Mom shares photos of son to show the heartbreaking reality of addiction

A mother’s photos of her son are going viral, and she hopes they’re raising awareness on a crisis currently sweeping the nation.

Jennifer Salfen-Tracy, who lives in Missouri, shared the transformation photos of her son, Cody, on Facebook and informed her family and friends about her family’s life.

“I am hesitant on sharing but many people ask how things are going so I feel I should share,” she wrote. “I have learned along this path that so many people and families deal with the same heartache but just do not talk about it.”

She shared that her son, who was an athlete in high school, is currently homeless in Las Vegas and she hasn’t heard from him in weeks.

“Hearing how bad he is doing is hard but not hearing at all is worse. The unknown is what makes a person not sleep at night.”

She referred to the photos, which were taken seven months apart, “the face of heroin and meth.”

Jennifer said that while it’s been difficult to understand why someone chooses drugs over a family who loves and needs them, she has put her faith in God’s hands.

However, while she doesn’t speak to her son often, she has connected with others in similar situations and she’s been able to lean on them for support when things get tough.

“This is not just a problem that my family faces but almost everyone knows someone who has a drug/heroin addiction. I pray for strength for those suffering and healing for their families and friends.”

At the end of her post she urged Cody to contact her if he saw the post.

This is a sad reality for many families. I hope Cody is able to get the help he needs, and I hope that others who find themselves in similar situations find the help they need.

Share this to say a prayer for Jennifer and her son.