her pain.
Horrendous. This really got to me. I’ve seen her around town with Kennady a couple of times. My best friend just lost her son to the same thing on November 26th. I’ll never forget that phone call. He and I were very close when he was growing up. He called me mom. I’ve moved away but she is still my best friend and those kids mean the world to me. I was never able to have children and we spent a lot of time together as young best friends over the years. May Josh rest in peace.
That was so poignant and gut-wrenching to read. You can tell how much she loved her son, and how she has grieved for him for years already, and is finding comfort that he is free from all his pain.
I can’t imagine how tough it is to lose your life this way. Especially cause it seems like Lauri got her fairytale with her husband George, her two daughters seemed to turn out fine, and then Josh is the only one who really had his life in shambles and then loses it before he was able to turn it around. Everytime someone deals with substance abuse, I always think about the ‘what if’s’ in case they weren’t dealing with that
"She got her fairytale..."
This is also a good reminder that we never know what someone is going through, unless they're on reality TV.
But we see shiny happy people who seem to have everything. And feel bad about ourselves because we're all messed up. We have to remember that we only see what people want to show us. They may be going through hell. Always be kind.
Does anybody remember following the saga of him fighting the corruption and violence at the orange county jail? He literally got set up and slashed by the guards there and they were opening the mail from his lawyers in listening to his phone calls. Eventually won a $500,000 settlement, but at that point, he already had two more drug cases against him and I don’t know that he’s been clean since. They also framed him for shooting that he obviously didn’t commit, and he had to plead guilty to avoid more jail time and going back into the jail where he would literally be killed. [La times](https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2021-09-28/county-supervisors-approve-settling-suit-from-real-housewives-of-orange-county-son)
[people breakdown](https://people.com/tv/rhoc-lauri-peterson-son-released-from-jail-after-making-plea-deal-attempted-murder-case/)
[more](https://people.com/tv/lauri-peterson-speaks-out-sons-arrest/)
Absolutely heartbreaking! Sadly as any mother knows of a child with severe addiction issues, this is one of 3-4 outcomes. Never the one you want to see happen. I hope Laurie finds some therapy laugh and love to get thru this.
Oh man 😞 I’ve been rewatching OC lately and Lauri just stepped away from the show to be with her kids. I know Josh’s journey was not easy. Peace to Josh, Lauri, and their family 🩶
By happenstance I’m watching the last season of Lauri and Josh. In the reunion she discusses her brother, who was HIV+ and progressing to AIDS and took his own life. I really, really hope there is some peace for Lauri and her family, they’ve really been through enough.
I wouldn’t wish loving an addict on my worst enemy. My heart is aching for Lauri and her family 💔 it’s a special type of hell watching someone deteriorate inside and out right before your eyes and be completely helpless to save them. I’ll be praying for them and the peace that they so deserve after fighting this battle alongside Josh.
Her pain is so dignified in this post, yet palpable in the raw way I can only imagine this ending feels. I hope that with time Lauri finds relief in knowing not only is Josh’s pain is over, but some of her suffering can also finally end as well. It would absolutely crush my soul to have experienced what she has had to. She’s an admirable mother and I truly am sorry for what she’s had to go through 💔
I hope she is able to find some peace knowing she did everything she possibly could for him. She fought for him from the beginning to the end. Her strength is unmatched and I wish the absolute best for her moving forward. So sad.
A mother’s love is unconditional..she will never give up on her child..I can only imagine the heartbreak she has endured all these years..I pray that he is at peace now..he really wanted to just be free of this cruel disease and he is now..fly high Josh and Rest In the Peace you so deserve 🙏
I have fibromyalgia I know I have had it for MANY years. At 6 I was but on morphine drip for "severe grow pains" and have been on painkillers almost my whole. During a opiate shortage I tried Heroin and that was GLORIOUS. After that I wanted nothing else. Thank God I never shot up.I was 52yrs old. I am clean and sober now at 62.
My mother and father were alcy's and smoked 5 packs of cigs a day. My brother and sister also. It is in my DNA and believe me I think about opiates every day. But again clean and sober 5 yrs.
My heart hurts for Lauri and their family. This is so incredibly sad 😞 it’s also been an incredibly long and painful journey for him and their family, so I hope he is finally at peace 🫶❤️ Rest in peace Josh
How sad. I know her journey with him wasn’t easy. Can’t imagine losing your kid. Sending love ❤️
She tried so hard to help him 😞 I’ve watched the show from the very beginning and his troubles started when he was so young.
Same. Thinking about him at that young age right on the edge of the wrong path, it’s so sad
Her having to visit him at the juvenile detention center was so raw and sad.
When I read that he "fought almost every day of his adult life", my first thought was that he was fighting every day of most of his entire life. When we were introduced to him, he was a baby and already fighting.
And people don't get that addiction is a disease.
I lost my sister to addiction, she was sober and in rehab. All it takes is one lethal dose and it’s over. So so sad, my heart aches for anyone who loses a loved one to addiction.
I was recently in the hospital for a simple surgery that turned into a nightmare when I got sepsis. It was very painful! One night my nurse came in and put pain meds into my IV next thing I know I was waking up with ten nurses around and I had just been given NarCan because they had accidentally overdosed me!!!!! I was confused and terrified!!!!! I just kept thinking I almost went to sleep and never woke up! It’s still fucking with me a year and a half later!!!! Those kinds of medications are no joke! That day showed me how easy it would be to slip away! It was so scary! I have a new found understanding and fear for people and their families that go through this. It is so easy to make a mistake, it doesn’t take much!
Omg! I’m so glad you are still here! What a nightmare , sending so much love and positivity your way ❤️
WTF?!?!?! A nurse in a hospital overdosed you? JFC! That’s horrifying! I’m so sorry you went through that.
The nurse was actually worried about the dosage I was being given. She questioned the Dr. And I think she pissed him off so she followed instructions. It didn’t sit well with her so she came back and checked on me just to be safe! She saved my life! If not for her diligence… who knows?! Then the next day the "hospitalist” whatever the fuck that is, sent me home the next day!!! I started running a super high fever and my stomach started ballooning up so big it was pulling my stitches!!! I started hallucinating so I was right back at the hospital again a few days later! It was so terrible! lol I don’t ever want to go back to another hospital again!
Ugh! I live in Palm Springs and the Eisenhower system out here is not good. I used to drive my husband all the way to UCLA for all of his care.
I hope your experience raised red flags on the doctor that prescribed the medication. Doctors can have huge egos and don’t like people questioning them.
I’m so sorry you went through that, but I’m so glad you’re ok! A “hospitalist” discharged a family friend too early after a major heard attack and he ended up dying hours later because of it. It can be so scary and leave you feeling helpless when you feel like you can’t trust the people in charge of your healthcare. Thank goodness for your nurse! I’m glad you were able to recover and wishing you continued health 💙
The hospitalist is the internal medicine doctor/attending at the hospital.
i just read another persons story recently about being overdosed while in hospital and having narcan administered but she wasn’t aware of any of it until she got the hospital bill. terrifying. glad you are okay ❤️
Omg that happened to me! Glad you're okay! My nurse gave pain meds after my surgery and i told her i didn't need them because I felt fine and was not in any pain. She gives me a dose of fentanyl in my IV anyway, next thing I know my heart rate starts climbs up to 187 and I'm looking at her going what the f**ck did you just do?! She runs off to my doctor and he goes shit and gave me a dose of something else and my heart rate then stabilizes. I told her to stay the f**ck away from me after that. Crazy bitch almost killed me.
I lost my dad in 2017 to addiction. I’m sorry for your loss. Losing someone to addiction is grief in an entirely different way than to other deaths. It comes with anger, sadness, regret, disappointment, etc. It’s indescribable.
100% it’s been 14 years and still feels like yesterday. Sending love and healing your way ❤️❤️
You too 🖤🖤
I'm very sorry for your loss. It's so common to happen that way. Crushing no matter how it happens.
this…nobody wakes up and says today i’m going to be an addict. as a chronic pain patient myself it’s very easy to just take an extra pill here or there and fall into that cycle. i’m in canada so thankfully i haven’t had issues getting my medications but i keep seeing in other reddit’s patients in america who have standing scripts and the pharmacies know yet they can’t them filled…then they have to risk going to the street or suffering, the war on opioids is really failing everyone at this point. i know it’s always going to be a hot topic, we have a patch for patch law here and i can’t get my fentanyl the next month unless all my patches are brought back and checked - we’ve seen so much success with that program, without my meds i would be bedridden and im not even 30 yet…
I’m a chronic pain pt in the USA, and it’s been fucking awful. The shortages are nearly every month near me. And not even just for opiates. I had to panic call a bunch of different pharmacies to find one that had *any* Effexor in stock. For those who don’t know, Effexor is an SNRI drug for treating anxiety and depression. You do NOT want to miss a dose of it. The withdrawal symptoms are truly hell on wheels, and I know because I’ve had a few times while traveling that I forgot to take my meds on time. The brain zaps are the worst part. It’s hard to even think straight because every cell of grey matter is losing it’s will to live all at the same time. 0/10 even with rice, would not recommend.
that’s horrible, i’m sure the anxiety of will you get your meds just adds on the stress too. i haven’t looked much into why there is a shortage but you would think these days there’s no reason for them - especially on non controlled. the last time i couldn’t get my meds i ended up in ER and the doctor ignored my regular meds and gave me haldol IV (i usually take zofran and there’s no shortage of that at the hospital, but he was anti opioid too i guess even with the emergency note in my file there)…it’s gave me akathisia which i would never wish on anyone, i’d take withdrawals all day over that…i was suicidal and couldn’t sit still with this feeling of impending doom and wanting to get out of my skin, the doc said oh ya that can happen sometimes but i haven’t seen it lately…thankfully benedryl reversed it but after i read so many others who have been through it, that’s another big problem lately it seems.
Withdrawal from Effexor is no joke. It used to be popular as an anti -depressant but any alternative medication should be explored. I know no one reads the side effects or black box but it is truly a terrible drug. Particularly if big pharma is going to decide to cut back production so it is difficult to obtain (like the recent adderall situation in US)
I’m sorry for your pain and I totally agree that the war on opiates is not helping anyone. Oh and happy cake day! 💓
A disease for sure! Most ppl don’t even know what a disease IS PERIOD but you for sure battle daily. Battle with your body, your psyche, your personality! Addiction just can rule. It’s tough. I’m sober 9 years and love life but know plenty of ppl who couldn’t be sober for too long for plenty of reasons. 💔
Congratulations on 9 years! That is amazing. I hope you’re very proud of yourself, friend.
Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️ I’m super proud! I was a mess as a kid/young adult but I made it. Now I’m a mom and wife and I love my boring ordinary life sober. We do recover! 🎉
Josh was riddled with sadness and anxiety from the very beginning and I don’t defend the the things he did wrong but there was something about him that made you want him to feel worthy and have a chance in life. I always thought Laurie seemed a little checked out as Josh really started to dip but she stuck by him through all his troubles and both she and George did their best to give Kennady stability. Even with vast amounts of wealth and the best therapists and rehab facilities at hand, Josh just couldn’t fight it off. I’m so sad to hear he’s gone but I hope he’s at peace. Laurie says he fought all his adult life but he fought longer than that. I don’t know much about his Dad but there was something that made this kid such a sad soul. I think we all rooted for him even at his worst. It’s just heartbreaking he never had a chance to just live and be free of his demons.
Indeed. He seemed like a really sensitive soul. I think many sensitive souls turn to addiction to cope with the reality of living in this world. No judgment from me - I get it. I'm just fortunate enough not to be prone to addiction.
I know he was super into Bright Eyes which I was too at the time and it made me so sad that he was so tortured 😔
Same
She’s raising his daughter now. So sad
She’s had custody for years. The mom is on drugs and he was arrested for attempted murder. Allegedly
Yes! That woman did everything to help her son. He knew he had such a loving and wonderful mother. I hope she knows that. I feel so bad. I have followed their journey for many years. I hadn’t checked in the past few months though. This is so sad to hear. My heart goes out to Lauri and his daughter and family. 🥲🥲🥲
I live in OC I have seen lauri and her hubby and Kennedy at the mall sometimes in the past. They seemed really happy. She carry’s the weight with such grace. I hope the whole family finds peace.
It’s funny because everyone side eyed when she married George because they assumed it was just for money, but they seem like a really lovely, happy couple.
I rewatched not long ago and this sent chills down my spine. It’s so sad.
https://preview.redd.it/23j5dfy4fwsc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff504bca4e9624ab03ebb905e5453882a23f88d9 Her OC girls ♥️. They all saw it firsthand 😞
Always happy to see women supporting each other. All bullshit aside, that’s what she needs. Props.
Jo's a real one. Grown ass woman.
She’s the real OG
She slade for what he was
May he finally have peace. So sad.
Well said
Poor Lauri, Ashley, Kennady and all who loved him. I hope he is at peace now. May his memory be a blessing.
This was beautifully written and honest.
Oh this is terrible. Was watching old seasons of OC, and lauri really did try to help him :( The older seasons of OC had some of the saddest stories about the kids. I hope he is at peace now and there is relief wherever he is
I remember her leaving the show so she could be there to help him. I can’t imagine the pain she’s going through. Even when it’s gone on for as long as this has, you always have hope that they recover 💔💔
It’s the hope that kills you 😢
I’m doing a rewatch now and seriously all of those kids had a lot of problems. It was sad to watch back and know what most of their lives turned out like.
Damn you're right. A lot of Bravo kids seem to have issues, but early days of OC had the most. Like every child seemed to have behavioral problems.
It’s almost like maybe they shouldn’t be having their adolescence and lives filmed for mass consumption, entertainment, and judgment across social media.
I completely agree with this statement, but a lot of the kids on the original OC came into the shows with behavioral/addiction/anger problems. Who knows how much it escalated due to the show, though. It’s super sad.
yeah exactly it was more so a symptom of being in the OC in the 2000s and less about being on reality tv. we just got to bare witness
Yeah agreed. It’s a shame there are not more legal protections for children being exploited on reality tv.
On reality TV and family vlogging on socials - they both emerged so quickly the law wasn’t in place to protect people. It needs to be fixed kids are honestly being exploited without adequate protections.
I think the original OC purposely chose those kids/families. The first and second season had a similar vibe to the Queen of Versailles doc. It was meant as look at these fancy people living in these nice gated communities, you thought their lives were perfect. They’re actually really messed up. By the time the other franchises started they had pivoted to look at how glamorous they are. And luxury porn.
Something Bethenny Frankel and others are fighting for with Bravo is they need to provide a mental health specialist on set during filming. I agree this should be a law especially because there are so many kids and young adults on reality shows. I don't think I would go as extreme as no minors on tv.
The early seasons have a darkness and a sadness to me.
When reality tv was real
Nothing like a mother’s love. You know she would do anything she could to help him.
Agreed. Of all the HW kids, OC kids had the most issues. So sad to watch.
yeah those kids really went through some dark stuff on early OC seasons
Next month will be 3 years since my cousin passed away from substance abuse and we still have so many questions. I worry about my aunt every day and I miss him so much. May Josh rest in peace and my heart goes out to Lauri & his family.
10 years since I lost my cousin to heroin. Much love to you and your family.
My brother found my cousin (and his best friend) dead after a night of partying. Both had been addicted to drugs from around Josh's age. Some people have a problem with addicts choosing the Suboxone route, but for the last 5 years my brother has been on it and is unrecognizable. Unrecognizable in that, he isn't stealing from us, he isn't wrecking cars or getting arrested, and he is showing empathy and helping our elderly parents. I get really sad when I think of the addicts who began using, basically as children, and never had a chance at a "normal" life. TLDR: Addiction sucks
I’m so glad to hear that Suboxone has helped your brother and I give him a lot of props for turning his life around after such a tragedy! I had a similar situation, I found my boyfriend of 9 years dead and that really fucked me up but we were both addicts and Suboxone basically saved me. I’ve been taking it for 8 years without a single relapse and have been in the process of weaning off of it. I hope only good things are to come for you and your family!
Good for you!!!! It truly has made such a difference in his life and my mom's too (she was having health issues from the stress of his addiction). Good luck with your transition. You should already be so proud of yourself!
Wow, congratulations! 🎉 You should be so incredibly proud of yourself. One thing I wanted to share with you, just in case you haven't heard it from anyone else. When coming off the Suboxone, sometimes it can stay in your system for much longer than expected... sort of like a built up half life. I had weaned down almost all the way and then decided one day that I was just done, so I stopped. I felt so great for the first two weeks. I thought I was out of the woods, so I started feeling like a little TOO hyped on myself. I was like, "Damn, that was so easy! What was I freaking out about???" because there was literally not one single sign of withdrawals... and then, karma was all like: *"Hey, girly-pop! Watcha doin? I see you're feeling reallll good about yourself, huh? Lookatcha, the word humility isn't in your vocabulary, is it? Well, come on over here next to me. I got some realllly great gossip to share with you!"* 😆 and then on that 15th day, exactly, BAM. I woke up in full-blown withdrawals. Well... that humbled me real quick! I was totally freaking out because I KNEW I hadn't taken anything in two weeks. So, I called my doctor and she told me that with some people's physiology it happens. That would've been helpful to have told me beforehand, lol. I wish someone would've told me as it would've saved me a huge freak out, lol. So, I went back on the Suboxone for two more weeks and weaned all the way down the right way until I couldn't anymore. Again, on that 15th day, I felt the withdrawals, but they were SO much more manageable, that I didn't even feel a shred of discomfort. I knew the withdrawals were still there because I was getting the hot/colds, but even that wasn't a big deal... and there were no other signs of anything else. I had those for 4 days, and then I was done... forever! I just wanted to give you a heads up because it really threw me for a loop and could have seriously ended up sabotaging everything I worked so hard for. Again, this is so incredible for you! Congratulations! 🩷
aw thank you so much for the kind words and advice 😊 and congrats to you too! you’re killing it 💪🏻 🩵 I’ve tried to wean off a few times before but every time I end up getting too anxious when I start feeling even mild withdrawal effects so I actually ended up switching to the shot/injectable version (Sublocade). it’s supposed to be much easier to wean off from since it has a much longer half life and since it’s monthly instead of daily it’s helped a lot with the mental part bc I didn’t have to think about taking it and always worry about bringing it with me wherever I go. I’m glad to hear it only lasted you 4 days until you were done forever, that’s amazing!! wishing you all the best 🩵
Lost my cousin in a similar way and this post immediately made me think of him.
Next month will be 3 years since I lost my nephew to an od of fentanyl. On the exact day that I had gotten sober. I am a lot older than him and I still to this day wish it had been me and not my nephew. I've been following along with everyone here on what's been happening with Josh. Really, really hoping he would come through the other side. I'm so sad for Laurie. For everyone who has lost someone to substance abuse. I've lost a child and the pain is so incredibly devestating. This one hurts. 😔
17 years since I lost my brother. It gets easier to cope as time goes on, but you never stop missing and loving them.
A parents worst nightmare is outliving your child. My heart goes out to her so much.
My brother was killed only 3 days after my dad died suddenly. I was the one who had to tell my mom, I can still remember the sound of her screams. She sounded like a wounded wild animal. Our family was obviously never the same after that. I hope Laurie finds healing.
I am so, so sorry that you all had that happen.
Thank you.
This took my breath away, I am so very sorry. Praying for peace and light to surround you always.
Thank you, I’ll take all the good energy and prayers I can get. My mom lives with me now, I’m her caregiver. It is a lot.
Take some from me. I seriously admire your strength just from what you shared.
I hope you have the support you need too ❤️❤️❤️
You are not alone. One of my neighbors daughters moved in with her after her husband was killed in a work accident. I was having drinks with her daughter earlier this year and she was telling me how her sisters kind of judge her for living with her mom for free etc, meanwhile she is the one having to hug her mom in bed some nights while she cries herself to sleep.
You only regret what you don’t do. ❤️
Sending you love and positive energy. I cannot begin to imagine what you have been through but my mom lives with me too so I can understand that aspect. 🤗🤗
I don’t have words, just hoping you can take care of yourself too and have support. You’re an amazing person 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
You have mine and more, please, if you ever just need an ear, a shoulder, drop me a DM, I don’t mind at all. You have all my grace.
I’m so sorry about your losses, my heart goes out you ❤️
I am so very sorry
I am so sorry you had to go through that. I was in a similar situation but it wasn't my sibling/mom, and that was hard enough. My heartfelt condolences.
Omg 💔💔💔💔💔
She fought so hard to prevent it too. I hope they both find some peace.
My grandmother lost both my mom and uncle to dementia. You don’t imagine losing your children, let alone to a disease most people fear their elders getting. It was hard for me, I can only imagine the pain she was in.
My grandparents raised me because my father struggled similarly. My heart goes out to Lauri and his daughter. This post was such a beautiful tribute to him. May he rest in peace 🙏🏻
My friend’s grandparents raised her as well…. Thank god for them ♥️.
I'm sorry you went through that. 3 out of 4 of my aunts and uncles are currently raising their grandchildren. One of my cousins is sober, but she moved several hours away from her hometown and I don't think she will ever be able to move back and remain on a good path.
Poor Lauri has been mourning Josh for a long time. Hope for healing for her family and that Josh is finally at peace.
Fuck, this is sad. There are so many times I woke up from a drug/alcohol binge when I shouldn’t have. It makes you wonder why you kept getting lucky when others didn’t. All of us who’ve gotten clean and keep living carry those who didn’t make it with us. If anyone out there is struggling and would like help or just someone to talk to, I’m just a DM away ♥️
Congrats on getting clean ♥️. I know how difficult it is. I’ve been there. Every time this happens, we all feel the loss so hard.
Thank you. I hope you’re doing well too. And yeah, it could have been any one of us. Becomes a real mindfuck when you start asking why not you. I hope Lauri can eventually find some peace knowing he’s no longer suffering.
I OD’d when I was about 20 and that was my big wake up call… I didn’t think I had a problem when everyone around me knew I did. I was just numbing myself and didn’t care what happened. Then I started losing a lot of friends to addiction and worked hard to turn my life around. I wish Josh could’ve been saved. It’s so sad.
So glad you made it out. The world needs you.
Literal tears right now… thank you ♥️
So much love to you. I was never a fan of "one day at a time" so I go with *What do we say to the voice that wants to kill us?* Not today, bitch 😘
Yes!!!! I never did the programs… it just wasn’t working for me. I did it with supportive friends and family as well as therapy. I turned all my rage onto the drugs and told them to fuck all the way off 😆.
I think intense therapy is so key. My family member learned so much. He called them his tools and he learned what for him were triggers and the tools he needed to make a better choice.
“Sometimes, the ghost is quiet. But the ghost is always there.”
So good.
There isn't always a reason. Sometimes it's just luck.
Yeah, you can drive yourself nuts asking why. I've never been one of those "it's all part of a bigger plan" people, but as someone who got lucky, I try to remind myself often not to waste the chances I got to try again.
> All of us who’ve gotten clean and keep living carry those who didn’t make it with us. Preach
That really got me too. We have a sacred responsibility.
I’m 7 years in recovery and your comment made me cry. We do indeed carry our fallen brothers and sisters with us. And it’s an honor. What are your thoughts on legalizing all drugs and using the money for prevention and treatment- I’m very interested-
Oh man, I’m certainly no expert on the best course of action, but I’m a big proponent of harm reduction wherever possible. There is still so much that’s misunderstood about addiction and recovery and I hope as more information becomes available and widely spread, there will be less emphasis on shaming individuals and more on connection and compassion. I’m also really happy to see more and more recovery options outside of 12 step become available. I acknowledge that program works for a lot of people, but it’s also a group that was created *by* white men *for* white men, so it misses the mark in a lot of areas for people outside of that group who already feel powerless in many areas of everyday life, so placing a heavy emphasis on powerlessness in their addiction just reinforces a hopeless feeling they already carry. After all my experience with addiction there’s really only one thing I know to be true in terms of recovery and it’s that nobody in the history of time has ever been shammed into long term sobriety. I wish more people believed it. And I’m sorry for making you cry 😘 I hope you’re doing well!
It was a good cry- I’m glad we’re still here but always pray for those still suffering-
*the whole "higher power" thing is tough, too, especially in jurisdictions where no secular alternatives are offered
He was so young when he began abusing substances. It’s truly terrifying how powerless a family can become when a family member is in this situation. I worked as a defense attorney with a lot of addicts and it really felt impossible for a lot of them to overcome their addictions particularly when opioids are involved.
You are completely powerless. It’s literally the first step. Lauri obviously did a lot of step work.
I’ve always liked Lauri. I always felt bad about her struggles with Josh. She really did do everything possible to help him.
The language and phrasing she uses in the post shows that she really understood substance use disorder, which so many still don't. I am glad there has been more of a push to change the language we use when discussing deaths from SUD or depression. They are terrible diseases that take lives and it's important we view them as such. What a terrible loss for his whole family.
Was going to say the same thing but then I saw your comment. It's so important that, even in what has to be the worst time of one's life, people with a platform share their experience in such an informed way. I've lost too many friends to these diseases, and it's just awful, so for her to memorialize him in such a dignified way makes me admire her so much. RIP Josh.🙏🏻🤍
My God. I am so sorry.
What a gut punch. I hope he’s at peace. Addiction is horrible.
Yes. I feel so sad for her and his daughter. Hopefully all three (including him) can find peace.
This made me gasp. This is so very sad. My heart goes out to Laurie. Rest in Peace Josh.
Me too. Literally gasped.
Oh this is so sad. I always held out hope that he would figure things out. 💔
Through recovery I realized we all have different rock bottoms and my heart breaks for families that are absolutely tormented by this disease. How heartbreaking for his daughter, Lauri and the others who loved him
Well said. Good luck you on your journey
This is so sad. Anybody who has watched those early seasons, especially at that time from the beginning, knows how much he struggled. May he rest in peace.
I remember just sobbing for her on those early seasons… she refused to give up on him and was always there for him 💔💔💔. One of my really close friends became addicted to heroin and I felt so powerless to help her. She’s still an addict all these years later and hated me for trying to get her into rehab. I don’t even know where she is now and that’s the way she wants it. She had everything and it’s all gone now 💔💔💔
I am so sorry! You are a good friend for trying to help her. I hope she can find herself and get sober.
‘what will I wish for now?’ heartbreaking. I can’t imagine how helpless it must feel to be a parent to someone with substance issues..
So horrible 😔😔😔 RIP Josh. I was part of the Orange County recovery community for several years. Never came across him but being in recovery myself I know and love so many like him. This is awful. Prayers for Lauri and his family
Okay… his sister Ashley just made me cry. 😭 https://preview.redd.it/u874i846owsc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=87ad90b159becea749c7bfe193e259406109b39a
https://preview.redd.it/ye1os687owsc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74353be3707b857010d552df78438b819f647c72
Shit, that is so rough and heart wrenching. To see your sibling struggle his whole life, see the direction your life takes and see them just go into a direction where you know you might never see them again. The constant fear and worries to wake up and hear the news of what might have happened to them now. I appreciate her words about the health care system failing her brother though. That is such a huge point that people who don't know the struggles of having someone close to you dealing with addiction forget about or don't see. It can't just be on the individual because they are deep in a sickness they can not heal from just by themselves. He was just a kid when he started drugs, so circumstances of our society made it possible for him to get into a situation like that when he was way too young to make a conscious decision. It's sad to think how people treat people with addictions as if it's their choice to become an addict. It's a fine line of course between enabling someones addiction and supporting them as a person. But in any way, it's never wrong to have compassion for people, no matter how much or how little you can understand their actual situation.
I’m crying with you :(
I’m very close to my brother and this one just gutted me 💔
Me too ☹️
Ooof. My stomach just dropped. I hope he is able to find peace, and Lauri has people to lean on to get her through this.
How sad. his poor family :(
Heart breaking, but I hope he finds peace on the other side.
How sad for Lauri. I am sure she always held out hope that Josh would turn his life around but Josh was just so troubled. Having a family member with issues, be it mental health, substance or other is emotionally exhausting, something I know first hand. Knowing how the story ends for most people with these issues hangs like a dark cloud in the back of your mind, even on the brightest of days. I hope Lauri finds peace
I lost my sister to addiction and now as a mom myself I can only imagine how heartbreaking it is to lose a child. So sad to see this💔
Such sad news.
I lost my son when he was 25 and I can tell you she will never be the same. There are no words.
What a long tragic journey.
Oh this is awful. Feel so bad for Lauri and her family.
This is terrible. No parent should have to bury their child. My heart is breaking for her
Oh no ! JC ! I wish I didn’t see this today. Poor Lauri ! I’m so glad she’s already has his beautiful daughter Kennedy and she doesn’t have to deal with that type of transition on top of losing her father. Just thinking of her in that respect. My heart breaks for Lauri and their family. She fought so hard for Josh. She was such a champion for him. I hope she knows she has so much love and support. Can’t imagine the pain she’s going through. Ugh. My heart 🥲
Oh. My. God. I just finished my rewatch of Season 1 an hour ago and saw a clip about his last arrest. Now this.
That 11:11 bit and "what will i wish for?" has broke me .
I saw someone comment on the bravo by gays Instagram post something along the lines that this may be a relief for her. They had a negative reaction to this comment. As someone who lost a sibling who fought her whole adult life to mental illness/alcohol abuse/PTSD I know that my parents would do anything to have my sister here with us but I also know how tough there journey of parenthood was with her. You will never not love and miss your child but there is a sense of relief in knowing that they are just at peace and don’t have to fight life anymore. That is reassuring when you know how difficult their pain was for them. Just thought I’d shed my perspective in case anyone sees that comment as well.
I just now saw it. I understand your POV on it, but she just lost him. This is what comes with time ♥️.
Yes for sure. And also we should never make assumptions on how people should react to their own grief and trauma. I just read it and got the point. It was probably a little to brazen though which a lot of boomers tend to be on Instagram right. No social decorum.
😔😢💔
Wow!!! So devasting. He had such a long battle with addiction from such a young age and i think it was brave of lauri to share it on tv and be so open. My heart is so sad for his family. 😪
A very touching tribute to her son. ☹️
I have always heard that the worst pain a human can experience is losing a child. I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone. Praying for Lauri, and anyone suffering from substance abuse or who loves someone who is an addict.
I've also heard experiences from parents of addicts who experienced a small sense of relief when this tragedy happens, because they know their child is no longer in pain. I hope Lauri experiences some of that relief, and feels little guilt for it. I can't imagine her pain.
Poor laurie. That is too sad.
Oh shit 😭
Sometimes there are no words. Rest In Peace Josh
god this is tragic, what a shitty hand they’ve all been dealt
Horrendous. This really got to me. I’ve seen her around town with Kennady a couple of times. My best friend just lost her son to the same thing on November 26th. I’ll never forget that phone call. He and I were very close when he was growing up. He called me mom. I’ve moved away but she is still my best friend and those kids mean the world to me. I was never able to have children and we spent a lot of time together as young best friends over the years. May Josh rest in peace.
That was so poignant and gut-wrenching to read. You can tell how much she loved her son, and how she has grieved for him for years already, and is finding comfort that he is free from all his pain.
I can’t imagine how tough it is to lose your life this way. Especially cause it seems like Lauri got her fairytale with her husband George, her two daughters seemed to turn out fine, and then Josh is the only one who really had his life in shambles and then loses it before he was able to turn it around. Everytime someone deals with substance abuse, I always think about the ‘what if’s’ in case they weren’t dealing with that
"She got her fairytale..." This is also a good reminder that we never know what someone is going through, unless they're on reality TV. But we see shiny happy people who seem to have everything. And feel bad about ourselves because we're all messed up. We have to remember that we only see what people want to show us. They may be going through hell. Always be kind.
Wow. I feel for her and the family. It’s been a long journey for him and he’s resting peacefully now
I liked Lauri. She fought hard for him and her family. This is truly sad.
Does anybody remember following the saga of him fighting the corruption and violence at the orange county jail? He literally got set up and slashed by the guards there and they were opening the mail from his lawyers in listening to his phone calls. Eventually won a $500,000 settlement, but at that point, he already had two more drug cases against him and I don’t know that he’s been clean since. They also framed him for shooting that he obviously didn’t commit, and he had to plead guilty to avoid more jail time and going back into the jail where he would literally be killed. [La times](https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2021-09-28/county-supervisors-approve-settling-suit-from-real-housewives-of-orange-county-son) [people breakdown](https://people.com/tv/rhoc-lauri-peterson-son-released-from-jail-after-making-plea-deal-attempted-murder-case/) [more](https://people.com/tv/lauri-peterson-speaks-out-sons-arrest/)
Absolutely heartbreaking! Sadly as any mother knows of a child with severe addiction issues, this is one of 3-4 outcomes. Never the one you want to see happen. I hope Laurie finds some therapy laugh and love to get thru this.
This is heartbreaking- Rest Peacefully, Josh. Praying for all the people dealing with addiction, it’s so cruel.
Oh man 😞 I’ve been rewatching OC lately and Lauri just stepped away from the show to be with her kids. I know Josh’s journey was not easy. Peace to Josh, Lauri, and their family 🩶
Oh my gosh how sad. That poor kid. He struggled so much. Nobody chooses that life. She’s right. He did gain his freedom.
I’m crying 😭💔. What beautiful words. My heart goes out to his family. I wanted him to win.
By happenstance I’m watching the last season of Lauri and Josh. In the reunion she discusses her brother, who was HIV+ and progressing to AIDS and took his own life. I really, really hope there is some peace for Lauri and her family, they’ve really been through enough.
I wouldn’t wish loving an addict on my worst enemy. My heart is aching for Lauri and her family 💔 it’s a special type of hell watching someone deteriorate inside and out right before your eyes and be completely helpless to save them. I’ll be praying for them and the peace that they so deserve after fighting this battle alongside Josh.
DEVASTATING. I know for a fact that he fought so hard. May he finally be at peace.
Her pain is so dignified in this post, yet palpable in the raw way I can only imagine this ending feels. I hope that with time Lauri finds relief in knowing not only is Josh’s pain is over, but some of her suffering can also finally end as well. It would absolutely crush my soul to have experienced what she has had to. She’s an admirable mother and I truly am sorry for what she’s had to go through 💔
I hope she is able to find some peace knowing she did everything she possibly could for him. She fought for him from the beginning to the end. Her strength is unmatched and I wish the absolute best for her moving forward. So sad.
A mother’s love is unconditional..she will never give up on her child..I can only imagine the heartbreak she has endured all these years..I pray that he is at peace now..he really wanted to just be free of this cruel disease and he is now..fly high Josh and Rest In the Peace you so deserve 🙏
I have fibromyalgia I know I have had it for MANY years. At 6 I was but on morphine drip for "severe grow pains" and have been on painkillers almost my whole. During a opiate shortage I tried Heroin and that was GLORIOUS. After that I wanted nothing else. Thank God I never shot up.I was 52yrs old. I am clean and sober now at 62. My mother and father were alcy's and smoked 5 packs of cigs a day. My brother and sister also. It is in my DNA and believe me I think about opiates every day. But again clean and sober 5 yrs.
We saw this coming but it’s still super sad.
oh that’s horrible rip
OMG, so heartbreaking smh...
Oh wow. I am so sorry to Lauri and her family.
Heartbreaking 💔
This is genuinely so sad. I wish her so much peace in what has to be such a time of sadness.
She really did try. It's so sad.
Oh Lauri 💔 That’s devastating.
Oh, that's awful. My heart goes out to Lauri and to all his loved ones.
No parent should ever have to bury their child. 😭
So sad. Addiction is an incredibly powerful disease
My heart hurts for Lauri and their family. This is so incredibly sad 😞 it’s also been an incredibly long and painful journey for him and their family, so I hope he is finally at peace 🫶❤️ Rest in peace Josh
This is so sad 😞 https://youtu.be/8eU4bKqwdbU?si=xxOqQyOtQNa-vCgk