FENTANYL KILLS: Douglas Watkins' Story - episode 113

A sister, Brooklyn Watkins, shares her story of losing her 27-year-old brother to illicit fentanyl in this documentary about the dangers of illegal drugs. To use this presentation at high schools or other educational applications, contact Texas Pictures through our website at www.texas-pictures.com.
Naloxone, the active ingredient in 4mg Narcan and higher dose 8mg Kloxxado, along with many generic versions, can reverse an opioid overdose if administered quickly enough. Some areas have Naloxone available for free. Google it.
In the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with a caring counselor.
Learn more about the dangers of illicit fentanyl at:
DEA - www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness
CDC - www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fent...
Fentanyl Fathers - fentanylfathers.org/
Texas Health and Human Services - www.hhs.texas.gov/services/me...

[@Mphscat]

What a well spoken young woman whose life will be forever altered by this crisis in America. Thank you Texas Pictures.

[@TexasPictures]

🤗

[@Baldo-sk2uk]

I’m still battling this disease keep me in your prayers please it’s a uphill battle for me

[@sonshinetres4541]

You can do it...don't give up!

[@Baldo-sk2uk]

@@sonshinetres4541 it’s been two weeks please keep me in your prayers 🙏

[@brooklynwatkins5998]

You are so incredibly brave and strong. Thank you for being so brave. I applaud you and am so proud of you. keep on going💛

[@jfaria77]

🍀🙏🏽

[@Mrsbooboo112]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ItsBrandonAllred]

Brooklyn does a great job keeping her composure and telling her brother's story. So tragic what's happening in the world today.

[@courtneymartin5587]

Brooklyn you did an amazing job telling your brother’s story. I have spent the last 8 years working in the field of opiate addiction and wish there were more family members like you. Keep his memory alive and thank you for sharing your stories and love for him with us.

[@gingerhart3584]

Amazing young lady to do an incredible job telling her story

[@emilyevans6989]

Brooklyn, if you see this. . . that was among the best presentations I’ve seen on this channel, and ALL of them are good. I think you have a real gift for expressing yourself. Please consider doing something in your life where you can help others, and yourself in telling the stories of these wonderful individuals who are STOLEN from all of us. (Please look up a writer/journalist named Melissa Moore.) Though your experiences are vastly different, she turns her hardship into something constructive. I’m sorry for you and your family’s loss. I’ll hold a good thought and a prayer for you.

[@windwarattack2300]

To this beautiful Alaskan woman...I am so sorry about the loss of your brother...my heart goes out to you and your family

[@killereverb3928]

You are an exceptional incredibly courageous intelligent young lady. I could not help but think your brother lost an amazing younger sister that loved him dearly. I’m so sorry for your loss, your entire families’ loss and indeed your brother’s loss too . I hope and pray for healing from losing your brother.

[@GentlRebel]

Brooklyn, you are so eloquent, well spoken and mature far beyond your years. I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. I’ve commented many times on this channel because I am a bereaved mom. Sadly I also lost my beautiful sister to addiction in 2017. So much of what you spoke of resonated deeply with me. The loss of a sibling is devastating and not as recognized as other types of loss in my opinion. You voiced it so well. Much love to you ❤

[@therosarylady]

It's OK. I watched both of my parents die within 5 short years after my little sister died. She split to California after they showed TOUGH LOVE and barely talked to her. Now she's dead, and so are they and I have no family. Being alone has made me sad and emotionally unavailable. I don't date, I don't do anything! Why??? It's so messed up. DON'T MESS WITH DRUGS.

[@ritamelendez9560]

So sorry for your loss. Love from Ireland

[@christinabrown3222]

I'm so sorry sweetheart. I, too, have lost both of my parents, and 3 of my sisters. Nothing will ever be the same. Stay strong...

[@MsAdventure531]

I heard your story. Life is so fragile. You’re here for a reason. Go towards the Light. Namaste 🙏🏼

[@sarahmottram3369]

❤

[@protectyourself33]

My heart aches with understanding. It's so hard to be truly alone. What is worse, trusting again and being disappointed? Or relying on the only person who never let you down?

[@user-xo7fl1fh7v]

Regret is something that only compounds your pain. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved brother. Remember the good things and that the love the two of you shared is always. Thank you for pointing out that because he passed from an overdose didn't mean he was just a "junkie" he was Douglas, your brother.

[@reginahaley3723]

Thank you so much for sharing your brother’s story. You are a very eloquent and articulate young lady. I am so sorry for your enormous loss. Positive thoughts of comfort and peace to you and your family.🥰🙏🏼💝Your story will definitely help other people.

[@gladyskravitzjr825]

I hate that we are going to keep hearing these testimonies until our lawmakers decide to step up and do something. My heart is broken for the families who are suffering 😭

[@chriswhiteman9231]

You can blame the law makers and drug companies til we are blue in the face…but sadly it’s the person and choices they make..he could have said no…drug addicts know the risks now a days ..you may as well buy a gun and play Russian roulette..where are the parents to tell his story??

[@tasha9198]

Prayers for the Family

[@alisonp3398]

I am astonished at the maturity and the eloquent way Brooklyn spoke of her brother and the fentanyl situation. I am so very sorry for the family that they had to suffer this loss. I’ve commented many times, but I’ll say it again, you guys keep telling these stories. I live in one of the most populated states in the US and people still don’t know about the fentanyl crisis when I mention it. Everyone, spread the word. RIP Douglas ❤

[@5campitis]

Brooklyn you are my hero!!!! God willing, I wish you peace while you navigate through these very complex emotions. I know my son Kooper, who died of a fentanyl overdose, never wanted this for his friends and family. I know your brother didn’t want this for you or family either. You are wise beyond your years and you are in my thoughts and prayers❤

[@lisakrieg3076]

What a handsome young man. So much potential if he had gone to engineering school. God rest his soul. Prayers for the family🙏✝️🕊

[@ritamelendez9560]

So, so sorry for your loss. Love from Ireland

[@wellwait4197]

I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it is for the parents to give these testimonies and she’s so brave to have done it. But there’s something about hearing from, what is still basically a child, that is so troublesome. She did a remarkable job and I’m just sorry that she had to, wanted to, do it. May this family find some form of peace. Whatever that looks like for them

[@milena7043]

So darn sad 😔.... Thanks for sharing Texas Pictures Documentaries. God bless you 🙏.

[@TexasPictures]

🤗

[@queencerseilannister3519]

What a beautiful young woman! You did amazing Brooklyn.

[@aminatafolabi1352]

So sorry for your loss 😢

[@clairegibson9365]

You guys are the best for doing this. Such a big part of the healing process. She’s a beautiful lady ❤

[@TexasPictures]

🤗

[@EleanorJessenlookalivesunshine]

113 stories is horrifying. :( it just makes me so sad.

[@lisasikes4801]

Thank you for sharing your brother's story. You are so very right when you said the law needs to do more & stop these dealers! I am praying for you & your family 🙏

[@sharonfisher9573]

Amazing heart felt emotion. My son has been in recovery from herion for over 8 years. I struggle with alcohol and depression. At times, I got it under control. When it's bad... Oh boy

[@starsharp3500]

Hang in there. One day at a time. You can do it ❤❤❤

[@amyhendricks3627]

Sharon I hope you are able to find the help you need and that it "clicks" with you. Hopefully with dual diagnosis center, or counselor. Wouldn't it be great for you to stand in recovery with your son! Best wishes to you ✨🙏✨

[@rickboer7715]

Your story brought tears and won't be in vain

[@people_watcher]

Such an intelligent well spoken young lady. Thank you Texas Pictures for continuing to bring us these stories and to bring awareness to the Fentanyl crisis. Rest in the arms of Jesus Douglas and continue to look after your sisters.

[@user-dq6hv5pl1g]

Such a well spoken,beautiful young lady. So sorry for your loss xx

[@trumpwon8064]

What a beautiful, sweet sister

[@garyh5541]

RIP Douglas! Prayers for all who love you! You have a wonderful Sister 🙏🙏🙏

[@stephs3597]

I’m so very sorry for your loss. It’s not your fault in any way. Your brother would have told you goodbye if he would’ve known he wouldn’t see you again. I’m sure he knew he was loved.

[@inthechairwithcloochy8102]

What a heartbreaking tale of loss. Brooklyn I too lost my beautiful brother and although the circumstances were different, there was addiction and such sadness in my brother. He was an amazing human being who was a high school teacher that has left such an unbelievable legacy and HE SHOULD STILL BE HERE!!! I know it doesn't seem possible now but it will get easier, it just takes time. Be kind and patient with yourself and forgive yourself and your family members for the behaviours that go along with grief. Your brother is going to live on your shoulder forever, I promise, so never stop talking to him. XOX From Ireland

[@modestinemungo4661]

Prayers for your family; Also on that note, not to seem harsh ..and I say this to everyone looking and listening to this: If you havr a problem, It does not matter where you try to move to.. you will meet that same problem whatever country or city 🏙 one moves to, You have to be strong enough and 🙏 asking God to helk you overcome whatever the problem maybe. God bless

[@lindawilson795]

Brooklyn thank you for sharing the story of your brother with us. I'm glad that you have many happy memories of him. Sorry about your brother passing away.

[@user-ch5hb7li8n]

RIH Douglas. Brooklyn, I pray for you and your family.

[@Zhana808]

Such a well spoken beautiful young woman. I know her parents are proud as they should be, they did a great job. It was nice to see her relive the beautiful memories she had with her awesome brother. I pray Brooklyn and her family continue to heal and be comforted. RIL Douglas 🙏❤️🕊️

[@patriciabarron3323]

Hi 🤗 I’m sorry for the loss of your brother🙏🏼 That’s a heavy bundle to unpackage for a young woman. Keep sharing your story to help humanize addiction and its severe consequences especially to your generation. God Bless🙏🏼

[@737winter]

I am so so sorry but you young lady TOTALLY get it, well said. Its a daily stuggle

[@mosaicowlstudios]

"During this story two more people will die" WOW, what a powerful inclusion for the intro to these stories.

[@ChronicGamer420]

Fly high Fly free Sending love to the family.

[@Mia-qi2mi]

It's the Drugs, not the person., it's genetics, it's environmental, it's stress, I don't know what to say, I have addiction and alcoholism, depression in my family. Brooklyn you are amazing person, I feel your pain.😢

[@MsAdventure531]

Are you in recovery? 12-Step program can turn your life around. I’m lifting you up in prayer. 🤲🏽

[@Mia-qi2mi]

@@MsAdventure531 hi, I don't have any addictions to drugs, I said it runs in my family ,so I'm very aware of the consequences. I have tried to help family members, but they have to want to get help themselves,Thank yo, god bless 😊🙏❤️

[@vp0617]

We have to start holding these police departments accountable for not doing their damn jobs.

[@jackiethibodeaux3696]

Rest in peace Douglas 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lisaashton2195]

Love to the family from uk

[@christiangirlforhumanity3853]

So sad😔 I am so sorry for the loss of your brother.🤍🙏

[@patchesblack7490]

I'm so sorry you lost your brother. Thank you for sharing your story. Prayers sent for your family 🙏

[@shweefranglais7900]

Beautiful testimony. So sorry for your loss.

[@denisesalles7248]

Sadly, the tech companies could care less, because caring means sharing ownership of today's issues. I'm sorry you lost your brother, and yes, I understand your loss.

[@patriciafarris4100]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear brother. You are right this is a crisis and nothing is being done about it. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

[@candycane1972]

May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with you and your family Brooklyn. So beautifully spoken, you did your brother proud.

[@JESSICAVARIAN]

I am very sorry for your loss.

[@rachelwayne4885]

You told your brother's story so beautifully. So much love to you ❤️

[@tinalib913]

My boyfriend died the exact same way in 2017. He took MDMA laced with fentanyl. Im so, so sorry for your loss. Hes still with you and hears you when you talk to him. Keep an open mind and look for the signs he leaves you. He doesnt want you to carry any guilt or regret over his death. Theres nothing you could have done. You're right. You shouldn't have lost him. I shouldn't have lost my boyfriend either. Use that emotion and keep doing what you're doing. Educate others. You have the gift of voice. Use it! That's what he wants you to do. Don't worry, that person who gave him the pills will get their karma. Believe it. ❤🙏

[@edc9864]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Keep up the fight. 🙏 💔

[@YAH-1]

RIP Douglas Watkins 😞 🙏🏾💙💐

[@Whippy99]

Brooklyn, you have done your brother, your family and yourself proud. No one chooses to become an addict. There should be no more judgement than there is for any other health condition. I wish you good health, fortune and peace. Best wishes from the UK ❤

[@tuesday586]

What a beautiful young lady Blessings to you and your family

[@marylivingstone9815]

I’ve watched several of these videos and one thing I notice is that many of these people die because they thought they were taking Xanax or some other sedative, but it was actually fentanyl or fentanyl laced. And the person narrating the story glosses it over like it was perfectly normal for their relative to be popping Xanax. Even though sedatives are highly addictive. But they are prescription, so legitimate. And likely the parents have or are using them too. So maybe young people need to be taught to cope with their anxiety in a healthy way. Getting angry over drug trafficking which will never be solved and hasn’t for decades isn’t working.

[@akitalady]

The addict dies immediately; the surviving families and friends die a little each day because of the awful choices their loved one made. Sorry for your loss.

[@karlaplascencia7998]

What a sad story. May your brother rest in peace.

[@kristyann9641]

What a beautiful girl. Sorry for your loss.

[@robinsimmons1526]

Praying for the families grateful heart giver peace ✌🏾

[@kmorris2238]

💔

[@andreaschreck653]

Thank you so much for sharing this heartbreaking story. So sad for your loss. Love and light to your brothers soul and to you and your family❤

[@GEC416]

Thank you for your story. your brother seemed so nice, I would have liked to meet him bc I am like he was as I like to talk to people too and find out their stories of life. I am so sorry you lost your best friend over one pill. These stories are gut wrenching and nobody in gov't or the police don't seem to care. If it was a disease killing people they would be going crazy trying to find a cure. My idea is to try to find out what people are giving others a deadly pill and charge them with manslaughter. Something has to hit them hard or this will never stop.

[@hortenciac878]

Prayers for your family and all the other families going through the same situation.

[@kimberlysmith7311]

❤ Love all the things that his sister said. It's so true too that people tend to stereotype people addicted to drugs, and people who get addicted are all different types of people just like anything else, with different backgrounds and life stories. Wish there was a way to let others know that even though we are separate, on a deeper, truer leval we are all one. We are at our deepest level all the same consciousness, and what affects one affects all.❤😊 If your reading this and your struggling don't give up before the miracle, and hope you let someone lead you back home. We all have the same home inside, a place of peace, joy and love for life. We just get lost sometimes. I should know. ❤😂 sending love via the invisible strings that connect us all.

[@nikitiam6568]

I’m sooo sorry for your loss. I could feel her pain thru the screen. 🙏🏾🙏🏾😇

[@user-sk2cc7jg1y]

I tell my kids, "if you are taking a pill not prescribed by a doctor, you are playing Russian roulette with your life." There is no such thing as experimentation anymore. The cartels don't care what happens to. Go work out, watch a movie, or read a book. Don't hang out with so-called friends who want you to try illicit drugs. They are not your friends.

[@christinelapping7903]

People became addicts through prescription drugs, barbiturates in the 1960s and then most infamously, oxycontin, massively overprescribed by doctors.

[@karliann1]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Brooklyn you are strong for sharing this.Your brother sounds like an amazing person.

[@littleredtoasterbox]

Sweet girl, please don’t be down on yourself for not saying goodbye! You didn’t know it was going to happen. I am so terribly sorry for your loss! I’ve lost some amazing people to fentanyl and it’s extremely painful. Brooklyn, you’re very well-spoken, you’re beautiful, and you’re incredibly intelligent for a young woman your age. I give you and your family my most sincere and deepest condolences. ❤️ Please remain strong! Sending love!!!

[@brooklynwatkins5998]

Thank you so much. you are so, so kind💛

[@sandyhodge8081]

Beautiful testimony for her brother . Prayers to this young girl. Note: They shouldn’t allow alcohol commercials on the channel.

[@xlkarma8446]

Nothing but love 💗

[@kristennelson2480]

Drugs don’t discriminate….there’s doctors nurses etc in rehab and were stealing medicine from the hospital, nurses stealing the doctors prescription pads and writing their own prescriptions Also, I don’t know one person that have been addicted to drugs that didn’t have a mental health issue…it makes you escape life

[@kianhu]

So sorry for the loss of your brother 😢

[@MyMiMi1969]

💞

[@kateschroth3304]

Prayers to his Family and Friends. My Condolences

[@Diaperdonnie]

Mike Johnson has a bill on his desk to sign. But he’s a coward because Trump told him not to sign it. Would help Biden to get re-elected. So there ya Trump lovers. That’s you’re messiah

[@kathymorris4553]

I’m so sorry you lost your big brother. He looked like a very nice guy. I’m so angry all this fentanyl is coming into our country and destroying lives of so many. I bet your big brother would be so proud of his little sister.

[@janeporter818]

🙏🙏❤

[@JasonBrown-dd7dj]

So sorry,this is so wrong on every metric,firstly your country should do far more to stamp this out.Schools should educate better and no opiod/opiate should be prescribed in the usa to chronic pain Patients.Three generations of young people since sacklers introduced oxycontin.So sorry for your loss wish i could take a fraction of your pain away.

[@TheIddieMorris]

🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️💔💔💔😢

[@andydurbs]

Wise young lady 💪🏻, trust in God ❤️

[@brandip77]

“People with addiction, had a life before addiction, and can have one after.” This young lady conveyed her brother’s life so articulately. When I see people make comments that imply that they don’t care about addicts, my heart hurts because these are people who were mostly duped. Duped by big pharma, a dealer who gave them a deadly concoction instead of whatever they asked for, and a society this doesn’t seem to take this epidemic seriously. My condolences to this family, and everyone grieving the loss of someone they love. 🙏🏾💔

[@AICMasta]

God Bless you and your family Brooklyn.. Psalm 39:12 - 12 "Hear my prayer, O Jehovah, Listen to my cry for help. Do not ignore my tears. For I am but a foreign resident to you, A traveler passing through, just like all my forefathers." At any time of the day, God’s worshippers have the ability to approach the “Hearer of prayer,” who can help us to cope with distressing feelings and circumstances. (Psalm 65:2) The Bible urges us to pour out our hearts to him: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.”​-Philippians 4:6, 7.

[@deniseblackburn33]

I’m sorry

[@deniseblackburn33]

😢😢❤

[@patriciasams7105]

🙏💙💖

[@keciavasconez3736]

I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor & 15 years in recovery. It is so different now. Addiction is a disease, just like diabetes, cancer, asthma. No different, addiction is a chronic relasping disease. We treat our addiction by abstinence, meetings, sponsorship, service work & GOD. Brooklyn you are healing as you tell you brother's story. Forgiveness is difficult, I will pray for your family. My mother was alcoholic & died by suicide on my 8th birthday. This was in 1973 Los Angeles. Accecc to care, especially postpartum depression and psychosis. Abba Father, You are the mender of broken hearts, every tear shed is stored by You. You promised to never leave us nor forsake us. &B;our love iove Is PERFECT❤❤❤❤❤ addiction and those who love them.❤😂🙏🏽

[@MrPlatani]

I'm so sorry for your pains.

[@sandraward116]

..has a parent who tried real hard to keep/get her children out of drug/alcohol environments it doesn't matter if they are determined to stay in it...😶..

[@theresaangle9611]

Don't do drugs!

[@MicheleBrooks6]

People aren’t going crazy about this issue because it hasn’t touched their lives.

[@staciejones04]

If someone poisona your food, they will get in trouble. If you die they will go to jail. Why is given a person a pill with poison the same thing if somebody poison your food I’m sure they would have an investigation who put the poison in your food, but I can’t figure out, why they don’t investigate who put the poison in the drug it’s like they don’t care cause it’s not their kid and it’s just another drug addict. That’s what they think I don’t think they care because it’s not their kid

[@marydiaz6205]

😢pop😅 18:04 😅

[@Move2913]

Mais dans quel enfer vivons-nous ? Que se passe t'il ? Que les politiques prennent leurs responsabilités et fassent ce pourquoi ils ont été élus, servir le peuple et ses enfants. Amérique, tu sombres et tu traites tes enfants comme s'ils n'avaient aucune importance. Quelle colère j'ai...

[@Tyson13797]

Why is it alway's America's fault ?

[@mobaysparta7476]

Fenty casualties smh

[@ellenhaas3769]

Addicts are selfish. He made his choices, no one held a gun to his head. He swallowed the fentanyl. Don’t minimize trauma that he endured. Trauma results in addiction. Walk in truth.

[@gtilusso2101]

The OBiden admin kills. 😢

[@melghig]

This past Monday my brother took something that was laced with fentanyl and was in the ICU for 3 days and almost died. I am so devastated but so grateful that he is still here with me. I can't stop crying hearing your story because I've been thinking of that exact scenario the last 4 days. I feel so deeply for you and your loss. You are right, there is such a stigma, but my brother is smart like yours... I never thought this would happen to him. Thank you for sharing your story. Fentanyl is so malicious and evil and I pray your story will make a far reaching impact and save lives.