It Took Me 13 Rehabs to Finally Stop Using Heroin

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. Now sober at 24, Cindy reflects on the darkest parts of her journey and the strength it took to finally break free.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Pod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck 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

In episode 35 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Josh, who opens up about his journey from decades of jail, prison, and active heroin addiction to now celebrating 15 years sober. Josh keeps it real about what life was like in and out of institutions, what finally pushed him to change, and how he’s managed to stay grounded in recovery ever since. It’s an honest, no-fluff conversation about the reality of addiction, rebuilding your life, and what long-term sobriety really looks like.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 & Podcast Purpose00:32 Breaking the Stigma: Why We Share00:59 Growing Up: Childhood & Family Dynamics02:51 Moving, Family Background & School Years05:59 Adolescence, Rebellion & Early Exposure09:12 First Experiences with Substances11:00 Getting Drawn into Drug Culture13:00 Dropping Out & Life on the Road17:18 Grateful Dead Tour & Teenage Drug Community23:04 Psychedelics: Influence & Reflections27:10 The Progression to Harder Drugs30:29 Addiction Escalates: Heroin & Real Consequences36:42 Legal Trouble: Jail, Homelessness & Hitting Bottom43:08 Rock Bottom Moments & Missed Opportunities51:00 Seeking Help: Jail, Treatment & Getting Sober54:01 Entering Recovery: New Life Challenges01:00:03 Life Skills, Fear & Growing Up in Sobriety01:03:22 Mindset in Active Addiction vs Recovery01:06:08 Personal Growth & Lifelong Recovery01:09:00 Service, Self-Discovery & Staying Grateful01:10:02 Closing & Final ReflectionsFuck 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 34 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Tabitha, who shares powerful journey from a childhood filled with chaos, trauma, and abuse to finding recovery and rebuilding her life. Growing up in a toxic household in Baltimore, she faced early exposure to addiction, violence, and pain that led her down a path of substance use, incarceration, and survival on the streets. From the heartbreak of overdoses and prison time to navigating the fentanyl and Xylazine crisis, Tabitha’s story is raw and real—but it’s also one of redemption. Today, she’s a devoted mother, Peer Recovery Specialist, and living proof that healing is possible. Her story reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, recovery and self-worth can still be found.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 & Meet Tabitha00:17 Growing Up in Baltimore02:28 Family Struggles & Early Trauma06:46 Addiction Starts Young08:55 Teen Pregnancy & Family Dynamics13:01 Escalation: Violence & Arrests17:00 First Time in Prison22:22 Prison Life & Heroin Introduction28:36 Street Life, Drug Dealing & Multiple Incarcerations32:21 Overdoses, Survival & Losing Hope39:03 Kensington & Fentanyl/Xylazine Era44:41 Final Arrest & Path to Recovery46:03 Treatment, Sobriety, and Becoming a Parent Again49:40 Therapy, Medication & Adult Recovery Court53:07 Sustaining Sobriety & Growing Self-Worth56:00 Working as a Peer Recovery Specialist57:01 Family Healing & Finding Stability58:58 Reflection, Advice, and Hope for OthersFuck 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 33 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ansu, who shares his powerful story of battling alcoholism for over a decade while struggling with identity, family abandonment, and a toxic marriage. From growing up between cultures and living as a “functional” addict to hitting rock bottom and finding faith, Ansu opens up about his journey toward healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. Through honesty and reflection, he reveals how surrendering to God and embracing humility helped him rebuild his life and find true purpose beyond addiction.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 & Guest Introduction00:40 Growing Up Between Cultures02:18 Family Dynamics and Childhood Challenges05:13 Landmark Childhood Events and Moving08:07 Adjusting to New Environments10:11 Struggles with Identity and Acceptance13:13 Experimenting with Substances in Adolescence16:46 College Life: Escalation of Alcohol & Drugs21:21 Living as a 'Functional' Addict25:29 Marriage, Stress, & Substance Abuse32:57 Divorce, Rock Bottom & Hitting Crisis37:34 Withdrawal, Recovery & Spiritual Awakening41:05 Finding Healing Through Community & Faith44:22 Spirituality vs Organized Religion48:28 Humility, Ego, and Emotional Growth52:00 Service, Connection, and Helping Others56:41 Emotions, Reactions, and Growth01:00:10 God, Purpose, and Identity01:04:04 Materialism, Fulfillment & Guiding Decisions01:10:59 Defining God, Spirituality & Personal Belief01:14:32 Closing Reflections & 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 32 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Tim Fritz to share his powerful story of battling active alcoholism and addiction. Tim opens up about how the loss of his father deeply impacted his life and became a driving force behind his substance use. Together, Laisha and Tim break down the thought processes that come with being in active addiction—the denial, the shame, and the endless cycle of chasing escape. Through raw honesty and reflection, Tim shares what it truly took to find his way out and begin the journey toward healing and self-awareness. This conversation sheds light on the emotional roots of addiction and serves as a reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how lost you may feel.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 & Growing Up in Baltimore01:30 Early Childhood and Family Dynamics03:30 Losing a Parent and Turning to Substances06:30 Is Addiction Nature or Nurture?08:00 Personal DUI Experiences & Defining Addiction11:00 Identifying as an Addict—Comparison and Craving15:00 The Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Nature of Addiction18:30 Impact of External Consequences and Unmanageability21:30 Adolescence into College—Escalating Drinking24:30 College Years and the Struggle to Control Drinking28:00 The Obsession with Control & Attempts to Moderate32:00 Substances Beyond Alcohol and Cross-Addiction36:00 Why Alcohol Feels Different Than Other Drugs39:00 Misconceptions: Is it Just Willpower?43:00 Material Success vs. Internal Fulfillment47:00 Reaching Bottom: The Path to Treatment51:00 Medical Marijuana, Relapse, and True Recovery55:00 Spiritual Experience & Life with a Higher Power01:00:00 Advice for Those Struggling & Breaking Stigma01:01:30 Closing Thoughts and FarewellDonate to support! https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donateFuck 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

In episode 31 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Maggie who opens up about her journey through addiction, recovery, and rebuilding her life. She shares what it was like growing up around addiction, experimenting as a teen, and facing early arrests and probation. From her first rehab stay—where she admits she tried to “beat the system”—to the depths of opiate and heroin addiction in Kensington, Maggie’s story is raw and eye-opening. She talks about the repeated attempts at treatment, the turning point of true surrender, and how community became essential to her recovery. Now years sober, Maggie reflects on becoming a parent in recovery, working in treatment, navigating mental health challenges, and finding spirituality and purpose in long-term sobriety. This episode is a real, honest look at what it takes to rebuild and heal after addiction.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 and Podcast Mission00:35 Maggie's Early Years & Family Background02:00 Childhood Experiences with Addiction04:34 Noticing Differences & First Encounters07:14 Teen Experimentation and Escalation13:10 High School Arrests & Probation Struggles17:00 First Rehab and Intentions to ‘Beat the System’19:09 Opiates, Heroin, and Full-Blown Addiction23:18 Going Deeper: Kensington and Consequences27:30 Multiple Attempts at Treatment32:00 The Role of Community and True Surrender38:29 Early Recovery, Growth, & New Challenges44:24 Becoming a Sober Parent and Building a New Life47:07 Working in Treatment & Family Recovery52:18 Mental Health, Stigma, and Support Needs55:26 Spirituality in Recovery01:03:42 Long-term Sobriety and Changing Recovery Paths01:07:07 Biggest Highlights and Reflections01:09:54 Ongoing Mental Health and Support in Recovery01:13:23 Final Thoughts and ClosingFTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donateFuck 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, DUI, DWI, forgiveness, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 30 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Michael to share his story of addiction, recovery, and rebuilding his life. From early identity struggles to his first experiences with substances, legal trouble, and near-death moments, Michael opens up about what it took to reach rock bottom and finally seek treatment. He discusses relapse, homelessness, and the importance of finding a sponsor, setting family boundaries, and doing the hard internal work of change. Together, Laisha and Michael dive into stigma, mental health, overdose prevention, Narcan access, and what recovery really means. This conversation is raw, real, and a reminder that addiction recovery is possible.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 Meet Michael & Podcast Intro01:05 Growing Up: Childhood and Family Dynamics02:27 Trauma, Emotions & Early Identity Issues04:07 First Experiences with Substances07:07 School Years and Deepening Addiction10:19 Legal Consequences & Arrest Stories13:31 The Role of Psychedelics and Opinions on Recovery16:15 Abstinence, Relapse, and Recovery Definitions19:35 Reaching Rock Bottom & Going to Treatment23:39 Homelessness, Health Scares, and Near-Death27:01 Finding a Sponsor & Starting Over31:39 Family Boundaries, Al-Anon & Building Relationships34:47 Describing Addiction & Seeking Internal Change39:34 Struggles in Recovery & What Matters Most43:12 Forgiveness, Amends & Maintaining Relationships47:11 Foundations for Recovery: Steps, Community & God53:40 Powerlessness & The Nature of Choice in Addiction54:46 Treatment Industry, Body Brokering & Advice01:00:06 Stigma, Normalizing Recovery & The Mental Health Crisis01:02:44 Why Are We Addicts? Nature, Nurture & Accepting Reality01:04:50 Overdose, Narcan, and Access to Help01:07:08 Final Thoughts & The Importance of ConversationFTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck 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, DUI, DWI, forgiveness, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 29 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Joe as he opens up about his journey through pain, addiction, and redemption. From a rough childhood marked by school struggles, trauma, and searching for belonging, Joe shares how early challenges led him down a path of experimenting with drugs that eventually escalated into hard addiction. He speaks candidly about coping with personal loss, navigating the streets of Baltimore, and becoming involved in criminal enterprises that brought both wealth and devastating consequences. Joe reflects on his time in prison, the unraveling of his life, and the moment he truly hit rock bottom. From there, he describes his fight for sobriety, the healing process, and how he ultimately found purpose in recovery. The conversation also dives into Baltimore’s ongoing addiction crisis, the stigma and misconceptions society holds, and the struggles of mental health, isolation, and suicide that many face in silence.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 00:18 Joe's Rough Childhood & School Struggles04:34 Special Ed, Trauma & Seeking Belonging09:01 Experimenting with Drugs and Addiction Starts14:00 Escalation to Hard Drugs & Coping Mechanisms20:00 Personal Loss, Grief, and Street Outreach Work27:00 Criminal Enterprise, Wealth, and Consequences36:00 Prison, More Business & Life Falling Apart44:00 Hitting Rock Bottom & Journey to Sobriety47:00 Healing, Recovery and Finding Purpose49:00 Baltimore's Addiction Crisis & Street Realities53:00 Mental Health, Isolation & Suicide Struggles01:00:00 Society, Connection & Simplicity of Life01:03:00 Biggest Misconceptions About Addiction01:04:38 Life Purpose, Community & The Power of Connection01:07:00 Final Thoughts & Podcast Wrap-UpFTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck 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, DUI, DWI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness