Season 13, Episode 5
Eric
Age: 31
Location: New Bedford, Massachussettes
Addiction: Heroin
What’s memorable: The things he does for money, how crossed his eyes get when he’s loaded, the ex-girlfriend best friend that he’s hopelessly in love with. And I love that he’s grateful for the intervention as its happening. That’s rare.
Update: Sadly, Eric McDonnell died of a heroin overdose on August 19th, 2017. Here is his obituary.
Official Synopsis: Eric, 31, has been known by his family for being funny, generous and full of life. But his downward spiral into addiction has replaced all of his amazing traits and turned him into a junkie who hustles, steals and pawns.
Original Air Date: July 2013
Interventionist: Donna
I just saw this episode. It is absolutely my favorite I’ve seen. I feel in love with Eric and just the whole episode. I can not put into words the emotions it tapped me into. I of course cried during the episode and also when I checked into to see how he was doing and saw he had passed. I never knew you Eric but you touched my heart. My deepest sympathy to his family.
I commented before on this episode but one thing I forgot to mention was.. every parent (for the most part) of the addicted are all sad, distraught & heartbroken in their own way. but these parents break my heart. they look so incredibly sad. I cry harder at the follow up when they go see him after a few months clean then on any other scene from any episode. it hurts knowing they lost him.
There isn’t much to say on this one other than what a shame. This guy had a ton going for him. I feel real sorry for his parents because you could tell they loved him dearly. Val as well, she also loved him in her own way. It’s a shame, drugs got the best of a guy that could have had a fantastic life.
As a MA resident I was instantly interested in this episode. And within moments I, like so many others, liked this guy very much. Until the scenes where he shoots up then gets behind the wheel.
Suddenly the deepest sense of terror and grief of addiction truly rocked me to my core. The innocent lives put at stake when someone impaired is loose on the road changed my life forevermore.
This was indisputably one of the most powerful episodes I’ve seen. And since cannot watch the program any longer.
So YES, for MANY reasons this was one of the most earth shattering hours of television I feel has ever been broadcast. (sigh)
intervention is one of my favorite series on tv. I rewatch my fav episodes repeatedly. this is one of them. not only bc I think eric seems like sucha good person just completely swallowed in addiction, but also bc I think the production of this episode is one of a kind. from the interviews to the music..etc. this story is so sad..and is a prime example of how it don’t matter who you are, where your from, addiction does not discriminate. As an addict/alcoholic in recovery (with the help of maintenance) I route for each addict to get and stay clean..but Eric was special. seeing his update in treatment was so encouraging..he was glowing & seemed genuinely happy & at peace. it truly saddens me hes not on this earth anymore.
What a waste and tragic loss.
Condolences to his family
Really enjoyed this episode. Eric seemed like such a fun, stand up guy who just fell down and struggled to get up. Its rare to see an addict that is so aware of what is going on, yet doesnt blame anyone else for their situation.
His brothers that were cops seemed pretty standoff-ish like they were just done with the situation. Although it has to be awkward/embarrassing to have a brother that is committing crime around town and using drugs
Glad Valerie is getting on with her life. She was clearly waiting for him, and he wasnt able to shake the addiction. Not to be disrespectful, but besides your family and your life, her waiting for you to clean up is a hell of a motivation to get sober in my eyes.
But anyway hope the family is doing well and the father stayed sober.
I still think Donna is too abrasive, but at least it didnt hold anything back in this episode.
Val got engaged! It’s on her instagram! I’m so happy for her!
Val is just beautiful. I hope that she is happy.
I feel for the family i know how the brothers feel it happened to my brothers one to they drug and one to alcohol it hurts for a good while that is one of my favorite episode the only reason i know he passed because i got one Google to see if him and val got to<uh kigether and i seen he overdosed and never made it i don't even know how his parents and brothers are going thru i feel for them so much after the show aired it feels like i got to know Kevin and the family I just want the family know i feel their pain going thru it myself and now my kids are doing it too they are 31 and 22 the older one injects it and the youger one smokes it wont be long before he gets tired of smoking it won't be enough anymore and move to the injection and thats a killer sooner or later but enough of that this is about ur son im so sorry for what happened i hope dad is ok his boys still need their father thank you for sharing what has happened
I just watched his episode on Ramoins channel. With knowing that he had passed away and watching his episode, my heart literally aches. He was a good person with a bad addiction. And the emotions that poured from his father so utterly reminded me of how I feel for my own children. Such a sad shame. Very attractive man with a good heart. I send his family my condolences.
This comment reminded me (3 years later lol) of Ramoins YouTube channel! I was so sad to see that channel go. I used to watch it religiously. I hope Ramoin is doing ok out there.
Yah those were fun times. I will forever love them for posting Betsy’s (the long missing) episode.
I just watched this episode again and I cried so much. I feel so sad for his family, especially now that he is no longer alive. He seemed like such a good guy.
Jessie Eric was my best friend he was such a great guy and my life will never be the same without him
I want you all to know eric was the greatest person I have ever knew he was my best friend since we were little we were inseparable and like brothers from different mother’s .my life has been torn apart since his passing but I know he is up there with our other best friend pj looking out for me .
RIP Eric…just saw a re-run of the episode he came out in a few days ago. What a handsome guy. My condolences to the family, especially his father who loved his son very much.
Damn hearing this news hurts. This episode stuck with me because of Eric’s likability. I kept thinking damn, heroin is a scourge if it can get to a guy like this. Good looking guy with a work ethic and hands that could rip a phone book in half. Heroin just snuffed out a hell of a guy. Fuck that drug is a menace.
He was my co-worker in FL, I truly liked the man. Humor, honesty, introspective. He had his demons, but I always encouraged him to stay on the right path. In his short life, he saw more and did more than most people. RIP.
He was one damn hard worker
I wish you all could have known Eric. He was a jokester, a hard worker and a great friend. He was my brother’s best friend. You only get a small piece of Eric and not an everyday portrayal of what he was from this show. This show temporarily saved his life. For all if you that followed him and cheered him on, thank you. Today was one of the hardest days of our lives.