On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, I spoke at our Drug Awareness Assembly about the impact that drug use has had on my family and me. I chose to share my experience because if I can help even one person feel less alone and remind them that someone understands, then everything I’ve gone through will have been worth it. I also wanted to show others how their choices affect so much more than just themselves. My goal was to help people understand that even when life feels broken, there is always hope and the possibility of healing.
The assembly was hosted by Never Alone West Virginia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a drug-free community and supporting individuals and families affected by addiction. The event featured two more speakers Chris Bittinger and Jennifer Stevens.
Chris Bittinger, a Weir High graduate, former athlete, and now a business owner, husband, and father of two, was the second speaker at drug awareness assembly.
Bittinger said he agreed to speak partly because he was asked but also because of his connection to the community. “This is my community,” he said. “Fifteen years goes by real fast. I remember being exactly where you guys are right now.”
He told students that his goal was to share his experience and provide perspective. “Most of you have good intentions for your life, just like I did when I was 17 or 18,” Bittinger said. “You need to hear firsthand from someone who has made mistakes and came back, so you can understand just how hard it actually is to come back.”
Bittinger said his focus was education, not inspiration. “I’m not real worried about inspiring anyone,” he said. “My goal is simply to educate on the reality of the situation and what it could look like.”
He encouraged those struggling with addiction to remember their value. “Know you’re loved. People do care about you,” Bittinger said. “You can always bring yourself back out of a dark place if you can learn to love yourself, respect yourself, and be accountable to yourself.”
Jennifer Stevens, the third speaker at the assembly, shared her story in memory of her daughter Zoey, who lost her life after getting involved with drugs and the wrong crowd. Stevens said she chose to speak “to be my daughter’s voice” and to help prevent others from experiencing the same loss. She also wanted to show “how having God in your life can make such tragedy a triumph.”
Stevens said she has seen firsthand how her daughter’s story can inspire change. “I got a call after I spoke at another event from a man who had been an addict for years,” she continued “He told me my story about my daughter moved him so much that he called and got into rehab two days later. Now he’s in sober living and doing amazing.”
Her hope, she said, is that others recognize the impact drug use has not only on themselves but also on those who love them. Her advice for those struggling is simple: “Just keep trying. Don’t get in your head too much about disappointing people if you relapse. Life is worth it.”
Never Alone was founded by Patti Barnabei in 2010, after she was inspired by the story of a former Weir High graduate who lost his life to drug addiction. Barnabei said. “We started this so if we can save one life, it’s worth it.”
Never Alone also has a branch called Club 3:16, which is a Christian-based youth group that encourages teens to live a drug-free, faith-filled life. It’s open to all high school students in the Ohio Valley.
Barnabei announced that Never Alone will hold a community event on Sunday, November 30, from 6 to 8pm Lauttamus Communications Gym. “We are adding a drug task force officer who will share about the dangerous drugs on the streets and warning signs,” Barnabei said. “We’ll also have time to honor family members who have passed away, asking people to bring a picture or light a battery candle in their memory.”
Never Alone meets monthly at the Weirton Alliance Church, and meetings are open to everyone. The group offers connection to detox and rehab centers, spiritual encouragement, and emotional support for anyone affected by addiction.
“Many people are crying out for help,” Barnabei said. “If we can reach just one, it’s worth it.”
For more coverage of the event, including live interviews, view Makenna Potock’s Wake Up, Weir! segment below.
View the assembly in its entirety below.
