<p>A double amputee who lost both his legs after a heroin overdose has represented the US ski team at the 2022 Paralympics - placing 12th and 25th in two slalom events.</p><p>Matthew Brewer, 46, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008 for which he was subscribed opiates to help cope with the pain.</p><p>He began using the drugs to manage the emotional and physical pain of the disease - which quickly spiralled into regular heroin use.</p><p>The once keen surfer, BMX rider and snowboarder developed a strong addiction to the substance, which took over his life and isolated him from friends and family.</p><p>Matthew's addiction resulted in jail time, interventions and rehab before he suffered a heroin overdose in 2014 that changed his life forever.</p><p>He passed out on his bathroom floor, with all circulation to his legs compromised for nearly 18 hours before he was found.</p><p>Doctors were able to save Matthew’s life, but only through performing a double above-knee amputation.</p><p>But he has now bounced back - competing at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games earlier this year.</p>
