About this episode
The conversation revolves around the guest's experience with addiction and recovery. They discuss their introduction to drugs, the progression of their addiction, and the impact it had on their life. They also touch on the importance of open conversations about addiction with children and the challenges of parenting in the modern age. The conversation highlights the need for education and awareness surrounding addiction and the importance of creating a safe space for open dialogue. In this conversation, Gil shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery. He discusses the events that led to his addiction, including a traumatic childhood and the loss of his adoptive parents. Gil opens up about his experiences with substance abuse, including overdosing and near-death experiences. He also talks about his time in rehab and the importance of mental health in his recovery. Gil emphasizes the need for self-care and setting boundaries in order to maintain a healthy and balanced life in recovery. He also challenges the stigma surrounding addiction and advocates for harm reduction and a love-based approach to recovery. Keywords addiction, recovery, drugs, partying, high school, college, justification, parenting, education, safe space, addiction, recovery, trauma, substance abuse, overdose, rehab, mental health, self-care, boundaries, stigma, harm reduction, love-based approach Takeaways •Addiction can start innocently with partying and experimentation, but it can quickly progress and become a serious problem. •Open and honest conversations about addiction with children are crucial in helping them make informed decisions and navigate the challenges they may face. •Parenting in the modern age requires education and awareness about the various substances and issues that children may encounter. •Creating a safe space for open dialogue can help individuals struggling with addiction feel supported and seek help. •Education and understanding about addiction are essential in breaking the stigma and providing effective support and treatment. Traumatic experiences in childhood can contribute to addiction later in life. •Overdosing and near-death experiences can be wake-up calls for seeking help and entering rehab. •Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and autism, can coexist with addiction and impact recovery. •Establishing healthy boundaries and practicing self-care are essential for maintaining a balanced life in recovery. •The recovery community provides a supportive and compassionate environment for healing and growth. •Harm reduction and a love-based approach to recovery can be more effective in helping individuals overcome addiction. •Seeking therapy and utilizing all available resources can aid in the recovery process. •Challenging the stigma surrounding addiction is crucial for creating a more understanding and supportive society. Sound Bites •"I was going to school for criminal justice and psychology. The goal was to be a federal agent." •"I was doing it like Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. So I was, there was a point the second half, that second semester where I was doing it damn near every day." •"Most kids, at least in my experience, are gonna do the exact opposite. Like this is almost natural instinct to rebel." •"I was fucked up, but that's not why we went into the snowbank." •"Who wants to smoke a 'Gil's Not Dead' blunt?" •"I had this inkling for the longest time that there might be something more to it."