Billy “Inkslinger” Pfaff, a crusader of sorts against the heroin epidemic in Massachusetts, talks with several addicts a day.
WORCESTER — Billy “Inkslinger” Pfaff, a crusader of sorts against the heroin epidemic in Massachusetts, talks with several addicts a day.
Sometimes they need help finding treatment. Other times they’re simply looking for some food or clothing.
Pfaff launched a grassroots volunteer coalition called Heroin is Killing My Town in the summer of 2014, shortly after his close friend, Jason, died of a heroin overdose at the age of 41. Heroin is Killing my Town is now a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with more than 60,000 followers across its six Facebook pages. Pfaff has met with fire and police departments and town hall officials from 24 Massachusetts communities so far.
Pfaff was homeless for most of 2010, and met many people struggling with heroin addiction during that time. But part of his message is that the deadly drug is grabbing hold of thousands, and does not discriminate based on class, gender or race. It is not just a drug for the down and out.
Becoming addicted to heroin can break up families and relationships, although sometimes, heroin addiction can be part of a relationship if both parties get hooked on the substance. At this point, something like couples rehab may be the only way to help both people overcome their addiction. Compared to normal rehab, couples rehab can help people recover alongside somebody very dear to them, making for a more rewarding and tolerable detox period.
Watch the video above to see Pfaff on a recent daytime visit to an Interstate 290 underpass in Worcester. In a matter of moments, he finds dozens of used needs, bottle caps and other paraphernalia.
Read the full story here.
Source: MassLive Worcester http://masslive.com/news/worcester
