JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A local mom is using yoga as a way to raise money and fight the opioid epidemic.
Patricia Cox said her son, Max, overdosed when he was 27 years old.
"Literally, like watching your child die right before your eyes, and not being able to do anything about it," Cox said.
Cox said her son struggled with addiction since he was a teenager. He was in and out of rehab. She said he was sober for almost a year.
"I got my son back, my Max, the Max that laughed, that I can have an honest conversation with him ... you know the kid that I raised," she said.
She said he ended up relapsing and this time, he didn't wake up.
"The doorbell rang and it was two detectives and I knew when I opened up the door that the news was not good," she said.
New numbers released regarding the opioid epidemic show that fewer people are dying from overdoses in Jacksonville, however, authorities warn that the data may be deceiving.
In 2017, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department saw a lower number of overdose responses. In the past two months, they said they've seen a decline in overdose-related 911 calls and the use of Narcan, partly because dealers are diluting the fentanyl with less-potent fentanyl.
Cox said she doesn't want her son to become another statistic.
"I found a lot of peace on the matt with yoga," she said.
She also found a purpose, she said. Every year around her son's death anniversary, she hosts a donation yoga class in her son's honor.
"So, Max's death will mean something to save other addicts will help other families," she said.
The proceeds go to Gateway Community Services Foundation, Inc. where Max found help, and now she makes sure others can too.
"If we help one person that's all that matters," she said.
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