Season 15, Episode 17
Brittany
Age: 27
Location: Derby, Kansas
Addiction: Heroin
What’s Memorable: Brittany’s relationship with her dad is really moving. The guy seems so damn cool and a really good father, despite his addiction. I had a lot of respect for his willingness to go to treatment to help get his daughter clean. If that’s what he needs to motivate himself, fine, as long as it keeps him clean and keeps Brittany feeling supported.
Update: Brittany Christine Howard died on August 20th, 2016 of an overdose, 2 days after completing treatment. Her family has a GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses. And here is Brittany’s obituary
Official Synopsis: Brittany was part of the all-American family. But rape, drugs, and divorce have caused this family unit to crumble. At the center, Brittany’s heroin and meth abuse has created a tornado that has divided the family and now threatens her life..and worse yet, Brittany may not be the only active user in the house.
Date Aired: Aug 2016
Interventionist: Ken
Alex,
Wow congratulations on your recovery. You are one hell of a fighter and your resilience is inspiring. I am so sorry about the pain, greif, and tragedy you have continuously faced in your life and in your recovery. I just wanted to tell you that you are not alone. I know I don’t know you but I have so much faith in you Alex. I think your drive to continue trying is the ONLY thing that matters, recovery isn’t linear and we addicts unfortunately have to learn the hard way a lot of the time… This really is an incredibly cunning and insidious disease but you are taking that responsibility man qnd keeping yourself accountable. You have such a strong story to share, and an important one at that. I have appreciated and connected deeply with the moving comments you have left here. Your honesty and vulnerability is incredible man, our secrets keep us sick. I hope you have a solid support network, because damn is this ever hard to do on our own. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You’re an incredibly strong man. I am rooting for you.
Dear Mr. Howard,
All of my heartfelt condolences. I’m fairly new to recovery and am sure, without a doubt would not be strong enough to get through what you are with continued sobriety. My prayers are with you. Would love an update, truly hope you are doing well with those grandbabies of yours!
Savannah.. thank you for your compassion I do appreciate it. Those grandbabies are a perfect reason for doing the next right thing. I just had a nice weekend with them… they really help me. I have recent pics that will make you go ..awe.. as far as those guys go I have some pics I can share if you want.. bentbar@yahoo .
As you may know the day Brittany passed was my 90 day clean day (that was Aug 20,16).. I struggled mentally so bad, but I had some good people helping me. I kept my sobriety, not saying it wasnt easy.. at that time Josh was a solid person I could rely on and talk to. I really did good all the way until Jan 17, 2018, the day Josh died in a car wreck. About 1 1/2 months after I lost him I slipped. Stayed in that kind of mind set for about 9 months (on and off). Of course I was ready to die, but I just didnt want Cooper and Riley to not know how great their father was… and also how brilliant aunt Brittany was …Long story short … I just couldnt get it right.. .and each time I would get angry with myself for relapse. Now clean over 3 months and am starting to really feel like there can be some joy in life. ALL people with any addiction know that you are never in the clear… and if a person cant find some kind of hope.. ambition … drive… etc.. then you never get it.. and even if you do get all that… you are NEVER in the clear.
I truly do appreciate all the kind words that everyone has said. It does make a difference and knowing there are compassionate like minded people helps me.
Dear Howard family, so so sorry for the loss of your children. I pray that God will comfort you in your deep loss. Brittany’s loss just Such a short time after treatment is heartbreaking. So wish treatment was for more like six months to a year to help people really get back on their feet. Or maybe a month on month off of treatment…. It seems like it’s too much of a transition for people. Again so so sorry.
Alex, I’ve watched Brittany’s episode many times and every time it breaks my heart. She believed she could get clean, and she did and her death is deeply upsetting. I cannot imagine what you are going through, then to lose your son to a car wreck…. I truly am so so sorry for your losses. They both seemed like great people. I pray for you and your family, along with joshs! Stay sober Alex, even through this tough time.
Brittany commented that a friend convinced her to use heroin as a cheaper alternative to pills, and literally shot her up with the first dose himself. In my opinion, that should be a life in prison maybe even a death penalty offense. That person contributed to her death and should be held accountable.
Yes, but let’s not forget how she got on heroin to begin with. She commented in that episode that she was hooking up her father with pills from drug dealers she knew. She then stated she wondered what was so great about those pills that made her father popping them everyday. She tried them and that was it….it led her down to the cheaper alternative being heroin because it’s cheaper.
Just watched this episode, so sad to hear she passed. I searched her family members on Facebook and seen her brother died from a car crash. Praying for this family. Can’t be easy.
http://www.smithfamilymortuaries.com/book-of-memories/3406018/Howard-Joshua/view-condolences.php
That above is his obit
I am watching the episode of intervention Brittany’s episode….my name is Brittany as well and seemed we were close on age…I just turned 28. This episode was hard to watch…and hearing your son died I am so sorry. How tragic and devastating. My prayers to your family…please keep your heads held high and your hearts with love.
I am so sorry for your loss and can’t imagine all that you have been through. I just watched yours Brittany’s story on intervention. I’m recently sober almost going on a year, seeing your story and reading how you have stayed sober through everything really helps give me hope. Thank you for sharing. It really does help make a difference. Addiction runs in my family so I don’t really have many people to turn to and talk to so reading stories of people staying clean always helps. Thank you again.
Alex, Watching intervention tonight I saw the story of Brittany and her addiction and was sad to read that she passed away after her treatment. I googledto read more About her story and found these posts and see the loss of your son also. Condolences on the loss of both of your children I can’t even imagine Addiction is so awful both my father and husband struggled with alcohol also and killed them both. Good luck to you and your continued recovery
https://www.gofundme.com/tragic-passing-of-joshua-howard
There above is a link to see Joshua with his wife and son Cooper
Keisha, Josh’s wife is pregnant with a little girl and is due in June. I hate it cuz Cooper not only will ever get to know his smart awesome aunt Brittany Christine, but won’t know how awesome a man his father Josh was.
When I straightened up I aspired to be more like him. There were so many people that stepped forward to say how much he had touched their lives. He was truly humble in his helping the underdog. I wrote a letter that I COULD NOT read at his service. So I had the preacher who happened to be Joshua’s soccer coach from when he was in grade school and a good friend read it. Below is the letter I wrote ..
From Josh’s dad, Alex –
My son was truly a good man, more than I really knew. He was humble in his charitable actions. He wasn’t trying to get brownie points or notoriety, he did it because that’s the kind of person he was. He didn’t turn his back on people, and he touched many lives with his kind heart. Lately I’ve heard a few stories that were pretty heart-warming. He always wanted to take care of the underdog, the disadvantaged.
We all make mistakes and I had my fair share. But in the moment when I had clarity and saw the life I was living, I saw how Joshua had the ethics the morality, and the kindness that I admired. It wasn’t all that long ago, I actually wanted to be more like my son. Normally it is the son wanting to be like the father, but I definitely looked up to him.
When I really needed someone for the passing of his sister, my daughter Brittany, I could always talk to him. He always gave me a sense that everything will be okay. At this horrible time in my life, this is when I would turn to him. So I’m going to have to get the strength from all my loved ones to have that feeling that everything’s going to be okay.
For those of you who don’t know him, I want everyone to know that he was really, really a good man. He was fair and equitable in every portion of his life. That’s why he had a lot of friends and touched a lot of lives. I’m sure many people have a lot of stories, and they’re all good. Two days ago, I found a couple of hand-written letters in his computer desk. In this digital age, for someone to get a pen and paper and take the time to write a letter to thank someone, that says something right there. It speaks a lot of how the person feels about Joshua’s character.
Bottom line: he would never overlook someone in need. He didn’t. After his passing I have found out all these things about him, and I want everyone to know what a good man he was, so maybe someone will be inspired to do the same. He was making a difference in people’s lives. He wasn’t just cordial. He took time out of his day to go actually do things to help people. I’m sure his children would have been proud to have him as a dad. Who wouldn’t?
I just know that it’s gonna be very hard for me, very, very difficult.
Got I miss him and B so much… so painful.
What a beautiful tribute. I cannot imagine your pain. Please keep strong and continue to work on you. Addiction sucks. I get it..
I miss you so much…
And for all who don’t know my son Josh who was on the episode passed away Jan 17th from car accident. I miss both my babies so dam much.
Alex, I can’t recall the episode your family was featured in. By these comments I can see that Brittany was your daughter which I am so sorry to hear about. I’m sure I’ve seen the episode but I just can think of it off the top of my head. You have now mentioned your son Josh is no longer with us? How truly heartbreaking for you and your family. My God. How much does one have to take in this life time. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Please stay strong. If you need anyone to speak to let me know. I will gladly give you an hear without any hesitations or questions. Please keep that in your mind. I am willing to help in any way possibble. I’d gladly give you my personal email if you don’t want to talk on here. Just ask. Peace and love to you.
So sorry to hear about Josh. He seemed like a wonderful caring guy. He was a hero in the family. There are no words i can say excep sorry for u Tori and Whitney.
So sorry to hear about Josh. That is unbelievable. Now you have 2 angels guiding you. God bless
Alex Howard
bentbar at yahoo.com
You can watch the episode on DIRECTV stream A&E, but for some reason it shows the other Britney‘s picture but it’s still under this Britney‘s episode. Also, if you have cable vice TV does the same thing it’ll show the episode for the correct number but sometimes it shows the picture of the other Britney that died also… I don’t know why it mixes them up they’re both great stories!
I just watched this episode, I felt so bad for the family but now I read that they also lost that amazing boy Josh. It’s so sad that the two children will be left without a father.
I feel so bad for the mom and dad, losing one child is hard enough.
Hoping many good times come their way!
God bless
R.I.p sweatheart, I wish I never gave up on you.
How’s your grandson. ????
Oh man Cooper is such a good kid. He is the a big reason for hope. Looks alot like Britt when she was a baby, baldheaded and hardheaded. Thanks for asking.
Alex
Happy Birthday Brittany Christine 5/30/89, God I miss you so much it hurts.
Love
Dad
Dear Alex,
I hope you are still hanging in there. Thinking of you and your family.
God bless,
Meaghan
Meaghan.. thank you for kids words. One day at a time is what I can do. So far so good.
Alex
One things for sure. She was loved by many. Very warm loving girl.
Did they change the update at end of Brittanys episode? It’s the same ending on amazon.
Wish to god the outcome was a better one. She deserved a happy life
So much love from others in recovery and just compassionate people in general. As I have mentioned before, my 90 day sober point (Aug 20th) was the worst day of my life. I knew what would ease the pain was the same evil thing that would run my life into the ground. My soberity date is still May 23, 2016. I have to live one day at a time. I go to meetings to keep me connected. I am at a loss of words to say how grateful I am of all the love and support of people in this world, both in active addiction, in recovery and loves ones affected by addiction. I am not putting so much thought into my soberity dates, I am acknowledging them simply as milestones, because I just need to make it through each day sober. I am hopeful that this tragedy can help save others.
I do not have a Facebook page but will try to make one for friends in recovery.
Thanks
Alex Howard (Brittanys dad)
bentbar@yahoo.com
hey from germany..
i saw the episode wirh brittany yesterday night on tv..for me it was a rollercoaster of feelings.
i’m a mommy of 3 kids..5-8-15 years.
one of my biggest fear is that this happened to one of my kids too.
i really thought in the end of the episode that she is fine, is back to live..
im so so sorry what happened to her.
i hope you are ok alex..getting no relapse.
i wish the best for you and your family.
kind regards
sandra
Just watched this episode tonight…I was shocked at the end…I’m so sorry for your loss…as I am person in recovery since March 8, 2016, through a drug court program, we have lost a lot and very young…it is truly the most rewarding, but scary thing to go through and seeing others lose to this desease…I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child, I will keep you all in my thoughts…and Alex keep your head up, talk as much as possible, and remember we are all friends in recovery…you are never alone unless you choose to be…much love and sympathy from TN
I seen the episode when it 1st aired, i just happen to scroll through my dvr & seen the end clip saying she passed b4 a another episode was about to air so i had ro find out who it was. I was truly shocked to see it waa Brittany! So sorry dor your loss! I’m feeling devastated & i didn’t even know her. So sorry fir your family’s pain.
Wow I was watching this story today on intervention, and was proud of her to take the step.her and her Dad.this was aired on 1-29-2017.and at the end is when they mentioned she had died of a herion overdose.2 days after her and her father had finished her 40 days of herion abused.2 days.its sad cause my nephew was 38 yrs old when he was found deceased in his car.12/25/2016,,,
I just watched Brittanys intervention episode. Wow. I am shocked and devastated. Her future seemed so promising at the end of the episode…. Then I saw the update. How terrible. My heart really breaks for her family. My youngest sister died from an accidental overdose Nov 15, 2015. She was 19. It changed my life forever. I really hope her father can stay strong and break the cycle and stay sober for the rest of the family. Embrace each other and cherish every moment you have. I will keep Brittanys family in my thoughts and prayers.
After watching Intervention, i was devastated of the income of everything. My thoughts, and prayers are with you, and your family. I know your in my home town , so thats what caught my attention to the show. Anyways, i hope you are able to stay clean. But not just for yourself, but your other children.
My heart and prayers are with you.
I just saw Brittanys episode. I don’t usually watch Intervention because I struggle with addiction myself and its hard to watch without giving me impulses to use. But I am on Methadone now and feel like I am just as numb on this as Ive ever been. Seeing a story like Brittany’s is so scary because she looked so happy and so positive. I was BLOWN AWAY at the end! How could she have let that happen after she got back. 2 days after really? Was it because of the boyfriend? did she go back to the boyfriend afterwards? I have been trying to set up treatment for after this next semester at school. But I am terrified. I have a boyfriend like that and its my biggest fear when i get back from treatment.
I am so sorry for the families loss. I have lost too many friends to addiction lately. It really is an epidemic in our world right now. I wish there was something I could do to help. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
You have to do it for you, please do whatever it takes to stay clean. You cannot take each day for granted, some decisions are hard, but for the right reasons. This is one time you can be selfish (because addiction IS a selfish disease), when you get better for yourself, then all of your loved ones will benefit and all your future relationships.. please do it for you, your worth it.
Regards Alex Howard
I never got to see the episode and am just now reading about it and that and the.comments.from her.Dad have already.touched Mt heart and life. I am currently clean since Aug 13 2022 when I overdosed and they al9mst didn’t get me back. My Daddy found me and I still feel so bad bc we just lost my.Mama June 18 bot quite 2.months before although I am consciously aware at all times that I will always be an addict (even to other things like food or.people). you said something that made me comment bc it is what happened to me, I can almost guarantee it happened to Brittany? and so many others. I had been clean when it happened and we dont think of the tolerance our body had built up and use what ir clsoe to what we did before (of course not wanting to do too little and not feel anything or just being unaware) and the same amount or even a good bit less will take you out. I can almost guarantee just from hearing her story and reading the love her father has ever thought about the.possibilty it taking your life. Please let Brittany’s death help even more people by helping educating as many people you can. I have only come across 1 comment mentioning this and it can save so many life’s and so much pain to those that love us.
I just seen your episode on tv and wanted to say I am really sorry about your loss of your sweet baby girl Brittany. No parent should ever edure such pain as you and your family have had to bury a child. Thank you for sharing with us your story so other people can relate and understand but also learn from it. I am so glad you are staying strong and beating your own addiction. CONGRATS!!!
I am sure Brittany is up above and so proud of you. When you are feeling weak or down just know you are doing the right thing for yourself, Brittany and your family ♡
I’ve watched episode after episode, year after year, of Intervention. I’ve never felt more bad for a family then after watching Brittany and seeing her passing. God Bless Brittany and her family.
Alex,my condolences sir. Are you able to stay clean through everything?
Shelly .. so far I am still taking it one day at a time. I will have 9 months on February 20. I struggle but I also know that slipping and going back to active addition WILL NOT make my life any better. I was just at my grandson Cooper’s 1 year birthday yesterday and it was so warming. We always light a candle for Brittany, it let’s everyone know that it is ok to talk about Brittany as she is still with us. Gothe through the first major holidays without her. Some days are better.. but I have some days when I get overwhelmed with sadness and miss her. I know I’m going to have those days and I expect them, just have to make sure to stay aware and call, write or do whatever I need to do to make it through the day sober, cuz all I have is today.
Thanks Alex Howard
I just seen your episode on tv and just wanted to say I am really sorry about your loss of your sweet baby girl Brittany. No parent should ever edure such pain as you and your family have had to bury a child. Thank you for sharing with us your story so other people can relate and understand but also learn from it. I am so glad you are staying strong and beating your own addiction. CONGRATS!!!
I am sure Brittany is up above and so proud of you. When you are feeling weak or down just know you are doing the right thing for yourself, Brittany and your family ♡
Hope you and ur beautiful family are doing well. That grandbaby is so beautiful ????
Thank you Flo, Cooper is a very special little guy. He is always smiling and I think he loves to take pics. He just turned 1 on Jan 7th. Got a beautiful video of Brittany greeting him the day before she passed, makes me ball everytime buts makes my heart warm with joy to see the true nature of my babies.
Thanks again
Alex Howard
I have watched every single episode ever aired of this show and my heart has never hurt so badly for a family… you are a strong wonderful caring person Alex for spreading your message, staying strong for your family and continuing your daughters’ legacy with your big heart. My deepest most sincere condolences to your and your super awesome family </3
This is Alex Howard and I have not had time to thank each and everyone of you that has left such hope and kind words. I know it will get better but the pain of Brittany not being here is tremendous. I am still One Day at a Time. Please do not think your heart felt words have went unnoticed.
I greatly appreciate all of you.
Regards,
L. Alex Howard
bentbar at yahoo
Hang in there Alex Howard…I know it’s hard but remember all the good times you had with her & just know that you now have an angel watching over you at all times!
Take care
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. One day at a time is all you can do.
It’s on utube. Going to post link so that hopefully it will save someone. Rip Brittany. ????
Hope it’s ok to post Dizzy
https://youtu.be/yx-uErnY5WA
Video no longer there. Where can I find this episode? Thanks.