Life Was Perfect, But I Was More Sick Than I Could Ever Imagine

What makes someone throw away everything they've spent 10 years rebuilding?In this episode of the Rollercoaster Podcast, I sit down with Corey Warren, a recovery advocate, business owner, and former addict whose life was shaped by addiction, prison, relapse, and ultimately redemption.Corey shares how a single decision at a high school party led to a 20-year battle with heroin and alcohol addiction. He opens up about the armed robbery that nearly cost him 30 years of his life, the alcoholism that left his organs failing, and the devastating relapse that happened after he had seemingly beaten the odds, 10 years sober, a thriving business, a loving family, and everything he once dreamed of.But this conversation goes far beyond addiction. Corey reveals the deeper struggle that fueled it all, the desperate need to belong, be accepted, and find his identity in the approval of others.We talk about recovery, relapse, faith, purpose, and the dangerous lie that success alone can heal what's broken inside. If you've ever battled addiction, lost your way, or wondered if it's possible to rebuild after hitting rock bottom, Corey's story is proof that your darkest chapter doesn't have to be your final one.In this episode:How one decision at a high school party led to a 20-year battle with heroin and alcohol addictionThe armed robbery that nearly cost him 30 years in prison and changed the course of his life foreverWhy building a successful business, loving family, and dream life still wasn't enough to stop a devastating relapseThe deeper struggle with identity, belonging, and validation that fueled his addiction for decadesHow faith, recovery, and a second chance helped him rebuild after losing everythingKey Moments:00:00 The Beer That Cost Him Everything06:15 Chasing Acceptance Through Drugs11:30 The Day He Injected Heroin for the First Time15:20 Funding Addiction With Stolen Money20:40 Dopesick, Desperate & Out of Options24:25 Facing 30 Years in Prison at 1828:20 Why Getting Clean Didn't Fix the Real Problem33:00 The Seizure That Should Have Saved His Life36:30 The People Who Paid for His Addiction40:05 The Brutal Reality of Early Sobriety44:30 The Sobriety Strategy That Actually Works47:20 Building a New Life After Addiction50:45 Success Nearly Destroyed His Recovery55:30 One Beer Became a Nightmare59:10 The Relapse That Changed His Life Forever1:02:30 The Unexplainable Moment That Shook His Faith1:06:00 Why He Finally Surrendered to God1:09:30 The Biggest Lie Addiction Tells YouConnect with Corey Warren:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icoreywarren/Connect with Me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/