"He Shot Me Up With Heroin For The First Time" | Surviving Addiction, Prison & 7 Years Sober

"He shot me up with heroin for the first time" — and that single moment sent Lauren G. into a years-long battle with addiction that nearly cost her an arm, a foot, and her life. In this raw, unfiltered episode of Nothing's Off The Table, Lauren G. (Philly / Kensington) opens up about the addiction story she's never fully told. From taking her first drink at 14, to a trauma bond that pulled her into opiates, to shooting heroin despite being terrified of needles — Lauren holds nothing back. She walks us through the hardest chapters: multiple DUIs, stealing from her own mom, watching her sister break down crying through prison glass, blood infections that nearly took her left arm, cellulitis that nearly took her foot — and why even THAT wasn't enough to make her stop. But this is also a story of hope. Lauren shares how a year in prison, Bucks County drug court, and finally hitting the point where "the pain gets great enough" led her to over 7 years of recovery — and a life beyond her wildest dreams. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation is for you. 🔔 Real stories. Raw comebacks. Nothing’s off the table. I sit down with people who’ve faced it all: addiction, loss, redemption—and came out stronger. These are unfiltered conversations about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose again. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. Learn More: 🌎 Website: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/laurgaff) 👉 TikTok:(https://www.tiktok.com/@lala.g730) About the Show Hosted by Louis Ruggiero, a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and advocate for recovery, Nothing’s Off The Table is where real people share their real stories. From battling addiction to overcoming life’s toughest challenges, Louis and his guests uncover the moments that spark change and fuel unstoppable comebacks. Expect raw honesty, deep insights, and stories that hit home. Meet Louis Louis Ruggiero turned his life around after years of struggling with addiction, gambling, and substance abuse. Now, he’s on a mission to amplify voices—from celebrities to everyday survivors—sharing their journeys of grit, growth, and healing. #AddictionRecovery #WeDoRecover #NothingsOffTheTable #LouisRuggiero #RecoverOutLoud #ComebackStories #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery Disclaimer: The stories and views shared on Nothing’s Off The Table are personal experiences and not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance on personal matters. Copyright: © Nothing’s Off The Table with Louis Ruggiero. All rights reserved. Feel free to share or embed episodes with proper credit and a link to our official pages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices