Heroin Support Blog

Our goal here is to provide our readers with the latest information about the signs substance abuse disorder, support groups, treatment options, life in recovery, prevention & advocacy in our communities, and how to deal with the grief of a lost loved one. If you have ideas or suggestions that you wish to share with us here please use our "Contact Us" page at the very bottom of this page to email us. You can click on our Memorial Map to add your loved ones tribute to the map and then a few days later we will add them to our memorial blog.

Jonathan Sheehan - Age: 29 - Passed: 8/10/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

216-226 South St, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, 01876

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  651 Hits

Jeffrey Arand - Age: 29 - Passed: 4/3/2018

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5203-5203 White Oak Ave, Encino, California, 91316

Add your loved one who passed away to a substance use disorder.  Memorials give families and friends the chance to remember the lives of loved ones lost to substance use disorder.

 
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  690 Hits

Derek Dunsmore - Age: 18 - Passed: 6/11/2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

306-426 E Main St, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 21727 

 

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  644 Hits

Martiana Gonzales - Age: 25 - Passed: 6/12/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S State St, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84115

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  684 Hits

Cory Jay Warner - Age: 24 - Passed: 11/23/2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37910-37988 Sharpe Ave, Willoughby, Ohio, 44094

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  676 Hits

Derek Marois - Age: 47 - Passed: 5/23/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41-45 Heather Ct, Nashua, New Hampshire, 03062

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  673 Hits

John Smith - Age: 38 - Passed: 3/25/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7400-7506 Paragon Rd, Dayton, Ohio, 45459

Add your loved one who passed away to a substance use disorder.  Memorials give families and friends the chance to remember the lives of loved ones lost to substance use disorder.

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  706 Hits

Aaron Benjamin - Age: 20 - Passed: 3/24/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

549-563 Grand Ave, Waukegan, Illinois, 60085

Add your loved one who passed away to a substance use disorder.  Memorials give families and friends the chance to remember the lives of loved ones lost to substance use disorder.

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  900 Hits

Todd Morin - Age: 43 - Passed: 7/1/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

529-543 S Canterbury Rd, Canterbury, Connecticut, 06331

Add your loved one who passed away to a substance use disorder.  Memorials give families and friends the chance to remember the lives of loved ones lost to substance use disorder.

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  748 Hits

Troy Causyn - Age: 23 - Passed: 9/3/2017

Add your loved one who passed away to a substance use disorder.  Memorials give families and friends the chance to remember the lives of loved ones lost to substance use disorder.

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Joey Howard - Age: 24 - Passed: 10/2/2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

96-106 7th Ave, Carbondale, Pennsylvania, 18407

Add your loved one who passed away to a substance use disorder.  Memorials give families and friends the chance to remember the lives of loved ones lost to substance use disorder.

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  655 Hits

Kyle Sheffer - Age: 30 - Passed: 2/25/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooper St, Deptford, New Jersey, 08096

Add your loved one who passed away to a substance use disorder.  Memorials give families and friends the chance to remember the lives of loved ones lost to substance use disorder.

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Dear Heroin: You Took My Mom.

Dear Heroin, You took my mom.

Not only did you take her you stole her, but you also stole her love for our family and me, you stole her health and care, you stole the one person I was meant to trust. I know my mother didn't start with you, she's ending with you and she isn't dead yet, but she isn't alive either. Heroin, you have destroyed me, and I'm not even a user. You've made my mother abandon me, made her steal, break laws, lose jobs, ruin her health, you've made her unstable and reliant of you. My mother with her many mental disabilities fell victim to your hold, you embrace her and I wish she could let go. I used to wish all of the time that she could stop using and work really hard and become the mother I want and need.

But, every time she got sober or went to rehab you were there to pick her up when she exited their doors. I know my mother, like millions of others, is not perfect and I pray for her and other people I see on drugs every day. I wish and pray to God that someday she will finally be released and will fully be okay again. I pray every day for her safety. Heroin you aren't the only problem here, there are millions of people that enable your use and even more people that do other drugs too. I wish opium was not abused. I wish drug use and abuse was not real. I wish I could have the woman back that raised me, but I know everything happens for a reason. I know that God has a plan for everything.

But I am sick and tired of sitting back and seeing the drug dealers be set free from prison, the manufacturers and users getting slaps on the wrist. I hope it doesn't happen but I wouldn't be surprised if my mom overdosed and died from heroin. She's overdosed before and has been lucky enough to live. My mom has 5 kids and lost her parental rights to all of her kids over a decade ago. I wish I could wipe the slate clean of heroin, but then again as I've stated before everything happens for a reason. Heroin, I hope you get the justice you deserve.

Sincerely, A pissed off member of society that is suffering under your wrath

Click Here to Submit your Dear Heroin Story Here

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to donate to our cause

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

Click here to shop our fundraising wristbands.

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Dear Heroin: That Devil Drug

That Devil Drug

Dear Heroin
You took my mom from me.
You took her womanhood, her children, and what she was supposed to be.
My mother had such a bright start.

But then you ripped away at her heart.
Many nights were so cold and lonely.
On the streets of Cincinnati.
I learned at 12,

Just how my mom shot up.
I thought it was a quick way,
To get her back on track.
I miss my mom so much.

I wish I could have her back.
I'm only 17 years old.
Now, what do you think about that?

Brianna Hartke

dearheroinmom

Click Here to Submit your Dear Heroin Story Here

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to donate to our cause

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

Click here to shop our fundraising wristbands.

wristband

 

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  4213 Hits

Heroin Memorial - 2018/09/24 - Jared Murphy - Age 29 yrs - Richmond, Virginia

jared1

Submitted by: Damon Murphy - Brother

Name: Jared Murphy
State:  Virginia, 23222
Date of Passing: 09/24/ 2018
Date of Birth: 02/17/1989
Age: 29

Tell Us About Them:

Did you ever meet a man so warm and intriguing that you didn't want to stop talking to him? Then you met my best friend and brother Jared (Gene) Murphy. Jared was a bright light, rugged outdoorsman, talented speaker, authentic feeler, and the most masculine tender spirit I ever encountered- textbook gentle giant. Jared made friends easily with people on the streets and upper management at the fortune 100 company where he worked for years, Jared knew that EVERY person had a valuable story to tell and he wanted to hear it. He believed that we had simply all had different life experiences- different -no one is better than another. A wordsmith, jared would have you laughing so hard you couldn't stand up straight- always quick with an anecdote from his own life experiences, one of his many gifts was his ability to relate to your current emotion/feeling and find the positive in despite its origin. He had original ideas and wanted to share them with the hope that they might resonate and help someone think differently, feel differently, grow stronger, or accomplish more. One night over dinner and discussion he told me he was going to have business cards printed up- Jared R. Murphy, Commentator at large- he added more to my life than little brothers are expected to. Jared had a way of telling you about yourself, maybe expressing his view of you, that made you feel like 'woah, this dude knows me to the core and just psychoanalyzed me in real time for MY benefit'. It was because he had VERY sensitive feelers, when you laughed he felt it in his gut, when you cried his heart ached with you and maybe even more so because 'got it'. Always a quick smile, always the moral compass, always an advocate of mindful consideration. Jared 'Eugene Bexley Fobbins' Murphy, the BRIGHTEST star in my darkest night- you belong among the wildflowers, you belong somewhere close to me, far away from your trouble and worry- you belong somewhere you feel free. I love your spirit- I feel you beside me, your smile- I can see it, your wit- I can hear it, your beard- can I touch? sure-go ahead, forever, ever.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

The battle with heroin for jared was constant. He had the most success with sobriety when he was helping others, it was only when he had spent all of his heart and emotion on others that he used. Jared hated addiction. He tried what made sense to him to try, he added things in when he'd take heroin out of his routine, he'd listen to anyone else who struggled with it searching for a thing that made sense or would work. Eventually the struggle brought him to tears. He understood his addiction and tried to control it.


What Made Them Smile?

When Jared was in nature he felt connected, a sunrise or sunset, a cool breeze, an eight mile hike up a mountain he wanted to take it all in. Mason made jared laugh and yell- our 'big buddddddy', the boy- jared would let mason lick his face until he stopped and sometimes that would be too long for peoples comfort- the thing was that masons drool was kisses to jared and he wanted all of the kissesssssss and lovinsss. If jared could help a person or add something situationally beneficial he smiled from the inside out- helping people was calling and his gift. He was sensitive, patient, and forgiving of everyone but himself. So many people, situations, landscapes, and feelings made jared smile that the list could almost never end, almost.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I selfishly miss his long hugs, strength, and drive. His spirit. His laugh.


If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

He got the action, he got the motion
Oh yeah, the BOY CAN PLAY
Dedication, devotion
Turning all the night time into the day
And after all the violence and double talk 
There's just a song in all the trouble and strife
You do the walk, you do the walk of life
You do the walk of life.

jared2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to donate to our cause

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

Click here to shop our fundraising wristbands.

wristband

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Heroin Memorial - 2017/09/03 - Troy Causyn - Age 23 yrs - Byron, New York

troy1

Submitted by: Tina Causyn - Parent

Name: Troy Causyn
State:  New York, 14422
Date of Passing: 09/03/ 2017
Date of Birth: 06 /14/1994
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

Troy had a heart of gold. He was kind, easy going, quiet and shy. He loved fishing, camping, dirt bikes and just hanging out with friends. He was the third child of four boys.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Troy's addiction started at age 19. He wanted to be clean so bad. He hated how he felt after using. He would feel guilty and did not want to disappoint me or his dad. He was clean for almost a year before his life was taken from heroin/fentanyl overdose.


What Made Them Smile?

A sunny day hanging out with friends and family made him smile.


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his smile. I miss seeing him. I miss him at family events or when he was just hanging around at the house. I miss being able to talk to him and him asking my advice.


If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you Troy more than you will ever know. You can do anything you put your mind to, please don't give up.

troy2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

Click here to shop our fundraising wristbands.

wristband

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My First Christmas In Heaven

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars,
Reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away that tear.
For I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs,
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can’t compare,
With the Christmas choir up here.

For I have no words to tell you,
The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
To hear an angel sing.

I can’t tell you of the splendor,
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas,
With our Savior, face to face?

I’ll ask Him to light your spirit,
As I tell Him of your love;
So then pray for one another,
As you lift your eyes above.

Please let your heart be joyful,
And let your spirit sing.
For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven,
And I’m walking with the King!

I know how much you miss me;
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I’m not so far away,
We really aren’t apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift
From my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory
Of my undying love.

After all “love” is the gift,
More precious than pure gold.
It was always most important
In the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other
As my Father said to do,
For I can’t count the blessings
Or the love He has for you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
Wipe away that tear.
Remember I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!

by Wanda Bencke

#HeroinMemorial  #AskMeAboutMyAngel

xmas

 

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Heroin Memorial - 2015/10/23 - Katie Strobel - Age 26 yrs - Burlington, Kentucky

 Strobel1

 

2015/10/23 - Katie Strobel - Age 26 yrs - Burlington, Kentucky

Submitted by: Janis Strobel - Parent

Name: Katie Strobel
State:  Kentucky, 41005

Date of Passing: 10 / 23 / 2015
Date of Birth: 07 / 07 / 1989
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

She was bigger than life, and could put a smile on anyone's face. She had a heart of gold.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

She fought the disease and addiction hard for 5 years before it finally won and took her from everyone that loved and cared about her. She was in a lot of pain and she is free now.


What Made Them Smile?

Her daughter


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

To say everything is an understatement, but most of all her sense of Her humor, smile, and laugh.


If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I miss you more than anything. I can't wait to hold you in my arms again and never let you go.I LOVE you. Fly high baby girl. XOXO

Strobel2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

DestroysBlack   HeavenPurpleBlack    IHatePurple

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Heroin Memorial - 2016/11/15 - Brady McCready - Age 24 yrs - Kingston, New Hampshire

brady1

2016/11/15 - Brady McCready - Age 24 yrs - Kingston, New Hampshire

Name: Brady McCready

 

Tell Us About Them:

Brady loved Playing basketball with his brother and friends. He was a best friend to many and proud dad to his newborn baby girl... He will be greatly missed.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Brady struggled with opiates for over 6 years in and out of detox and rehabs... He tried his best but unfortunately his demons got the best of him.


What Made Them Smile?

His brother, friends, family and daughter


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laughter and kind outgoing personality


If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

We all love you so much, please don't give up...

brady2

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

 

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

DestroysBlack   HeavenPurpleBlack    IHatePurple

Continue reading
  9457 Hits

Heroin Memorial - 2016/08/06 - VINNY BATTIPAGLIA - Age 33 yrs - Somers Point, New Jersey

Vinny1

2016/10/26 - Vinny Battipaglia - Age 27 yrs - Somers Point, New Jersey

Submitted by: Rick Battipaglia - Parent

Name: Vinny Battipaglia
State:  New Jersey, 08244

Date of Passing: 10/26/2016
Date of Birth: 02/25/1989
Age: 27

Tell Us About Them:

Vinny was so caring ,had a heart of gold,great personality and a joy to be with,and of course his laughter and guitar.


Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggled for years ,was so determined to win,but lost in the end


What Made Them Smile?

His niece Adelina


What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His laugh and personality, and "LOVE YOU DAD".


If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you so much NO matter what and don t you forget it

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel  #HeroinMemorial   www.HeroinMemorial.org      www.HeroinSupport.org  

 Below is a video our nonprofit here created from pictures that members from the private group at Heroin Memorial gave us permission to use in our public YouTube video to help break the STIGMA around addiction.

Click here to Purchase Wristbands to support Heroin Support Inc, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.  Below are some of the wristbands we carry.   

DestroysBlack   HeavenPurpleBlack    IHatePurple

Continue reading
  6796 Hits