Season 12, Episode 14
Nick
Age: 23
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Addiction: Heroin
What’s memorable: The nasty abscesses and infections, stabbing himself in the gut so he could go to the hospital and get drugs, going once a week to the very sketchy Juarez, Mexico to smuggle heroin over the border. And the girlfriend of his, Crystal, ironically a drug and alcohol counselor, who completely takes care of him like a mother and enables him to stay an addict. And now she’s addicted to heroin too. I’m thinking she might not be a great addiction counselor.
Official Synopsis: Nick, 23, uses his business talents to deal in heroin rather than business. Once the apple of his father’s eye and destined to carry on his successful business practices, Nick’s early rule-breaking and experimentation in drugs landed him as the black sheep of the family. Now abandoned by his family, Nick lives in a heroin daze, crossing the border into Mexico to get his next fix.
Original Air Date: November 2012
Interventionist: Seth
I cried watched his Facebook video from December 31, 2017. His torment is excruciatingly painful. Nick if you are reading this I know you feel like you’re at the end of your rope but you are very much capable of climbing up and living a healthy happy life. Don’t give up!
I wonder if it is possible to have intervention help him again?
I only remember that happening once – for Gamblin Gabe. It seems like it would go against the whole theme of holding bottom lines and letting the addict feel the consequences of his behavior to have the show step in and offer a second shot at help.
Gabe’s second offer for treatment was for depression though.
One addict was helped twice, but it didn’t stick the 2nd time either.
Tiffany from this same season who was addicted to heroin, was helped from intervention twice. It may have even been three times… or at least the same Treatment Center took her back… And it stuck with her the final time, as now she is an EMT, helping others addicts who are overdosing and is able to even give them extra support… She also gives speeches about addiction, and what she went through as a child! Her episode was one of my favorites!
Nick would have to want to get clean and get in touch with Intervention. It’s quite possible they would help. On the flip side of the coin, then every addict who has relapsed should get a chance too. Financially, I don’t think it’s possible for Intervention and the Rehab Facilities to keep doing this.
Seth was awesome in this episode. That guy is so bad ass. I think I have developed a crush on him.
I’m right there with you Kim…Seth is THE MAN!
A few years ago, I googled his name and his email popped up. I let him know how he’s a favorite on this board. I also mentioned Gina & Meghan and how he handled the parents. I told him right off the bat that I was an active addict myself and how crack took my life over but I wasn’t going to let it take my soul. I quit cold turkey. And that was it.
That same night that I emailed him, a short time later, I get an email from him! I was floored. The man was so caring, wise, taught me a few things, thanked me and was proud of me for staying sober.
Now who does that? I’m sure he’s quite busy as it is, yet he took the time out to acknowledge me but didn’t brush me off. He honestly didn’t have to do a damn thing but yet he did….and in great lengths.
So my point here is that Seth is AWESOME! He takes no bullshit but is as kind and gentle too, at the same time.
Wow, that’s really cool of him to respond. I love him more now.
I’ve really enjoyed Seth’s episodes too. I wonder why he only did interventions during the 12th season? Would love them to bring him back. I really liked that he saw straight through Nick’s BS.
I definitely agree!!! Candy is also my favorite, but so is Seth…& I concur on the crush!
Candy and Seth are also my favorites.
Event hough this subject is out of place. I really want to thank the show for stepping in and helping addicts as they are fragile and not just lazy losers. I was an addict along time ago and I know how vulnerable they are. It’s like a baby being reintroduced to the world in a way. I was abused clean by my father. Therefore all my dreams of rehab work or good relationshipstuff CLEAN was diminished worst then the addict life. I learned horrible angery coping skills,emotional neglect and low self worth. I want this show to know they are very valuable and it’s amazing to watch people get proper help and most importantly love!!!
How is she a predator? She simply reacted to his attention, women get it so hard. Nick IS the predator…I’m sure he would agree. Heroin took him and her down. They both look olDer because of it.
If you guys want to know how Nick is doing check this out…. not good obviously. He looks soooo sick https://www.facebook.com/100004332737082/videos/1027441960743552/
Ultimately, only Nick can help Nick. It looks as if many people have reached out to him with offers of help. He knows what he needs to do.
Z: I definitely agree with you on this one. Knowing the whole Kim Jong-hyun incident, I will have to sadly conclude that Nick is going to have to WANT the help he needs. But I’m sure he will accept help, he is ready now compared to back in the Intervention episode.
Very well said. I actually wrote my comment before I got to watching the video. I kept stopping it because it was just hard to watch, really. In so many ways.
My childhood was completely drenched in emotional abuse. I’m able to immediately and automatically pick up on those sociopathic-like undertones in his voice and body language. It’s uncomfortable for me to watch. Especially after hearing a completely different story than what was conveyed on the show.
The substantial lack of accountability is life threatening for him at this point.
You’re probably right, he looks like he’s on the homesteetch of losing his life.
Like every one of us though, he deserves a happy and healthy life. I do hope he can commit to recovery before it’s too late for him.
I am sorry you had to deal with emotional abuse during your childhood. I did in some degree as my dad is bipolar, but nothing like dealing with someone who is sociopathic/has antisocial tendencies. Like you, my “spidey” sense was triggered within 5 minutes of watching this episode and I knew the intervention was not going to work because the treatment (is there any?) would need to be for underlying personality disorders, not just addiction.
Diagnostic Personality Disorder can be an effective treatment for personality disorders. It’s already helping me with my BPD.
He doesn’t look well at all….
Here’s his Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004332737082
I’m not sure what’s going on, but he looks extremely gaunt in the recent video he posted. I have a feeling that it’s very likely that drugs and addiction have more to do with it than what he is saying in the video. In the comments, he apologizes to his dad for not making him proud.
I don’t really know what to say or think, but I’m sure he’s in a lot of pain reguardless.
Wow, what a decline. He looked AMAZING before.
I just saw the video. I can honestly say he really does need help and support. I didn’t like him in the Intervention Episode, but I do feel for him at this current state. I really do hope he gets the help he needs. I honestly don’t want him to end up like Kim Jong-hyun. I really hope the best for him. Hopefully things work out better for him.
Wow. He looks very sick. Judging from his appearance and mental state, I’d say his addiction is now end stage, and unless he gets help he won’t be around more than a few more weeks. If he doesn’t OD, then the pancreatitis will kill him.
But there is hope. There have been other addicts profiled who were at death’s door when they were intervened on (e.g. Aimee from Intervention Canada, Kaila and Trent) who were able to recover and regain their health, so it’s not too late for Nick.
However, his long-term recovery prospects are poor. Nick shows all the signs of being a sociopath. One of the hallmarks of a sociopath is their inability to acknowledge their own fallibility and take ownership of their problems, so Nick will have a very difficult time admitting he’s an addict and accepting responsibility for his behaviour.
I just watched his episode today and decided to search for an update. I found his Facebook page in the above comment and after about a year without a single post to his page, he posted a video 2 days ago, May 13 2021… I wasn’t particularly fond of his actions during his episode but I do feel for any addict. I came from a family of them myself. New video he posted is not good … I hate to say it but I don’t think he’ll survive much longer in the state he’s in now.
Nick seems like he has Narcissistic Personality Disorder
How is he doing? He’s so cute. It’s sad drugs has that much control of someone.
I really hate to say this but I have very little to no sympathy for Nick. He reminds me of Alexandra from the Dr. Phil Family, and not in a good way. And worse, he got his “GF” addicted. I really hope for the best for him now but I honestly don’t believe he’ll be the type to want help. That’s my opinion.
Feel free to, however, debate this post if you think I’m wrong. I could be.
I disagree with your comment that Nick “got his GF addicted.” Crystal chose to use; Nick didn’t force her. Her disease; her responsibility to deal with it.
Well, still. He was a contributing factor for why Crystal got addicted. She was in a very unhealthy environment when she started to date Nick. Yes I do agree she needs to take accountability as well though.
But, I do have a change of heart towards Nick after watching that video he posted on FB. I hope he can get the help he needs and I hope he can stay strong.
Nick struck me as having sociopathic qualities. Addiction can drive good people to lie, cheat, steal and manipulate, but it felt different with Nick. More fundamental and inherent. Like his addiction might flow from the impulsivie and self interested nature of his character rather than his flawed character flowing temporarily from his addiction. Crystal’s low self esteem makes her malleable to the point that I think she’s capable of some really bad choices. I always hope for happy endings, but this is the first Intervention I can recall where I found the addicts fundamentally unlikable irrespective of the state of their sobriety. I would step far around these people in real life,
I pray Nick and Crystal are sober and doing well. Does anyone have real recent info on them?
God Bless all addicts in Recovery and especially those sick and suffering addicts that haven’t heard the message of Recovery yet , I hope they hear it soon …!!!! Hey Nick if minor tokd you they love you today , I love you bro . Good luck to you & Crystal …!!!!
Absolutely it’s so easy for people to forget where they came from or are keyboard assassins being judgemental!! If you haven’t been there you will never truly understand and people say a million different things to judge you not motivate you to continue this battle everyday and it is a battle. Yes I put the drugs down and been sober 7 years Aug 12th but there are times it creeps in but I know I cant romance the high and I have to pick up the phone and call or go to a meeting. Its a lot harder to stay sober than to get high and block out the pain… and unfortunately that’s just the addicts nature. I pray Nick & Crystal are doing well
I completely agree with you!!!
How much older was crystal than nick?
Does that really matter? Pathetic!
If Crystal met Nick in the capacity of a drug counselor and then used manipulated his addiction for a relationship, then if she is older than him, it actually might matter. She did come across as a predator to me, as well.
As a recovering addict for 7 years I watch intervention religiously. I have to say I concur with the man that was his case manager at the Florida rehabilitation that he had a salesman quality to him- I usually get emotional watching every episode except this one. The smugness and the way he interacted with his family made me feel that he probably would have to truly hit bottom to get help and he definitely hasn’t hit bottom. I had zero empathy for him and it bothered me that I didn’t have some feelings about him. I do know people like him in program and I refuse to sponsor them.
I hope one day he sees the light.
Don’t forget where you came from
I found nicks FB page, found his family,,, he’s a personal trainer,,,,,he looks very much alive and well
He is no longer a trainer and he is not doing well. And we all know, FB is not a place to determine how someone is doing… I’ll continue to wish him well. His struggles go deeper then what is known.
Everyone said a completelydifferent follow up in this chat that “knows” him …a little upsetting..would be so nice to get a real follow up on him and her
I feel the same way.
No matter what I hope he and Crystal are doing well. Probably for the best of they aren’t together. I also hope his family is doing well. They love him so much, and you can tell he loves them too.
I’ve worked with addicts for years and nick and crystal both totally grossed me out. Nick was a master manipulator and crystal was a pathetic predator. I seriously hope these two got away from one another.
Wow Angela, your very judgemental aren’t you? Sorry you feel the need to be negative. May peace find you!
I find it hard to believe you work with addicts when you speak so poorly of them in such a judgmental and nasty way.
You’re right. They were just toxic and no good like the thing that bothered me is nick had no remorse and crystal was totally unethical considering she was supposed to be working with addicts.
Nick is still using I see him about once a week in FL.
You clearly are seeing the wrong person. He has not lived or been in Florida since rehab. He is back in NM and has been for over a year. Sorry to disappoint you.
Good Luck Nick! Wishing you strength and success!
nick started dating someone close to me. he still smoked pot often and sometimes too often it was always “my back hurts and i need it.” or “i hurt my knee today.” weed turned to wax cause the weed wasn’t strong enough. Then he hurt his back again and needed to go to the ER. The close person then had to lie and say he didn’t accept the prescription pills when he actually did. He still looks like the definition of an addict. When he was trying to find more pot he got very frigidity and weird. He was successful in getting my close person to lie for him just like crystal. No longer friends with his girlfriend and do not trust him.
Is he still in Palm Beach? I feel like he comes into my job…
So what? Smoke pot everyday? So what? As long as he’s not shooting up . Smh . U don’t know him personally I shouldn’t talk 3rd party u know one side of the story so maybe u shouldn’t put people’s personal life on blast like that . So wrong they have a baby together so don’t be saying things u don’t know
How do you know they had a baby together? Do you know them personally? Or are you going by 3rd party info that is state above?
Mp need to go off on someone who commented on what they’ve heard, scene or know. If true, Nick just switched his addiction to something else which is common in most addicts. Yes, smoking pot is no big deal these days but it’s still a drug. Unless he is smoking medical marijuana, that’s a different story and does not include the same ingrediants.
This episode has stuck with me & I’ve wondered how Nick is doing though I’ve feared the worst after his relapse with the morphine prescription after his accident.
Nick and crystal have a baby together.. Crystal has stayed sober… Nick has been in and out of rehabs but most recently is sober. This is what I heard through good friends .
This story reminds me so much of me and my bf Luis who is also a narcissist like nick and has rage issues like nick. We have gone our separate ways to stay sober I also used because of him. After 8 months of heroin I checked myself into rehab and have been sober on methadone since then. My nick(Luis) has been in sober living for 8 months now. We keep in touch but have not seen each other since we left for detox. If nick and Chrystal made it then maybe me and Luis could make it…
He doesn’t have any kids.
Didn’t Crystal state that they had a daughter together? Or am I missing something?
How they doing ? I am watching it in Italian and hope they doing well … Hope yhe best for them !
This was the best intervention I have seen. I really liked Nick and Chrystal and wish the best for them.
Watching this one again. I think crystal only used because she knew intervention would get her treatment. She is being manipulated but she is so obviously a manipulator.
I worked with him in mew mexico. Hes a good person. Just had some troubles. Good luck nick. Stay strong keep headi g rhe right direction
How recently did you work with him Jose? Is he still dating Crystal? I hope they’re both doing well
Why would someone purposely use just so the show Intervention can get them help. Your theory doesn’t make sense.
She claimed she only used to find out what makes Nick want heroin so bad. She wanted to try it out and once you try, there’s no going back for the majority of people who turn out being addicts.
If anything, you could say that she got in touch with Intervention for Nick, knowing now that she’s addicted they probably would offer treatment for her.
I thought so too. She new the intervention was coming and they’d probably treat her too so she did it. What an idiot.
Is there any information regarding how Nick and Crystal are doing? There are so many parts of their story which personally move me, despite never having any sort of heroin addiction myself or to any form of opiate, for that matter. I was simply touched by his description of the attraction of addictive highs in general, and his relationship with Crystal bore some personally chilling resemblances to a relationship I recently ended for fear that I was dragging her down with me.
The final scene of the show indicated he was already in relapse by virtue of a car accident sending him to the hospital where he was prescribed morphine, and he ended up returning for a refill after the pain became too much. I fear the worst, but want to hope for the best. Anyone with any continuing information on their story please comment. I wish Nick and Crystal all the best in recovery, together or separated.
Nick is in sober living in winchester VA.
do you have any other info? nick’s episode has really stuck with me and i’ve wondered how he was doing for a long time. he seemed like such a good person when he wasn’t under the influence. i really hope he’s doing well.
Ugh , this guy ! Anybody living in a border state knows Juarez is Hell on Earth ( Watch the documentary Narco Cultura ) and know how deadly that trip is . This young man’s addiction was near the bottom .
In the follow up the Drug and Alcohol Counselor girlfriend , Crystal, did take him back . They were happily living together and “said” they were sober . I want to believe that but just don’t . She admitted she had an issue with low self esteem with men and this young man is not healthy for any woman , especially with those issues . I saw her as his replacement for his mom .
Unless they really are sober , on Methadone treatment or other I see the trips to Juarez keeping on . If that’s the case one or both will be killed . That is how horrifying Juarez is .
I noticed there was no mention in the follow up about her still being a Drug and Alcohol Counselor which made me wonder if she lost her job after the show . New Mexico is not a largely populated state . It’s people live on the reservations or in areas of little towns close to others and a few large cities so somebody would have recognized her . The addiction they will work with ,but dating a severe addict that you are helping traffic drugs into this country for or a client who you have treated will lose you your license to practice in most states . Not to be mean but until she can help herself how can she help others .
Nearly every addiction specialist has some experience with a personal substance abuse problem themselves. If this was inherently disqualifying, there would literally be no addiction specialists anywhere.
It’s the disease of addiction . I lived on the streets of matamoras Mexico and I’m a cute petite girl from San Diego and lots of bad things happening to me that I have PTSD from it but I’m clean on Suboxone and have my own home car and 2 amazing Pitt bulls and my boys in my life and a new grandma I did relapse 2 x before I really got sober so it can happen
Very moving episode. The actual intervention of this episode was a serious tear-jerker. Nick derailed, big-time, early-on–and it seems he fell into that classic pattern with his parents (especially his father) of “You already think I’m a fuck-up… so watch THIS!” That’s an awfully difficult thing to climb out of–and then add some heroin to the mix…not to mention his drug-counselor-turned-co-junkie girlfriend! What a disaster! I really did relate to Nick, somehow…and even though his behavior throughout is selfish, irrational and obnoxious, I really hope he’s found his way to the right path. He seems like a good person–a good person who made some horrifically bad life choices.
I am really interested in finding out how Nick on episode 180 is doing. I was so drawn into him and I really want to know how he is now. Its a shame we can’t find these people on facebook so that we can give them support.
I concur completely. So much of this story spoke to the promise and capabilities of people with serious addictions, torn asunder by the inevitable draw of that next high. This one was particularly twisted in the way you could observe first hand a person who seemed on the surface somewhat committed to recovery while deep down the beast is alive and lurking ready to devour them. That he was able to draw in his recovery specialist/girlfriend (!) and the counselor assigned to him at treatment felt he was regularly lying about his commitment did not show good signs of success. I really want to know anything there is to know about each of them going forward, if there has even been a going forward to begin with. After the “car accident” sending him to the hospital with a prescription for morphine, I fear the absolute worst.
Pray for both of them and that they can wrestle their inner demons to the point of finding peace, because we all deserve it when we choose to embrace it. Good luck, Nick and Crystal.
I actually know Nick, & you’ll be happy to know he’s been sober for 5 years now & has an excellent job:)
I just left rehab in November and Nick was there. He acted very aggressive more than once and also had to be hospitalized several times for seizures
Ashley – was Nick still with Crystal at the time you were in rehab together? I hope they are both doing better. I could really relate to Crystal because I had a BF very similar to Nick and it was hard to watch this episode because of that. Heroin eventually tore us apart, but I will always care about him even though he really hurt me. I hope both of them are doing well!
I actually was fortunate enough to meet Nick while I was in rehab in 2015. He was doing good; involved in the community, NA and doing service work!! Nick was actually one of the first people I met my first night and sat for hours talking to me. At the time I had no clue who he was. Then we had a class one day where we sat and watched that exact episode of intervention. After we were asked how it made us feel & our thoughts. After a few spoke, Nick stood up from the back and walked up,to the front and owned his actions!!! Sat and answered questions. He is a beautiful soul!!! And from what I have seen, is still doing wonderful.
Me too. I was a sever heroin addict ….so I thought until I saw this episodes and man every 2 hours he needed it I was thinking to myself omg I didn’t it ever 6 hours if I could afford it . LOL but I’m so glad to know he’s still sober to this day. I myself am on Suboxone for 2 years and I’m happy and clean off all opiates don’t crave at all . But ya I was drawn to him as well.
I heard nick died. What’s the buzz on that? Tell me what’s happening.
Nick is not dead.
my father worked with his father, who is very very pretty much wealthy. last time I heard of Nick I think it was like 2 years ago it could have even been way longer than that but he posted a video on his Facebook I think he was in San Francisco his thumb was about to fall off from necrosis. I’m wondering if he is still alive? I’m wondering if you did get sober for a second or third time