After nine years of heroin addiction, Jason Smitheran finally began to defeat his demons.
But tragically he came home for Mother's Day only to fall victim to temptation once more - a decision which cost him his life. . .
THE heartbroken parents of a heroin addict who died of a suspected overdose have appealed for people to see their son's death as a warning about the dangers of drug use.
Jason Smitheran, 32, died after collapsing at a house in Sackville Street, Brierfield, on Friday night. He had been using drugs for 15 years and had been battling a heroin addiction since he was 23.
His parents Kathleen, 52, a sewing machinist and Kenneth, 53, a floor layer, said their son had developed a "Jekyll and Hyde" personality which depended on whether he was using drugs.
Jason himself had written a poem which he described as being in his heroin voice. Days before his death he had told his family he was preparing part two of the poem, describing how it felt to be free of drugs.
Jason had worked as an upholsterer and had been on holiday to Turkey with friends before drugs took a strangle hold on his life.
The former Mansfield High School pupil had split up with his girlfriend, 27-year-old Louise Jackson, because of his drug problem and had moved to Blackpool six weeks ago in an attempt to create a drug-free life.
But when he returned home to visit his family, in Chatburn Park Drive, for Mother's Day, the temptation proved too much for him.
Kathleen said: "It was like having two sons. There was the one who used heroin and the one I brought up, who was a really nice, popular person.
"I see Jason as a victim because he was just an inquisitive young man who tried this drug and got addicted. It's so widely available he couldn't get away.
"It's every mother's nightmare. Over the years he has stolen from us to get a fix and sometimes he was shaking with fear because he owed someone money.
"We always stayed close and he has had long periods of time without drugs, but in the end the addiction has taken my son away.
"When he first had the problem, I felt I couldn't talk to anyone about it because there was a stigma attached to heroin users.
"But people have been very supportive to me over the years and I have learnt a lot about what a terrible drug it is. It ruined my son's life.
"I hope that people who hear his story will get the message and stay away from drugs. I would do anything to help people in that situation.
"My son had a future ahead of him and a girlfriend who loved him. He lost it all because of drugs.
"It has been like a living nightmare. I hope he is at peace now and that some good can come from his death if anyone hears his story and stays away from drugs."
Louise, of Whitehall Street, Nelson, said: "I will always remember the happy times I had with Jason, because he was a real joker.
"But there were times when he would just turn and would use heroin again. The drugs destroyed our relationship.
"I remember one day when we had a family barbecue and we had all spent a lovely day together. But at the end of the day he just seemed to change and went to get a fix. The drugs used to change his personality."
DS Dave Fleming, of Nelson CID, said: "This was a tragic waste of a young life.
"It should be a warning that drugs lead to isolation from friends and family and a squalid end."
Jason's death has been reported to the East Lancashire Coroner and a post mortem examination was due to be held today.
Police arrested two men who were in the house in Sackville Street at the time Jason collapsed on suspicion of drugs offences. They have been released on police bail, pending further inquiries.
Heroin Voice
So now, little women, you've grown tired of grass, cocaine, speed, LSD and hash
Someone will introduce you to Miss Heroin
Well honey, before you start fooling with me
Let me tell you how it's going to be
Cause I will seduce you and make you my slave
I've sent bigger people than you to their graves
And one day you'll realise the monster you're grown
You'll slowly leave me alone
The torments, the cramps and the withdrawal pains
Can only be cured by the little brown grains
And when you have taken me into your veins
The cravings will drive you insane
You'll mug and steal for my narcotic charms
And feel content when I'm in your arms
You'll give up your conscience, your morals and heart
And you'll be mine till death do us part.
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