Oklahoma Families Impacted By Opioid Addiction Gather To Raise Awareness

Local families who lost loved ones to drug overdoses want others to understand the effects of addiction. Dozens gathered Friday in front of the Tulsa County Courthouse to raise awareness about this issue. 

“He was just a great kid," said Amber Sanders.  

Sanders said her son Zachery was outgoing and loved to make people laugh. 

"He was the life of the party. There was never a dull moment with Zach," Sanders said. 

Sanders said Zach died in January, after overdosing on fentanyl. He was 18. 

"He wasn't seeking pills. He took the pills that was given to him, and that's what killed him,” said Sanders. 

Sanders was one of many parents at Friday’s rally who spoke up about the dangers of overdosing.  

“It makes it a lot easier to know that you're not alone,” said Sanders.  

The State Department of Health states that 12 Oklahomans die every week from an unintentional drug overdose. Oklahoma attorney general John O’Connor said he wants to focus on tackling drug crimes.   

“From my office we'll prosecute, prosecute, prosecute. And we'll go for the heaviest sentences we can get,” said O’Connor.  

Parents like Larry Courtney said addiction is tough. He said his son Max was in rehab for heroin but ended up overdosing in 2013. He was only 22.  

Courtney urges every parent to know what their kids are doing and always be there for them.  

"Support ‘em. With everything that they - that you got. And hopefully, something clicks," said Courtney. 

"Hug your kids, love your kids, educate your kids. That's it," said Sanders.  

The Attorney General's Office said it will continue to prosecute drug dealers and get justice for more families.