Dentist, Addict, Bank Robber, Recovery

Chris welcomes Damian, whose life took a turn from a successful dentist to a desperate bank robber due to drug addiction. Damian's addiction led him to prioritize drugs over his family, driving him to rob several banks to support his habit. Despite the gravity of his actions, his techniques were non-violent, relying on written notes. Eventual arrest and jail time mark the point of his life unraveling. Now nine years sober, he reflects on the importance of perseverance, hope, and the challenging yet rewarding process of rebuilding his life and mending familial ties. Damian's story is a raw and honest testament to the struggles and triumphs of overcoming addiction.
2:41 - Was first introduced to drugs by his brother at the age of 9.
5:55 - At 16 years old he stole cash from his job’s safe and fled to Cabo.
7:30 - Crashed at different places while traveling around.
11:36 - Balanced work, family, and education commitments diligently.
15:34 - Commuted from Newport to LA, struggled with alcoholism, and couldn’t balance work and family.
19:28 - As a dentist, he casually prescribed Norco and masked it with antibiotics.
22:38 - Acknowledged his issue, sought treatment, and maintained professional standing.
24:35 - Dad admits failing his children due to his addiction.
26:41 - Financial desperation led to a spree of bank robberies.
29:48 - Failed bank heist due to bad disguise.
34:05 - “Thought I was invincible, kept robbing banks, and eventually got caught.”
37:12 - Overnight night stay in Mexican jail - a sobering experience.
40:27 - Stayed sober in prison by focusing on self-improvement.
45:06 - A supportive friend helped him stay sober and reunite with his family.
49:42 - Overcoming struggles, finding peace, and focusing on his children.
54:54 - Struggled with shame, but now embracing growth through honesty.
58:13 - “Message of perseverance and faith in adversity.”
Check out all episodes of the South Coast Chronicles Podcast: www.southcoastcounselingoc.org/podcast/

[@MrBojangles2025]

This is what I took from his story. He had some trauma early in life and introduction to drugs early which is powerful. That introduction early in life to coping with hard times by drug abuse followed him his whole life. College, dental school and practice and family life. It finally destroyed him but God can lead you out of anything no matter how bad your situation seems at the time. We don’t recognize how powerful his leadership can be. This man realized it. He knew he could only overcome it with God and real supportive friends. This shows us that no matter the situation you find yourself in, a new life can be given to you through faith

[@shanewalley891]

Awesome message love this and loved this video , I was hooked on Percocet , norcos and oxys was taking 10-15 a day but thank god after rehab I’m 3 years sober now

[@UNICEF_AFGHANISTAN]

I bet you that ford ranger is still running down in Mexico even after running with no oil 😂

[@rodolfo.martinez]

what a cool guy i’m glad you made it thru man

[@jenr6775]

Wow ! What a story. I’m so glad he has control over his life and he was able to overcome so much. When we think of providers, whether it be a dentist or a doctor, we don’t associate them with addicts. This just reiterates that they’re human like the rest of us. Bless him and his family !

[@beatrizsmith7293]

This is nuts!!

[@ThePellizzer]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ThePellizzer]

I find this interesting, and so happy for this mans recovery and happy for his family. However, having been a victim of an armed home invasion by teens trying to pass a final test to become a member of some elite gang and they are now in jail. I hope they find recovery while on the inside but what about the recovery of the victims whose life is changed forever. A bank teller being robbed life is forever changed as mine was after looking down the barrel of a gun with someone stating they are going to kill me. The recovery & healing time for victims of criminal behavior, is also a life long process of forgiveness that I struggle with on a daily basis. Again, thank you for sharing this pod cast

[@ryansuchodolski68]

Really happy for you brother! Keep doing YOU and making the next right decision. I can relate to a lot of your story. Take care

[@johnmaxwell4072]

40 pills a day , then a jailhouse detox? Hell on earth.

[@bryanfrombuffalo7685]

I was taking 180 oxies in 6 days and I got arrested..56 days. Still sober that was 2017

[@bryanfrombuffalo7685]

Getting sober in a homeless shelter off opiates after major surgery kzbin.info/www/bejne/in6YqJh9qr99i7c

[@Micheal-Knight-]

Anyone else thought it was Matt Damon?

[@CaptPicard81]

This is what Matt Damon would look like if he had this guys drug problem

[@shanewalley891]

@@CaptPicard81 you wrong about that that’s why pills are so different than coke and meth so hard to tell at times when people are on pills a good addict knows how to hide it but eventually the seams start to come apart

[@demonflowerchild]

Why did he say 3 different times just a few mins apart "thats right about when i met you.

[@MrC9Oh3]

Because that was right about when he met him

[@bobu1842]

Promo sm 😈

[@kevinl3211]

...what