We'll call her 'Jade'.
Tonight is a sad night. I learned that Jade, a dancer I only met once and spoke to a handful of times, has passed away. She was only 28 years old. The obituary is vague. Another dancer rumored Jade died from cocaine tainted by Fentanyl. It is unbelievable because her smile was so bright, she looked so healthy, and she had such big dreams.
All those advertisements that show how small an amount of Fentanyl will kill you are not a joke. If you are struggling with addiction there is help available and recovery is possible. You are worthy of being heard, being nurtured, and being healed.
If you are a sex worker or dancer and cannot perform the job without drugs or alcohol, I think you should reflect deeply. You are so much more valuable than money. There is no amount of destitution worth your mental wellbeing or physical health. I am building SWITCH because I want to see all of our sisters have options, resources, and support.
Everyone who knows me knows I've lived my entire life straight edge. I watched my father commit suicide by overdosing on drugs when I was eleven years old, and it destroyed my entire life. A slow suicide, like my fathers, is a special kind of hell I would not want anyone to endure.
I am sad for Jade, her mother, and her friends. I am sad for every single sex worker and dancer who struggles with addiction. Below, I am listing some resources if you need help. If anyone in our community needs someone to talk to, please reach out to me at hello@switchcares.org and I will be in touch as soon as possible.
Sending you all my love,
Christine
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
OnPoint NYC
(212) 828-8464
Alcoholics Anonymous
Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc.
American Addiction Centers
(888) 987-1784
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