A Salisbury, Vermont father is turning the grief of losing his son to a fentanyl overdose into fuel for change, running ultramarathons to raise money for fentanyl addiction treatment programs across the state.
For Vermont families touched by the opioid crisis, his story is both a heartbreak and a source of hope.
One Vermont Father’s Mission After Fentanyl Loss
Chip Piper of Salisbury lost his son Michael to a fentanyl overdose in 2020. In the years since, he has channeled his grief into endurance running, progressing from short walks in the woods his son once photographed to completing ultramarathons, which are any races longer than 26 miles.
His next challenge is a 100-mile race in Ripton, Vermont on May 29, with a 48-hour time limit. He has already completed five marathons in five days and ten marathons in ten days to raise funds.
For Piper, the physical struggle of long-distance running mirrors what people battling addiction face every day. “It correlates with what someone goes through when they’re trying to detox or get better,” he said. “Doing hard things, that’s what I was trying to show Michael.”
Understanding Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid roughly 50 times more potent than heroin. It is now the leading driver of overdose deaths in Vermont and across the United States.
Even small amounts can be fatal, and it is increasingly found mixed into other drugs without a user’s knowledge. Common signs of fentanyl addiction include:
- Extreme drowsiness or nodding off suddenly
- Slowed or shallow breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Confusion or disorientation
- Withdrawal from family, work, or activities once enjoyed
- Continuing use despite serious consequences
Fentanyl addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing. Effective fentanyl addiction treatment in Vermont is available and can include medically supervised detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine or methadone, and long-term recovery support.
Where Fundraising Dollars Go
Piper’s fundraising supports five recovery organizations, including Ben’s House, a sober living residence in Derby, Vermont, the kind of stable environment that helps people in recovery stay on track.
Sober living homes like Ben’s House provide structure, peer support, and accountability.
For many people leaving inpatient treatment, transitional housing is the bridge that prevents relapse. “This is a great opportunity to help young men,” Piper said of the program.
How Families Can Recognize Signs of Addiction
If you are worried about a loved one in Vermont, knowing the signs of addiction early can make a life-or-death difference.
Beyond the physical signs of fentanyl use, behavioral warning signs include sudden changes in mood, secretiveness, financial problems, and loss of interest in school or work.
Vermont has seen opioid overdose deaths affect people of all ages, in rural communities and cities alike. Chip Piper resuscitated his son five times before losing him, a reminder of how quickly fentanyl addiction can spiral.
Finding Addiction Treatment in Vermont
If someone you love is struggling, help is available. Vermont has drug rehabs and addiction treatment centers across the state, from Burlington to Brattleboro. Many offer sliding-scale fees, and some accept Medicaid.
Addictions.com lists verified rehab treatment centers near you in Vermont. Call
800-681-1058
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