How Gambling Addiction & Crack Addiction Ruined My Life

In episode 45 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Malik Keene, discussing his journey from active addiction to long-term recovery. Malik opens up about quitting drugs and alcohol, walking away from the drug dealer lifestyle, and confronting a gambling addiction that deeply impacted every area of his life. He shares how multiple DUIs and compulsive gambling became major turning points, forcing him to face the consequences of addiction and ultimately choose sobriety. Now dedicated to helping others, Malik explains how he transformed his lived experience into purpose and became a sobriety coach, supporting individuals seeking recovery from substance use, gambling, and other addictive behaviors. This episode offers an honest conversation about addiction, accountability, mental health, and what real recovery looks like beyond just quitting substances.Malik's Links! |Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/3901295416779134Book A Screening Call - https://calendly.com/malik-malikkeene/screening-callMalik's Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVQ6M2TRDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Chapters |00:00 Welcome & Podcast Mission01:13 Introducing Malik’s Recovery Journey03:30 Addiction Timeline & Early Struggles06:40 Middle School Trauma & Search for Belonging13:00 High School Years: Experimentation & Party Lifestyle17:00 First Experience with Addiction Consequences22:00 Escalation in College: Drugs, Gambling, and Dealing29:00 Understanding Gambling & Its Risks36:00 Rock Bottom Moments: Violence, DUIs, and Crisis47:00 Cycle of Addiction: Guilt, Relapse, and Denial01:00:00 Spiritual Turning Point & Seeking Help01:04:00 Key Relationships & the Path to Surrender01:09:00 Checking Into Rehab & Embracing Recovery01:18:00 Transformation, Faith, and Life After Addiction01:25:00 Debating Identity: 'Once an Addict, Always an Addict?'01:32:00 Multiple Pathways to Recovery & Breaking the Stigma01:36:00 Supporting Others, Resources & Final ThoughtsFuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 44 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Travis Shields, who shares an honest conversation about addiction, grief, and recovery after more than a decade of active drug and alcohol use. Travis opens up about surviving the loss of a close friend, the survivor’s guilt that followed, and how that pain drove him deeper into substance use. He also reflects on losing multiple friends to addiction, struggling to identify and process emotions, and the long internal work required to heal. This episode dives deep into the inner workings of addiction in the mind, the emotional impact of grief, and what recovery really looks like beyond sobriety.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Chapters |Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us!Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 43 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ryan Ead, sharing his raw and unfiltered story of mental health struggles and addiction that began at a young age. After years of misbehavior and substance use, Ryan’s parents had him kidnapped and sent to a wilderness program in the Utah desert, where he was forced to survive for three months. Instead of helping, the experience fueled anger and rebellion, pushing Ryan deeper into addiction. As the opioid epidemic took hold, he began doctor shopping, spiraling into heroin addiction and eventually hitting rock bottom in prison. It was there, at his lowest point, that Ryan made the decision to get sober. This episode explores trauma, addiction, the troubled teen industry, the opioid crisis, incarceration, and the long road to recovery, while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Chapters |00:00 Welcome & Breaking the Stigma01:00 Childhood, Family, and Early Influences03:40 Addiction and Its Deeper Roots07:00 Coping with Trauma and Finding Outlets11:00 School Struggles and Early Substance Use17:00 Escalation: Drugs, Crime, and Identity26:00 Being Sent Away: Utah Desert & Boarding School34:00 Returning Home and Deepening Addiction39:50 Cycle of Jail, Addiction, and Starting Over45:00 Rock Bottom, Solitary, and a Turning Point49:00 The Importance of Intent and Recovery53:00 Giving Back: Recovery, Purpose, and Service56:00 Finding Connection & Overcoming Stigma58:00 Mindset in Addiction & Final ThoughtsOur mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 42 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Matt Anderson, who shares his raw and honest journey through mental health struggles, addiction, incarceration, and recovery. Now 9 years sober, Matt opens up about going to jail at just 15 years old, being exposed to hard drugs at a young age, and growing up with an abusive father where fighting became his outlet. After his childhood home burned to the ground, his addiction escalated, leading to years of cycling in and out of jail and prison. Along the way, Matt lost many loved ones to fentanyl overdoses, deepening his struggle with grief and substance use. He shares how finding God became a turning point in his life and played a critical role in his sobriety and recovery. This episode dives into trauma, addiction, faith, loss, and what it truly takes to break the cycle and rebuild a life in recovery.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Chapters |00:00 Welcome & Podcast Introduction00:30 Matt's Early Life & Family Background02:00 Struggling with Anger & Behavior as a Child04:55 Violence, Hyperactivity, and Early Programs07:20 Discovering Outlets: Fighting & Seeking Approval10:25 Substances Enter the Picture13:00 Experimenting with Alcohol & Peer Influence15:20 Family Trauma & First Encounters with Drugs17:55 Stealing, Conscience, and Losing Guidance22:35 Escalation: Violence, Stealing & Substances25:15 First Consequences: Juvenile Detention & Early Legal Trouble29:30 Growing Up in the System & Life-changing Encounters36:00 Cycles: Release, Relapse & Street Life40:00 Introduction to Cocaine & Crack Addiction44:00 Descending into Crime & Prisons50:40 Losing Loved Ones & Reflection53:25 Hitting Rock Bottom & The Road to Change01:00:20 Sobriety, AA, and Finding God01:06:30 The Power of Inventory & Making Amends01:13:00 Perspective, Gratitude, and Relationships01:17:20 The Stigma of Addiction & Educating Others01:25:00 Steps for Everyone & Final ThoughtsFuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 41 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Mike Eaton, who has 17 years sober and opens up about the turning point that changed his life forever. After years of failed attempts to get sober, Mike’s addiction led to a fatal drunk driving accident that took someone’s life, resulting in him getting sober while incarcerated. He shares what it was like to confront the weight of that reality, take accountability, and begin true recovery behind bars. Mike also speaks candidly about being diagnosed with Bipolar 1, how untreated mental health impacted his addiction, and what it’s taken to manage his diagnosis through medication, structure, and sobriety. This conversation explores accountability, mental health, and what long-term recovery really looks like after irreversible loss.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Chapters |00:00 Welcome & Introduction00:29 Early Substance Use & Childhood01:46 Escalation & Early Consequences06:00 Major Life Losses & Hitting Rock Bottom09:20 First Journey to Sobriety12:00 Underlying Mental Health & Relapse14:14 Mania, Breakdown, and Recovery Setbacks17:00 Addiction's Toll: Loss, Depression, and Rock Bottom20:00 DUI, Fatal Accident & Jail Time24:00 Prison Experience & Personal Growth28:00 Release, Recovery, and Starting Over33:00 Dream Life Program & Life After Prison36:00 Managing Resentment & Forgiveness40:00 Living with Bipolar & Balanced Medication44:00 Breaking Stigma: Addiction & Community48:00 Understanding Addiction & Disease Concept52:00 Mental Health, Medication, & Recovery Perspective56:00 Ongoing Growth & Reflections58:46 Closing Thoughts & GratitudeFuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 40 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Emily, who shares her journey with alcoholism, starting from drinking at a young age and the struggles that followed her into high school, including an abusive relationship that shaped how she coped with pain. She opens up about using alcohol to numb the grief of losing a close family member and how that loss deepened her addiction. Now approaching 15 years of sobriety, Emily reflects on what it took to break the cycle, heal from trauma, and build a life rooted in recovery, honesty, and resilience.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma\Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI

In episode 39 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with William Mitchell, who was wrongfully sentenced to life in prison for attempted murder at just 23 years old and ended up serving 18 years behind bars. William opens up about battling crack addiction, how prison transformed him, and the moment he found his faith in Christianity. He shares how becoming a minister and paralegal while incarcerated changed the course of his life, and how he now dedicates his time to advocating for people in recovery and supporting those impacted by overdoses in Baltimore. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, redemption, and using your story to help others.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Chapters |00:00 Intro & Prison Backstory03:35 Growing Up Around Addiction08:00 Prison Life & Self-Transformation14:00 Faith, Purpose, and Religion in Recovery20:45 Meeting People Where They Are25:25 Family Influence & Early Recovery Attempts32:00 Crack Addiction: Control & Recovery38:45 Stigma, Language, and Helping Others45:35 Recovery Identities & Harm Reduction52:00 Addiction, Faith & The 'God-Sized Hole'59:40 Working as an Overdose Coach01:07:00 Giving, Money, and Service in Recovery01:11:45 Loving Difficult People01:17:00 Overdoses, Fentanyl, and Community Response01:21:00 Breaking the Stigma of Addiction & Mental Health01:25:05 Explaining Addiction to Non-Addicts01:32:00 Closing Reflections & Final ThoughtsFuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 38 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Cindy, who opens up about using heroin at just 11 years old, growing up in a chaotic and painful environment, and losing control of her life to addiction. She shares what it was like entering 13 different treatment centers, the multiple rock bottoms that forced her to confront the reality of her addiction, and the moments that pushed her toward change. Chapters |00:00 Introduction & Cindy's Recovery Journey00:47 Early Life and First Encounters with Addiction02:53 Struggling with Self-Esteem and Family Issues05:25 Childhood Trauma and Feeling Like an Outsider11:00 Addiction as a Family Disease13:55 Escalation: From Adolescence to Young Adult20:05 Rock Bottom and Spiritual Awakening27:00 Misconceptions, Stigma, and Willpower35:40 Different Paths to Recovery & Harm Reduction43:36 Sober Living and Starting Over53:01 Lessons, Growth, and Challenges in Long-Term Recovery01:03:36 Coping with Loss, Grief, and Mental Health in Recovery01:11:15 New Possibilities and Giving Back01:13:13 Hope and Meeting People Where They Are01:14:25 Closing Remarks & GratitudeDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 37 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Chris Yarnell, In this episode, Laisha sits down with a guest who opens up about a lifetime of stigma, trauma, and addiction. He talks about growing up in a household shaped by alcohol and drugs and how fractured family dynamics fueled his early substance use. He shares how his drinking escalated through adolescence, how a chemical imbalance influenced his drug choices, and what ultimately pushed him to join the Marines. He dives into the reality of serving while struggling mentally, the injuries and losses that followed, and the survivor’s guilt that nearly destroyed him. As addiction progressed, sobriety became a cycle of chaos, relapse, and consequence that eventually led to jail time, psychosis, and a rock-bottom moment that forced him to confront the truth. Now in recovery, he reflects on rebuilding purpose, the importance of service, and why healing means more than just staying sober. This conversation sheds light on the stigma around mental health, the impact of unspoken trauma, and the power of asking for help.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Chapters |00:00 Welcome and Podcast Intro01:29 Breaking Stigma Around Mental Health & Addiction02:58 Growing Up: Family, Community and Early Exposure05:47 Alcohol and Drugs in the Home10:13 First Experiences With Drinking and Family Dynamics15:41 Teens, Substance Use, and Parental Relationships20:48 Adolescence & The Progression of Alcohol Use27:01 Chemical Imbalance and Drug Choice Discussion33:14 Joining the Marines: Motivation & Pre-Military Life38:33 Struggles in the Military, Family, and Trauma46:11 Injury, Discharge, and Caregiving at Home50:40 Loss, Survivor’s Guilt & Mental Health Impact57:12 Addiction Progression & Cycles of Sobriety01:01:33 Complacency, Chaos, and Staying Sober01:09:34 Relapses, Triggers, and Uphill Recovery01:17:42 Consequences: Jail and the Wrong Path01:27:06 Bad Criminal Luck: Court, Mistakes, and Stigma01:36:00 The Breaking Point: Psychosis & Ultimate Rock Bottom01:44:11 Recovery Work, Service, and What It Means01:53:19 Defining Addiction & Hope for Recovery02:01:01 Purpose, Wellness, and Community Healing02:04:02 Why Recovery Means More Than Sobriety02:09:07 Trauma, Comparison, and The Value of Asking For Help02:15:05 Final Thoughts: Breaking Down Stigma and Moving ForwardFuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI

In episode 36 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ashley Pertuno, who bravely shares her story of surviving childhood abuse by a close family member, the trauma that fueled her addiction, and the mental health battles that followed her into adulthood. Ashley reveals how this pain shaped her relationships with men, pushed her deeper into substance use, and followed her through both her basketball career and her time serving in the military. From hitting rock bottom to fighting her way back to recovery, Ashley’s story is a raw and powerful look at trauma, addiction, resilience, and the strength it takes to rebuild your life after years of darkness.*Apologies for the change in audio quality around the 17:00 mark, we experienced technical difficulties*Chapters |00:00 Welcome & Podcast Introduction00:43 Ashley’s Childhood and Family Life02:10 Experiencing Trauma and Navigating Shame05:07 When Did the Secret Come Out?06:49 The Challenges of Sharing and Healing08:27 Speaking Truth, Baby Steps Toward Healing10:27 Substances Enter the Picture13:20 High School Struggles & Coping with Addiction16:00 Mental Health Battles and Suicidal Thoughts17:38 First Treatment & The ‘Great Pretender’18:32 Addiction Progression and Chasing Stability20:26 College Athletics and Hidden Addiction22:45 Joining the Military: A New Escape25:14 Military Life, Structure, and Drinking28:44 Life After the Military: Back to Delaware30:52 Addiction to Love and Relationships34:29 Chasing Toxic Relationships38:58 The Spiral Into Harder Drugs41:53 The Depths of Addiction: Love in the Trenches45:19 Rock Bottom: A Winter to Remember48:04 First Real Treatment Experience52:14 Finding Recovery & a New Perspective55:27 Baby Steps, Willingness, and Long-Term Recovery58:48 Value of Sobriety & Recovery Stories01:01:28 Why Recovery Time Matters01:04:15 The Insanity of Addiction01:06:47 Hardest Parts of Recovery: Relationships01:10:15 Discovering Self-Worth in Recovery01:13:18 Addiction as a Disease – Personal Insight01:18:55 Genetics, Awareness, and Stigma01:22:11 Closing Thoughts & Thank YouDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness