MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – In 2023, the overdose rate in the United States topped 112,000 in 12 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One of the people who died that year was Alan Shao II, a dog owner and College of Charleston graduate. He is the son of Dr. Alan Shao, who now shares the story of his son’s addiction and struggles in hopes of reaching those who may be suffering.
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“Think about all the wars that the United States has been involved in throughout history. If you add up all of those fatalities, it’s 1.1 million soldiers have passed away from all of the wars, including the Civil War. Since 2000, 1.1 million people have died of drug overdoses,” said Dr. Shao.
Dr. Shao has started a nonprofit organization, Alan II’s Legacy, where 100% of proceeds go toward drug overdose awareness and prevention.
“It will help education in high schools, middle schools, and universities […] we’re trying to use as many resources as possible to educate people about the dangers and we’re also looking to help universities as much as possible in their collegiate recovery centers,” he said.