A belt used for injecting heroin.
After moving to New York City about a year ago, he kicked his addiction to heroin, however, he has used a few times since. He has spent many years in rehab facilities and wishes there were alternatives to AA and NA that were equally as accessible.
Billy is religious. Religion and the 12 step program helped him overcome his addiction.
Billy has been completely sober for 38 years—he mainly suffered from alchoholism, but also used heroin, other opiates and LSD.
While Billy was using, he contracted Hepatitis C. These are left over Hep C treatment drug containers that he uses for nuts and screws.
He used to be a working artist represented by a gallery that once used the space behind him. He often collaborated with a friend and artistic partner to make his artwork. He has been sober for 7 years, however in 2010, his friend passed of a heroin overdose and he put an end to his career. He was able to kick his addiction with movie marathons and the accompaniment of friends he made in the 12 step program.
In 2015, Paul smuggled naloxone into Texas because it was illegal at the time. Naloxone is an important drug that immediately reverses the effects of an opioid overdose—the drug has saved many lives. Paul smuggled a full bag of this into Texas to give to his friends. This is what he had left.
Paul and his friends at his home in Austin Texas. Paul is 2 years sober from a heroin addiction.
