In 2008 Jeffrey’s son Justin died after snorting heroin. Although Justin’s story ended with heroin, it started with marijuana.
Justin Veatch was a talented young musician and songwriter. When he was 14, he began experimenting with marijuana. His parents were concerned and took him to a counselor to get help. Jeffrey says the counselor didn’t seem too concerned with Justin’s marijuana use and so they let it slide.
Justin’s marijuana use coincided with anxieties he did not discuss with his parents. Instead, Justin self-medicated by adding other recreational drugs and ultimately prescription opiates. He became dependent upon the opiates and when he could no longer access strong enough pills, he turned to snorting street heroin.