The National Institute on Drug Abuse shows more than 2 million people struggle with opioids, like prescription painkillers and heroin. In this second part of our series, one family shares their deeply personal story of the devastating effects of opiates. Our Carlos Garcia has the report.

AUSTIN, Texas — In the mind of an addict, the unthinkable becomes possible - even reasonable.

“I saw my brother in his casket from the heroin overdose. Twenty minutes later I was in a restroom shooting up heroin,” said Justin Tiemann, recovering addict who lost his twin in 2015.

For Donna Connell, the death of one of her sons was a wake-up call.

“Ultimately they were my addiction. They became my addiction. I was as sick as they were,” said Connell.

Heroin was the apparatus but the real monster was the disease: addiction.

“I passed out on the couch. I was never involved with my family. It made me miss nine years. My son is nine, my daughter is six,” said Tiemann.

It wasn’t the death of his twin, or the trips to jail, that compelled Justin to take a closer look at breaking the cycle.

 “My son wanted to go out and play ball. It felt like a chore to me. That still hurts me to this day,” said Tiemann.

Watching his children grow up without their father gave him courage.

“My mom she doesn’t know her real son. Never has. Nobody has really gotten to know me,” he said.

It’s a personal revival 16 months strong. Those seeking help from a sponsor are encouraged to call Infinite Recovery Austin. Their number is 844-206-9063.

Watch Part 1 of our series:  HEROIN AND OPIOID ABUSE: BEYOND THE NUMBERS

Watch Part 3 of our series: HEROIN AND OPIOID ABUSE: BEYOND THE NUMBERS, PART 3