How Losing My Parents to a Suicide Pact Led Me to Addiction & Prostitution

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

In episode 62 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dylan Janet, who shares her powerful story of overcoming meth addiction, heroin addiction, alcohol addiction, and years of substance use. After countless attempts to get sober, surviving trauma, toxic relationships, and sex trafficking, Dylan finally found lasting recovery. Now over one year sober, she opens up about her darkest moments, what changed, and why recovery is possible for anyone struggling with addiction, mental health, or trauma.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Dylan's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thedylanjenet/Website | https://dylanjenet.live/Chapters |00:00 Introductions & Recovery Milestones03:00 Early Life, Family, and Moving to LA09:00 First Experiences with Substances12:00 Trauma, Blackmail, and Escalation17:00 Addiction, Relationships & Hitting Bottom23:00 Spiritual Awakening & Turning Point28:00 The Science & Stigma of Addiction34:00 Relapse, Recovery, and Support Systems41:00 Grief, Loss, and the Reality of Recovery46:00 Fighting Stigma & Community Solutions49:00 Life in Recovery & New Purpose51:00 Reflections & Closing RemarksFollow 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 61 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Connager Parks to discuss his incredible journey through mental health struggles, addiction, homelessness, and recovery. Born with a deformity caused by abuse his mother endured during pregnancy, Connager shares how childhood trauma, his father's battle with addiction, and his own meth addiction led him to homelessness at just 17 years old. After getting sober at 22, he completely changed the trajectory of his life and found purpose in recovery.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Connager's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/connager.mov/YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Conmov.00Chapters |00:00 Intro & Guest Introduction01:02 Younger People in Recovery04:42 Applying Recovery Steps to Life07:20 Coner's Early Life & Medical Challenges11:00 Family, Upbringing & Divided Home16:14 Diagnoses & Social Struggles in School19:23 Discovering Substances & Early Experimentation23:32 Vlogging, Content Creation & High School Popularity26:09 High School to Harder Drugs30:53 COVID Hits & Life at the Skatepark34:46 Experimenting with Psychedelics37:13 Meth, Addiction, & Losing Control46:42 Rock Bottom & Hitting the Streets49:35 First Rehab & Family Impact54:02 Lessons Learned in Rehab57:39 Film School & Aiming for a Better Life01:00:57 Cycles of Recovery, Relapse & Isolation01:08:08 Rock Bottom Revisited & Reaching Out01:12:06 New Sober Living & Helping Others01:18:47 Early Recovery and Ongoing Struggles01:26:11 Finding Purpose, Career, & Family Support01:31:08 Faith, Goals, & Embracing Life01:34:43 Reflections, Healing, & 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 60 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with musician Multifaceted Monster (Michael Smith) to discuss his battle with alcoholism, meth addiction, cocaine use, and mental health struggles. Michael shares what it was like growing up without his father, searching for a connection with a higher power, and navigating years of substance use that eventually led to daily binge drinking, frequent psychiatric hospitalizations, and multiple 51-50 holds. He opens up about his lowest moments, the rock bottom that changed everything, and the path that ultimately led him to recovery.This conversation explores addiction, mental health, recovery, trauma, spirituality, alcoholism, drug addiction, and finding hope after years of struggle.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Michael Links |Website | https://multifacetedmonster.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/multifacetedmonster/Chapters |00:00 Intro & Meet the Guest00:30 Growing Up: Family, Childhood, and Moving01:14 Early Rebellion & Childhood Stories02:18 Family Dynamics and Religion03:29 Parental Absence & Communication Issues05:14 Substance Use Begins06:16 Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism07:28 Weed, Social Acceptance, and Early Drug Use09:59 Cocaine & Escalating Addiction12:34 Meth, Toxic Relationships, and the Spiral Down15:05 Legal Consequences & Crime Stories18:54 Never Feeling Like It Was a Problem21:32 First Rehab Experience24:22 Multiple 5150s & Suicidal Ideation27:00 Stigma of Suicide & The Reality31:14 Therapy, Recovery & Family Dynamics35:54 Rock Bottom and Road to Recovery41:40 Living Sober: New Life and Achievements54:50 Relationships, Recovery & Setting Boundaries01:02:02 Healthy Relationships & Personal Growth01:05:16 How to Find Multifaceted Monster & OutroFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodTags 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 59 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with entrepreneur, recovery advocate, podcast host, and founder of Kreatures of Habit, Michael Chernow, for an honest conversation about addiction, trauma, recovery, and personal transformation.Michael shares his story of growing up with family challenges, experiencing s*xual assault, battling substance use disorder, and navigating the pain that fueled his addiction. He opens up about the realities of recovery, the lessons he's learned through adversity, and how sobriety helped him rebuild his life with purpose.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 & Moving to LA01:31 Introduction to Recovery and Breaking Stigma03:25 Roots of Addiction & Importance of Healthy Habits05:25 Growing Up in New York City07:50 Family Dynamics and Childhood Trauma13:13 Early Signs of Addiction and School Life16:16 Escaping Pain, Substance Use Begins20:07 Cycle of Self-Hate and the Role of Love25:33 Sports, Sexual Abuse, and Seeking Validation29:57 Molestation Realization & Impact33:11 Addiction Intensifies & Life on His Own36:35 Balancing School, Work, and Early Job Experience39:59 Addiction Deepens, Hitting Rock Bottom41:52 Overdose & Immediate Aftermath45:02 Explaining the Insanity of Addiction48:07 Powerlessness & Turning Point53:41 Asking for Help and the Start of Recovery56:09 The Recovery Plan & Building New Habits01:00:04 Lasting Transformation Through Structure01:03:37 Importance of Daily Wins & Routine01:06:05 The Role of Fitness and Nutrition in Recovery01:08:38 Sobriety, Abstinence, and Individual Recovery Paths01:12:19 Managing Trauma & Breathwork01:14:26 Addiction as a Disease & Combating Stigma01:17:56 Long-Term Self-Compassion & Living Sober01:18:38 Closing Thoughts & GratitudeMichael Chernow's Links |Website | https://www.michaelchernow.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/michaelchernow/Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodTags 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, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict