The National Addiction Memorial honors the loved ones we’ve lost.

Christian had a sweet, gentle spirit. He tried many times to get and stay sober, but never found enough peace to maintain his recovery. Christian was 21 when he died and the world lost a beautiful person. I'm still sad.

Matthew was the most loving, outgoing, caring, empathetic person you could meet. He had friends from all over world. He would walk into a room and become the life of the party, befriending everyone that came into his path. He was soulful and loved adventure and travel. He loved taking his guitar everywhere and entertaining a group or just sitting on a beach and playing for his friends. His favorite song was "Wonderwall" by Oasis. He loved studying different cultures and knew how to bring people together. No one ever felt left out. He was all inclusive and it didn't matter who you were or from where you came. He also loved his family and always looked forward to spending time with everyone over the holidays and summers.

Growing up, Matthew was always high energy and never slept. Even as a baby he was always wide awake and needing to be up and out of his bed and held. He loved and needed attention always (not in a bad way) but he just wanted to be loved and he gave love back. When he was in school he was very active and an amazing student. Because of his high energy we had him tested for ADD and a very detailed IQ test that took a few months to complete. They found that he did not have ADD and that he scored in the superior range of IQ for his age, which may be why he just needed to always be challenged. His mind was alway on.

Matthew got addicted to pain killers after a few minor surgeries (tonsils removed, adenoids removed, deviated septum, appendix, hernia). He also had issues after hurting himself wrestling in high school, complained about minor pain in his back and neck. His doctors especially once at ASU easily prescribed different medications to him in large amounts (painkillers and xanex). Once back in school, he continued to get prescribed meds basically for anything he needed. It seems like a few of his fraternity brothers at ASU did this together because a couple have passed within the same time. I think one of the biggest reasons he got hooked was that he felt it helped knock him out (as he said) so he could get some sleep. He used to be up for days if he didn't with his mind on. This is how he started self medicating. As his tolerance grew to the meds so did the amount, which then led to him (trying) using heroin by the time he was a senior. We only found out during his senior year. He was a normal college student. He didn't seem any different from any of the other kids we knew. If anything he was happy, outgoing, fun and smart. There where no signs that said I"M AN ADDICT (or maybe there were and we just didn't know) but once we knew that he was taking prescription meds, we put him directly into a rehab center for a month, then a step down from there into a sober living. We still had no clue he was doing anything more than that, until he was in rehab and he had to come clean during family week. Once home he was fine but struggled over the next few years and ended up back in detox a few times. He really wanted to just be ok and normal like any 24 yr old. After several months, we finally thought he was good. He was sober for some time and he wanted to finish up school and take classes in LA for film. We agreed to this if he continued with an outpatient program with therapy and lived in a sober living house to make us feel comfortable with his being away. Unfortunately, it only took one more mistake after being there for six months. Matthew passed from an accidental overdose on June 12, 2016, 12 days after his 25th birthday. I never read the toxicology report to know if it was tainted with fentanyl or just too much. At the end, it just doesn't matter. Addiction took him from us and the world. He is forever in the hearts of so many people who's lives he's touched and saved. He's missed every moment of everyday and his life will continue in the memories he's left us all with. Love, Mom

I miss you Penguin. I love you.

My beloved son Jeremy died of a heroin overdose that was laced with fentanyl on March 25, 2016 at the young age of 23. His struggle with addiction started in his teens with marijuana. Until he was 20 yrs old, marijuana was usually the only drug he used. After that, he started trying different drugs and got addicted to opioids, which led to heroin. He had been in recovery for three months, going to meetings and counseling, attending church and working. It was so shocking because Jeremy seemed to be turning his life around.
Jeremy grew up in a loving family with three brothers. He played baseball for eight years. He enjoyed a variety of music, loved the group Kiss, and played the drums. He had so many friends and was loved by all who knew him. I miss my son so much and my heart is forever broken. I love you Jeremy! ❤️

April had struggled for more than 15 years. In the past three years her addiction escalated to to highest level possible. Her struggle of mental illness and addiction was always present. Being a nurse and her Mom, I was always trying to fix her and get her help. Somehow she always bounced back. Through the use of outpatient, in patient, expensive out of state programs, and DBT therapy, I always looked for the golden ticket. Her struggles in the last three years led her down the path of no return. Every horrible thing from incarceration to living on the streets happened. We were able to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with her for the first time in three years in 2018. As she was waiting to get into a recovery home, she stayed with her father, near all of us. April's drug of choice was not heroin but it became it for the first time in 15 years. Her death was an accidental overdose. Her struggles are no longer but I miss her every minute of my life. She is finally at peace at the age of 32 years old. April was the most kind, artistic, giving, and religious soul. We fought so hard over the years. April has family that love and miss her beyond words. April loved making jewelry and painting. She was always making something and giving gifts to everyone. I cherish these...her Mom

David's drug and alcohol use caused him to aspirate in his sleep, which caused a traumatic brain injury. He was in a coma for several weeks with his family around him and in deep despair. It was thought that, if he even lived, he would be in a vegetative state. As time went by, David got stronger but he lost the use of his legs and needed wheelchair assistance. He eventually went back to high school after missing the last half of 2001 and first half of the beginning of the next year and he graduated with excellent grades!

As time went by, he quit his counseling sessions and his drug addiction creeped back in. He Googled pain info to tell the doctor what types of pain he was having so he could get prescriptions. That was the end of David as I knew him. Google searches, rare diseases, more prescriptions, and when he ran out, he went to the streets and got heroine. Over the next few years, David overdosed no less than seven times and each time the nurses and doctors worked to save his life. He even went to rehab for a couple weeks to prove to everyone he could quit.

Then he hit the jackpot! A nice doctor that would just hand him prescriptions to get him off his back and make a little extra cash. And then he overdosed for the last time. That's the day his family also died a little bit inside and a Mother that still cries and can't seem to get back to normal.

Blake was born in New Haven, CT and grew up in Trumbull, CT. From an early age, he delighted his family and friends with his silly humor and beautiful, infectious smile. It was clear, early on, that Blake had incredible musical talent. He mastered the guitar and taught himself to play the piano and use the electrical equipment to mix his musical compositions. He hoped one day to write, record, and perform his songs. Blake loved to travel, visiting Africa, Thailand, and Germany. He had a love for all animals, and they, in turn, were drawn to his gentle demeanor. He also enjoyed swimming, ice hockey, snowboarding, and skateboarding but always returned to his first love — writing and performing music. More than anything, though, Blake will be remembered for his love and compassion for his family and friends.

Those who knew Blake, even just a little, lost a shining light in their lives. Blake had so much goodness and such a capacity to bring happiness and laughter to others. The earth is a dimmer place without him. We are heartbroken, but comforted that our memory of his larger than life personality, beautiful heart, and soulful songs will be treasured forever.

My brother lost his life to his addiction this month four years ago. He was so talented and funny but he could not see past his pain and he tried to mask it with alcohol and drugs. He is so missed and there are so many times I want to pick up the phone and speak to him. He started using very young and it affected him the rest of his life. He battled this disorder all his life. He is loved and missed and not forgotten.

Stacy had a larger than life personality. He truely loved the family he built and suffered scars from the family he was born in to. He loved his children and grandchildren deep yet struggled with his most charished relationships. He was difficult to handle with his no holds barred opinions that at times pushed others away. He yearned for love and acceptance. He suffered a lot of pain--mental, emotional, and physical. Stacy had serious health issues. The seriousness became worse as his addiction became his only recourse, so he thought, to deal with his pain. All the while neglecting his health issues. He struggled most of his life in the thralls of his addiction. His love of his children and grandchildren were not able to distract him from trying to keep his demons away for very long. To not think about or feel his pain, he'd self medicate. As he was deep in the thralls of addiction NO ONE could pull him out of that grasp addiction had on him. Bringing him closer to death every day. Once he realized he wanted to live and how much he was loved, his health was at the point of no return. He became too tired to fight and succumbed to the hold his demons had on him. Addictio n destroyed his body, however his light will be awaiting those he loved on the other side. Just as those loved ones who passed before him were there greeting him when he left his painful physical world. He was loved and will always be missed. R.I.P. see you on the otherside Stace.

Matt was so smart and clever. He had a dry sense of humor and a big heart. He cared about his family and friends, and the NY Mets! He struggled in life, often being very hard on himself, trying to do things right, but everything was an effort. He is now soaring through the air like a bird, gliding, no flapping, no effort. Although we will miss him terribly and our hearts are broken here on earth, we know his earthly struggles are over and he is at peace.

My brother, my King Solomon David Mack. Gone too soon. He has touch many hearts. He was a loving son, brother, Uncle,cousin, and a great friend to everyone. He loved his music. His smile could light up the world. He got his very first job as a kid on a fish truck. Came home smelling of fish everyday but all he cared about was his snacks. Every since he always been working odd jobs to stay busy and was very dedicated to his work. Everywhere he went he never left without his bible. His job here on earth is done.God needed him now to.do a bigger job. He earned his wings🙏 I can't express this enough. His deliverence has left an awesome impact on everyone. He left with God on his side. My baby brother is gone and he left a big impact on this world. Rest up lil bro. I will mourn you till I join you. Love Big Bird aka your Big T

Jt Jordan was a happy, loving, and caring person. My brother lived a great life, but eventually turned to heroin, which changed our lives forever! Struggling in and out of juvenile facilities, in and out of rehab, and the repetition of relapsing. My brother fought for his life everyday. Until April 1st, 2018, while my mom was hiding Easter eggs, my brother was found dead in his room from a heroin overdose. Easter morning we were supposed to spend the day with family on the beach, but instead we all started planning his funeral! Jt was the light of the room, he had a great smile, a great laugh, and an amazing personality. He left behind a supportive and loving family, a beautiful little girl, and plenty of friends! Jt is physically not with us in the world, but he will always be with us in our hearts!! Gone but certainly never forgotten!!! We love and miss you Jt, see you soon!!!

Moe could light up a room with his million dollar smile and outgoing, fun, vibrant personality. He had a giving heart and would do anything for anyone. His struggles with addiction started fairly early on in his life and as so many other stories it progressed through the years until it ultimately took his life. He fought so hard and for so long! He didn’t want to Die but he didn’t know how to live without the escape of drugs neither. There is a very fine line when it comes to loving someone with an addiction and enabling an addiction! Learn the difference! It is POSSIBLE to enable an addiction to death! Don’t just seek help for your addicted loved ones but get help for yourself as well!!! Addiction is a family disease. We love you Moe and miss you more than anything.

A year has passed. There is not a day that goes by we don’t miss you. We aim to celebrate your life and speak of you often. So happy to have been blessed to have this video that captures your walk, yawn :), talk, laugh, and of course dance moves.
To all those family members and friends who support their love ones, continue to do so. They don’t mean to hurt us - addiction is a disease. For those who have lost someone to addiction- it doesn’t get easier but continue to be the voice and help change the way the world views and handles those who are struggling. To Andrew, we love and miss you greatly. Love, Lauren, Danielle, Mom and Dad

Taylor was a selfless, loving son who struggled with mental illnesses for most of his short adult life. Turning to alcohol as his solution to feel “normal” and numb the mental pain, his physical being started to decline rapidly. Even through the mental and physical pain, Taylor never focused on himself. He was always there to lend an ear to friends and family. He wanted only the best for people and to make sure people around him were happy. He will be missed by all those who were fortunate to know him.

Andrew was an adorable, big eyed baby; a tall skinny kid who grew up to become a very handsome man. He loved his parents and was so proud of his sisters too! He spent a lot of time with his family in Staten Island, Long Island, Connecticut, and Brooklyn.

He struggled for many years in life with his addiction. There were good times, there were bad times. He wanted to be loved, he wanted to belong, he wanted peace in his life. We am not going to say Andrew is in a better place because that place is with us. He is in Jesus' arms now, all of his wants and more are his.

We all loved you Andrew and wished you could have stayed with us longer. We prayed for you from the start and hoped and prayed for so much good for you in your life. Your big, beautiful smile will be missed, your sense of humor and witty charm too. You will never be forgotten, you were loved by so many people!!

I look forward to seeing you again.

Rest in Peace Grandson,

Whitney was very kind, smart, funny, and lighthearted. I always loved to be around her because she made everything seem fine even if it wasn't. She could take the brutal reality of a situation and make it sound hilarious. She was always around her friends and she loved music, computers, movies, and concerts. She was an empathic person listening intently to friends' problems and careful not to share their confidences. She had been involved in many activities such as cheerleading, ballet, band, and art graphics and was a good student. In terms of art graphics and photography, Whitney had an eye...a different perspective that made her very talented in this area.

She was a very sensitive soul that seemed to experience life on a different level. When I think of her it seems she was like a gentle breeze...carefree and unfettered by life's harsh realities. This is who she portrayed but inside she was plagued by a relentless anxiety and an emotional turmoil that led to her addiction to heroin and ultimately her death. She was 20 years old when I received the news that my child had been found dead in a credit union parking lot. She had died of an overdose. The child that I had cared for and loved with all my heart was gone. Previously, Whitney had been in recovery for a year and a half and was doing well. She had just completed her coursework to become a recovery coach and was engaged to be married. Addiction does not discriminate...recovery is lifelong...and one time is all it takes to wipe out a future. I love and miss my girl.

The best little brother a girl could ask for.
Danny lit up EVERY room he walked into.
He didn't give hand shakes but bear hugs to everyone he met.
If you needed absolutely anything, he would be there.
The most selfless person I have ever known.
We were both adopted and brought together making our bond even stronger and more special.
He was lost tragically before his 27th birthday and the void in our hearts and souls will never be filled.

He struggled for 10 years. The greatest, kindest person you could ever know. He is forever missed by me, his dad, his two sisters, and two nieces and a nephew. He was my sweet baby boy and I will never get over his passing.

I am creating this on behalf of a family who lost a son and a brother. Zach was not only the youngest of the Ferraro family, but an imperative piece of a puzzle that kept them all going. The Ferraro dynamic is really unlike any other family. The bond between them is so unusual to an outsider like me, that I appreciate the relationships, but don't always quite understand them. Zach was a good friend to me and many others, even in his addiction. As usual, there is tension and defeat in some relationships. Neither party is to blame when they stop interacting like they used to, but when one life comes to an end, the regret piles up. If only this and if only I had done that... Zach's famous words to me were always "Don't worry about me, worry about yourself." He meant that. Zach had a kind heart, a good soul, and was truly a person who felt for others.

Sorry I couldn't say a final goodbye and I hope others learn from your experience.