NOTES ON COMMENTING HERE: I no longer publish comments on this page asking for an update on someone. This thread is for support, discussion and news about addicts who have passed away. If you'd like to find out about how someone is doing, or you have information you'd like to share, please do a search of this site for that person (search bar in the top right on every page) and then read the comments on that person's individual page. Someone may have already provided an update. I've also started an open thread page for people who are suffering from addiction or struggling in recovery and are reaching out for help from this community. Please visit that page if you'd like to offer your support and recovery wisdom.
Thanks everyone. - Dizzy
I wonder about the blond haired guy (then younger). He LOVED to drink. He had a dog that seemed important to him. His Mom gave him a beer to pacify him and talk with him during the episode. Did that guy ever get straight? I hope so, but you know how you can usually accurately guess who relapses, and who succeeds at the end of the show? This was a kid (then kid, or young man) who didnt want to stop -i think he refused treatment or accepted, but left and then bought a 40oz right after release.
Know which guy Im describing? Anyone have an update? I think he was in SoCal, or maybe AZ?
Oh yeah, and what about the once competitive Bicycle Racer? He competed at or near Professional level. He was into crack cocaine. He had a few Sugar Mamas who would hook him up? That guy seemed like he could get his life together. Know who Im referencing? Any updates?
As this show ages and more repeats are run in syndication I think a “master list” for viewers to reference and/or friends and family to update would be a helpful tool.
I wish you all well! Thanks
Did you look at the other pages on this site? You might consider this site a “Master List.” You can search for people by addiction, name, season, etc. Updates on individuals can be seen on their pages. You’re asking about Kelly F and Chad.
I am friends with Chad on Facebook. He is sober and happy.
Nice memorial video for Nik Buckmaster – so sad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4XmZ70R7yA
im so sorry for the loss of lives. my stepson died of an overdose. i and my husband are one of the blessed. i am a humble grateful recovering heroin/opiate addict. 7 years thank god. please kids dont do this to yourselves
Does anyone have an update about Emily, who suffered from anorexia? I cried like a baby when I saw that episode. I, too, was date raped in college and turn to anorexia in order to avoid the excruciating flashbacks. We are the same height and weight and had such a similar story so I felt like I was looking in a mirror. My insurance cut after 6 weeks when I was in treatment so I will likely die of my eating disorder. I am so happy that she had the opportunity to get treatment and I hope to God she is doing better now. I pray for her every day.
If you need someone to talk to, please mail me. I have been in the same situation.
Thank you so much. I would love to talk to you. It’s comforting to know that I am not alone in this.
Melodie, I am so sorry to hear of this. I also want to know what happened to Emily. Now I am sending prayers of love and healing to you both. This comment was two years ago – where are you now?
I am watching an episode from 2011 “Jamie” he reminds me so much of my son but just the way he looks and he is such a well spoken, intelligent young man. I would love to hear good news about him. Thank you.
I just watched Megan’s episode, but I read on here beforehand that she died last year, and that made watching it even more heartbreaking. She was so beautiful, I was mesmerized by her in certain parts. I haven’t seen a lot of Intervention yet (Amazon Prime only has Seasons 10-14), but I feel like of the ones I have watched, she was so hellbent on ending her life. It seemed to be not only about getting high, but about dying. I feel for Megan’s mom who already lost so much of her family to addiction, and now her baby girl. I am glad she went through treatment too, as she seemed reluctant to tell Megan the mistakes she had made. I think that’s really all Megan wanted… I’ve been in that place where you just want someone to acknowledge your pain instead of telling you how bad their life is in comparison. It’s heartbreaking, but I hope she’s found peace now that she has succeeded in leaving us. Her comment broke my heart, “What if it doesn’t work? I’m scared it won’t work.” This show really gets to me, because I know most of these stories, in reality, at least half, didn’t have a happy ending and those emotions you see in the end once the person has completed rehab. It makes me so sad.
Joie from intervention (On Rachel’s episode) died awhile ago. Yesterday marked the 3rd year of his death.
I do want to say this. And these are Rachel’s own words: “…that show portrayed him in such a horrible way it wasn’t even fair. He was a beautiful soul through and through…”
http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/san-franciscos-first-homicide-victim-was-on-reality-tv-show/Content?oid=2190208
My wife and I are heartbroken over the news of Brooke, E-53, S4. We both have a chronic illness and before even diagnosed, we were simply given painkillers. One of my own doctors upped my dosage of percocets WITHOUT EVEN DISCUSSING IT WITH ME! Doesn’t take long to become dependent. Luckily we’re still “in control” but pray constantly we don’t lose it. That’s one of the reasons why we watch this show, to be constantly reminded of how easy it can be to lose control! One other note to anyone who reads this: almost every single show involves a divorce and although it may be completely necessary, if there are children involved, ALWAYS put their needs first. God bless. Joe & Amy
Please don’t just blame doctors…MOST are caring people that do not want people addicted….you can lose your license. Doctors just dont “up” meds unless a patient is telling them that they are suffering. I have a terminal illness & would be in agony with a doctors help.
I have a long story and bad past. I really tremendously need help, I am trying to find the best place for dial diagnosis. So far recoveryranch.com seems to be the best place for treatment. But if anyone has other recommendations , please do let me know. THANK you <3
The P&P Center in Texas. It’s the place Dr. Phil sends people when they need dual diagnosis. Write him a letter..u might be surprised at the result. At the very least. . Look on drphil.com… it tells all about it. I believe it’s in Dallas TX. Hope this helps.
Hi Cynthia. I hope you find who you need for help. Try Teen Challenge USA (417) 581-2181. God bless you, I will keep you in my prayers.
Just a quick post to pass along condolences to the Boulter family. I realize that the snippet of time that’s a TV never shows it all; what I saw was a family desperately trying to save someone they loved. That kind of continual pain is something I empathize with, and I’m sad that Brooke’s struggle ended this way. I can’t even imagine what kind of pain the family is in, but know that there are many who send their support and good thoughts for everyone.
Brittany, your family did what they could. Please don’t burden yourself with guilt. Tough love is way better than abandonment. Your family was with her as much as you all could be. Addiction is very hard core on a family. I thought you all were very patient and very supportive. Live in her spirit and know that you truly did what you could.
She, Brooke will always be a part of you. She is in you, you are forever in her, forever and ever, amen.
God speed.
I am heartbroken over Brooke, she was one of the most memorable…………….it’s a shame she turned to meth after overcoming the pills…………my condolences…..
This is Brittany, Brooke’s twin. Brooke died and our family is forever broken. The show did not portray us in good light as I am well aware of how people felt about us. Yes, Brooke was in pain, she had been in and out of rehabs when we got to the point of the show. We were all at that tough love stage. We were all trying to force her to get help. Basically, a 45 min show cannot possibly tell the story of her abuse of drugs. Brooke turned to meth when the pills stopped working. She struggled with her addiction to pills for 14 years, in and out of jail, and rehabs. But it only took 10 months for meth to kill my twin. We are dying inside. Please pray for my family, no matter your opinion of us, we loved her so very much! And I will always miss her. I am a now a twinless twin. But I hold her beautiful soul in my heart always. She is no longer in pain and that’s what matters.
Brittany
Thank you for commenting Brittany. I’m so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. You’re right, we can’t possibly understand everything that’s happened in your family and what brought you all to the point of the intervention. We only get a small piece of the story and make judgments based on 45 minutes. I hope you find some solace in knowing that, despite all that, there are a whole lot of people out here who cared about Brooke and were praying for her. And we’re praying for you and your family now.
Brittany, I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a sister, especially a twin. I’m sorry that people were rude to you because of your portrayal on the show. Your family is obviously very strong and y’all will get through this together. We are thinking of you!
I hated the way people spoke about your family. When the show aired it was clear to me that Brooke was an addict. I am so sorry that people spoke so badly of you all for trying to save your sister. I am so very sorry for your loss, so sorry. Addiction is evil and an unfair disease. Deep down brooke seemed to be a very gentle and sweet soul. Hold on to that part of her.
I’m so sorry, Brittany. I did not think the show portrayed you in a bad light. Addiction is a horrible thing for the families…you did all you could. I truly hope you can find some peace. Much love to you.
For what it’s worth, I think the love you and your family had for Brooke was very, very apparent. I never agreed that any of you were being insensitive, you just didn’t know how to help her. That’s not your fault– you all did your best. The episode was one of the most touching I’ve seen, and I hope you realize how much it helped others to see Brooke’s story. I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you for the new year.
Brooke touched me because I too live with chronic pain. As of now, I am not an addict but I do take more than prescribed due to my body building up immunities to the pain medand it takes more to do the job. I have never been high, passed out or blacked out due to pain meds. I am sure that my liver is suffering from it but other than that I don’t see a problem. I have told my family that I would rather be dead than be a pain riddled invalid. I do what I have to, to have a somewhat normal life. I spend quality time with my husband, daughters, mother and grandchildren. I am not out running laps or doing cartwheels. I am still in pain, I take enough to make it tolerable. I would rather have some sort of life and die young than be amiserable, crying mess of an invalid. I was routing for Brooke to get better and find another way to deal with the pain but I also totally understood why she was like she was. God bless your pain free soul and God bless your family (I also know the pain of losing a child). Love and prayers for all.
I’m so sorry you’re in pain. I too have chronic pain. However, I do not abuse my med and take as little as possible because I want my liver to last me as long as I can. If it becomes a problem at any point then I will discontinue that pain medication so I can be a very old woman one day. I too have grandchildren and am very close to having one of them graduate high school. I want to be here to see his life unfold in the future, because I put a lot of love in that kid and I want the payoff to be spectacular!!! I’m very sorry that you can’t see past the pain but there are ways to deal with it. You’re right about the pain being increased as your body becomes accustomed to the dosage of each one. However, there are things you can do to help yourself without taking more meds. Rest. Heat on the injured area or pain center. I just had my pain meds reduced and it was really hard to deal with, but I got through it and my pain level isn’t any worse than it was before. I’m going to continue on this path until I have an adjusted pain tolerance level I can live with. Try it yourself and watch your family on earth instead of the view from underneath it. I wish you the best.
I just finished rewatching Brooks story. My heart went out to her. It wasn’t until I came back on here that I realized she passed…
My thoughts are with the family. It’s truly sad. I live with chronic pain also. I take Oxyneo for the pain. I have to openly admit I’m addicted, even though I don’t take much. That’s the problem with a lot of these pain medictations. You can get hooked quick, wether you want to or not. I go through withdrawals everyday. I push it as long as possible between doses, keeping myself in constant pain.
Living in constant pain is a horrible way to live!
I can see why people abuse these drugs. Or how they get a hold of you. I wish I had a choice though to get off them.
My doctor keeps on saying the pain won’t kill me…..
For anyone living with chronic pain I’m sure some days we wonder??
As a 22 year opiate (pain meds), I can tell you that once your dopamine receptors are damaged through opiate use, it makes your pain worse. I’ve struggled for years with drug abuse, and my story is far different to anyone’s on Intervention to date. Until addicts realize that we are damaging our brains..i.e. the “natural pleasure/pain zone” from use, we will prevent the vicious addiction cycle. I hope that in telling you this you will understand what is going on with your body..the more meds you take, the more you damage your brain and body. My thoughts are with you and those who lost their lives due to addiction.
I am so sorry for your loss Brittany. I am currently 27 and suffer from severe chronic pain and I could 100% sympathize with what Brooke was going through. I wish she had been able to find a support group of her peers that would have been able to help her and be more understanding of what she is going through (not that you weren’t understanding but you don’t experience pain everyday)I hope her story is able to be put out there on the dangers of trying to self-medicate. My prayers are with your family.
Brittany I was shocked to see the post on your sisters passing. I so hoped she would pull through. In my opinion you guys never came off in way other than a family who wanted a loved one to live longer. Tough love may look easy but it is not. It is oh so easy to be the outsider looking in saying what you would do, and being the one who has to look the person in the eye and say it. Eyes that show they are not long for this world at the rate they are going. To do nothing is terrible, no you and your family came off as saying you would not stare death in the face.
Prayers to your family and thank you for again sharing with the world your personal story.
Opiate addicts call methadone meth. It’s common knowledge when you’ve been around there. Here’s a post in bluelight of a guy naming his methadone meth: http://www.bluelight.org/vb/threads/455090-Gabapentin-(aka-Neurontin)-Mega-Thread-and-FAQ-s?p=7444982&viewfull=1#post7444982.
My guess is that after the pills stopped working Brooke hopped up on a methadone plan.
Another reason that makes me think that this meth is not crystal meth but methadone is that, statistically, the odds of overdosing on crystal meth are orders of magnitude lower than it is than overdosing on meth-methadone.
It just makes more sense that an opiate addict would upgrade their pill habit to methadone than to switch to a drug that as little pain killing effects, AFAIK.
Just my 2 cents here. May she rest in peace!
Brooke wasn’t on a methadone plan…..she was abusing crystal meth (as Brookes twin sister expkains, in the comments above). Yes, as many know, an amphetamine does NOT help ease physical pain, but when pain medications stop working for one reason or another, ESPECIALLY when someone abuses them by overmedicating, the abuser will switch to another drug, almost using it as a crutch to get over their original drug of choice. (In Brookes situation, that drug being opiates).
Take care, stay safe, and may Brooke rest in eternal peace.
I’m confused. Why is there a thread about Gabapentin when you’re talking about crystal meth or methadone? I get they’re talking about methadone in it but it’s primarily about the Gabapentin lol I have to take Gabapentin now it is classified as a controlled substance & harder to get & less Dr’s will write for it because of addicts wanting to abuse it. Thank God I’m diabetic & have neuropathy or else I wouldn’t get it for my anxiety. It is the only thing that has ever helped my anxiety. Benzos never did for years. Just made me tired. No dr will believe that they’re for anxiety except the original prescribing dr that gave them to me for anxiety.
Brittany please know that I as well as my family, did not think badly of your family. We completely understood why you said and did certain things as we have been through it quite a few times. We have several addicts in our family, some are in and out of jail, I’ve recently lost two uncles as a result of alcohol and drugs. I have one uncle left and thank god he has been sober for 2 years. When he was drunk I told him I didn’t want anything to do with him and I didn’t speak or see him for 4 years despite the fact he lives a mile away from my parents. We have done and said very similar things. Addiction affects the entire family and families who have never been through it will never understand. I get blank looks from my husbands side of the family if the topic is brought up. They have never dealt with the things I’ve seen and dealt with. It’s a good thing for them that they are lucky enough to not have these problems but hard for me because they don’t understand where I come from. Very sorry for your loss, truly I am. I always wondered about your sister because her story just stayed with me. I’m happy that she is at peace finally even if it means she’s no longer in physical form. Your family is not bad or mean, you did what you had to do to survive for your life, your families life, and your sanity. I understand you all and truly have empathy for what you went through and what you loss!
Brooke’s story is so similar to mine.Same disease,same pain,same things that she said and she was going through.Watching her episode made me THINK and scared me about what I was doing with my pain meds.I briefly abused them to find some relief,but as soon as I realized I was going down the path of addiction,I decided to flush them down the toilet and never take meds ever again.I prefer the pain and being crippled,than end up killing myself with drugs and tear my family apart.I want to thank Brooke for her example;she tried to beat her addiction and deal with the pain, and she has been as strong as she could.I’m sorry it didn’t work out,I understand why.Your story has been an eye-opener and will be my strenght during my battle with the disease.My thoughts and prayers go to her and her loving family every day.So sorry for your loss,brittany.
Brittany,
I saw that episode and was touched very much by your twin sister who was beautiful. Do not worry about how your family was portrayed and what people think. No one is able to judge your feelings and emotions during such a difficult and lengthy time. Addiction wreaks havoc on everyone involved and no one can know how they will feel or react unless they’ve personally been in YOUR shoes because even all families are different.
I will pray for you all (even though this is 3 years after your post) for continued strength and comfort. Let your memories of your beautiful twin be the ones before addition took hold of her life.
Brooke’s is in a special place in heaven. Poor girl was always in pain. May she rest in peace.
I am so sad to hear about Brooke. I just watched her episode for the second time last week and was looking for an update. This was not what I was hoping to find 🙁
So sad to see Brooke passed away. I pray she was clean.
Brook’s episode was just on the night before last
John C, i was hoping he would end up fine. I was truly worried about him. I hope his family is still in good health. I remember his mom had MS and dad was diabetic too, prayers to his family.
John C. died in September
Ryan from Season 9 died a few days ago
Wow. Way too many people lately. So terribly tragic.
Are you talking about Ryan the chef? https://intervention-directory.com/2011/10/16/episode-128-ryan/
Do you have any other details, or a death notice so I can confirm? Thank you.
It saddens my heart too see that these people have passed and I pray for their families..I pray God gives them some peace in their hearts. . There is on episode(can’t remember which or the name) but it was about a guy who was an addict.. if I recall he already had a sister and a brother die from the same issue..I know he worked at his dad’s company..bless his dads heart he was so devastated.. anyway I was curious if anyone remembered that one and knew what happened to him. .
That was Tyler, Season 7. https://intervention-directory.com/2011/12/23/episode-116-tyler/
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/obits/article/King-County-deaths-12-4-2014-5937488.php
I did some searching and cannot find any information about Nik Buckmaster. RIP 🙁
In Mastic, NY. I saw the man Donald who was a boxer who broke up with his grlfriend because he relapsed. He was in their early 30s in the show. A very nice troubled young man who didn’t find what he enjoyed in life. Anyways he looked ok. I think he was here to visit his kid. I had heard he went to Florida. I was going to befriend him but that would have led to hitting me up for money. Lets hope hes clean.
Anyone have information on Dallas? The only things I could find are the threads below. Last one is from her sister right after the show was shot.
http://www.ign.com/boards/threads/im-watching-intervention-right-now-and-its-too-real.250114498/
http://www.bluelight.org/vb/archive/index.php/t-384085-p-7.html
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110719174059AA5mXW6
Dizzy his last name was buckmaster.
Nik from season 5 just passed away this last Saturday. I grew up with nik he was a great guy and will be missed by all.
That’s terribly sad, I’m sorry for your loss. I was really rooting for him. Do you have a link to an obituary or anything?
Not yet, I guess he had a blood clot after some surgery.
Ok thanks Bruce. What was his last name? I should be able to find something eventually. I wonder if he was sober when he passed away.
Article and semi-recent update on Jennifer (Allson) of Arizona. She seems to be doing well; looking well; and more importantly, feeling well. Blessings!
http://m.eastvalleytribune.com/local/health/article_f0ef8e0a-6984-11e2-8a40-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=jqm
i recently spoke with Donny on Facebook (he was season 7 I believe). He is not clean, though he will tell you he is, he also will tell you he’s not working & scraping metal for money. We spoke on the phone and he was high, and I couldn’t understand him. He was mumbling his words and talking about people being after him. Quite sad because he seemed to be doing so well after the intervention.
Thank you for the update! I live nearby and enjoyed reading about her success. I am looking into volunteering with this organization as well.
Congrats Rebecca on your journey!
Idk….I think there is a difference between “conditional” love & enabling. Its a tough place to be…watching your addicted loved one spiral into the abyss because you love them or love them enough to make them help themselves. No judgment…just a conversation starter. What are your thoughts considering you have been through it?
Rebecca – it sounds like you feel your family’s love was conditional. That must be a horrible feeling 🙁
The thing is, you can LOVE someone, and not accept or support their behaviors/continued use. What does love have to do with paying for a car or giving them money for drugs (as we have seen in many cases on the show)?
Cutting off money, setting boundaries, and kicking someone out of the house makes the user recognize the consequences of their actions.
Guilt and co-dependency keeps people from getting the help they need. I don’t think anyone has said “I won’t LOVE you anymore if you don’t go to rehab”. It means they love you SO much, and they cannot continue to create an environment that keeps/kept you from getting clean.
You do not know me, but please know I will keep you in my thoughts and I am rooting for you! ((( HUG )))
Did it ever occur to anyone that the intervention could be the cause of some of the deaths? It can be seen as the final display of conditional love, as it was for me. My family held one over a year ago, and though I am doing absolutely great, I do not have a relationship with any of them. They communicated clearly that their love was dependent on my behavior. It has been a traumatic year dealing with that. I am certain that suicide would be tempting.
I’m not sure you understand the difference between love and enabling. A family can love and support a person and their recovery, without loving or supporting a destructive behavior or addiction. That isn’t conditional love. Saying they won’t do certain things including have anything to do with a person as long as they are using is not a sign of conditional love. It is simply allowing that person to reach their bottom. It is making their problem truly, their problem. It is often self preservation. Cutting themselves off from the consequences our actions have cause they aren’t only our consequences. They hurt everyone who loves us too. So those people sometimes have to step aside and let us pick ourselves up. It’s not a bad thing that they’re doing to us, at least not as long as they do it the way they do it in Intervention. If your family did something else and twisted the whole thing, that might have gone wrong, but the show actually has great odds of survival and they do a great job. They save lives. There is no conditional love taking place there.
Sounds conditional to me lol. Get sober or f*** off. When you set a condition for loving behavior, that makes that loving conditional. It might be wrong or right but it is definitely conditional.
I am sorry you.feel that way. I know everyones situation is different. My daughter Tiffany was 19 when we had hers from WV and her and l was just watching tv few hours ago. She said mom if you didn’t do that for me and stood your ground with me l would be DEAD now!!!! She has yr half clean is 3months pregnant with her second child she has a wonderful fiance she met at treatment that had convinced Sober Way to let her come back after a brief relapse and now her fiance and her moved back here to WV From AZ IN DEC both have jobs and getting ready move out get their own place she will be 23 this year and l honestly never thought she would of made it this far she was one of the worse of the worse in Heroin. U pray she continues this recovery. Tiffany Shaffer #181 episode l believe the girl that got to do her dream go to Haiti on a missions trip.
I’m so glad to hear Tiffany is doing so well. As a mom I just wanted her to get better. God has a plan for her. I hope she continues on her path in life.