Addiction is Real, Inc.

02/28/2026

It is an honor to receive memorial or celebratory donations, this message shows the impact a family can have by directing donations/volunteer support to Addiction is Real, Inc.. The majority of our volunteers and staff have lost or almost lost a family member/child to the effects of addiction (substance use disorder) - every single one of them came to us wanting to turn their grief into positive action. Reading this message, left for a young man being buried today, shows all of us that our mission is working. We also love that this mom is giving back by making friendship bracelets with her kids to donate, and using the opportunity to begin important conversations - we will put them to good use at our interactive events across Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Connecticut this year!

Please talk to the kids in your life, educate yourself on how to start the conversation, and download out toolkit book today ♥️ https://addictionisreal.org/parent-toolkit/

More information on our bracelet making campaign: https://bit.ly/m/AIRvolunteers

We have substance use prevention partners all over the united states - let us know if we can direct you to your most local resource, or if we can help host an event in your community. Www.addictionisreal.org

02/19/2026

Today over 50 individuals (and corporate teams) ACROSS THE UNITED STATES are making friendship bracelets for Addiction is Real, Inc.! Each month, thousands of bracelets and THOUSANDS of volunteer hours are donated! This project is monthly through Deed - but you can join the fun if your company does not use the site! We distributed THOUSANDS at our prevention events, to treatment & recovery groups, schools - ANYWHERE we go and know Joy, Hope, Love, and Support is needed! Register at https://bit.ly/AIRBraceletMakingVolunteers2026

02/15/2026

Important information below - that every adult who cares about kids needs to know about Fentanyl!

In case you wanted an update - our Board Member Tennille Heitkamp’s boy, Jacob is THRIVING! Thank you ACPD - and 🙌🙌🙌 to his momma for doing the hard work to get him here!

We learned something alarming: a lot of parents believe that people who use fentanyl always overdose and die. For those that don’t know - Fentanyl is a drug that can be (and IS) abused multiple times/daily - without death. It’s important that all parents understand that their children could be around people (it’s used by adults AND teens) who are regularly using fentanyl. Yes - one pill CAN kill (and fentanyl is laced into many other things in what can be/many times is a deadly dose) - but, we can also tell you about millions of times it has destroyed lives for years. ♥️💜

Let us know if this was news to you - and leave Jacob an encouraging message. He is saving lives by sharing his story!

ACPD would like to share an inspiring update about a young man's remarkable journey to recovery! We firmly believe that resilience is key, and it's not about the setbacks, but about the determination to rise above them. With unwavering support from loved ones, Jacob's story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and faith. His Mother, Grandmother, and our outreach specialist Armin, have been beacons of hope, offering unconditional love, prayers, and guidance every step of the way. Thanks to their collective efforts, Jacob embarked on a life-changing journey, completing his program and thriving in aftercare, where he's found a supportive partner. He's not only doing amazing, but looks amazing! The smiles say it all....The impact of prayer and community is undeniable. Please everyone continue to pray for Jacob and his family. We love you and are so proud you and your courage and resilience...God does heal the broken, restores and puts the pieces back together of lives and families as only He can do! One day at a time. With God ALL things are possible! ❤️🙏

02/11/2026

Keep your kiddos safer online! Thanks for posting St. Louis County Police Department!

Did you know that most kids don't have privacy settings enabled on their phones? Many parents don't check what's on their child's phone.

Safer Internet Day is a reminder that online safety is a shared responsibility. Stay informed, stay alert, and help keep our community safe online and offline.

Talk to Kids About Online Safety: Encourage open conversations about appropriate online behavior, cyberbullying, and how to report anything that makes them uncomfortable.

For more information and resources on staying safe online, visit the official Safer Internet Day website at: www.saferinternetday.org

If you believe you are a victim of an online scam or fraud, please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.

01/19/2026

❤️💪🙌 The Ryan Xenakis Memorial Foundation we love you guys!

Thursday January 15th marked 4 years since Ryan left this earth and went to heaven. We miss him daily and will continue to do good in his name. Today we celebrate Ryan’s beautiful life with a memorial service and lunch after mass. We thank everyone who continues to support the Xenakis family and all Ryan’s loved ones. We miss you Ry!

01/07/2026

Check these online seminars out!

Join Operation Parent’s free, monthly webinars featuring child psychologists and prevention experts. Topics include teen anxiety, va**ng, social media, trauma-informed parenting, and more—designed to empower K‑12 caregivers and spark meaningful conversations.

12/19/2025

Addiction is Real, Inc.’s Volunteers are reducing the stigma surrounding addiction by sharing their stories at events, on social media and in the news. Zack and his mom have been a part of our team for years - we appreciate his willingness to be interviewed for this piece. Thank you, David Amelotti, for keeping a close eye on area opioid remediation funds and exposing improper spending (like the snow plow purchased in a St. Louis county community). The stat David reported - 80% of the inmates at the St. Charles County jail are dealing with an opioid/substance use disorder - is stunning. We are happy to hear St. Charles County has included medication assisted therapy, and peer support in their plans for the jail’s renovation using the funds the county has been awarded. No one chooses the life Zack has lived - this disease is horrible - he is doing so much to help others by working with our team ♥️ solid job Fred Rottnek!

A jail expansion will serve dozens of inmates.

12/13/2025

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12/12/2025

Get out to 102 Ladue Pine Woods Place in St. Louis to see the incredible lights display! Donations are being accepted for Addiction is Real, Inc.! The display is up through the holidays. Online donations can be made at www.addictionisreal.org or dropped at the collection container at the end!

Our team is so grateful for every ounce of support! Please share/like and help us spread the word ♥️🙌

12/05/2025

Ok so our live did not post yesterday - but the Skydive winner was Brad Stockstrom! Joanne Ruth do you know this guy?

Congrats Brad!!!!! Check your inbox!

12/03/2025

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12/01/2025

$10 donation = one raffle ticket for a Tandem Skydive with Gateway Skydiving Center ! DONATE TODAY - December 4 at 3:00pm. Winner will be drawn on Facebook Live Thursday, December 4 at 5:00pm! https://bit.ly/43R5sfr

Addiction is Real, Inc.

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