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

Izzy was a beautiful, outgoing, engaging person; she played the banjo and wrote music. I have really nice videos of her playing and singing songs she wrote--her voice was beautiful. She made crafts, leather goods, jewelry. She traveled with her dog Leaf around the country, sometimes hopping freight trains. She would do anything to help another person in need. Izzy always struggled with anxiety and mood swings, but absolutely refused to take medication. She began to self medicate, misusing alcohol, smoking pot, and finally moving on to heroin, as I know now. I only saw her about once a year, but we kept in frequent contact via text and phone calls; she would send me photos and videos of the places she was or had been. I never knew that she was using heroin, no inkling at all. About 11 days before she died (Mother's Day weekend) I saw her for the first time in a year, and we had a really fabulous time; museums, eating out, staying in a hotel with Leaf, of course! I'm a health professional, and again, I saw no symptoms I know of that are associated with heroin use. The Friday before Memorial day weekend I got the call. No one in my life has ever made me laugh as hard as she did when we were together. I treasure those four days with her, and I hold those memories close to my heart.

Renèe was - a proud mama, a sister, a daughter, a cousin, a friend, a singer, an addict, a fighter.

We all miss you more than words can say, mama.

We lost our beautiful son Brandon to an opioid addiction, which resulted in overdose. He was a promising student and football player until a knee injury required the surgery that ultimately resulted in his addiction to Percocet. This addiction manifested into an addiction to xanax, codeine, and oxycodone as well. Brandon was a popular student and had so many friends. He was genuinely just as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside. He leaves behind his mother, father, two younger brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many close friends all of whom will have to struggle to adjust to life without him. What these drugs do to our children is criminal. They rob them of themselves and ultimately rob us of them. We did everything we could to try and help him but because he was 21 we had little say in what he did. I still can’t comprehend that I will never see, smell, or hold my first born son again and my heart is truly broken. The pain I feel is almost unbearable and I find I can’t catch my breath. I know I have to keep myself together for myself, my husband, and most of all my two remaining sons. I would give anything to be able to go back and change how Brandon’s story ended but I would be so happy to know that his ending helped others change theirs.

Druce, Norman David, self-taught audio genius and maverick humanitarian, passed away Monday, October 7th, 2019. Druce was the proud founder and owner of Atomic Instrument Company, a builder of high-end power supply units and studio monitors for Grammy and Oscar-winning audio engineers, artists, and producers. Atomic Instrument Company has units in many countries around the world. Throughout his life, Druce was passionate about studio design, acoustic consulting, wiring, custom console fabrication, console installation, and maintenance. Before founding Atomic, he cut his teeth on analog tape recording, and he built and wired his own and friends' studios and played in rock 'n' roll bands—most notably Bigon, a post-punk noise rock band. Druce was 46 years of age, a son of the late David and Debra (née Schwalm). A dear brother, Jeremy, preceded him in death 18 years ago. Druce is survived by a brother, Jeffrey, of America, and wife, Misty, of Holly Michigan, along with grieving aunts, uncles, cousins, many friends, a Porche 911 Carrera, and a clowder of rescued and slightly spoiled feral cats: Wolfe, Norma-Jean, Carlos, Jacob Michaels, Peanut Marie, and Cinnabun.

My mother was a wonderful person who loved us unconditionally. She was a stay at home mom our whole lives and raised five kids. She was smart and had a quirky sense of humor. She struggled with alcoholism as long as I remember and depression towards the end. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we fought and begged her to quit drinking, she lost her battle with alcoholism on Mother's Day 2018. While in liver failure, she tripped and fell one night and hit her head...while intoxicated. She fell asleep that night and never woke back up. We all miss her like crazy.

Seth was my "baby" boy with a beautiful baby of his own. He was trying to get better for her but after only 30 something days sober, this time, his demons won and he used for the last time...at my home, while I slept in the room across the hall. He wasn't a bad person, the drugs happened to make him do bad things. I love him and miss him with every cell in my body. Rest peacefully now, my son. Until we meet again.

Kevin James Day is a sweet, fun loving, nature loving, kind, happy, full of life, son, friend, nephew, grandson, cousin, uncle.
He is my only child. His struggles began after the sudden deaths of two close friends and a very bad car accident his last day of his junior year. His friend was killed in an auto accident, the next friend less than two weeks later and that same night my son Kevin flipped and was thrown from a jeep he was driving at 17.
He suffered emotional and physical traumas, was given percocet in the hospital, then started to misuse them, became addicted, and turned to heroin. He wanted so much to be “ normal”. He suffered from addiction. We tried everything to help him stay sober and healthy. Rehab, jail, prayer, 12 steps, sobriety, love....
He relapsed multiple times over 8-9 years. His last relapse ended with his death on 8/1/19.
We are waiting on the toxicology report. We had a service in which hundreds of people who were Blessed to know and love him came to pay their respects and share their love for him with me and his family.
We were very close. My heart has a hole that will never be filled. I miss him dearly and some days I wonder if I want to live this life without him.
I am angry about fenatnyl and opioids.
Someone should be held accountable for all these deaths.
I pray I find my purpose to go on...

My brother was told all his life he would be a drunk just like his dad, who also died of alcohol and pill addiction. In his teenage years, he starting living the life he was told he would live. Met a girl who was also a drunk and had two beautiful girls. Got custody. And struggles every step of the way so now no way to get job. My baby brother had a major heart attack in a car on a frozen night in a suburb of Chicago. The coroner said heroin was also in his system. He was alone. You know you expect to lose a parent but not a brother. And his children went to strangers because I did not live in that state. It has caused me so much bitterness in my life toward a lot of things. The system is no help but most of all the person does not have the willpower to just stop. Now my daughter is a heroin addict. Got clean and started over. I truly believe people like that do not want help. And I am sure I am wrong but so many programs taking advantage of them so what can family do. Nothing. But wait for the phone call.

We lost our son and brother, our precious boy, to the horror of substance use disorder. He was 28. He struggled for more than half of his life with anxiety, trying to feel "normal." He, and we, did everything we could - all the programs, all the rehabs, all the love....all the love. He knew he was loved and he loved us. At least we have that.

He was an energetic, adventurous spirit and a graceful athlete on any kind of board - snow, skate, surf. Our Adam was so smart, so handsome, so creative, and he could be just hilarious. Ad had an eye for aesthetics and beauty and used that in all his jobs. He was the hardest worker and just wanted to succeed - he wanted to feel good about himself, he wanted us to be proud. We were always proud, Addie. We are forever proud of you and love you endlessly. We miss you beyond belief.

There will be a celebration of Adam's life at our home, 12-4 PM, on October 19, 2019. All who cared about him are welcome to attend. Also in honor of Adam and all those struggling, feel free to make a contribution to Shatterproof, an organization to dismiss the stigma of addiction, in Adam's name. The link is below. Love to all.

She was a caregiver to my children. Gave her last and supported her entire family! She loved us much and we miss her dearly.

Although Anatoly and I were divorced for 20 years, we married very young and stayed together for close to 20 years. Those years were filled with struggle, frustration, disappointment, betrayal, and yet also filled with joy, love, companionship, travel, and the celebration of having our son together. Anatoly filled a room with his presence, his charm, his humor & his ability to sell you anything under the stars--he was in sales all of his life. He was an artist and music lover who put his gifts aside to work hard and one day retire. He never realized that dream but the lesson I am inspired by is to enjoy the gift of life every day and never take our health and well-being for granted. My son and I miss him greatly and he lives within our hearts forever. Tony, I love you.

Mike was always a lot to take in. He was hot headed, a tough guy. But he also had a softer side than he would ever let on. At only 28 years old, he is too young to be gone. He will be missed dearly, lived on by his mother, sisters, girlfriend, family dog, and many aunts uncles and cousins. Please join us in honoring his life as it was and for what it could have been.

Ty and I met when we were just teens. We quickly grew close and soon enough, I was dating and in love with someone who I for sure was convinced that I was going to marry. Ty was the Ty we all knew: sweet, smart, and passionate about the justice he wanted to see in our society. He adored My Chemical Romance, Green Day, fashion (specifically his shoes), and a plethora of other things. He was a wonderful boyfriend, relationship partner, and most of all, a wonderful person to enjoy life with. He loved people so deeply, he cared about everyone he knew to no end.

I miss him all the time. Not one day goes by where he doesn't cross my mind or there isn't something that reminds me of him in some way. We were together for almost 3 years, and in those years, I've watched him grow and I also saw the ugly side of addiction. He was a fighter, no doubt. He'd express to me how he wanted to get better, how we wanted to fully kick them when we were married and had a family of our own. He was one of the strongest people I've ever met. I loved him eternally and I still do. He made me feel special in every way possible and in some cases, he was all I had. We had each other and it brought me so much comfort to know that I had someone who loved me no matter the circumstance. I remember he'd drive to see me after work. We'd aimlessly walk around stores, go eat, or go back to his place and just be one with each other. I was overjoyed to hear he'd accomplish his big goal: to graduate with high honors. I knew how happy he was to finally have a step in the career he wanted. He was so full of life and it will never fade away. He always lives in my mind and my heart. I wish he was here, but it brings me solace to know he is at peace with himself and the world he wanted to change. He is still so loved by his family and friends. His story will never be forgotten.

Joy of our lives, unforgettable loving son. That smile, that laugh, those hugs will be missed forever and your memory always in our hearts. Your accomplishments in your short life are forever etched in our mind and hearts on how proud we are of you and how hard you worked in every aspect of your life, especially recovery.
My athlete, my hero, our joy, always and forever. Love you, Mom, Dad, Jenna and Mo and our entire family and friends

His friends all knew him as “Dee”, “D-Double” or one of the many other nicknames he took on, but to his family he was always “Bryan”. Whatever he went by, he never knew a stranger. His signature smile and a handshake was all it took. He had such a charming personality and was fun to be around. People gravitated toward him.

Bryan was always ready for his next adventure. He enjoyed snowboarding in the Rockies, surfing the west coast, wake boarding in the nearest lake, and kayaking the nearest river or stream. He ran, rode a bike, and even did yoga. While out and about, when he came across street art, he always stopped. He had an appreciation for this less traditional form of expression. Often he would snap a photo to share on Instagram or send to a friend he thought might enjoy it.

Bryan was a kind, caring person. He had a good heart. He considered himself blessed for the life he lived and the chances he was given. Although he was taken too soon, those who have been left behind feel blessed to have known him.

Matt battled addiction for more than 10 years, our family lost touch with who he really was. At times, we had him back as our beloved son, brother, and uncle but those times were few and far between. We will miss not having him to share the good times with our family. We will not miss having to witness the pain and suffering he endured with addiction.

Kyle was born in New Orleans, LA on February 3, 1984, the son of Warren Holmes and Colleen Shannon Holmes, residents of Morgan City, LA. In 1987, his family moved to San Marcos, TX, where he spent his youngest years with his parents, floating the San Marcos River or feeding the ducks at Aquarena Springs on the campus of SWTSU. His formative years were spent in San Antonio, TX where he graduated from high school in 2001.

Kyle had a passion for food that started at a young age. As soon as he could reach the spices and stove, it was game on. “Restaurant extraordinaire” is how he described himself. Kyle's career and passion were in the restaurant business where he was delighted in meeting and engaging with people and truly had a heart to provide a memorable experience for his patrons. Quite often in Colleen's kitchen, Kyle would take pleasure in cooking and sharing the evening with her.

Kyle was born with a charisma that lit up any room, and he connected with all living beings on a profound level. Everyone loved being with him. You could feel his celebration of life emanating from his aura. He was intelligent, deep thinking, and had a quick wit. He was intrigued by various religions and philosophies and could spend hours sharing his findings. He and his dad spent time discussing holy scripture and Kyle ultimately asked Jesus into his life. He was a possessor of relentless positivity. Kyle recently wrote, "for the past few years, addiction ruled me, ruined my life, and I lost everything I’ve ever loved. In my time here [in rehab], I’ve accomplished monumental feats within myself, reconnected with the universe, and am ready to move back into the world—transformed, refreshed, with a completely different perspective, and a new lease on life." As with far too many young people today, Kyle lost the battle with addiction.

My daughter Kayla was a mom of 2 babies, Rylee, 4 and 1/2, and Levi, who was 7 weeks old when she passed. Kayla was 26 years old and struggled with methamphetamines for 8 long and devastating years in which tried rehab and left etc. She was my ❤️ and will be truly missed by all of her family and children.

Teach your children not to do drugs because once the devil grips he has no mercy, and, well, he won. She’s no longer here for her children. Please find a cure for this madness.