Justin developed a pain pill addiction in 2004 after his appendix ruptured. He spent 10 days in the hospital and became addicted to the Vicodin that he was given for the pain upon leaving. He heard of a Methodone Clinic that would treat opiate addictions and, being the trusting person that he was, he entered the program. He advised them that he was on Zoloft. He went 5 days during which time they DOUBLED his dosage. During the 5 days he was nodding off during the day and falling asleep at the wheel which indicated he was not receiving the proper amount.

On 1/12/05 he went and got his morning dose of Methodone. On the way home, he became very sleepy and briefly fell asleep but woke back up (a danger of people on methodone.) He made it to our alley and passed out, ran into our neighbor's fence, woke up, backed up and came into the house. He made a phone call then laid down and just went to sleep. I returned home that night from a business trip around 9 p.m. and found him. A mother should never have to find her dead son. I had no idea he was going to the clinic. He didn't want to tell me. My world stopped and my life would never be the same. My life is now defined as "before Justin died" and "after Justin died".

He never should have been admitted to the program as Zoloft inhibits the metabolism of Methodone. He went for help and they MURDERED him. The clinic was too busy running to the bank to deposit the money to remember to check the long list of drugs that interract with Methodone that cause a lethal reaction.

It took 3 months to get the autopsy. The only thing in his system were Methodone and Zoloft. The findings. . . ."Lethal dosage of Methodone" which matched what the clinic had given him.

Our lives will never be the same. His friends say he had the ability to cheer them up, no matter how down they were. We all could use one of his bear hugs or jokes or pep talks now.

He was an amazing son, brother, musician, artist, friend, coworker and character in hundreds of peoples lives. He had his own "language" and words that only he used as well as nicknames for everyone. He was so loving and compassionate, loved animals, children and had a soft spot in his heart from an early age for anyone that was at a disadvantage for any reason. He treated everyone in the world the same and saw only what was on the inside.

He never got to meet his brand new half brother and sister who were only 10 days old at the time. He didn't get to meet his little nephew who was born 6 months later. He would have adored them and they would have loved him. They will forever hear his stories.. His nephew was named after him. Dylan CODY Herriage. What an honor.

He made me birthday, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day cards. He called me at work just to say hello and tell me loved me (at age 24). He ended every conversation with "I love you Mom." Thankfully our last conversation ended the same way.

Justin, you will forever be missed and remembered and loved. You touched all of us with your compassion, wit, spirit, sense of humor, music and love. We are forever changed because of you. Be at peace my angel.

Justin Cody Herriage

4/6/80-1/12/05