We fully understand some readers might have found little sympathy for the drug-addicted son of a well-to-do local businessman.

But make no mistake, the one-on-one interview with Ron Zoldan we reported last Sunday was one of great importance.

Zoldan, 33, of Canfield, is vice president of Phantom Fireworks and son of fireworks magnate Bruce Zoldan.

He also is now charged with two serious drug offenses and, if convicted, faces significant jail time.

Ron Zoldan, like so many others, said he became addicted to opioid drugs after he was prescribed opiates for pain in 2015 following a back injury.

Zoldan admits he was “naive and unaware of how addictive these pain pills were.” We suspect he is not alone.

We also suspect he was not alone in his lack of awareness in how agonizing opioid withdrawal would be.

In his words, it was “hell,” and “you felt like you would die.”

His reaction was to go elsewhere to find the opiates he so badly desired.

The story is not new, and even though Zoldan had the means to go through two rounds of rehab and remained sober for about a year each time, he still relapsed.

Studies show the number of serious recovery attempts from substance abuse issues can range from 0 to 100, with the average person needing five attempts.

Indeed, addiction has no boundaries.

“If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody else, any demographic, no matter where you come from, who you are,” Zoldan said. “This disease does not discriminate whatsoever.”

“I have seen all walks of life in the time I have spent in rehab. I’ve met some great people, but we share a similar disease and it’s tough to shake. I’ve lost a lot of friends, unfortunately,” he said of people he has known who have died from addiction.

Now, however, Zoldan says he wants to tell his story publicly, hoping to help others to learn from his mistakes.

We commend him for that attitude and we share in his hope. But, as he well knows, that is much easier said than done.

“I wish it was as easy as me saying ‘no.’ But the physical, mental issues that come from them, your mind changes,” he told us.

Zoldan is back in recovery again after his arrest in May. His case will be considered by a Mahoning County grand jury soon to determine whether he will be indicted. The charges are serious, and he could get prison time if convicted.

During a traffic stop, a Poland police officer found three plastic bags containing heroin and methamphetamine in the car.

During his current rehab, he is in intensive outpatient treatment following a 30-day inpatient rehab soon after the arrest. Zoldan said his treatment has been successful, but it’s not easy, and he knows that despite being clean, you’re never cured from this disease.

If you or someone you know is addicted, we urge you to seek help today, before it’s too late.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

In most Ohio counties, you can dial 211 for help.

Also, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration national helpline offers information and treatment referrals. Call 1-800-662-4357.

Naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug, is available in Ohio for you, someone you know or your organization. For more information or to obtain naloxone, log on to www.naloxone.ohio.gov.

RECOVERY RALLY

The Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, or ASAP, will celebrate Recovery Month with a Recovery Rally 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Eastwood Field in Niles. The family-oriented event celebrates that recovery is possible through positive changes and choices that lead to a healthier lifestyle.

The event features a recovery walk, “Rock and Recovery” music from the Summit FM, various activities for children and a free lunch.