Priscilla Presley Shares Emotional Journey of Helping Son Through Addiction
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Priscilla Presley, the well-known actress and former wife of Elvis Presley, recently revealed the emotional journey she undertook to support her son, Navarone Garcia, through his battle with drug addiction. In a touching exclusive cover story with PEOPLE, Priscilla recounts the challenging moments of aiding Navarone in overcoming his addictions to fentanyl and heroin.
Navarone, 38, approached his mother for help in breaking free from fentanyl addiction just two weeks after the tragic suicide of Priscilla’s grandson Benjamin Keough in 2020. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is incredibly potent, being 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Priscilla vividly recalls the pain her son endured during withdrawal, describing moments of massaging his legs to alleviate his discomfort.
After enduring 22 days of gruelling withdrawal, Navarone, Priscilla’s son from her previous relationship with Marco Garibaldi, reached a turning point. However, his path to recovery faced obstacles as he later relapsed on heroin, a substance he had been struggling with since his teenage years. Priscilla once again stepped in to provide care and support for her son during this tumultuous time, with Navarone eventually expressing his desire to break free from drugs for good.
In her upcoming memoir, ‘Softly as I Leave You: Life After Elvis,’ Priscilla reflects on the harrowing experience, shedding light on the intensity of drug withdrawals. She emphasises the stark contrast between fentanyl and heroin withdrawals, with heroin being comparatively less severe. Through her unwavering support and dedication, Priscilla stood by Navarone as he conquered his demons and embraced a sober lifestyle.
Priscilla’s poignant story serves as a reminder of the enduring challenges faced by individuals battling addiction. She acknowledges the arduous journey of rehabilitation, with Navarone having sought help through multiple rehab programmes over the years. Priscilla’s message resonates with compassion and understanding, urging loved ones to approach the situation with gentleness and empathy while remaining steadfast in their support.
As Priscilla’s memoir prepares for release, she shares her sense of relief and joy at witnessing Navarone’s sobriety and newfound stability. Her experience highlights the importance of perseverance and patience in the face of addiction, with Priscilla emphasising the unpredictable nature of recovery journeys. Through her unwavering love and care, Priscilla navigated the complexities of addiction alongside her son, ultimately guiding him towards a path of healing and renewal.
Priscilla Presley’s narrative serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar challenges, offering a glimpse into the turbulent yet transformative process of overcoming addiction. As she prepares to share her story with the world, Priscilla’s words resonate with authenticity and resilience, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the complexities of addiction and the power of unwavering love and support.