Heroin Cost Me My Career and Custody of My Daughter | Dave Manheim

In episode 72 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dave Manheim, opens up about his heroin addiction, using drugs while working at MTV, losing custody of his daughter, and the painful road to sobriety. He shares how he rebuilt his life and turned his darkest experiences into one of the most recognized addiction recovery podcasts. This is an honest conversation about addiction, relapse, fatherhood, recovery, and second chances.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Dave Manheim's Links | Website | https://dopeypodcast.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dopeypodcast/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/dopeypodcast/Chapters |00:00 Welcome to F the Stigma00:20 Type A vs. Type B Personality01:40 Vaping and Quitting Smoking04:30 Dopey Podcast Origins07:00 Interviewing Hunter Biden08:30 Early Days of Dopey10:00 Naming the Podcast11:30 Sobriety and Uncertainty13:20 Growing Up in Manhattan15:00 First Encounters with Drugs17:30 Career in TV Production20:30 Heroin Addiction Begins23:00 Rehab and Relapse26:00 Moving to LA and Struggling29:00 Benzos and Blackouts31:00 Mother's Illness and Turning Point34:00 Fatherhood and Shame39:00 Losing Custody and Rock Bottom42:00 Finding AA and Sobriety47:00 Dopey's Growth and Community49:00 Coping with Loss54:00 Why We Use and the Power of Choice57:00 Obsessions and Recovery01:00:00 Lessons from AA Meetings01:03:00 The Real Reason for Using01:05:00 Learning Hard Work at Katz's01:09:00 Dominican Roots and Connection01:11:00 Working at Katz's and Dopey01:13:00 Grieving the Old Life01:15:00 Dopey Con and Future Plans01:17:00 Defining Addiction and Breaking StigmaFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 71 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Matt Barker, who was recently featured on Soft White Underbelly, joins the podcast to share how he transformed his life after decades of addiction, meth use, prison, and devastating loss. Today, Matt is sober, has earned his master’s degree, and uses his experience to help others find recovery. In this raw conversation, we break down the disease of addiction, the insanity and destruction that surround it, the reality of getting sober, and how purpose, accountability, and helping others gave Matt a chance to rebuild his life.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Matt's Links |Podcast | https://www.youtube.com/@almostfamoustotallysoberChapters |00:00 Welcome Matt Barker00:14 Growing Up in the Valley00:46 Last High and Jail02:34 Sister's Ultimatum04:40 Running Into Tiny06:29 Attempted Robberies07:32 Pep Boys Incident08:38 Long Beach Detox11:53 Mother's Call and Dark Knight14:29 Beginning of Sobriety16:04 Finding a Sponsor18:20 Withdrawal Symptoms20:24 Running Into Weasel21:11 20 Years of Addiction26:00 Best Friend's Death29:05 Meeting Willie30:38 AA Meetings and Stories32:23 Anonymity and Comments34:46 Sobriety and Life36:35 Obsession Lifted38:00 Expunging Felonies40:56 Six Months and Ten Days42:43 Almost Relapsing45:40 Importance of Drunkalogue50:15 Education and Career54:00 Writing and Screenplays57:00 Working in Treatment01:00:20 Wife's Cancer Scare01:01:33 Understanding Addiction01:03:00 Stigma and Treatment Industry01:06:50 Future of Recovery01:09:45 AA Traditions and Bill Wilson01:12:00 Different Paths to Recovery01:14:55 Living in the World01:16:11 Where to Find MattFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 70 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Pej, a professional interventionist with 19 years of sobriety and a powerful story of addiction and recovery. Pej spent nearly a decade addicted to drugs and meth while working as a drug dealer, with his addiction escalating after a fatal car accident. Today, he uses his personal experience with addiction to help others, specializing in interventions for clients struggling with psychosis, substance abuse, and addiction. Pej shares what it took to get sober, how he turned his past into a career helping others, and what families need to know when a loved one is struggling with addiction.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Pej's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/pejinterventions/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PejizCorner/Podcast |  @PrimaryPurposeWithPej  &  @PejInterventions  Website | https://pejinterventions.com/Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pejinterventionsChapters |00:00 Welcome to F the Sigma Podcast00:28 Pej's Recovery Story and Mission00:53 Pej's Background and Family Life01:07 Early Childhood and Memories02:24 Moving to California and First Substance Use03:43 The Genesis of Addiction04:59 The Car Accident and Its Aftermath07:23 Addiction Spiral and Legal Troubles09:33 The Drug Dealing Lifestyle12:31 From Counselor to Interventionist13:43 Becoming an Interventionist15:35 The Importance of Interventions17:42 The Reality of Drug Dealing19:50 The Toll on Humanity22:32 Hitting a Spiritual Bottom24:40 The Role of a Mentor26:00 From Addiction to Advocacy28:25 Facing the Toughest Interventions31:27 Enabling vs. Helping34:47 Personal Struggles in Recovery38:22 Shedding the Ego41:49 Where to Find PejFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 69 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Danny Shannon. Who shares his incredible journey from teenage addiction and years of heroin and ice use to incarceration, homelessness, countless attempts at rehab, and ultimately long-term recovery. Danny opens up about the darkest moments of his addiction, what finally made him choose recovery, and how he transformed his past into a mission to help others struggling with substance use and mental health. Today, Danny is a recovery advocate, speaker, entrepreneur, and the host of the Colorful Past Podcast, where he shares powerful stories surrounding addiction, recovery, and the people who have lived through them. In this episode, we talk about addiction, prison, recovery, relapse, the reality of trying to get sober, and what it takes to completely rebuild your life after years of substance abuse.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Danny's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dan_the_man_46_/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/danny.shannon.395/Podcast |  @AColourfulPastPodcast  Chapters |00:00 Welcome and Introduction02:38 Growing Up in Australia04:35 First Substance Use07:37 The First Heroin Hit10:30 Progression to Addiction14:17 What Heroin Solved16:32 First Withdrawal and Jail19:21 Life in Australian Prison23:00 Methadone and MAT Debate27:56 Rock Bottoms and Attempts32:02 Recovery in America35:55 Overdoses and Fear of Dying38:17 Explaining Addiction42:16 Parenthood and Regret46:06 The Turning Point49:59 Life Today and Encapsulator53:03 Crucial Factors in Recovery57:01 Leaving 12-Step Fellowship01:04:12 Message to Those StrugglingFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 68 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Courtney LeRoux, who opens up about her journey with mental health struggles and addiction, beginning at just 11 years old. Growing up in South Africa before moving to the United States, Courtney’s struggles eventually led to addiction involving ketamine, alcohol, and other psychedelics. Now over one year sober, she shares the raw reality of addiction, recovery, mental health, and finding hope after years of struggling. Courtney’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that your past does not have to define your future. This episode explores addiction, sobriety, substance abuse, mental health, psychedelic use, alcoholism, and the journey to recovery.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Courtney's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/roux_coco/ & https://www.instagram.com/court_leroux/ Website | www.lerouxwellness.comTreatment Resource | https://moongladerecovery.com/Chapters |00:00 Introduction & Welcome00:28 Childhood in South Africa01:48 Mental Health Struggles & Family Dynamics03:50 Being the Younger Sister04:50 Relationship With Her Parents & Healing05:03 The Impact of Her Father on the Family07:20 Lessons From Childhood08:02 Her Mother’s Support During Recovery09:17 How Her Parents Changed During Recovery10:16 First Encounters With Substances11:31 Early Alcohol & Drug Use12:28 The Stoner Phase & Searching for Identity13:33 Spirituality & Drugs14:56 Spirituality & Substance Use16:20 Experiences With Psychedelics17:33 Intentional Substance Use18:36 Her Thoughts on Therapeutic Ketamine19:30 Problematic Ketamine Use20:56 Her First Experience With Ketamine22:10 Moving to the United States & Lifestyle Changes22:37 College Experiences & MDMA23:25 Life in Colorado & Cocaine24:00 First Contact With Ketamine25:09 Selling Ketamine & Addiction26:28 What Is Ketamine?27:44 Medical Uses of Ketamine28:33 Toxic Relationship & Selling Ketamine30:00 Escalating Addiction & Deterioration31:28 Fleeing to California & Seeking Help32:33 Deciding to Go to Rehab33:21 Her Experience in Rehab35:28 Kratom Addiction & Withdrawal36:21 Levels of Treatment & Sober Living39:20 Meeting Her Partner in Rehab40:28 Working in Treatment Centers41:41 Surrender & Gratitude44:46 Mindset, Control & Abundance47:11 Addiction as a Symptom & Spirituality49:19 Body Image Struggles & Dance51:20 Yoga as a Tool for Healing54:39 The Role of Therapy & Self-Esteem56:50 The Crucial Role of Recovery58:02 Changing Your Mindset & Perspective59:55 Reflections on Substance Use & Recovery01:02:04 Toxic Relationships & Lessons Learned01:04:00 Healthy Love & Personal Growth01:05:20 The Importance of Communication01:08:59 Thank You & ClosingFollow us!Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 67 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Wendy shares her incredible journey through trauma, grief, addiction, and recovery. After witnessing violence as a child, surviving sexual assault at 15, becoming a young mother, battling alcoholism, and losing her husband to suicide during his active addiction, Wendy opens up about the pain that shaped her life. Today, she uses the grief of losing her husband as her greatest motivation to advocate for mental health, addiction recovery, and hope. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter how much you've been through, healing is possible, sobriety is achievable, and you can rebuild your life.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Wendy's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/breezywend/Chapters |00:00 Introduction & Guest Story Tease00:37 Breaking Stigma of Mental Health & Suicide01:12 Dealing with Loss and 'What Ifs'02:27 Acceptance & Guilt after Loss04:08 Personal History With Suicide & Early Life05:13 Childhood, Family and Early Trauma06:31 Witnessing Trauma as a Child08:45 Pushing Through Trauma & Early Abuse10:03 Cycle of Blame, Perfectionism & Seeking Validation12:13 Handling Abuse Reports & Family Response14:01 Seeking Attention, Promiscuity, and Family Challenges15:41 Substance Use and Losing Control18:00 Teen Pregnancy, Family Response & Self Harm22:22 Abusive Relationships & Single Motherhood25:01 Self Harm Patterns and Coping Mechanisms27:10 Mental Health Struggles & Institutionalization29:09 Young Motherhood, Marriage & Eating Disorders32:22 Weight Loss Surgery and Family Changes33:40 Second Marriage & Escalation of Drinking36:42 Alcoholism Takes Hold – Blackouts and Neglect39:55 Family History of Addiction & Alcoholism41:31 Detox Attempts & Cycle of Addiction44:44 First Recovery, Relapse and the AA Journey47:53 Relapse, Escalation, and Self Harm50:34 Marital Turmoil & Husband's Decline53:46 Confronting Loss – Husband’s Suicide59:59 Processing the Trauma & Aftermath01:04:01 Relapse, Isolation, and Hitting Bottom Again01:09:07 Family, Recovery, and Changing Patterns01:10:33 Finding Lasting Recovery & New Purpose01:12:55 Living Out Loud – Service, Sponsorship, and Advocacy01:15:27 Lessons Learned, Family Healing & Legacy01:18:01 Spreading Hope & Breaking Stigma for Others01:21:00 New Life: Fitness, Teaching & Recovery Advocacy01:23:12 Final Reflections & Messages of HopeFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 66 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Betty Guadango to share her incredible journey from addiction, prostitution, and unimaginable loss to lasting recovery and purpose. Betty opens up about growing up with parents struggling with addiction, losing both of them in a suicide pact, and how that devastating tragedy pushed her deeper into addiction. She also shares the moment of divine intervention that changed the course of her life, helping her break free from substance use and begin her recovery journey. Today, Betty is a transformation coach dedicated to helping others heal, find hope, and create meaningful change. This conversation sheds light on addiction, trauma, grief, mental health, recovery, and the power of resilience, proving that no matter how dark life becomes, transformation is possible.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Betty's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/buddha.betty/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bettyguadagno/Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@buddhabettyWebsite | https://buddhabetty.com/Chapters |00:00 Introductions & Backgrounds02:20 Growing Up in Chaos05:55 First Encounters with Substances08:08 Progression of Addiction12:00 Family Addiction & Shared Struggles14:44 Major Family Trauma & Loss18:43 Coping After Parents’ Suicide22:24 Relationships, Co-Dependency & Addiction27:28 Addiction’s Consequences & Hitting Bottom33:00 Prostitution & Survival Strategies36:46 Getting Clean & Crossroad Moments41:32 Spiritual Awakening & Near-Death Experience45:34 Forced Surrender & Finding Recovery48:46 Long-Term Rehab & Healing52:59 Building a New Life in Recovery54:25 Spirituality, God, and the 12 Steps57:57 Addressing Eating Disorders in Recovery01:01:12 Holistic Healing & Food Recovery01:03:51 Spiritual Beliefs & Alternate Paths01:06:52 Lessons, Life Purpose & Helping Others01:12:00 Wrapping Up & Final ThoughtsFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 65 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Skinny Vinny (Vincent Imperati), co-host of Steve-O's Wild Ride, to share his incredible journey from addiction to recovery. Vinny opens up about losing his father to a drunk driver, battling heroin addiction alongside his mother, being body brokered in California, surviving homelessness while living in a porta potty, and overcoming countless obstacles before eventually co-hosting a podcast with his childhood idol, Steve-O. This powerful conversation explores addiction, trauma, grief, recovery, homelessness, and how hope can transform even the darkest moments into a new beginning.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Skinny Vinny's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/skinnyvinny/Youtube |  @Vinnyimperati  Chapters |00:00 Intro & Skinny Vinnie's Story03:35 Growing Up: Trauma & Family Background07:00 First Encounters with Substances09:38 Opioids, Addiction, and Legal Troubles13:12 Homelessness & Its Impact17:56 Family Dynamics & Enabling23:36 Body Brokering & Recovery Industry Issues27:31 Finding Sobriety, Filming, and Luck32:00 Passion Meets Recovery & Working With Jackass Crew38:32 Work-Life Balance & Sacrifice43:13 Career, Relationships & Chasing Stability48:21 Addiction as a Disease? Perspectives50:43 Inside the Addict Mind: Why Not 'Just Stop'?55:00 Growth, Relationships, & Emotional Work in Recovery01:00:46 Legacy, Kindness, & Lessons From Loss01:04:10 Gratitude & Final ReflectionsFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, steve-o, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 64 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Elisa Saunders, recently featured on Soft White Underbelly, shares her extraordinary journey through childhood trauma, addiction, grief, and recovery. Elisa opens up about the heartbreaking experience of testifying against her older brother as a child, losing both her brother and parents, struggling with alcoholism while working as a school teacher, and receiving two DUIs before finally finding recovery. Now celebrating 14 years sober, Elisa dedicates her life to spreading hope, healing, and proof that recovery is possible. If you're struggling with addiction, trauma, or loss—or love someone who is—this conversation is a reminder that no matter how dark life gets, a new beginning is always possible.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Elisa's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/elisansaunders/Chapters |00:00 Welcome and Breaking Stigmas02:00 Discussing Addiction, Cats, and Connection05:00 Defining Alcoholism & Early Signs10:00 Growing Up Sheltered & Family Differences17:00 Florida to California: Life Changes & Family Dynamics25:00 Trauma, Coping, and Discovery of Alcohol33:00 First Experiences with Substances & Escapism39:00 Reflecting on Trauma, Inner Child, and Healing47:00 Active Addiction, DUIs, and Hitting Bottom53:00 Consequences, Recovery Challenges, and Spiritual Growth58:00 Faith, Loss, and Building a Life in Recovery01:00:00 Final Thoughts: Compassion for Family & ClosingFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 63 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Wild Card, who shares his powerful journey through addiction, relapse, and recovery. Growing up with a father who cooked methamphetamine, Wild Card opens up about how childhood trauma and early exposure to drugs led him into addiction. After losing 9 years of sobriety, he fought his way back and is now 7 years sober. This honest conversation explores mental health, addiction, relapse, resilience, and the hope that recovery is always possible.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Wild Card's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/wildcardthedragon/Chapters |00:00 Intro & Meet Wildcard01:08 Life on Tour & Recovery02:21 Early Family Dynamics03:52 First Experiences With Alcohol05:15 Teen Rebellion and School Trouble06:26 Talk Show Intervention & Troubled Teens09:12 Trying Sobriety, Relapse Cycle12:11 Probation, Meetings & Graduation14:28 Meth, Mental Health, and Rock Bottom23:24 Sobriety, Success & Emotional Growth27:37 Relapse After 9 Years Sober31:13 Mental Health Struggles in Recovery34:46 Getting Back and Building Foundation40:52 Seven Years Sober—Reflecting, Grief & Growth47:19 The Importance of Compassion52:44 Role of God & Letting Go54:57 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find WildcardFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comPod links |Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism