About this episode
In this conversation, the guest, Kat Gibbons, shares her experience as a heroin addict and the progression of her addiction. She discusses how her addiction started at a young age and how she always felt different and out of place. She talks about her use of various drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, Adderall, and Xanax. Kat describes the consequences she faced, such as losing her job, apartment, and car, and living on the streets. She also shares a pivotal moment when her boyfriend was killed in a mass shooting, which made her contemplate her own life and the need for change. Despite multiple attempts at treatment, Kat struggled to stay sober until she finally reached a point of surrender and willingness to get help. In this conversation, the guest shares her experience with addiction, recovery, and the role of faith in her journey. She discusses the impact of COVID-19 on addiction and how it allowed scammers to thrive. The guest also talks about her struggle with fentanyl addiction and the challenges of managing its powerful effects. She emphasizes the importance of humility and surrendering to a higher power in recovery. The conversation highlights the significance of women supporting each other in recovery and the rewards of helping others. Keywords heroin addiction, fentanyl, progression, consequences, homelessness, mass shooting, surrender, treatment, addiction, recovery, faith, COVID-19, scammers, fentanyl, humility, surrender, higher power, women in recovery Takeaways •Addiction can start at a young age, even in individuals who had a good childhood and supportive parents. •The progression of addiction can lead to severe consequences, such as homelessness, loss of relationships, and legal issues. •Pivotal moments, such as the loss of a loved one, can serve as wake-up calls and motivate individuals to seek help. •The power of choice is often lost in addiction, and individuals may continue using drugs despite the negative consequences. •Treatment can be a challenging process, with relapses and resistance to change, but it is possible to find recovery with persistence and support. COVID-19 provided an opportunity for scammers to thrive and for addicts to game the system. •Fentanyl addiction can be intense and challenging to manage due to its powerful effects. •Humility and surrendering to a higher power are crucial in recovery. •Supporting and helping other women in recovery is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. •Having faith and trusting in a higher power can lead to a transformative spiritual experience. Sound Bites •"I am either going to like do dope and like die and like kill myself and overdose on purpose so I can go like be with him or I'm gonna try to like get better." •"I remember laying there waiting for them to call me for my induction. And I literally was like, fuck, out loud, screaming." •"I call somebody and they give me like 10 bucks on cash up and I hit up my friend and I'm like, dude, if you come pick me up, I'll give you 10 bucks. That's all I have right now." •"COVID allowed us in a lot of people, not even just addicts, to game the system." •"Am I? Yeah, I don't know what the hell it is." •"Get over yourself, be willing to hear something different." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflection on the Journey 03:00 The Start of Addiction and Feeling Different 07:46 The Progression of Addiction and Consequences 12:51 A Pivotal Moment: Coping with Loss 20:51 The Power of Choice and Resistance to Change 29:00 The Challenges of Treatment and the Path to Recovery 39:34 The Impact of COVID-19 on Addiction and Scammers 45:17 Struggling with Fentanyl Addiction 49:27 The Importance of Humility and Surrender in Recovery 54:48 Women Supporting Each Other in Recovery 01:09:26 The Rewards of Helping Others in Recovery 01:16:25 The Transformative Power of Faith in Recovery