Escaping from Drug Addiction to Sobriety and Recovery: "Brandon's" Story

"I chose me." - BrandonIn this deeply personal episode of the Just Drawz Podcast, we sit down with Brandon, who courageously shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and what it means to choose healing one day at a time.Together, we have an honest conversation about substance use in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among Black gay men, and examine the factors that often go unspoken: the search for belonging, the pressures of certain social spaces, mental health, trauma, loneliness, and the courage it takes to ask for help.Brandon opens up about his life before recovery, his experience living in a sober living community, and the lessons he's learning as he continues to rebuild his life. His story is one of accountability, 6resilience, and hope.This episode is not about judging people or sensationalizing addiction. It's about understanding how people become hooked, celebrating the possibility of healing, and reminding anyone who may be struggling that recovery is possible and that no one has to walk that journey alone.A Gentle Note: This conversation explores the realities of addiction and the path toward recovery. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being as you listen. Should you or a loved one need a safe space to turn, the SAMHSA National Helpline offers free, private support around the clock at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Remember, you are never truly alone."Just...Hooked Yet Healing"Resources:Narcotics Anonymous “Big Book”: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Qlxqbxikq802gFA_71ueeqR-3dCjT74/view?usp=drive_link 12 Steps Infographic: https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/The-12-Steps-of-Alcoholics-Anonymous-Poster-therapy-Wall-Art-for-Living-Room-Bedroom-Aesthetics-Decor_d7d24baa-7da5-4c41-9f14-082ed5f35165.4322afac7c38836c975ba972343e638b.jpeg?odnHeight=768&odnWidth=768&odnBg=FFFFFF 12 Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous:https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://imgv2-1-f.scribdassets.com/img/document/939172370/original/96ac6c5a63/1?v%3D1&tbnid=9MWIwnvy9xbx4M&vet=1&imgrefurl=https://www.scribd.com/document/939172370/12-Traditions-of-NA&docid=1smRxstoSbHE1M&w=768&h=1024&hl=en-US&source=sh/x/im/m1/3&kgs=826230aef3293e70&shem=epsd1,nisbtsac,rimspwouoe&utm_source=epsd1,nisbtsac,rimspwouoe,sh/x/im/m1/3 Crisis Help: www.samhsa.gov  | TEXT NUMBER: Text your zip code to 435748Listen to Our 90’s Playlist:YouTube Music:https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzaf4yOmTtwfewr5Lq5jTB9Y5JvKg8lh&si=Lqv2Xassq-woeJUASpotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xX9SSUHjjxdk7CkqUHUuNApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-just-drawz-podcast-presents-decades-the-90s/pl.u-06oxDB6uJNjgJe_______________________________Hosts:DMC:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/DMCureton⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/deeemcee⁠Jeff:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup⁠https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup⁠_______________________________Just Drawz on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast⁠https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz⁠_______________________________Edited and produced by:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________________Music: "Neptunes" - by Black Assassin -⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin