He Was a Drug Cop. Then His Daughter Overdosed on Heroin.

Kevin Simmers is a former police sergeant in Hagerstown, Maryland. During his tenure as a narcotics officer, he vehemently pursued drug arrests. “I believed my entire life that incarceration was the answer to this drug war,” Simmers says in a new documentary from The Atlantic. Then his 18-year-old daughter, Brooke, became addicted to opioid pain pills.
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[@loreenamcgrath4278]

Wasn’t until his daughter died did he realize drug addicts need help. Not to be chased down like dogs.

[@businesslady7840]

👏👏👏👏

[@mangoseatfruit]

Loreena McGrath I think he had said that he put her in 6 different rehab facilities first

[@billybob-rc5pc]

Wrong very wrong

[@armagedon0264]

Yeah a little too late look at how tjey done my people.......fuck it lock them up. If it was good enough for everybody else its good enough for them. No mercy shown no mercy given.

[@jleighbo]

Sometimes lessons in life come from death and loss. Be thankful if you learn without having harsh reality teaching you. Be humble. If it took his daughter to lose her life for him to fulfill her Dream of saving others female addicts his daughter did not die in vein but died so many could have a chance to live. Change your fucked up perception and be a better person, life goes fast. Blink and you’ll be 60 before you know it.

[@lulun3724]

“ It happened in the Black community for years, and we did not do anything about it” That’s a powerful and very true statement. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@larrytate1657]

The crack epidemic?

[@larrytate1657]

Heroin is the white mans drug. I worked in a rehab.

[@odetothemasses]

Larry Tate No drug is designed for a specific race

[@dp7047]

The crack epidemic

[@miguelplascencia6093]

Actually black people do crack and white people do heroin

[@Bandojunkieexplore]

This broke my heart, I was an addict for 6 years, but God willing come August 13th I’ll have a year clean💯🙏🏼

[@mimitinah4601]

Keep up the good clean life 💞

[@internetlexi]

Keep going! I believe in you 💞

[@cadds8055]

Don’t worry man all of this could have been avoided if you didn’t start, loser lol 🤣

[@internetlexi]

@@cadds8055 as a human being, I don't claim you

[@cadds8055]

@@internetlexi yeah and as a human being that worked hard we don’t want addicts near our children guess your fine with that 🤣😂

[@amycross5341]

When he said “I did everything wrong here, man.” Wow, soul crushing. It is so true too, punitive action won’t work, but rarely does the model of rehabs and 12 step meetings we have now either. I’ve seen medication work, I’ve seen it fail too, but it’s the closest thing to getting people some semblance of a life. Also, what the hell was that heroin cut with to make the other woman’s arms like that? What she said was true too, no one wants to be doing this, no one wants this misery. My heart goes out.

[@DoctorChained]

Heroin is never pure in the street. Also, addicts reuse needles many times.

[@elhefe6029]

Yeah that was probably from reusing needles but I agree I've been around needle users (I smoked it, I live in cali and we get brown powder that turns into black tar when you breath on it) and I've never seen arms like that..

[@ryan8430]

I seen on the east coast they cut it with xylazine a horse tranquilizer, whatever is used to make it causes abscesses

[@mjmartinez3244]

#Facts This is so sad, I imagine his decision haunts him everyday.

[@ashleymeggan]

THIS.

[@TheJennnq]

It takes bravery to admit that you were wrong. I'm so glad he's trying to help.

[@clutchz4009]

Wow he is strong

[@crystalclear9747]

TheJennnq Please that POS ex cop didn't feel nothing until it happened to someone that looks like him. That's how alot of "white" people are!! I feel nothing for these people when karma catches up to them. They deserve it!

[@vornamenachname2727]

@@crystalclear9747 You are right, he even admitted it later on. But we should be empathetic. He didn't think he was wrong and no one in his environment as well, so he went unchallenged in his assumptions until then. It's deterministic math. And another deterministic equation is that people listen more if you are nice. And damn that is hard. Trying to keep it together when someone spews bullshit at you is though and I personally have my problem with aggression, but if we can't do simple organization and follow standard debating rules we lose and the day keeps on going.

[@AmbyJeans]

Vorname Nachname Thank you for articulating this!

[@adelaidemarie]

M Detlef giving his pennies isn’t what helps.

[@TheMadsVolta]

He’s describing exactly why incarceration doesn’t work. “If they had a lot of crack great if they have a little fine... I just wanted to have an arrest I just wanted to have a body...” They see addicts as criminals and as just another number, instead of seeing addiction for the mental illness it is.

[@kevinlynch9438]

Madison Potter Madison Potter..... I'm from the uk & fighting this battle with addiction TODAY, just like everyday ! But we were told that America was 20 years ahead of the U.K. When it came to addiction being classified as a disease , illness ?!?! Looks to me like it's mucssh the same?? I don't sell drugs, I buy them! But the sentencing in the USA for dealers is 3 or 4 times longer than here!!! One of my cities biggest Heroin & Coke dealers got 8 years, he will do 5 at most, but the guy is a multi millionaire ....... Shit I'd do 5 years in prison for what this guy made in a year!!! It's all wrong, whoever said crime doesn't pay was the biggest criminal on earth!!??? Probably a cop or in politics ???

[@daniellemarie2625]

Madison Potter For some people incarceration is not the answer. For others, it is the only way. After 20 years clean, my roommate relapsed on meth and went to prison. During that time, her daughter got married and had a baby. Grandma missed out because of her incarceration. Because she missed out on those important events, she made the decision to stay clean upon release and started working at a rehab facility. (Very gutsy decision, but good for her.) She enrolled in college for the first time and after many years, graduated as a licensed substance abuse counselor, is currently the director at a rehab she used to be a client at, and is now working on her Masters degree. As a detox RN in Indianapolis, I help others who are detoxing from heroin and alcohol. More often than not, these patients walk in, voluntarily seeking help. Once they choose to admit, we cannot allow them to leave for their own safety. When they first walk through the doors they are all smiles because they feel well and motivated...Most of them use in the parking lot just prior to admission, therefore are not detoxing yet. We give them detox meds as well as meds for their symptoms as best as we can so the process is as safe and comfortable as possible. After the first day many patients tell me that if they had the choice to leave the facility, they would because of how miserable they are as they are experiencing withdrawals. (Again, we try to help them the best we can, but unfortunately there’s not a pill for everything.) There have been a number of other times I have been attacked (concussed) because I cannot, by law, allow them to leave nor give them more Ativan or Suboxone for their withdrawal symptoms. They can’t even accept a safe detox from me and choose to get aggressive. What is the answer at that point? I agree with you, incarceration is not for everyone, but unfortunately for others it’s the only way to start. Maybe if there were better programs within the correctional system, it would serve those people who need that mandatory structure better. Thoughts?

[@tormentedsoul7852]

This is the truth... the cold hard truth. People don't want to except that. It is easier to look at these individuals and say they are hopeless, they are worthless, and they should be locked up.

[@250mikkii]

The arrests are like a drug to him he was hooked on the glory from the Co workers at the station very sad he had to learn this way 😢😢😢😢

[@AP-ge3ud]

@@laroncolton2047 bless your heart we will keep you in continued prayer.

[@mollyjordan9629]

Poor baby.. she was so beautiful, so young, addiction doesn’t care... prayers for those stuck in active addiction right now. ❤️

[@user-jq9oo2tx8i]

I was a Heroin addict for 45 years. Now, I have been clean for 36 years. Unfortunately, I relapsed last night on my 98th birthday. Sadly, someone laced my supply with Fentanyl. When I realized what had happened, I called 911 for Narcan but EMS arrived to late and despite all their life saving efforts, I was pronounced dead on my living room recliner with that empty syringe hanging out of my arm. 🥺😭

[@based_mediumchungus1788]

@@user-jq9oo2tx8i If you're 90+ years old, using H isn't a relapse. It is a reward.

[@wendygurley6739]

As a parent of a drug addict this just broke my heart. So many years waisted on trying to help her . She has lost 3 children she can't stop.Its horrible to see your child ruining their lives

[@foreversarah]

You should never treat any time spent helping your child as time wasted. Every failed attempt at sobriety is one step toward overcoming addiction. And while an addict may never find success in sobriety, they should be able to find support in any attempt they make toward it. Sorry that you're dealing with this.

[@lovelocked5385]

Pray for her and don't blame yourself. Keep hoping in God and his saving power 🙏

[@glutenfreesandwich]

I'm a child of a woman and man who struggle like your daughter. My mom lost 4 children to the foster system and my father lost 4 children to the foster system. Reconnecting with my siblings has been successful for the most part, and we have all ended up somewhat okay. My toddler little sisters got adopted by a very kind woman. My mother got clean, thankfully. She had to make that decision for herself, and thankfully she is a strong-willed woman. But she had to hit rock bottom first. I watched my grandparents ruin themselves trying to help my father. The best thing you can do is go completely no-contact, even if that means risking never seeing or hearing from your daughter again. I'm so sorry to hear that you have to go through this.

[@wendygurley6739]

@@foreversarah time wasted is time she didn't do anything good for herself. She's in serious danger with her addiction. Everyone she took off I imagined her laying in a gutter. She rejected every attempt I gave her to help her!

[@bofad6074]

@@glutenfreesandwich Thats terrible advice, if you care about someones life. Heroin is just so dangerous now that I can't imagine caring more about my tv being stolen then my childs life. Get them on maintenince and make sure they stay on it. Even/Especially if they relapse. Maintinence prevents physical withdrawal so even if theyre still trying to get high 24/7 they are MUCH less likely to do crazy things for money. Honestly its crazy, suboxone has plenty of issues but the quality of life it brings back and just the safety from overdose is way, WAY to important to dismiss. And it isnt insanely expansive, with insurance, without any kind of help the generic pills can sell at small mom and pop pharmacys for 2$/pill so 60-120$ on top of a Dr's appt. I have 4 years on Suboxone, and Ive had issues. But I havent pawned anything, I havent stolen, I havent done Heroin in 4 years, and I've seen the same thing happen to so many other hopeless addicts ive lost count. Sure being completely off opiates is great, but when just one slip up can easily cost you your life, I just don't think its worth it. Atleast not after years without getting high

[@whitney1147]

I applaud this man for admitting his wrongs and stating the TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!

[@orderinprogress3954]

@NonGmo1 false evidence?? What are u talking about? Drug possession is evidence, and it was and still is(weed) illegal in most of America.

[@TheGiuse45]

@NonGmo1 he never admitted to planting evidence or making a false arrest, he just said he loved arresting drug addict. Doing anything for it could have ment just patrolling a drug riddled neiborhood

[@finnyjoseph7050]

Why, it's an easy thing to do.

[@TheMindIlluminated]

MaPorcaTrotaATutti Saying he enjoyed arresting drug addicts is just as bad. I do not feel any pity for this man, for all the suffering he probably caused others.

[@jbridges4530]

whitney. tyson yes thank you

[@chriswilliges2358]

I admire the fact that he was man enough to tell his story. My heart goes out to you and your family.

[@Juniper122]

whatever bro thats nice and everything but this dude didnt learn before it was too late. RIP Brooke. Its just sad he was so giddy to bust people and letting his family go by the way side

[@samfoley8106]

@@Juniper122 it seems pretty common that kids of cops tend to become just as bad as the people who they arrest. It's too bad he learned that the war on drugs is doing more harm than good too late.

[@boujiebarbie3198]

Exactly. This can't have been easy to hear from your own child much less to tell to strangers about your child.

[@Juniper122]

@@samfoley8106 RIGHT!

[@AmbyJeans]

Kenzie Part of the problem is that they're seen as "bad" rather than people who need help

[@omgwtfnvm_idc924]

Addiction never fully goes away; it's hard for non addicts to realize this.

[@georgeburge7136]

That is the living truth. 10 years clean. Every time I see a scene in either a movie or documentary of blood being drawn back into the hypodermic and mixing with the beautiful brown fluid and followed by the plunge it gives me a feeling of euphoria and despair. Despite overdosing and throwing away my career. it still haunts. Cautious everyday.

[@zzzz-sf5lr]

It's a lifelong battle to stay alive every day is a struggle of the mind and body and only those with heart stay here

[@darlahkelley9800]

Friend died from Heroin 11 20 2010 Rest In Peace My Friend

[@user-jq9oo2tx8i]

04/07/21 I was a Heroin addict for 45 years. Now, I have been clean for 36 years. Unfortunately, I relapsed last night on my 98th birthday. Sadly, someone laced my supply with Fentanyl. When I realized what had happened, I called 911 for Narcan but EMS arrived to late and despite all their life saving efforts, I was pronounced dead on my living room recliner with that empty syringe hanging out of my arm. 🥺😭

[@KETOQUEENINC]

Im glad he acknowledged how black addicts are treated. Many of them die and noone is doing documentaries.

[@biboebbs624]

papyrus p wow uR sO eDgy

[@michaelpizzo92]

@@jonathanhellberg3732 not only due to her own actions. Drug prohibition is the root cause of nearly all overdoses. If illicit drugs were legal in some form nearly 100,000 people a year wouldn't be overdosing in the USA.

[@michaelpizzo92]

@jorge alberto ospna How is that false? Countries like Switzerland who have made legal pathways for obtaining safe drugs have seen dramatic decreases in overdoses. The reason overdoses happen mainly is that illegal drugs are impure, potency is unknown, and help and information is withheld from addicts. All three of these factors are immensely improved with a form of legalization.

[@unaninanine3743]

So noone is stopping you from doing as many as you wish...

[@mjohnson1741]

Wow I've not heard 1 white person acknowledge this about the discrepancy in how minorities and whites are treated for drug addictions.

[@mickboi6423]

This is so sad man.. I was a heroin addict for 5 years and started off with percocets and moved on to heroin very quickly. I overdosed a couple times and was very close to death one time and was hospitalized for 2 weeks.. I’ve lost countless friends from this but have been clean now for almost 3 years..

[@emmarose9174]

Stay strong .. addiction is a demon

[@businesslady7840]

👏👏👏💞

[@jimmyperez9183]

Keep on going I'm still fighting my demons

[@ailinseah3190]

Keep going don't give up

[@mickboi6423]

Thanks you guys means a lot!

[@Paul_Michael]

Heroin addiction actually destroyed my life. I started doing drugs since my teenage, got addicted to heroin. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@CARIBBEAN_365]

Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.

[@DonnHowes]

Hey! Yes Dr.benfungi

[@TomSanders-qv8bv]

Yes he's Dr.benfungi.Shrooms to me is a natrual healer. I know a guy who has used mushrooms in the same way and they have really helped him. mah dudes have safe trips all.

[@LuisaSweden-rf3ke]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He is 59 & has so many mental health issues plus probable CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD know if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@ChristopherEric-fr8im]

From my experience it really works excellently! It doesnt even need to be a full hit. With potent shrooms 2-3 small ones will still make a difference. It will be a few hour cosy rumbling arount in bed time, not being able to sleep with a brain in full gear and some color effects on the walls but afterwards its just calm and you feel amazing and gain your freedom. Psilocybin is different dudes, its the only "treatment" I would recommend to someone who genuinely wants to get better. There is no addiction, withdrawal, or negative side effects. It's just pure healing., far more effective than any anti-depressant. You can thank me later

[@johnblack9316]

As a recovering opioid addict, Im on day 34, I give mad respect to this guy. To come on here and fully admit everything he did was wrong, how he was sucked into the systems beliefs and it cost him his daughter. Imagine living with that. Jesus christ. God bless you man, I know you'll probably blame yourself but you did what was in your blood and you did it to try and help. It was all you knew. Rest in peace now Brooke.

[@cryptocurrency7846]

On some real shit this made me tear up, I was addicted to heroin for ten years and by the grace of god I am 4 months sober , some are not so lucky 😪🙏

[@carriesmith4308]

Crypto Currency congrats on the sobriety! You must be a strong person to overcome that

[@austingode]

Crypto Currency Keep clean brother ... stay at it and fight

[@nodnarb6171]

Crypto Currency 10 years bruh

[@yngsavage6883]

Prayers up to you brotha💪💯 my moms is 4 years sober jus keep your strong mindset and you can make it thru I saw it right before my eyes

[@irisbd3300]

Congrats!💙 it’s SO worth it!!

[@andyshelly3473]

the drug war is a war on people , this is a medical social problem , people need help not punishment

[@crand20033]

But the can't be helped anyway. Once addicted, always addicted.

[@SherLizz]

Only now with white kids it has become a disease...

[@ottotheweinerdog676]

@John Anderson Strange, you have so much hatred towards the white man. Yet you wear western clothing, speak a Germanic language, and follow customs and Norms of our culture. Your ignorance gladdens my heart. 🐺

[@geneveenash8512]

@steve b Is your middle name STUPID. Go get an education in the matter, or better yet, maybe you want a loved one to die. Your level of ignorance should be locked up.

[@ramsdellcp]

there is a new criminal reform bill being signed today by trump. it is sweeping. huge progress. the best progress. believe me.

[@srhbluerain]

Props to this dude for being so open and honest. So sorry for your loss.

[@devonmoats3629]

I personally knew Brooke and she was the sweetest soul I knew.. she didn’t deserve to go so young. But I know she’s smiling from above to know she’s making a true difference for women struggling with drugs/alcohol

[@melancholic_goose]

Police should not have the mentality of 'I wanted to make an arrest.' If it never happened to someone he loved he would still have the same mindset on drugs.

[@jeremybeau8334]

He diden't wanted to arrest just anybody. He wanted to arrest blacks, asians, latinos and minorities to protect "his people" wich color you think are they?

[@FireMinstrel]

Clearly he's got some anger issues if he's so obsessed with PUNISHING people like he was.

[@briangriffin5359]

America is a simple minded society. Almost everything is seen in a good guys vs. bad guys mentality. It leaves no room for nuance or more sophisticated solutions to complex problems. It's like a zero tolerance policy. And cop culture in America is even dumber.

[@kaylawalker8615]

At least he was humble enough to admit his wrongs and try to change and do better. A lot more than most people can say about themselves.

[@Magna_Carta5]

@@FireMinstrel I'm no saying it's all of them, but unfortunately those jobs attract those types of people. I went to LEO training after the Army, I didn't finish though, I lost my taste for it quickly. An instructor once said during threat assessment training, when asked "What if we shoot someone innocent?" He answered "Always aim center mass, dead men tell no takes."

[@nataleedenlinger635]

i feel like it’s hard to understand someone else’s circumstance unless it happens to you

[@gilmargiron9171]

CHANGE OF HEARTS. WHEN ONE OF YOURS IS ON THE OTHERSIDE.

[@GLORYNEVADASMITH]

" Under peaceful conditions the warlike man attacks himself " - Nietzsche

[@danieln3792]

And he's not done yet. Remember now he's really going to start helping people. What a total joke of a human. Makes me sick just thinking about his type.the police its right in there nature to help people. If ruining there future with records and what not when all the person needs is help. Not to plainly b attacked by the ones closet witch lucky for her was her father a true pig.a.k.a. cops themselfs. That poor girl never had a chance.

[@tstan9713]

*"sets upon......"

[@GLORYNEVADASMITH]

steve b - It is completely disheartening to have observed , for fifty years , this Government has been obsessed with looking up rectums for drugs , while China built the future and Middle East potentiates bought the future . For this country , Did the NSA , The FBI , The CIA and The DEA do their job right ? Hell No ! But they did do great for Middle East Autocrats and China .

[@xJanx1000]

@Alvaro Rodriguez Gomez Its from "Beyond Good & Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future".

[@KeeTweets]

Gary S. Seth good observation. The US IS behind, because of a fake war on drugs. China took advantage of that distraction and used that time to its benefit

[@bigwesley93]

" I wanted to make a arrest,i wanted to have a body."-Former Police Sergeant

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

Ext Clipz and by having that mindset he lost his daughter:(

[@shawno448]

What a douche

[@xXxGordO241xXx]

@mpg it's got EVERYTHING to do with it, Took his daughter to die to finally understand addicts need help not to be chased and tackled and arrested and withdrawal in a cell with no help . Karma

[@ryanjung4416]

@mpg literally the point of the video

[@biggwillbeats4384]

Karmic ‼️ Amerikkka

[@anitapiotrowski7513]

You did the best you could at the time with the information at hand. My son suffers with SUD substance use disorder and I have second guessed many of my decisions. Your daughter would be very proud of the beautiful tribute you are creating in her name 💜

[@itsmahsa2541]

It’s a cruel world. Everyone is suffering in one way or another. My heart breaks for her dad and step mum, and for Brook who had to go through all that 😢

[@jessecumbee6156]

Feel terrible for her father. Can tell he lives with so much Guilt

[@anaangel5434]

True, hopefully he'll overcome feelings of guilt. He wanted to help his child, but things went differently.

[@asafaust6774]

Now he is in a position to help others. This will help him to heal and recover from some of his guilt.

[@jovannyflores1216]

good.

[@caseydykes117]

He genuinely though he was doing the right thing too which is even more heartbreaking

[@travelingjohn69]

I don't. As a Black person he treated my people like animals. It humbled him out and made him see the war on drugs is racist.

[@Mus1c1luv]

Agonizing, painful, and important. I appreciate this family's honesty and courage.

[@truthgiant7801]

NO RESPECT. If his daughter didn't die he would still be looking at people of color as animals and not humans who need help. He is the face of the problem of police officers murdering and treating people of color like animals that need to be locked away and put down. How many lives did he ruin by locking people of color up just because... "I didn't care, I just wanted an arrest that day." To hell with him and his dead kid. YEAH KARMA.

[@whotelakecity2001]

yeah, what giant said, let them have some of their own medicine now

[@poopiepantsmcgee456]

Very honest. Terribly sad.

[@maryann7941]

@@truthgiant7801 seriously? When did he say that he looked at blacks like animals and not humans? Your lack of empathy just shows what kind of "human" YOU are...yet you want pity?...😒

[@dumuzidthemighty9377]

Truth Giant his daughter is dead and his eyes are open, he's done something to help drug addicts, have you done anything of this magnitude for your people?

[@alexanderbreglia7282]

I'm grief stricken for all the heartache I gave my parents who were born in 1939 still alive and never even tried drugs. They were from another era than me.

[@lindslawr]

Oh wow. My heart goes out to this man. He thought he was doing the best thing for his daughter. He just didn’t know. I’m glad he at least got some sober time with his daughter before she passed. God bless this family I pray for their healing.

[@albatraoz7045]

He didn't know because he didn't care to educate himself until it happened to someone he loved. He was happy to find drug addicts to arrest them. He was happy there were people afflicted with a medical condition so he could arrest them & feel powerful. Welcome to the predictable consequences of bad parenting by criminalizing his daughter's medical issues.

[@KeeTweets]

Unraveling why someone is sedating themselves is the key to recovery.

[@Yaya-mg8sb]

Love & Light finally a comment worth reading.

[@aaronwilliams720]

Yes

[@wonderwoman6019]

Not always emotional or psychological either! Some PHYSICAL ailment, such as undetected infection or deficiency! But our medical system needs help too!! Wake up and acknowledge many patients you have to go beyond you limited lab testing!

[@leciawade9167]

Surrender is the key

[@amenra4786]

Amen amen amen. I’ve never touched anything stronger than weed and I’m aware of why I smoke! It’s the saddest truth I’ve read

[@pleaseclap3335]

It's a shame and it's depressing that his daughter had to die in order for him to get it. Treating addicts like social pariahs, locking them up in prison and charging them with felonies (which makes it much harder to get a job) is only exacerbating the problem. The "war on drugs" has only produced more drugs and more addicts, it's time to admit the war on drugs is a complete failure that has wasted billions of dollars.

[@Becky_Cal]

Please Clap - That same issue is fueling the homelessness crisis. Recommend watching on Amazon: Signs of Humanity and United States of Tents. Many people can’t find jobs even if they want to work because they have a felony on their record and no one will hire them... a cycle that writes people off for any mistake despite them “supposedly” paying their debt to society and going to prison to “rehabilitate.” Horrible way to treat people and that will be America’s undoing...the way we treat our own citizens. 😡😡

[@yeet9779]

Money needs to go to early drug education and prevention, treatment , needle exchange programs, suboxone and methadone clinics and safe injection sites!!!! We CANNOT arrest our way out of this epidemic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

Ye Et good luck with that🙄

[@cynthiaallen9225]

Conservative Republicans love to treat others as social pariahs.

[@user-jq9oo2tx8i]

I was a Heroin addict for 45 years. Now, I have been clean for 36 years. Unfortunately, I relapsed last night on my 98th birthday. Sadly, someone laced my supply with Fentanyl. When I realized what had happened, I called 911 for Narcan but EMS arrived to late and despite all their life saving efforts, I was pronounced dead on my living room recliner with that empty syringe hanging out of my arm. 🥺😭

[@HighExposureMedia]

I lost my brother the same way. He was arrested, got prison time for 3 months and a week after he got out he overdosed from fentanyl. My family and I have never been the same. We also lost my grandma a week before him, thankfully he was able to go to her funeral. Man, I miss him so much. I don't wish this sickness/disease upon anyone.

[@BeautyQueenFL]

I’m so sorry to hear this story. Suboxone has a 80-90% recovery rate from heroin. Methadone is only 50-60%

[@melancolie83]

I’m a recovering heroin addict and it took years of misery for me to decide to get my life together. Until I took the decision myself, nothing my parents could do, no expensive clinic, no amount of tough love, nothing could stop me from getting that next fix. This father mustn’t blame himself. Whatever he would have done, the outcome would probably have been the same. Heroin has a hell of a power over you, one you can only comprehend when you’re addicted to it.

[@James-ck1rx]

Stay strong❤

[@FranciscoLopez-dh7nk]

yeah it made my mom destroy her life and everyone else's around it basically leaving me to starve while she shoots up

[@christinamessina1115]

Lula García Márquez Amen 🙏 Sister such truth!! Xoxo

[@E_w_a]

@@FranciscoLopez-dh7nk oh wow. So sorry to hear. I hope both of you are in a better space mentally.

[@h.borter5367]

Heroin addiction is the easiest to get involved in is what I've been told. Glad to hear you are doing well 😊

[@melanieanne5285]

That poor father. He blames himself, but it isnt his fault. Amazing that he is doing something for other father's daughters.

[@brettkavanaugh8445]

it was his fault ,what about all the ''working class '' kids he looked down on for the same thing ,stop the bull please .. RESPECT ..ALWAYS ..AMEN ..

[@melanieanne5285]

@@brettkavanaugh8445, I still don't believe that her death (her choosing to use that last time) was her father's fault.

[@melanieanne5285]

@Gabriel P, That's not even somewhat true. Heroin affects everyone, it isnt prejudice. Wether you have the most amazing parents or the shittiest parents. Ask any heroin addict. Many young addicts today, will tell you they had amazing parents. I know I did, I know many of my friends do. You cant blame everything on someone's parents. At some point a person makes choices in their lives.

[@blkrob55]

@Gabriel P your an ignirant asshole. Lots of kids with perfect parents get addicted. Its not the parents fault

[@jimfontaine9788]

@@brettkavanaugh8445 Agree fully.

[@gabrielleirizarry311]

I lost the love of my life to heroine. Not a day goes by that I'm not in emotional pain. We have two sons and it pains me to know our youngest will never know how amazing he was.

[@georgesharonr]

Had he truly loved you and your kids, he wouldn't have done drugs in the first place. Move on.

[@anitapiotrowski7513]

Sorry for your loss💜

[@lenardjacop9121]

Man you can see the pain in his eyes. God bless you and give this man strength

[@jasminesierra497]

Sorry for your lost I'm 53 years old I was addicted to heroin for 22 years now 18 years clean and sober incarceration is not the answer

[@debbiethomas4472]

I'm proud of your recovery. Wish you all the best!

[@st0rmblade666]

22 years???

[@RaviSingh-xl3os]

@@st0rmblade666 well jasmine said she been clean for 18 yrs (02 till now) so she started her heroin use around 1980 till about 2002 makes it 22yrs but that was the time to be on H that was era of best & no worries bout fentanyl so yes they can easily be using good heroin for 22 yrs as long as Yu stay healthy Yu can use more than that 22yr span but not this shit around now everything is got some fentanyl in it jus some more than others oh & then of course Yu got the option to get jus fentanyl.....now Yu playin wit death Knockin on heavens door wit straight fentanyl. Good luck tryna last 1 yr on that let alone 22yrs it's sad.

[@olive4093]

so very proud of u!

[@tracytrunn5625]

Thank you for sharing Sending love and light ✨🙏💞🙏✨

[@Metonymy1979]

Another case of it doesn't matter unless it happens to me or someone I love.

[@rorschach3920]

Maybe these are the stories that are making a difference

[@AB-gn8oh]

He admits that himself, and made a change. That’s integrity.

[@plotting6863]

He admitted that himself, if you bothered watching. That took guts to admit that he was wrong. Be kind.

[@13orrax]

a fair point, but it's also a step forward

[@c.b.5535]

That's a true Republican right there

[@Amal-ku9xq]

Her father really failed her for her to die at 19! Rest in peace, honor, justice, and dignity to Brooke Simmons

[@afropuertorican8022]

Yup like he failed all the blk people treating them like dirt god said ill show you😂😂😂

[@Berserk1Manga]

I'm glad the father recognized his mistakes and past mentality and grew from them. It takes immense strength and humility to accept what's happened.

[@ryanharrington6389]

Wow. A real man stands up for his faults.

[@Nergal_Slayer]

"In the drug business they say, you can love someone to death. I feel like I did that." This breaks my heart.

[@lilmattmondays6814]

Yes they love them coming back give hook ups because they bring him his lively hood and the addict is ever great full.

[@madmax408SJ]

@Little Matt Monday's You guys are way off the mark. He was talking about actual love like the love between a father and daughter. It means that parents of addicts often times do things out of the love for their children and wanting what's best for them but many times what they think is best is the worst thing they could do. Like in this guys case, having his daughter incarcerated. Many parents will blame the boyfriend or girlfriend of their child and forbid them from seeing them anymore. That just leads to the kid leaving the house altogether or doing something worse. Many parents become enablers and give their kid money for drugs because they don't want them to commit crimes to get the money. That just makes the addiction behavior worse and harder to change and eventually cause someone to die. That statement had absolutely nothing to do with a drug dealer 🤣

[@ofherbsandaltars]

It was exactly the same with Leah Betts' dad in the 90s. He was either a cop, or generally super tough on drugs, & she (his 15 year old daughter) died from an ecstasy overdose or possibly water toxicity after she didn't feel she could admit to him what she'd taken, said she was just drunk, so they shovelled water down her throat and she died that night. He went on to become an educator for schools on drugs, spoke at mine, & his message was basically 'experiment if you like, but stick with weed!' (Obviously the message did not take for me personally, but it's a pretty ok message... Just sucks it had to be learned in such a way :-/ I remember how super uncomfortable it felt being a teenager in the room with someone whose kid just died. It felt so raw, we didn't know how to be around someone grieving that kind of loss yet. Weirdly memorable day...)

[@jimjones4199]

Reap what you sow...

[@scumprincess]

I love you!!!!

[@arjhanfrost5217]

This story made me tear up, hearts out to Kevin Simmers and anybody out there fighting their battle against addiction, or knows a loved one fighting a battle against addiction. Our legal system, political system, and police system still have a long ways to go of understanding, and making things right for communities suffering this way. But with storys like this, and more and more coming out, hopefully they bring the light the people need to help those fighting these battles. Rest easy Brooke.

[@wildplumbeauty]

It’s hard being a parent. Hardest job in the world. We all make mistakes

[@nishamack586]

Yes. There's no handbook. We do the best we can( some of us)

[@leomaxwell9603]

Not mistakes like this

[@nicshehan1977]

Gabriel P exactly how is this in any way shape or form a form of neglect, he was a cop and thought the right thing to do to try and get his daughter sober was to show her what she was aiming toward (being put behind bars) from what it sounded like she was kindve a problem child from a young age that’s just how it is sometimes.

[@adaharrisonn]

@Gabriel P too much liberty, I dont think so. But maybe not enough understanding. Not enough open communication, or any. Not enough trust. Too militant in the parent/child relationship, probably. We can't know unless we hear it from brooke, cause the parents rarely recognize what led their children to go down certain paths.

[@ebonimom6964]

You're right about this. Probably one of the only jobs with no formal training. No time off, no breaks, no paid vacations and yet we do it for free out of love.

[@LadyHotdogOfTheBun]

Incredibly tough and costly lesson... Brook spoke to his soul, and he got it.

[@thedude4762]

Im sorry that you had to lose your daughter to have your eyes opened up and im extremely sorry for your loss but so proud that youre trying to help those who need help to fight their demons

[@MrSouthsideMuscle]

Harm reduction drug education saves more lives than throwing people in prison. Heartbreaking story .

[@veerodriguez1751]

He was that hardened cop who treated his daughter like a criminal. People who haven't dealt with addiction will NEVER understand.

[@memyselfandi1072]

Lacey- just like the ones using drugs will NEVER unterstand what they are doing to their parents !

[@elpidiomanuelalvarenga4223]

How does one become addicted? Is it contagious? Do they inject it without your knowledge? Or do you voluntarily use the damn drug? I will never deal with addiction because I will never use drugs.

[@justanotherhuman8592]

@@elpidiomanuelalvarenga4223 prescription drugs are the biggest killer? The DOCTORS??!!!!!

[@palestar828]

All they do is judge us and treat us like we are not human

[@palestar828]

@@elpidiomanuelalvarenga4223 that's amazing that you made that decision for yourself. Never do it. Once you make that first choice to use, it is no longer a choice, but a disease of the brain, a sickness. We use for several different reasons...childhood trauma, curiousness, emotional and physical abuse, rape, mental illness, poverty... In my case, it was all of the above and also because I was a kid and met an older man who gave drugs to me and ever since then, I was hooked. I'm clean now though. It took dying to get me there. It's not an easy or fun life like most people think it is. So many judge us. It's disgusting. We are human just like you. Addiction is a terrible disease that I don't wish on anyone and I pray for all the addicts still sick and using. Every single day in recovery is a battle

[@GLORYNEVADASMITH]

Drug abuse is an incredibly complex problem in every way imaginable ( and unimaginable ) . It is impossible that ' a gun and a sledge hammer ' are useful tools to solve this problem .

[@jamieboyd8199]

It's almost like more consequences don't do much to treat a disorder defined by failure to appropriately adjust behavior based on negative consequences.

[@whotelakecity2001]

Yes and no, when people create a society devoid of empathy, compassion, love and value only material and financial assets, this is what happens. People turn into soulless shells. And that regardless how much they love Jesus and how much he loves them back.

[@keking2178]

Nope it’s simple

[@jamesbehrje4279]

no it's not. don't do drugs!!!

[@jonathanm.1936]

Yeah I'm wishing I was aborted.

[@nancypacheco8659]

Poor parents, i can't even imagine living with that loss.

[@jerseypickins7624]

Sorry for your loss! Thank you guys and Brooke for your contribution to helping others in finding a road to serenity. This is a good thing. The war on Drugs targeted users and not the source for the most part. I found myself addicted for many many years. Almost 40 years. I have seen so much. Good Luck

[@goodtutt4733]

I wonder how many other people OD on their first day out jail?

[@daynalynnxo]

Good Tutt I’ve known a few. I can only imagine that it happens far to often

[@goodtutt4733]

dayna lynn 😵

[@ivanaandric4668]

To many!

[@mrsbomsta]

Lots. They don't realize u can't take same amount if you've been off it a white

[@Janellabelle]

My friend OD'd first week out.

[@jeremyminton8790]

Wow this breaks ny heart i live in md and i was a herion addict for ten years. I started herion when i lost my father to a massive heart attack on 12-23-10 on that day i gave up on life and everything. I went down this road for ten years i been homeless i stole i lied and i hurt everyone in my family cause i have always had a good job and made great money but i still had this pain deep inside and my thought at the time was to get high.. Well im VERY HAPPY to say i went and got clean and met a wonderful woman who became my bestfriend in rehad (west baltimore rehad) so it was not easy staying clean but we kept each other clean. On may 2017 we stated dated got done with rehad and to this day we are still together we have our own place we have been clean over 2 years OH YEAH SHE IS HAVING OUR FIRST CHILD DEC 10 2019 AND ITS A BOY...... Im so sorry for your loss and it breaks my heart everytime i hear of and overdose i know this does not made it better but just know that there will be 2 people from maryland that WILL NOT DIE FROM THIS DRUG..... THANK YOU PENN NORTH REHAB

[@mstevens832]

Well done stay srong greetings from London.

[@ms.mojo_risin]

Jeremy Minton - Thank You for sharing your amazing story, RiTe’On!! PeaCe&ReSPeCt, Shelley

[@dilibau]

Good luck to you and wifey!

[@kina8601]

Well done fighting the devil after 10 years! I wish you guys all the best.

[@misslawless6021]

Aww good luck with the baby!

[@infinityandmore6438]

I’m so sorry for your loss. You are an honorable man doing honorable things for others and for the memory of your daughter 🤍

[@Wretched2JZ]

@5:57 when that dad sai “ I did everything wrong here man”... hit me hard. Being an addict myself and having parents that don’t understand and also being a father myself. Ugh it’s hard, makes it so much harder. I feel for everyone caught up in this depravity..😕

[@katielancaster6376]

:( It is sad how much guilt exists because of drugs, on both sides

[@marcykeeley7709]

As a person who has 12 years clean, I think if he hadn't sent her to jail she would've gone to rehab and probably had the same outcome and he would've blamed himself for that. You can't want sobriety for someone. They have to want it for themselves and do the work.

[@shilohstout5152]

^this. He can't blame himself, as much as it hurts. Anything he did that was out of her agenda would just irritate her.

[@melancolie83]

gold dust woman Exactly.

[@fatmanjonestv7143]

So true

[@curiousgeorge6921]

💯

[@kennysamson9422]

That's the truth.

[@mrkomrk606]

6:25 "you can love them to death" that the type of shit that lingers in my head everyday

[@dannylaw7367]

Finally a person that actually see's the truth and admits they did just everything wrong. I wish more parents would see so clearly instead of the denial they hide in all their lives and then burying a child. So sad.

[@shauntikayvette]

It is easy to vilify victims when they look like the enemy...not so easy when they look like you and are flesh of your own flesh.

[@caitojones3140]

He learned the most important lesson, but I wish he didn’t have to go through what he did to learn it.

[@Fightforyourlif3]

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Kevin’s daughter Brooke. My Heart goes out to this family. Drugs are so serious and if you think it’s easy to walk away cold Turkey sober think again partner. This country is hurting due to the war on drugs but can’t seem to understand why we keep the crap around our love ones.

[@msbadkittie]

this is so heartbreaking. can’t even imagine the guilt this man has. i hope he can forgive himself. and know that his precious daughter wouldn’t want him to blame himself for her death. he’s an amazing person for going down this new path and making Brooke’s dream a reality. God bless you and your family, Mr. Simmers 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@RunninFromTheK9]

I lost everyone to herion, All of my childhood friends and people I grew up with all passed at an early age, I never went down that road because I could farsee where the road ended. Thank the Lord I was blessed, this story is heartbreaking

[@sancho7863]

Sackler

[@austingode]

V42 is that code for something or are you just a bored little troll .....?

[@poppergurl]

Me too, I'm 39 & tons of my highschool classmates passed away

[@cooperscreditconsultingint6792]

Amen!

[@iceex7990]

RunninFromTheK9 my cousin passed and it sucks

[@williamschutz4982]

I live in Hagerstown Maryland. This cop did not care about who's life he fucked up until it affected him.

[@lawrencejones5534]

Chicken's come home to roost and Nixon's WAR on Drugs, had generated trillions in profits, on a highway of dead bodies and lost soul's.

[@williamschutz4982]

Lawrence Jones The worst part about this guy is that he looked at people like myself and others who go to the clinic in the middle of down town as subhuman trash. Maybe if his daughter would have joined she would still be alive. I feel nothing for this pig.

[@carlosparra8976]

@@williamschutz4982 i feel complete sympathy for this "pig". No one is perfect.

[@magicdudegary]

@@williamschutz4982 Amen

[@magicdudegary]

@@carlosparra8976 Yeah but did you not hear about how he enjoyed tackling people in the video? How he DIDN'T CARE how much drugs or what drugs a person had on them as long as he got an ARREST by the end of the night? This guy got off and profited and took JOY in other people's misery. He is a sick fuck and one of the worst kinds of a human. And I'm sure this scumbag Kevin Simmers has no problem with alcohol which is worse than all the other illegal drugs!

[@teejames5098]

Hits different when it hits home, conscience holds no boundaries....

[@420homelands]

So sad and yet so important what they've done. Great job

[@AlreadyTaken999]

Was genuinely moved by the story, but can't help but notice Walter White in attendance for the house groundbreaking at 8:37

[@shahn78]

Ha! He did have a soft spot for Jesse and his drug problems.

[@tristanferencevic453]

i knew it he is alive!

[@f4614n]

I can't help but notice the very appropriate use of Comic Sans at 7:34

[@mikesully110]

I've seen comic sans used in warning notices in a prison@@f4614n

[@Glee0k]

It takes courage to admit you're wrong the way he's done, but it's hard not to feel angry that he couldn't have realized this sooner. How many lives did he help destroy through the War on Drugs? How could he be so callous and blind to the suffering he was inflicting on other people suffering from drug addiction?

[@jamieboyd8199]

@obemiss By enforcing drug prohibition he kept the prices high. The illegal profiteering means no safety regulations. Alcohol prohibition meant a spike in moonshine deaths. You're not doing this guy's conscience a favor here. If nothing else let the lesson he paid so dearly for not be in vain.

[@thorkrynu4551]

The comments section is a minefield of pointless told you so. Good for you.... Now will your superiority change the situation? Probably not. Will politicians and policy makers actually listen to this guy and his pain?? Yes. Do you want to get off or stop this war? For every man like this there are probably a hundred cops ready to build a wall and get more military weapons.

[@paullydon222]

He did what he believed was helping. Learned his thinking was wrong, admitted it and then did what he thought he could to help again. What have you done to help?? That's what we need to ask ourselves.

[@truthgiant7801]

NO RESPECT. If his daughter didn't die he would still be looking at people of color as animals and not humans who need help. He is the face of the problem of police officers murdering and treating people of color like animals that need to be locked away and put down. How many lives did he ruin by locking people of color up just because... "I didn't care, I just wanted an arrest that day." To hell with him and his dead kid. YEAH KARMA.

[@paullydon222]

Truth Giant I didn't catch where he singled out people of color. And anyone would change their view once their beautiful daughter is a victim. All he ever did was try to make a difference even if he was misled. I'm guessing you are more of a racist than he ever was.

[@gabrielmatteus1]

I cant imagine the pain this Father must feel.

[@ktgoldielocks5187]

I'm in tears 4this man ........you didn't abandon her you sincerely did what you thought was best...... it's a real man who can stand & admit what he believes he's failed in.......WOW what a great legacy of the sober living facility......🙏💗🙏💗🙏💗🙏

[@tonys493]

I was heroin user for 35 years, luckily in a country (CH) that offered us help since the 80's, I was never in prison, I always worked and I have a family with three children. The police were always our friend, never our enemy.

[@enqrbit]

@VisualPlugin the Multi-lingual Programmer Switzerland. Confederatio Helvetica.

[@fbabdiver]

yayyyy Switzerland! my ancient home.

[@rullmourn1142]

If our country were the size of Area 51 like yours, it would be easy to manage.

[@aitanakupferschmid3912]

fbabdiver that’s your argument? Really?

[@aitanakupferschmid3912]

Rull Mourn it isn’t managed because the epidemic is convenient for some people, not because the size of the country.

[@jessicaabney5449]

One of the things I was introduced to my freshman year of college through a pharmacology course was how much of a failure the war on drugs has been to the US and the rest of the world. Portugal is the only country that has decriminalized illicit drug use and after the 2001 ruling, the country saw the drug induced death rate fall to just a FIFTH of what it had previously been. New cases of HIV are also less than 1/50th of what they were before decriminalization. Step it up America- nothing is going to change if we keep seeing drugs the way we have been for the last 45 years.

[@wastedtalent2117]

Jessica Abney . very well said my dear but u are forgetting that America is a business not a country.. and the judicial/prison systems are a multi billion dollar industry every year . the govt and courts don't want to change that..

[@briancook1927]

Portugal also spends money on helping drug addicts get their lifes back on track. Switzerland also legalized heroin n does the same thing spends money on helping addicts n getting their life back on track n it has been great for them. The key is to help addicts not lock them up n shame them.

[@markrigsby2425]

The DEA is a total waste of Money

[@adrouse9886]

Totally agree

[@mechoxl4073]

Countries like singapore and japan are even lower than portugal, they ban them

[@maliareeves9179]

Sir, you didn’t cause your daughter to overdose, you did what you thought was best for your daughter!!! My son battled heroin for a few years and after not using heroin for months he almost died. I too have a job where I am a public servant to the community. You, Sir are brave, you did everything you could, I think it’s wonderful you opened a recovery home in your daughter’s name and May God Bless you and your family!!! Dealing with children that have addictions, especially heroin, is extremely painful, you often feel alone and there is no right or wrong way to help your children. I almost lost my son as well and I thank God every day that my son is still with me. God Bless you Sir!!!

[@gonavygreg5203]

Dear Sir; you did what you thought was best. Nobody can fault you. Your love is so obvious and complete. I stuck with my son, otherwise no doubt he'd be gone too. God bless you guys!

[@lks6248]

So sad for these parents. I have just lost my only child aged 22 to an accidental drug overdose. The pain of this is monumental. Just thinking of these lost decades of his life makes me want to scream and never stop.

[@jcofer3074]

Prime example of caring about issues only when it "hits home", but this brings more awareness to the war on drugs. It was literally started to attack black communities and people who interacted with us. How can someone logically still support it knowing it's cause and effect in modern society? It's a shame to say the least.

[@Wheresmy240]

It's a shame, but that's pretty much exactly how it happened. Now their little plan spiraled out of control, because who knew that humans would abuse illicit drugs, as if history hasn't shown the propensity for such things. It was all a sham, the private prisons, judges, lawyers, police departments, etc are all making fortunes off of humans being crammed into cages for choosing what chemicals they want to allow into their bodies. They started attacking the Black communities and it just spiraled out of control and they're loving every dollar from it.

[@billyeggers3831]

Man this video had me in tears, my daughter's name is also Brooke and l couldn't imagine having to go through all of this. Hid bless your daughter, the new sober house and all of the families that have some they love that is addicted to drugs. And if you're reading this I wish you all of the hope, health, wealth and a sober living in this lifetime. ❤️

[@debramorrison5531]

I wept when that young lady showed her arms, God keep you, honey. Bless you for sharing.

[@karmasky2315]

Brooke was my best friend for years. This happened in Hagerstown Maryland. I miss you so much 😭

[@christine6438]

Karma Sky proof?

[@melb2417]

I remember I went to the W house in Hagerstown and they had big pictures of here everywhere

[@melb2417]

@karma sorry for your loss

[@alexisjnea]

hahahaha christina- why would you need or want proof? Like what does that do for you?

[@andreaturnquist4855]

So sorry for your loss!

[@Lorentz_Factor]

I wonder if he realizes that the fear of jail is what often keeps addicts from seeking help that could help them survive until they can actually kick that habit. He said if they had a little crack a lot of crack or just a crack pipe he wants it that arrest. But I didn't hear him say was that he wanted to see them better. He said he wanted that body, well you got one It is nice to see that by the end he now understands, it is unfortunate that it was much too late for his daughter. We need to stop treating the medical condition of substance abuse disorders as if they are Criminal and not Medical. Nothing is going to change until we do that.

[@pedroalbizios8946]

I know it’s been 4 years but if you are this mans neighbor or part of his community He needs you more than ever! This Hero lost his Angel while on watch! Yes he was guarding you and your loved ones! So yeah at least a hug! Am out in the belly of the Beast NYC and I project love peace and Happiness to this man!

[@alexanderbreglia7282]

The doc literally brought tears to my eyes. I'm sick of hating for the sake of cruelty. Makes me stronger not weaker. Bet on that.

[@michaelduggan1890]

This is a heartbreaking story . Young women and men of all colours get caught up in it . This man learned a tough lesson in life . My heart breaks for him and his family . He is being strong for moving forward for his daughter . Good Luck .

[@MrSouthsideMuscle]

My heart breaks for his daughter he didn't cry for all the other people he screwed

[@beauangele3033]

He’s a good father. This heroin epidemic is no joke !

[@ezramable7804]

꧁Beau Tessa꧂ hello beautiful

[@ms.mojo_risin]

꧁Beau Tessa꧂ - Yes He’s a good father. Devastating his daughter died from this epidemic-apocalypse “DISEASE” of Heroin addiction/Drug addiction. I am 13 years clean from Heroin, 8 years clean abusing drugs. PeaCe&ReSPeCt, Shelley

[@jesseleblanc1199]

Yes mam that's right

[@theblacksheep5226]

He's a good man and a good father. He meant well as a police officer wanting to get the drugs off the streets. He was able to help to some degree via police work. But now he knows that's just one piece of the puzzle. Not enough to accomplish the mission. Not even close.

[@beauangele3033]

Ezra Mable hello ! Thx

[@tonymanjarres1009]

Poor father did the best he could. I hope he one day realizes that was not his fault. I appreciate that he is putting a posative message out and realizes the war on drugs is bull shit.

[@ETHANWXCHASING]

I remember when this happened, since I live in this town. It's sad to see mentally ill and drug addicted people on the streets, being thrown in jail left and right, never getting the help they actually need to be functioning human beings. I'm glad this man is making the best of a tragic situation to help addicts and raise awareness. Shame on the politicians who perpetuate the war on drugs.

[@ichifish]

I appreciate this man's honesty, and am heartbroken about their tragedy. I think he's got a lot of integrity for not looking the other way when his daughter committed a crime, and more for admitting he was wrong. But his outlook on life - lock 'em up, ignore experts, moralize, pretend we're living in some mythologized 1950s, then admit the truth only when it affects them personally - this is conservatism. I wonder how many other lives he ruined before he ruined his daughter's and his own? If she'd run off before the heroin got her or died in a drunk-driving crash he'd still be out there happily profiling, busting down doors, and demanding obedience to authority at the end of a gun.

[@blacksilverchair3315]

Well said.

[@lylewalker5681]

So on the money.

[@AB-gn8oh]

Your surmising. You can’t possibly know what might have been.

[@c.b.5535]

I could not agree more. Why does something have to personality affect them before they realize what's going on? I don't understand that about conservatives.

[@jerseybred732]

This is truly harsh. I was victimized from a young age by the police in my town. I was a very troubled kid with serious problems and the signs that I was going to become an addict where there from a very young age. But instead of trying to help the narcotics detectives exploited the problem to promote their careers. The main Detective that chased and arrested me so many times is now a lieutenant Chief in my town. I often wonder if he ever saw the error of his ways.

[@TrinityDivine68]

Someone said it best here...we need to start treating addiction (S) as a disease, And Not as *A*CRIME

[@mynxravenhawk3500]

@Kylie Richardson such hypocrisy. You say such cruel things then add god bless at the end. @trinity i totally agree with you

[@micholakinola1053]

Amen

[@SuperMrHiggins]

Society is upside down, in more ways than one.

[@deltadawn9160]

Addiction is a choice. Cancer is not. It’s not the same stop it with that crap.

[@user-jq9oo2tx8i]

@ Delta Dawn The first time it’s a choice but after that you’re along for the ride. I was a Heroin addict for 45 years. Now, I have been clean for 36 years. Unfortunately, I relapsed last night on my 98th birthday. Sadly, someone laced my supply with Fentanyl. When I realized what had happened, I called 911 for Narcan but EMS arrived to late and despite all their life saving efforts, I was pronounced dead on my living room recliner with that empty syringe hanging out of my arm. 🥺😭

[@shariangreen2205]

This is heartbreaking I commend her dad for fulfilling her dream. He turned his psin into purpose. If I can help somebody it won't be in vain.

[@boxcardonny]

I am so sorry for your loss the mother of my two kids I found her at 3 AM dead on the couch in the living room from a heroin overdose 17 years ago I can’t imagine what it is to lose a child I’m so sorry for you

[@alvaropineda6986]

Being an recovering addict and exconvict I wanted to hate that cod dad at the beginning. But now I don't I feel for him and am proud of what he has become, continue being strong I wish I could just reach out to him some way.

[@anitarobinson2397]

Life has away of bringing high status people to their knees with education,compassion, and kindness means a lot in helping others.

[@mariarojas4205]

For: Kevin Simmers. So very sorry 4 the loss of your daughter who was hooked on drugs & died. I so much feel your pain. I cried when I saw this one. I too have a daughter who got hooked on drugs

[@mariemiller8740]

Sorry for your loss you tried your best May your daughter rest in peace.addiction is an awful thing.Thats wonderful that your doing that to help people get off the drugs.God bless your family and your following her dreams condolences from Australia

[@andrealynell89]

Not one person can say a word about the man cause he was a father first nobody knows how to deal with a drug addiction..I admire them and there love

[@janettecoleman2357]

Thanks for speaking out like the true father you are!

[@brentnicol1586]

@Gabriel P As a father as well and a recovering addict it's not his fault, everyone has a choice in life and no one, not even your parents can make you get sober or decide what you do in life. You can make suggestions and try to help as they did (6 rehabs in a year) but she chose to continue to use knowing the consequences

[@chowder8802]

nobody? huh?

[@derekrequiem4359]

@Gabriel P Its the father's fault that a legal, 18 year old *ADULT* female who makes her *OWN CHOICES* died? What a stupid and ignorant thing for you to say! SAD! 😥