Heroin Addiction – Kevin

“Every man has inside himself a parasitic being who is acting not at all to his advantage.” -William S. Burroughs

This video was included in the story covered by Ian Pannell of BBC News, Chicago. I believe Ian is now working for ABC News. You can see the BBC story here: The horrific toll of America’s heroin epidemic 

Kevin was one of the first junkies that I photographed. When I first started this journey, I told most of the potential participants of the project that I wouldn’t photograph people’s faces. I thought this would be a good way to build trust. I soon realized that the story was in the faces of the people I was photographing, and ended that agreement with folks. The photos from this shooting would have been more powerful if I had photographed more of Kevin’s face.

Kevin seemed like another good person caught in his genetic pull toward addiction. I don’t know what happened to him, and he wasn’t around for very long. I hope he made it… Please share my blog posts on your social media accounts. This is an awesome way to support my work with no charge to you. Please leave a comment sharing your thoughts on the topic of drug addiction. I’m sure we all know more than one person addicted to hard drugs.

UPDATE 6-27-2013: Word is… Kevin has made his way to a detox center! I truly wish him all the best.

UPDATE 10-14-2013: I was told that Kevin overdosed in a Heroin house over on the West side. A tragic ending. Kevin was a good person. I wish I could have done more. May you rest in peace…