About this episode
Rachel Elizabeth shares her journey of addiction, starting with experimenting with alcohol and cigarettes as a young teenager. She felt a sense of not fitting in and turned to substances to cope. She tried various drugs, including cocaine, ecstasy, and eventually opiates. She became addicted to OxyContin and later transitioned to heroin. Rachel recognized that she had a problem but was in denial and rationalized her addiction. She experienced consequences such as losing jobs and resorting to pawning items and even robbing people to support her habit. Eventually, she went to treatment in 2013. The conversation in this part focuses on the speaker's journey through addiction and recovery. They discuss the desperation and shame they felt while in active addiction, their attempts to manage their drug use, and their experiences in treatment centers. The speaker also talks about their newfound sobriety and the positive changes it has brought to their life. They share their gratitude for their current circumstances and their desire to help others who are struggling with addiction. In this final part of the conversation, Rachel Elizabeth discusses her journey to recovery and the challenges she faced along the way. She shares her experience of surrendering to the recovery process and the importance of staying committed to it. She also talks about the impact of losing loved ones to addiction and how it motivated her to stay sober. Rachel Elizabeth highlights the mental aspects of content creation and the pressure it can bring. She emphasizes the importance of staying mentally well and aligned with one's purpose. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the power of addiction recovery and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities. Keywords addiction, experimentation, coping, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, cocaine, ecstasy, opiates, OxyContin, heroin, denial, consequences, treatment, addiction, recovery, shame, desperation, treatment, sobriety, gratitude, helping others, recovery, addiction, surrender, commitment, loss, motivation, content creation, mental health, purpose, power of recovery Takeaways •Experimentation with substances can start at a young age as a way to cope with feelings of not fitting in. •Addiction can escalate from less harmful substances to more dangerous ones, such as opiates and heroin. •Denial and rationalization are common defense mechanisms for addicts, preventing them from seeking help. •Consequences, such as job loss and engaging in illegal activities, can occur as a result of addiction. •Treatment can be a turning point for individuals struggling with addiction. Addiction can lead to desperate and shameful actions, even when the person doesn't want to continue using drugs. •Treatment centers can provide a supportive environment for recovery, but it's important to fully commit to the program and do the internal work. •Sobriety is possible, even for those who have struggled with addiction for a long time. •Sharing personal stories of addiction and recovery can help inspire and support others who are going through similar experiences. •Open and honest communication with children about addiction is crucial to prepare them for potential challenges in the future. •Rebuilding trust with loved ones is a significant milestone in the recovery process. Surrendering to the recovery process and being willing to do whatever it takes is crucial for successful long-term sobriety. •Losing loved ones to addiction can be a powerful motivator to stay sober and make positive changes in one's life. •Content creation can be mentally challenging, and it is important to prioritize mental well-being and stay aligned with one's purpose. •Recovery has the power to transform lives and create positive change, both for individuals and communities.