This project began with an idea, an idea to help those in need of guidance. It is my hope that it will inspire others to escape this dangerous drug, which claims too many lives both young and old, on Long Island, NY. 

Heroin usage is consuming not only Long Island, but clenches hundreds of thousands of Americans within its grasp annually. It is cheap, it is vile, and it is way too highly accessible. 

Throughout the duration of this project, I have photographed individuals within my community who were willing to share their story. I captured moments as they bent, bashed, stomped, hammered, and ultimately broke what it was that once tried to break them and the ones they love. 

People are dying too early, and within far too close proximity of one another - sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, and siblings alike. We need to take another step back and open our eyes to this disease. While there are certainly efforts being put into effect to help combat the epidemic, it is my hope that with this project I will shed light onto what some people have gone through, so that others can see how much a simple substance can try to overtake a life.

Thank you. 
I hope this helps. 


                                                                                                                                                                                                         -Daniel Palumbo