152: Fit and Free - Patrick's Story of Addiction

Patrick, born and raised in Chicago, shares how childhood abuse and emotional neglect contributed to early marijuana use, dealing in high school, and multiple treatment stays that initially led to more connections to get high. At 18 he unknowingly tried heroin at a party, quickly progressed from snorting to injecting daily, cycled in and out of court-ordered treatment, and eventually became homeless with a $100-a-day habit, surviving through hustling and illegal activity. After a suicidal overdose attempt and a moment of clarity, he entered detox, received Suboxone, and transitioned to a suburban treatment center where he connected with a sponsor and began AA step work, including a transformative fourth and fifth step. Now sober since 5/3/18, he focuses on fatherhood, fitness, boundaries, and sharing recovery through speaking and social media.00:00 From Pills to Heroin00:59 Recovery Mindset Shift01:19 Show Intro and Sponsor03:42 Meet Patrick Sober Story05:13 Childhood Trauma in Chicago09:10 Weed and Early Warning Signs10:36 Treatment and Escalation11:43 First Heroin High13:15 Needles and Losing Control15:52 Homeless Rock Bottom19:44 Suicidal Moment and Detox22:59 Detox to Treatment Breakthrough25:00 AA Meeting Full Circle26:49 Step Work and Healing Trauma29:18 Fast Track Steps One to Three31:10 Fourth Step Deep Dive32:12 Promises and Spiritual Shift35:04 Amends and Family Fallout40:21 Boundaries Protect Sobriety42:30 Quiet Life After Chaos44:27 Social Media Recovery Reach46:31 Any Path That Saves Lives48:03 Sober Strong Partnership52:17 Advice and Closing Thanks