Season 11 Episode 10
Courtney
Age: 20
Location: Miami, Florida
Addiction: Heroin
Update: Courtney Renee Ball tragically passed away on May 12, 2020. See notice here.
What’s memorable: This whole story is about women. Ok there’s the addict boyfriend who never actually speaks to the camera and the totally absent father who Courtney met when she was 10 and who quickly abused her and she never talked to again. But other than that, this is a story about a family of women horribly affected by their precious girl’s addiction. 20 years old with abscesses and scars all over, hooking for heroin. Also memorable: The crazy, breathless, on-the-go intervention and the surprising followup.
Official Synopsis: Nicknamed the “junkie princess” by her drug-abusing friends, Courtney, 20, injects heroin up to eight times a day and prostitutes herself to finance her own and her boyfriend’s addiction. But now Courtney’s mother, sister, and grandmother are planning an intervention in one last-ditch attempt to convince her to leave her boyfriend and accept treatment.
Original Air Date: March 2012
Interventionist: Donna
I knew Courtney in high school. I have often wondered about her/didn’t know she was on a show until a friend told me today. We skipped school together, zi was very enamored by her, smitten. She was cool. I didn’t know much- or really anything about drug addiction back then. Drugs were cool back then, I guess. That’s not to say I approve. I had always wondered what had become of my teenage crush, my brief partner-in-crime. I hope all the people wondering about her get some good news one day, and her loved ones as well.
Geez I can’t find anything on Courtney anywhere but I’m going to continue looking. It’s been 4 yrs since the episode aired and she was in terrible shape for a 20 yr old I can’t imagine what type of condition she would be in now if she was still using. Pretty scary god I hope she’s ok.
Courtney, if you read this, I want you to know that life can and will get better, all you have to do is give it a chance. I don’t know you any more than you know me, but from one addict to another, I know how hopeless it can feel. I pray that you find peace one way or another. It’s never too late.
Very heartbreaking episode. Hope Courtney eventually agrees to get the help she needs.
I’ve always wondered about how Courtney has been doing….She seemed so lost, and the way her episode ended haunted me the most… I hope she’s doing good, and we could get some kind of update on her sometime.
This episode hits home for us because our daughter is completely lost to heroin addiction. We don’t even know where she is to try to get her help. This is yeast four for us. Is Courtney still alive? How is her family doing?
Angie, I’m so sorry your family is going through such a difficult and scary time! I will keep your daughter and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
If you read this Courtney, know that I plan to pray for you all day today. I know you can and want to change. I used drugs from 13-21. I’ve been clean since I turned my life to God. I’m 47 now. You have a beautiful soul.
I never really understood why Donna got so much backlash for this one… There’s been several interventions on this show that have gone quite similarly to this one (chasing, threatening arrest) and no one says shit… Don’t get it. I like Donna, she’s no-nonsense. And obviously A+E feels the same because they still use her!
Donna did nothing wrong, she was doing her job. I’m not surprised her mother is blaming A&E, it’s human nature to blame others, rather than accepting some responsibility for poor parenting.
“I want to die with a needle in my arm.” Jeez. That line always stays with me. So scary and heartbreaking.
It’s really shocking how the older generation are so unaware of how dangerous drugs are now especially opiate abuse. Courtney grandmother for example with being worried about the police being seen at her house rather than understanding the significance of the girls addiction and that any day heroin could kill her. It just seems like the older generation are so oblivious to how DEADLY drugs are today and alot honestly don’t take the time to educate themselves. I don’t know just something that bothers me alot.
I did a quick search for Courtney & came across this petition (I linked it). I don’t remember this episode & I’m trying to find it, but the petition claims A&E lied to the family, they didn’t get the help they were promised, etc. Did Courtney refuse treatment?
In the end it says she asked for treatment several times, but then she never followed thru, so I wonder if it has something to do with that… I know they all had a problem with Donna too..
People can not blame Donna. Addicts create the chaos. THis cute little girl behaved like a heroin addict, period. Manipulation mastered!
This heartbreaking story is still one more example of how a father’s abandonment can ruin a child’s self-image, sometimes irreparably. I empathized with every single family member in this show–especially her beautiful sister, Kim, grandmother Linda..and mother, Charlene. I can only hope that in the intervening years since her last post here, two years ago, this family’s story has somehow taken a happy turn. They’ve clearly gone to hell and back, trying to save their beloved Courtney. I send my sincerest wishes of hope to the entire family.
This episode is definitely one of the more memorable Ones. The way Donna handled Courtney and her intervention was unprofessional, chaotic, threatening and downright extortion. If you don’t get treatment you’re going to jail. That was absolutely horrendous and shame on Donna. I think Donna took it too personally that Courtney wanted no part of the intervention and then was hell bent on revenge. I’m disgusted by her threats and treatment of Courtney and downright lies to the family. I really hope Courtney is doing better. The open-endedness of the episode leaves me scratching my head and I blame the inept and callous Donna for that.
Donna isn’t callous or inept, the only thing that I believe went wrong with this intervention is that they hadn’t filed for the Chapman (?) law beforehand so police would be on standby.
i just watched Courtney’s episode last night for the first time and since then, I can’t stop randomly having her pop into my head. It breaks my heart that she came back seeming like she was really to go to treatment and get better. After seeing that she signed herself out, I wonder if her coming home and going was just to get the police off her tail since she knew she’s an adult and could sign herself out anyway. I’m so sad to think that her beautiful spirit was destroyed when she tried to form a relationship with her father, and that it is being destroyed now by her lifestyle. If there could have been a better approach I wish that it would have been taken. Charlene, you are doing the right thing by keeping in contact with her and not pushing her for treatment but letting her know the option is there. I hope she decides to take it. I feel like so could do wonderful things if she’d get to know herself without heroin. I wish Courtney’s mom Charlene and the rest of your family the very best.
Hi, I’m a friend of Courtney’s from when she was at Palmetto high in 2005/6…when she lived with her uncle. She was close to all my friends and charmed them right away as a freshman in school. She came to all our parties (sober), I would give her a big hug every day at school, and one day we even talked for a couple hours about the future. She was so bright, funny, and with big dreams. I’m glad to see she is on this show so people can see her story. She’s been with Jeff since she started heroin; he’s a loser and a pedophile, like grandma says. I really hope she can get some help. My friends and I knew about her past but we were hoping she could pull through. None of us have been able to get through to her since she started heroin years ago.
Charlene are you OK?
Hi, we really would like to know how Courtney is doing. Please post an update. Family is in my thoughts and prayers
Charlene, we are all begging you, please let us know if Courtney is okay?
Hi,
Does anyone know how Courtney is doing? I just watched intervention with her on it and was interested to know how is doing and how her family is coping.
Does anyone have an update on Courtney? I’ve been watching episodes on xfinity on demand and of the ones I’ve seen; I’m most haunted by Courtney’s story. I feel unfulfilled by the outcome not to mention she’s young and should have her whole life in front of her. My heart aches for her family – post any updates please
How’s Courtney today? Wish her and you all the best… feel free to email me! xo
Charlene, Me and Courtney were good friends. This is my last resort to contact someone from the family to find her. Your help is greatly appreciated. I can prove who I am in a private manor.
Charlene, for some reason this episode really hit me hard. I feel so much for you and your family, as I have a sister who struggles with similar issues and I have struggled with issues as well. I too live in Miami and recognized half of the places in this episode and it made it so real to me. I am so glad to see she is back in touch with you guys. I pray for your family and for Courtney and truly hope she recovers as soon as possible.
I just watched Courtney’s episode…
I’m so sad that she left treatment. As I watched her episode I was so hopeful that it would end with her on a beach in recovery looking healthier n getting to enjoy her young life.
I really hope that some how she gets help I really think she is the key to the entire family coming back together, love n prayers to her and for the entire family!
Hey Charlene, I watched the show one night and wondered why Linda looked my mother. As I watched the show, I felt such a heartfelt concern and by the time the show was over, I realized the connection. “Our” thoughts and prayers are with everybody there and hope that you know that you are all thought of everyday.
Hey Charlene, this is for you. I was wondering where Courtney lives. With Jeff or who? Is she getting along with Kim? Is Courtney progressing since the show airing?
Feel free to email me!
Jason thank you so much for caring about my baby girl.
Charlene. I am just hoping and praying that y’all are doing good and that your daughter is sober.
Hey Charlene,
I truly hope Courtney is doing well and you have been able to find some semblence of peace of mind. Also I hope Kim and her wife are doing well too. I live in the ATL area and if Kim ever wants to discuss how heroin can impact you personally from a close family member feel free to give her my email.
<3 from ATL
Any update on your daughter? Her story has touched so many of us and we are praying for her and for all of you. Some of us, who’ve experienced drug addiction, can understand what you are going through. I hope that her story has helped others.
Charlene. Im happy to know courtney is still alive. I am a girl, much like her…. With a lot of similar past issues. Everyday i push myself away from the desire not to feel. You are a good mother it seems… Its too late for boundaries and rules with courtney. When you want to critisize, ask questions instead, when you feel anger or disappointent in her or yourself voice instead friendship and remember pity. Intervention does not know everything. Alot of people want to be saved…… But not the intervention way. Even if you do not agree with her lifestyle, pretend or “fake it till you make it” if you can think of drawing her closer theough love and acceptance and then slowly weaning her off…. Costly perhaps but if you love your daughter… You will find a way. No girl wants to escort… She is afraid of trusting others to deliver her “supply” right now that may be drugs but a year from now her supply can be love, family and self-esteem. To those who havent walked her footsteps… It may seem hard to relate, but her pain is real and unfortunatley the less drugs she does… Whatever feeling she was escaping from will be felt x10 so you have to find a substitute for it. She pushes you away because she feels judged and unworthy, be calm, be constant and dont let go. I wish i had a mother that cared 🙂 judgement will push her away, acceptance will lower her defences. Good luck charlene and god bless.
Joyce
Thank you Joyce. I have gone through every emotion for years trying to find the right way to get Courtney to get help. I am now in a place of knowing that no doctor, addiction expert is right. I now listen to my heart and I text Courtney everyday with positive words but not pushing her anymore. I offer her many options for treatment when she is ready I’ve never thought I would say this but if she needs methodone I told her I will pay for her treatments. I will never give up I love this precious soul my beautiful daughter more than life.
I’m SO happy to hear that Courtney is alive and back in touch with you! I was positively LIVID when I saw her episode, and feel that Donna handled the intervention horribly! While I realize that a lot of what was aired was probably edited and cut down for timing, I feel that her direction in threatening Courtney with jail and making a public scene was completely uncalled for! I would’ve done anything to flee the scene as well, were I confronted in that manner. I found myself relating to Courtney in SO many ways, and you’re absolutely right…no doctor or addiction expert is right. They are a WONDERFUL source of support and guidance when the person is ready to get help, but that’s the key factor…they have to be ready! No two journeys are the same, but Courtney will come around. I grew up with a mom who was depressed and bipolar( untreated), never knew my father, was the victim of sexual assault by an ex in my early twenties, and developed cervical cancer as a result of that assault last year…I drank, took MDMA, and shot heroin over the past ten years. I just needed to not feel. And it’s horrible, but heroin really is “the magic eraser”…it just makes everything go away. It gives you a clean slate and allows you to decide on what does and does not exist in your life. But at some point, you do realize that this isn’t the way to deal with trauma. I came to that realization late last year, and have been working on my sobriety since. Trust me, Courtney WILL find her way home. I think it’s wonderful that she has such loving support from you! Just be there for her, love her, and remind her of the glory within herself. Be well!
I can’t find this episode on Hulu or anywhere streaming. What exactly did Donna do during the intervention that screwed everything up?? I’ve seen multiple posts about it but no specific details.
Angelica — it can still be purchased on Amazon.
Hello Charlene how is Courtney doing? We would like to know.
Hi Carlene
How is Courtney doing?
I think that what I learned from all the stories is that keeping them home is safer than the tough love that the Intervention requires. It’s too black and white. Some young women should simply not be out there. It’s more compassionate to let them live at home. Also there’s no way to get to an addict that young. They are not ready, not done and they will fight you. Sometimes meeting the addict where they are is the most compassionate. Intervention never took into consideration so many factors but they tried. Courtney seemed to like the lifestyle and the freedom. It’s so hard to get to them. I wish this disease didn’t exist. Blessings to you and your family
Thank you for caring about my precious baby girl. I wish she would let me help her but no matter what i do she hates me and wont accept all the help i offer her every day.
Does anyone know where Courtney is or if she is well? Ever since her episode I can’t stop thinking about her, especially since there was no follow up. Facebook, anything? Can’t help but feel so connected to some of the people on the show. I’ve happened to find a few on Facebook and it’s just good to know they are alive and well
Could Courtney’s mother please email me or give me her email. I was shocked to see the episode last march. I had met Courtney. She use to to tell me the reason she had to go to the bathrooom so much was because she had to take an insulin shot…and I believed her.. Now ,months later, i searched for the episode again and found this site. i really want to know how she is doing..
This is Courtney’s mom do I know you?
My heart is broken over this terrible addiction. I can hardly go on Courtney won’t accept the help I want to give her every day.
You dont know me. I met her last year. She called me a couple of times before the episode came out. Then, silence. number had been changed. Plz email me back and we will chat more.
Charlene, we cared about your daughter so much. Whatever A&E did to you may have been wrong but please know that we too are wonders and are on your side. Please tell us mothers who also have our children out there as to what we are in for, What happened to your beautiful girl? Help us to protect out own. MY heart breaks in a million pieces to you and your elder daughter.
This is Courtney’s mom. I am having the worst night and I still cannot accept that my precious baby girl is not here anymore. I am not a social media person at all but tonight I saw this message and I had to write to you. It is too hard for me to talk about what happened but I will find out exactly the reason why and let you know when I find out. Thank you for caring so much about my sweet sweetest ever little girl.
I watched the episode just last night. I watch intervention all the time, but for some reason Courtney hit my heart. When the show ended with her not getting treatment I Google her to see if there was an update and was sadden to see that she passed away. Addiction is so bad and I just hope and pray my 2 children never succumb to it. To Courtney’s family I send my condolences and prayers. I do believe she is out of her pain and while not here with you, please know you did what you could for her.
Ben how can I get your email – I dont want to send mine over the internet.
I have both of your email addresses – will send info privately.
Hi Charlene I was Courtney’s friend from middle school, not sure if you remember me, I went on a trip with you and her to visit her grandpa once. I would love if you could email me at jenschro@mail.com
Charlene: I couldn’t respond to your comment which was a reply to mine so I’ll do it here.
Email me = cindyrella1970@gmail.com
I lend you my hear, my support and my prayers with you. I have seen too many people that are in your shoes right now and you need to let your emotions out and they say it’s better to do it with someone you doesn’t know you. Its worked for me by going to get professional help because it was beyond repairing my brain, Just wanted to extend that over to you and by all means, if you don’t want to respond I will certainly hold no grudge. You need to make it right for YOU and only YOU no matter where you go or who you go to…find someone to help you. Please let me know how you are doing. Prayers and hugs to you.
i’m sorry for your loss charlene. thinking of you and your family.
Im so sorry for your loss she was so beautiful. What an amazing person she was even though troubled. I will never forget her.
I emailed you today
Hi Charlene- Courtney’s story had a huge impact on me, and really struck me, most of which I can’t explain..We’re the same age and I first saw her episode several weeks ago and can’t get it out of my head…Is there any way I could contact you, maybe through email?