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MaryBeth Cichocki is a registered nurse living in the state of Delaware. She lost her youngest son, Matt, to an overdose of prescription drugs on January 3rd 2015. After his death she was unable to return to her world of taking care of critically ill babies in the N.I.C.U. MaryBeth now devotes her time to raising awareness and educating the community on the addictive nature of prescription drugs. She started writing a blog shortly after Matt died titled Mothers Heart Break, ( mothersheartbreak.com ) which she shares on a Facebook page. MaryBeth has testified in her states Capitol during the Joint Finance Committee hearings, sharing her story of the difficulty she experienced while trying to find comprehensive treatment for her adult son during his addiction. She has spent time trying to secure additional funding for those suffering from Substance Use Disorder living in her state. She has been interviewed several times by The Delaware News Journal regarding the epidemic of addiction in her state and the roadblocks for finding comprehensive care. MaryBeth has written many articles on the disease of addiction and its impact on families. She has been published in The Hill, The Huffington Post, The Fix, The Addict's Mom, Addiction Unscripted and countless others. MaryBeth received her Delaware Overdose Survival Education Certification and travels throughout her state educating the public and First Responders regarding overdose prevention and the proper administration of Naloxone. MaryBeth worked with the Attorney General of Delaware on bills addressing the treatment of addiction and overprescribing of opioids in her state. On May 30th, these bills were signed into law. She continues working with Delaware legislatures regarding addiction issues in her state. Quote: Hate the disease, love the addict. Addiction is the only disease that convinces you that you are in control.
