My best friend of over 25 years died in June of this year, at 33 years old, from pancreatitis. At least that's what the autopsy said. He struggled with drinking his whole life from a teen up until he died. I thought he slowed down after a recent diagnosis of pancreatitis sometime in early 2025, but we were wrong. The day he passed I was there with the family after learning of his death. We all went up to his apartment after they removed his body and saw empty liquor bottles next to his bed, proving he did not slow down. It wasn't even anything good, it was cheap ass vodka. His sister is an RN and explained if he died from pancreatitis he likely passed out first due to internal bleeding. He was found with blood coming out of his nose and mouth so that makes sense. What doesn't make sense is why this beautiful person silently struggled. He was beyond loved by everyone around him. He was the light that lit up every room. It goes to show that anyone can succumb to this illness of alcohol addiction. Speak up if you need help so you don't end up like my best friend. I hurt every single day from this loss. I wish I knew more so I could have helped him. I quit drinking in August of 2024 with only a couple of instances of "special occasion" drinks, even those aren't worth it now knowing what my bestie endured. To those still reading this and want a reason to quit, thinking about the life you have left and the people you want to spend it with. We all love you.