Andy Bauer (2000-2018)

My younger son, Andy Bauer, ended his own life in September of 2018.  I couldn’t understand at that time how my son, a young man with everything going for him, could take his own life.

Andy was an amazing young man.  Like many others have described their loved ones, Andy was very intelligent and loving.  One of the best things about Andy was his sense of humor.

Prior to 2018, Andy used some of the heavier drugs for about half a year, and it became clear to him that those drugs were harming him.  So, he switched gears.  Pot, “just pot,” became his drug of choice.  He used it in the hope that it would relieve his anxiety and depression. 

Most addicts in recovery know that our drugs of choice often turn on us.  They often create the symptoms we hope they will relieve.  Andy was no different.  He needed more to achieve the same effect.  In his addiction, he fell away from the man he was created to be.  He became dishonest, restless, irritable, and discontented.  In other words, the drug stopped working.

After Andy died, his brother and I found out that he had been dabbing and making budder—narcotic-strength cannabis products.  In fact, we found out that his whole life revolved around marijuana.  Like other addicts, when he first put the substance in his body, he had no choices afterward.  The drug dictated his life. 

After Andy’s suicide, a woman asked me if he had used marijuana.  Even though I was a bit perplexed, I confirmed that he had.  I now know there is a strong relationship between these narcotic-strength cannabis products and the decline in mental health in adolescents.  Andy couldn’t tell true from false.  In that state, he made the ultimate sacrifice.  By Kira Artemis Russo

QUOTE: “After Andy died, his brother and I found out that he had been dabbing and making budder—narcotic-strength cannabis products.  In fact, we found out that his whole life revolved around marijuana.”

(THC concentrates are easily accessible and sold in stores in legalized states.)