Austin Draper, a resident of San Francisco, has battled a serious heart condition known as endocarditis six times over the past four years. His struggle has required lifesaving surgery on three occasions, highlighting the severe health risks associated with drug use, particularly the injection of fentanyl.
Draper describes the debilitating effects of his condition. “It can progress really quickly and basically makes you feel terrible,” he said. “You feel really, really lightheaded. You have no appetite.” His experiences underscore the harsh reality faced by many individuals who grapple with addiction and its consequences.
Documenting a Painful Journey
Over the past year, San Francisco Chronicle reporter Maggie Angst and photographer Gabrielle Lurie have closely followed Draper’s journey. They accompanied him to numerous doctors’ appointments and witnessed his third surgery, all while he continued to struggle with substance use. “I’ve covered addiction a lot, so witnessing people using doesn’t really faze me too much,” Lurie noted, emphasizing the normalization of such behaviors in her reporting.
Draper primarily uses syringes for injecting fentanyl, contrasting with the more commonly seen method of smoking the drug off foil. This detail reflects the varied ways individuals engage with substances, further complicating the narrative surrounding addiction.
In a video accompanying their report, Angst and Lurie share insights into their reporting process, while Draper opens up about the challenges of sharing his story publicly. “The last time he left the hospital with endocarditis, he seemed like he was very interested in recovery,” Angst observed. Unfortunately, this enthusiasm was short-lived.
The Cycle of Addiction
After returning home, Draper encountered leftover drugs in his apartment, leading to a relapse. Angst reflected on the difficulties of maintaining recovery, stating, “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.”
The personal accounts detailed by Draper and the investigative work of Angst and Lurie shed light on the intricate relationship between drug use and serious health issues, such as endocarditis. Their work not only highlights an urgent public health concern but also humanizes the individuals affected by addiction.
For more in-depth coverage of Draper’s story and other significant issues facing California, readers can access the full article on the San Francisco Chronicle website.
