6 Years of Heroin Addiction to Now 4 Years of Sobriety

In episode 27 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Tristan, who’s back to share what life looks like now at 4 years sober. Tristan talks about what it was really like in the thick of his addiction—six years of IV heroin use, seven stints in rehab, and even losing all his teeth. He contrasts that with where he’s at today: learning how to cope, building real tools to get through the tough moments, and figuring out what long-term recovery actually looks like.

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.Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Catching Up

02:30 Reflections on Recovery and Four Years Sober

05:45 Realizing Imperfection in Recovery

07:30 Professionalism, Mentors, and Being Human

12:30 The Road to Recovery: Tristan's Journey

18:00 What Was Different This Time in Treatment?

22:30 Individualized Care & Shared Stories

26:00 Building a Life in Recovery

29:30 Dealing with Perspective and Daily Peace

33:00 Early Signs: Discontent and Escapism

36:30 From Marijuana to Opiates: Escalation of Addiction

40:30 IV Drug Use and Understanding Self-Harm

44:45 Life at the Lowest Points

48:30 Realizing Addiction & Reflecting on Rock Bottom

53:00 Why Some Need Multiple Trips to Treatment

57:00 Normies vs. Addicts: Is There a Real Difference?

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Pod links |

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Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224

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…

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