A troubling trend has emerged in San Francisco, where the use of fentanyl is connected to an increase in cases of endocarditis, a serious heart infection. Over the past four years, Austin Draper has battled this condition six times, undergoing lifesaving surgery for three of those infections. Draper described the rapid progression of endocarditis, stating, “It can progress really quickly and basically makes you feel terrible.” Symptoms include severe lightheadedness and a lack of appetite, making the experience distressing for those affected.
Draper’s journey into the depths of addiction began with injecting fentanyl, a potent opioid. Reflecting on his experiences, he noted, “If I had heard my story when I was younger, I probably would have done things a lot differently.” His candid acknowledgment highlights the struggles faced by many individuals grappling with substance abuse.
Documenting the Struggle
In a year-long investigation, Maggie Angst, a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, and photographer Gabrielle Lurie followed Draper through various challenges, including medical appointments and multiple surgeries. Their collaboration offers a raw look at addiction, recovery, and the harsh realities of drug use. Lurie, who has covered addiction extensively, remarked, “Witnessing people using doesn’t really faze me too much.” She noted that while many users smoke fentanyl off foil, Draper has opted for syringes, underscoring the diverse methods of drug consumption.
In a video accompanying their report, Angst and Lurie share insights into their reporting process and allow Draper to express the significance of his story being shared publicly. “The last time he left the hospital with endocarditis, he seemed like he was very interested in recovery,” Angst stated. Yet, upon returning home, Draper faced the temptation of leftover drugs, leading to a relapse.
Angst observed that as time passes after his hospital discharge, Draper’s motivation for long-term recovery appears to wane. “The farther away he gets from the hospital and that kind of clarity he had, the more it seems that long-term recovery or wanting to be sober seems to be a little bit more distanced,” she explained.
The interplay between addiction and health risks such as endocarditis reveals critical public health concerns, particularly in urban areas like San Francisco. The ongoing opioid crisis has not only affected individuals but has also placed immense strain on healthcare systems as they respond to the rising incidence of preventable conditions related to drug use.
As more stories emerge from the city, the conversation around addiction, treatment, and recovery continues to evolve. For further details on this pressing issue, readers can explore the full report by Angst and Lurie in the San Francisco Chronicle.
