THE experience of the Barrett family, from Canvey, carries a disturbing message. Heroin hits happy families, not just dysfunctional ones.

The Barretts are, or were, secure and mutually self-supportive. We have that on the authority of younger son David. Yet, like his brother Simon, David has become an addict.

Tellingly, both Simon and David did everything they could to hide the symptoms of addiction from their parents. They succeeded all too well over a long period of time.

There was no reason for suspicion. Nothing in the lifestyle or background of the two young men put them in the high-risk category. They kicked off on heroin simply because it became available.

Two lessons emerge from this heart-rending tale. One is constant vigilance. Sadly, drugs awareness has become part of the process of caring about someone, partner or child.

The other lesson is that we should all have knowledge of how to act.

When she finally discovered her older son was addicted, mum Sharon simply did not know what to do.

Being a modern citizen means we all need to acquire awareness of the drugs support system, almost in the way we know the 999 number.