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‘I know I need to stop using, but my brain just won’t let me': Stories of addiction and loss
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‘I know I need to stop using, but my brain just won’t let me': Stories of addiction and loss

  • DAVID WAHLBERG , 608-252-6125
  • Apr 28, 2022
  • Apr 28, 2022 Updated Apr 3, 2024

Fueled by trauma, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and given deadly effect by the dangerous opioid fentanyl, the rate of fatal opioid overdoses in Wisconsin has never been as high as it is today. Here are stories of six of those who died. 

(6) updates to this series since Updated Apr 3, 2024

Madison woman struggled with depression, grief from losing parents

Madison woman struggled with depression, grief from losing parents

Sarah Caldwell, 32, died from an overdose involving heroin in July 2020.

Mother of two from Madison tried detox, treatment

Mother of two from Madison tried detox, treatment

Auriel McNutt, 27, died from an overdose involving fentanyl in June 2020.

Madison man's overdose death prompts mother to help organize rally

Madison man's overdose death prompts mother to help organize rally

Steven Welnetz, 21, died from an overdose involving fentanyl in November 2021.

COVID-19 spurred anxiety, altered promising year for Middleton woman

COVID-19 spurred anxiety, altered promising year for Middleton woman

Erin Kjellstrom, 27, died from an overdose involving fentanyl in May 2020.

Madison man used drugs with friends, didn't think he needed treatment

Madison man used drugs with friends, didn't think he needed treatment

Abraham Bendorf, 20, died from an overdose involving fentanyl in February 2021.

Madison man 'didn't show any signs' of opioid abuse, mother says

Madison man 'didn't show any signs' of opioid abuse, mother says

Isaac Weires, 19, died from an overdose involving fentanyl in December 2020.

Locations

  • Madison

As featured on

Wisconsin details plans for $36 million in opioid settlement funds for coming year

Wisconsin details plans for $36 million in opioid settlement funds for coming year

The state Department of Health Services sent the plan to the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee, which has objected to previous plans. 

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