Heroine and its results

I can't tell you how many overdoses I have responded to. Too many, is the only correct answer. Opiate addiction is a monster that you have to see to believe. I have seen people loose EVERYTHING to it. They get clean- usually from jail/prison and they go right back to it. Absolutely incredible. I have also seen people beat it. I asked them what worked for them and the most common answer I get was, "I just got tired of it, I was a slave to the drug."

Condolences to you and his family.

 

My sincerest condolences to you and his friends and family. From the sound of it, his family is virtually your family. Thoughts and prayers to all in this difficult time and hope all are well.

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I don't partake in narcotics but my understanding is that heroine is cheaper and easier to get than any other narcotic right now. Everything I've heard of actual heroine use tends to be more graphic than the graphic movies, Trainspotting and Requiem For A Dream, which depict it. I've got some pals that work in fields where they work with addicts (MD's and substance abuse counselor).

 

My condolences on the loss of your friend. Very sad to hear. Stay strong.

 

Thanks guys, I think I'll keep this bumped a while just to serve as a reminder of whats at stake as well as to offer voice to anyone whos stuck in this currently. Please seek help if you are

 

Sorry to hear man I'll be praying for you and his family.

 

Addict for 5 years. Bought my Tacoma as a gift to myself for being clean 6 months and a reminder of the things you can have in life when your not enslaved to a drug. There is nothing I can say to explain to anyone what addiction is really like other than.. you forget how to deal with life sober.. you set dates in your mind "I'll quit next month for good" or "this will be the last time" but it never works like that. An addict will always find a way to rationalize what they do.. it really does suck and I have lost friends as well. Deeply sorry for your loss OP.

 

So glad youre clean man. I'm sure youve got people to lean on, but you've just added another. So unwilling to lose anyone else to that stuff.

 

Just re-reading this thread today because Josh was on my mind, really thankful for all who responded so kindly in here, it was and is genuinely helpful. Moved again by your words all these months later. It's crazy how often I am reminded of what happened by forgetting that it happened. I can't count how many times I've picked up the phone to call him and tell him something funny I remembered. Sucks.

 

Ah man, that is very sad. Sorry you lost such a good friend. I feel especially terrible knowing his daughter lost her daddy.

 

I know it's been a while. But I hate you lost your friend. Our story has some parallels, I also had a best friend much like yourself, we were best friends thru junior high- HS. More like brothers. After HS he got into some serious drugs pretty hardcore, I didn't and had to part ways and went into the military. Long story short he's no longer alive.

I hate the loss for your friends little girl, such a tragedy.

Life is crazy, sometimes good people get sucked into things not truly knowing really what they're getting themselves into.

Anyway, hope things get better for you in dealing with it all.

 

Thanks guys, it's been a long road and I know I'll always think about him. Truth be told I'm angry that I have to remember him. I'd rather call him up and go grab a beer. Drugs are bad. Don't do drugs.

 

Just found this thread (and section of the forums). Actually a little ashamed I didn't realize it existed.

Ben... Brother I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. No words I can say will make you feel any better but I think @Clearwater Bill summed it up extremely well.

Having dealt with similar demons in my life this kind of hits home. That is part of the reason I "personally" keep my thread locked in my signature. Every time I post something it stares me in the face so it is more for me than anyone else. If it helps someone else then that is just a bonus.

I wish I was eloquent enough for some comforting words but those words escape me. So sorry for your loss my friend.

 

I've been on both sides of this particular demon, if anyone here needs an ear just let me know.

 

Missed this one Ben.
I know the feeling on both sides of this coin - I'm 17 1/2 years clean and my life didn't really start until I put down the drugs.
for those who still struggle with this.

 

Dealt with drugs not for a long time, rather short as a matter of fact (1-2 years, pot until the last few months being oxy). Haven't touched anything for just shy of 7 years.

I am constantly reminded of just how lucky I am when I see my buddy who used with me but kept going an eventually used needles just cannot keep away from dope no matter how many times he tries or is forced to attempt to get his life together.

It's only a matter of time before you end up behind bars or buried when it comes to using.


I'm sorry to hear your story. You never know who has skeletons in their closet so always give a friendly greeting to a stranger or when you meet an old friend.

 

Damn bro I just had a funeral for a buddy that was working on getting clean and OD on heroine as well. I actually have a bad drinking problem and last night it got me in huge trouble and opened my eyes. I actually was drinking because the funeral was today and u didn't want to think about it. I just decided to quit drinking for him and his memory. Trade one addict for another addict. Idk if that makes any sense but I'm very sorry for your loss I know exactly what your going through

 

Thanks guys, this has been on my mind a lot recently as well. So much so I've started the process of being a student mentor so I can get into classrooms and assemblies and share this story. Got permission (and gratitude) from Josh's mom; still heartbroken a year later. I still pick up my phone and try to call him every now and again, only to be reminded that he won't pick up. So I pray instead; pray that his memory lives on through my stories and the stories of his loved ones, and that his daughter grows to never experience anything like this. I'm tired of giving eulogies, sonit was time to be proactive and help this next generation stay alive. Been to more funerals than I have reunions by about ten fold, that just isnt right.

Just a few weeks ago another friend passed away after being shot and killed by the police while trying to rob a drughouse. This is not in the ghetto, this is happening in suburbia. It's absolutely mind boggling.

 

I know all too well of what you speak. I've buried 7 of my brothers and sisters on the FD since I've been on the job. Lost some good friends to drugs / alcohol and have run a few away because of my own actions. I think it's great that you are turning a negative into a positive. That is part of the healing process (at least it was for me). Being able to tell my (his story as you are able to do) helps tremendously and if you help others in the process then that is a huge bonus.

Brighter days my friend. Wishing you all the best in the future.

 

I'm sorry for for your loss, try to be strong.

 

I have been reading that hospitals, doctors etc are really going to limit the availability of opioids to patients as a lot of these folk get addicted to them and then, when the doctor says no more they can't quit so they turn to Heroin to curb that craving. It's a vicious cycle and an epidemic.