Fentanyl Addict interview-Brian

Soft White Underbelly interview and portrait of Brian, a fentanyl addict on Skid Row.
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#addictionstruggles #softwhiteunderbelly #marklaita #documentary #interview #realstoryoflife #fentanyl #losangeles #educationalvideo #mentalhealthawareness #drugawareness #suicidalawareness #addictionrecoverytreatment

[@DJCharmstrong]

This is a perfect example of why you should never judge a homeless person you see on the streets. I could never imagine having to go through the hell this poor guy went through on the daily. Absolutely horrific.

[@MaMa-uj4pp]

Exactly! If you don’t have walked in someone’s shoes and don’t know their stories- DONT JUDGE! You will never know what they are going through…

[@morningmom6]

Absolutely!

[@cpkarkow663]

@@MaMa-uj4pp There but for the Grace......

[@crystalwright9099]

So sad that little children do innocent have to endure hell like this … that was hell ( what they went thru ) I pray god will ease his pain and I pray he will find sobriety again and catch a break more than anything I pray that he can one day find peace and happiness

[@tjls123]

Im pretty sure the majority of people are judging them because they are choosing to do drugs and leach off the system, they're not judging their childhood abuse. Why would u think that?

[@RetireandGo]

This man’s life is one of the most traumatic I have seen or heard. I can only hope he finds peace.

[@maplecookies2036]

Trauma is the root of addiction. Do I believe what they say most of the time ? No , but Then again ,I don't believe half of what sober ppl tell me either.

[@WE-ci8cq]

@@mihe6212 I believe him. His story is beyond what someone could make up.

[@haleyoneil9172]

@@mihe6212 yeah sometimes I feel bad for people who can't weed through the bullshit... It baffles me!!!! And I'm an addict in recovery 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[@stomachhurts2044]

Lol u must be new here

[@Vistacraft82]

i think hes exaggerating his plight. Most likely seeking for public sympathy and the money mike will pay him at the end of the interview

[@mama.ashley]

I can see him healed, sober and being a motivational speaker. With a beautiful wife and him being the best dad on the planet. God, we pray this happens for him!

[@MrDan320]

Me too! I see him inspiring and helping others for sure. I hope he is one of the ones the host of the show can truly help

[@diegoshepherd3464]

I hope he can achieve your vision. He deserves so much more than he has.

[@tanyagarcia4968]

Amen 🙌❤️

[@js7924]

And so it is!❤

[@helenbartoszek243]

Really? It's probably what he deserves but I don't think it will happen. With his heart problems and fentynal use I think it's a case of live fast, die young. His life has been too traumatic. Hey, can someone tell me what happens in his situation when you go to hospital? I know America does not have free health care like most civilised countries, so does that mean he now has a massive debt as well?

[@LUSCIOUSDUNCAN]

"It's not fun closing my eyes." This is the most poignant statement I've heard in a long, long time. My eyes immediately began welling up after hearing it. So much can be inferred from that one little sentence, so much anguish and despair and horror. A life plagued by nightmares, whether asleep or otherwise. A haunted existence. My heart weeps for everyone feeling this way. I've almost been there myself.

[@AliciaM5555]

SERIOUSLY 😢😢🙏🙏

[@dsiredconfection]

Also, when he said that he doesn't have anyone that cares about him and he has no self worth because of his childhood so he has no motivation to be anything more than he already is - that broke my heart. I just want to hug him! There is so much unrealized potential in him. I hope he reads these comments and feels inspired.

[@jordypenagos8862]

The one that got me was “I don’t want to be a John Doe “

[@MaMa-uj4pp]

@@jordypenagos8862 : who is John Doe?

[@jordypenagos8862]

@@MaMa-uj4pp its usually the make up name used to describe people in social work scenarios. I interpreted as he didn't want to be used as an example of someone that didn't make it out

[@LUSCIOUSDUNCAN]

im just barely 4 minutes in and this is already one of the most horrific stories i've ever heard on this channel. maybe i'm just extra shaken up because we share a name, but...fuck, man. if you see this i love you bro. hang in there. giving you a big ass long-distance hug, man.

[@mikkieisemann9713]

By far the worse life story here

[@amyrepoza9007]

I am so sorry for all the horrible things you went through Brian , I am sending you my Spirit guide's and A Host of Angels to watch over You and help You, they have helped me through Alot of trauma, I hope You feel their Peace flow through You& help You out of the deep dark time you're stuck in💔.... God bless You 😇😇😇😭😭😭😇💯✨✨💞 💫 Amy Repoza

[@olioliii]

i've probably watched MOST of the videos on this channel. this is the first one that absolutely broke me. i want to help this man so bad.

[@MahhadValixFlash]

I totally agree. First few minutes in , I fought the urge to skip the video. This guy has seen the worst of humanity. It's so sad .

[@sallithorpe1031]

I want to help this poor boy, please get on Kratom and wean of fentanyl and save yourself. It’s easy, and it’s sustainable and you will never need opiates again and will be healthy. Please 🙏 I did it and I didn’t get sick 🤕😇❤️!

[@kurdishgirl6361]

So EVERYONE failed this kid? Nobody, no neighbor, no teacher, no nurse, no doctor reported this case of severe abuse to the police and CPS? How do you not see that? What level of brutality is this that you can do to a child? We as humans create the worst hell on earth. Even though he came straight from hell, he turned out to be a good kid. His self reflection, his views and how he speaks about his emotions are pretty clear. I want you to make it Brian, you got this.

[@Ivan_Berni]

Is not really apathy, is just that people have their own problems and for spending your free time and money in others you had to be one of a kind.

[@nicche511]

@@richiesrestorations4883 As a teacher, we are legally obligated to report things like this as a part of our job. It is not our job to investigate a claim of abuse any further, that’s up to CPS. If the kid made it up CPS usually figures it out quick. It seems backwards but we have to take every suspicion of child abuse very seriously.

[@RussellD11]

Thats how Capitalism works, Everyone just out for themselves! Dog eat Dog

[@jasongue1716]

Yes. Our whole society failed this poor kid. I hope he is one of the few who makes it out. I remember after an auto accident I was taking pain pills. Only a couple a day as prescribed and when they ran out I was miserable for a couple weeks. I can’t imagine trying to quit something like Fentanyl. What a mess.

[@shonavarney366]

Brian, you may not have many friends out there on the streets but guaranteed you have so many people watching you tell your story who truly care about you and respect you for having come through all that trauma but still be a wise, insightful and resilient guy. I hope you get the opportunity to overcome your addiction again and shine as the star you are. Don't give up Brian ❤️

[@MB.77]

Well said ❤️

[@elisabethsalmon4107]

Perfectly worded

[@corinalymburner1121]

Exactly what she said, Brian - We so badly want to see you shine in spite of all of the horrors of your past, to climb out of the depths of despair & embrace a better life, the one you’ve always deserved. Much love to you❤

[@Parkhana12]

This guy broke my heart listening to his story. I will not forget you, Brian.

[@amyhuddleston5477]

I cried watching Brian’s body language and listening to him. No child should ever have had to live like this. He seems like such a sweet soul, I hope he can get the help he needs and deserves.

[@angelacarlton1550]

Same here! This guy has such a beautiful, sweet and broken soul. My heart breaks for him... I hope he can see he deserves so much more than the hand he's been dealt. 💔

[@angelacarlton1550]

@@mihe6212 i wish that was possible but he's nowhere near me and at the moment that just isn't possible due to unfortunate circumstances.

[@MaMa-uj4pp]

@@mihe6212 : you are unfair and heartless!! 1. some kind words and understanding means a lot to people who haven’t often heard something positive and have a lack of love and care in their lives and it’s balsam for a wounded soul!! Seems that you don’t understand this fact- ask yourself why… 2. what do YOU do to help others in need, so that you can blame others?! 3. this poor guy needs professional help, for his addiction and for the massive abuse and trauma that he had to go through!!

[@5Whyz]

@@mihe6212 What are you trying to prove exactly Molly? Because you are displaying yourself as a heartless selfish asshole who has no point to make. Hopefully you have better intentions than the words you've written here

[@JeromeProductions]

Yeah

[@MatthewAndrewDrake]

So many people on here ask about helping someone or something this and that etc. this guy is the #1 candidate to be helped. Someone please help him. He deserves and needs a break. Big time.

[@easileo5647]

Agree 100%. If we donate via Go Fund that Mark has and request it go to help Brian, is that one way to help? My god, I want to do what I can so he can shower and go to the bathroom in peace. Maybe if he has that he will be able to feel some hope and get help for addiction and healing. I want him to feel clean and safe for however long he has here. I hope for a miracle, but let’s get this guy a goddamn regular shower, shall we?

[@abelmcguire1951]

@@easileo5647 yes but know you're taking a chance on being hood winked in the end, he's worth it though!

[@jadedmonk7001]

Brian is an incredibly sensitive, intelligent and self-aware old soul. I hope he finds whatever he's searching for. Big love and prayers💖🙏

[@myeyeswentdeaf6213]

Hey Jaded Monk! Peace and Love to ya from Brooklyn NY.

[@jadedmonk7001]

@@myeyeswentdeaf6213 Wat up Eyes! Back atcha and hope you're doing well my friend and as always...Big love😎💕📿💫

[@beebee2781]

Brian my Dad was sold as well as a little boy. He became an amazing father, but struggled so much with what those people did to him. I'm so sorry that such evil people did such horrific things to you. I wish I could go back in time and take you to a safer place to grow up the way kids should.

[@alicjaes2813]

Someone tell me how people who experienced such a horrific abuse as a child can ever live a “normal” life. Brian you are intelligent, kind, genuine and well spoken guy ❤️

[@heatherchurch]

Lots of courage and cognitive behavioral therapy. Self-truth is so difficult, and sharing it with others (like a therapist) takes you back to those dark spaces again. When I found a therapist who specialized in childhood trauma and attachment issues, my world opened up and I began to heal. The triggers are there, though much less severe, and I know that I am a normal, loving person capable of helping and loving others. It was a long road, but I am so happy now and believe Brian can get there too. He first needs to believe it’s possible for him, though, and commit to getting clean for good. He seems so thoughtful and kind, i hope he realizes that he is worth fighting for.

[@jordypenagos8862]

Hard to say but I believe with the right support system they might be able to. Others have in the past

[@NaNa-re3wc]

@@heatherchurch I would recommend someone finds a therapy and therapist that works for them personally. There are a plethora of different types of therapy aside from CBT.

[@gordon3186]

@@heatherchurch--- Or commit to being clean just for today.

[@drichinlord2953]

people like him need revenge.

[@abigailcoffey512]

Maybe this is bad to say but these videos are always most painful for me when the person is obviously intelligent, kind, thoughtful. To see such beautiful souls in so much pain makes my heart ache.

[@Waffle-tv7rg]

All addicts are of above average intelligence. You have to be.

[@MissSweetieShortie]

not even halfway through and this has to be one of the most traumatic stories I ever heard

[@ashleyallen7138]

This has to be the saddest childhood testimony I’ve yet to hear. I’m praying for you to heal. You did not deserve to be treated like that. ❤️

[@rosaliebluestein1228]

Damn, I can say one thing Brian, we all wanna see you get through this to the other side. You are more then deserving of it. I watch these videos daily and never post anything. You really stand out.

[@andrewpagan]

This one really hurts my heart. Just insane how much torment and destruction one person can do to someone's entire life. This guy deserves so much better.

[@Joanna-hq2el]

Oh my gosh his potential shines through even in the midst of addiction. You can see he’s special and I hope and pray he recovers. I hope he doesn’t give up on himself. ❤

[@glacier4610]

His interview had me in tears. We definitely need a follow up interview! I really wish he could get support and love he deserves and get clean.

[@gpops512]

I've been a faithful watcher of this channel since almost day one and this one has got to be one of the hardest ones to hear. Brain I'm so sorry that you have had to go through so much trauma, and I'll be praying for you.

[@Eramone212]

BRIAN ! I NEVER FORGOT YOU BRIAN Before I hit play, I was praying this wasn't the Brian I knew. My heart is in pieces. I was a counselor at a facility where Brian was when he was a teenager. Brian it's Amanda. I hope to find you one day.

[@Eramone212]

Keep your head up sunshine ❤

[@jhay4256]

You should of helped him when you had the chance !

[@jellyshadowz7348]

@@jhay4256 I’m sure she did as much as anyone can as a counselor, you have no right to say something like that. Did you hear this young man’s life story was.

[@yungLo676]

help brian please 🤍🤍

[@Eramone212]

@@jellyshadowz7348 thank you

[@sugarfix7280]

It’s so hard to know what to say here. If you read this Brian know that there’s a whole community of people who are rooting for you. Sobriety is rarely a straight path. It is so easy to take the wrong exit but since you have been there I hope you can find your way back. I could see you doing outreach for young people on the streets. I’m one of many right now wishing for life to cut ya a break and for you to find some peace and happiness.

[@k_roc200-32]

I wish peace and healing for all his wounds not just his addiction.

[@figarcia9301]

Brian has been through living hell, no child should ever go through the brutal and horrific childhood he’s had it’s heartbreaking. He has still managed to pull himself up, finish schooL and help others struggling with addiction, although he feels broken and like he’s got nothing to fight for his courage and wisdom is extraordinary, Brian the world would loose one of the strongest persons I have ever come across, i hope there’s a way for you to remember all you have achieved and how far you came, you can do it again!!!! 🙏❤️

[@JenSpen77]

Such an obviously intelligent, insightful, and empathic person. I cannot fathom what he has gone through. A true horror story. I will pray he finds some peace in his life. ♥

[@hannatadesse2117]

Brian's story is by far one of the saddest stories on this channel. I wish I could physically hug and look him in the eyes and say I see you, I hear you, I feel your pain and I am rooting for you. Brian has all the rights to blame the people that gave birth to him, his parents failed him. Brian, sending you my prayers and love. Mark thank you for shinning a light to individuals society has placed in the dark to never be seen nor heard.

[@wilson8979]

Wow what an interview. The advice he gave at the end is golden. I can relate so much from my own childhood trauma. I’m a functional adult, normal. But I always feel like at any point, I could be like this young man, I’m a few steps away from my downfall. I have a facade like I’m good, but everyday I’m dying inside.

[@NASkeywest]

Sorry to hear that. What are you going to do about it? It’s hard to ask for help or change our lives but it is possible. Don’t let the world miss out on what you have to offer.

[@rdrenth]

Very nice words Jessie. I recognize them, and I believe that many ppl feel the same if/when they stop distracting themselves by fulfilling desires

[@nhlibra]

Hope you see our notes to you, Brian. So sorry for all you have been through...your childhood (your sister knew you tried to protect her), your heart surgeries, your inability to get a night's rest, the overall PTSD from every damned thing. Sending thoughts , prayers and tears from New Hampshire. {{{{{Hugs}}}}} 😔😌😪

[@RJ-luci]

Despite all of the “worse than horrific” experiences Brian has been through, he is extremely well spoken. Can we hardly blame him for his drug addiction? This is such a sickening injustice committed by despicable people known as the “human race.”

[@natalievu4399]

I would wonder if he wouldn't need anything to numb the pain. His story hurt my heart.

[@nicolehall2177]

“If life was fair, I’d be dead.” 😔🙏🏼 prayers for you, Brian.

[@mysticmama740]

This was such a zinger. Unimaginable. Poignant.

[@griceliaramos9271]

So heartbreaking.

[@Bicksa9]

My heart is breaking hearing your story. Brian, you are worthy of so much more than this. I wish you nothing but peace and happiness. I wish you healing for all your wounds in addiction and throughout life. Please, please don’t give up.

[@PianoMatronNeeNee]

So sorry you’re struggling Brian. Sounds like you had a rough start in life. Let that not represent who you are. You have a future ahead of you. Hope you can seek happiness and joy again. Sending you warm thoughts from Miami

[@teddyp3613]

Watching this poor guy makes me want to find him and get him help and take care of him. I so feel for him.

[@mikkieisemann9713]

So do it !

[@AliciaM5555]

Never has Mark's videos inspired me more than this one and there have been a lot over the past 4 years. I'm looking for his email if anyone can help me.

[@lisalep]

Me too! I wish I was in the states xx

[@AliciaM5555]

@@MrDan320 thank you. I actually spoke to Mark this morning ☺

[@chrisfenstermacher2929]

I feel the exact same way.

[@stevenlinford4312]

Man, He's not too far gone, although I feel like he thinks he is. The trauma he's been through is something that would completely break most people. The fact that he's so well spoken. educated, and insightful tells me he has a bright future. I see you man, I hope you find your peace, whatever that may be. I think thos interview could open some doors for you. It will be up to you to walk through them.

[@queenbella8825]

This story is beyond heartbreaking!! He can’t accept love because he’s never really had it. The psychological trauma is so deep. He needs extensive counseling. So hard for him to get clean as he has no one for support and the only people he feels he has is on the streets. It’s very unfortunate he probably won’t ever get off the streets.😔😢

[@PKDionysus]

Brian said that there's nobody who would care if he died, and that nobody would look for him if he went missing. When he said that, I was overcome with the strongest feeling that not only would I care, but that I would also be terribly sad. The thought of somebody living such a pained, traumatic life almost completely devoid of joyous moments, and then simply dying is incredibly sad, and even though I watched this interview like 5 hours ago, I haven't been able to get past that feeling. I truly, truly hope Brian finds something that'll being him joy before he reaches the end of his life. Regardless of whether its the drugs or his heart that take him, my greatest wish is for him to close his eyes and have the last image he sees be beautiful, and illicit pure joy in his final moments. All the best, Brian. I seldom pray, but I'm definitely gonna pray for this dude.

[@janene4855]

Gosh.. I usually shed a tear or two but, this one hit me hard. He has experienced more pain and suffering in his 24 yrs. than is imaginable. I hope he can eventually find a peaceful life and experience love.

[@SharonWillits]

He certainly is worthy. I can’t imagine that he actually has gotten himself together and got some education. Just think of how he would be if he could get support.

[@dariankusz6320]

This young man has instilled himself in my mind. I want nothing but prosperity for him. He deserves to be safe and happy.

[@micheleschroeder8153]

This hurts beyond measure. Brian, if you read this, know that I will carry the hope for you. Your life and story, I’m sure has touched more people than you may ever know. I love you Brian, please take care of yourself and most of all know you have a purpose in this life and you do matter.

[@angelsolis1]

If you see this Brian, get well. Be that mentor you didn't have. Be the light someone else needs. You are more than worthy. You didn't let your ugly life make you ugly. You're a very special person. The world needs more kind souls like you. I'll be thinking of you. Praying so very hard with this mother's heart. Much love.

[@zoethebear]

I don’t even know what to say after watching this. He broke my heart. This is the hardest episode I’ve ever watched. I hope that he finds some kind of peace. No one deserves the life he’s had. I feel him when he says he doesn’t like people or can’t relate. I feel the same way. Brian, if you’re reading, please know that someone is thinking of you and wants you to feel happiness again. You can still pull yourself out of this. People care.

[@99pcast]

You can see the suffering he has experienced in his eyes; this was another gut-wrenching interview to listen to.

[@heatherchurch]

Brian, I’m here to say you’re not alone. I too was subject to “fireflies” and other childhood trauma that has impacted the way I bond with people. There is reason to hope, please don’t give up on yourself. You’re amazing with a beautiful heart. Reach out to someone who can help. You will do the work, I know it, but it will take a lot of time and will power. I’ve emailed Mark (he has my email address). Please reach out if you need suggestions or guidance. I’m here for you. Sending so much love your way.

[@diegoshepherd3464]

What a sweet, sensitive, warm, amazing guy. I hope Mark can get him some help. He deserves to know a better life. Please do a follow up on him. All the best to you Brian. Sending love and light from Mexico.

[@ddz1375]

Brian, if you ever read this please know that you are not alone. I know what it feels like not to like people and to be completely disconnected from what normal society deems attachment to be. I was abused at a very early age as well, not by multiple strangers but there were a few in my abusers circle to whom with I was shared by my abuser. I don't like people either and sometimes I think my empathy bone is missing. You are a deeply caring person. I also know as you call it the weirdness of when someone shows us affection and tries to our Worth to the world. Kindness hurts when you're in the state of mind. When someone reminds you that you're human it is painful and we fight that because we believe that we are not worthy and that we are not human due to the abuses we suffered. I'm still struggling with having friends allowing someone to come into my bubble of a loneliness and trusting that they won't hurt me. You're a good young man and I know fentanyl is so hard to drop. I wish you nothing but love and for your own sake please be kind to yourself. I care. You are not worthless and you were not broken you just built the shell around your to protect you from others. I'm in my 50s and I'm still working on it. If someone gives me praise it costs me pain. Please know that you are not alone.

[@enriquediaz-rato4170]

What a smart and honest kid. He truly deserves an opportunity, not another one, because he hasn’t had none. He won’t have it.

[@hadaieong]

You could skip the last sentence because that’s why we are here for.

[@stephenpmurphy591]

@@hadaieong With his cardiac conditions Fentanyl is taking a huge toll on him. He's fail because of his health then his addiction. His life story is brutal no wonder he doesn't like people. I don't see hope in him.

[@elizabethcastelo6272]

I will never stop helping this community as long as I live. Mijo.. i hope you find your way. Don’t give up. There’s so much life to live and there are good people out there that will help you along the way

[@saudigold50]

Well spoken. Wishing Brian the best.

[@gabrialjackson5878]

Mark really helps me foster a greater compassion for my fellow man.i had no idea how jaded I had become. The banality of evil in our hearts is unacceptable

[@garymcgeorge7657]

The lady that has helped that one gentleman go to rehab in Colorado should really reach out and help this kid. This guy deserves it more than anyone I have seen on this channel.

[@newonealways4748]

Man this one is hard to listen my heart goes out to you and your sister but mad respect for sticking up for your sister you went through more so she didn’t have to do that tells a lot about you you have a real solid heart

[@Tiny86]

Please do an update and keep up with him! Please ! We care Brian ❤

[@Momsdailyagenda]

‘Horrific’ I’m beyond heartbroken. I hope and pray that the ppl interviewing him, help him and get him off the streets and into a intense program, we’re he can get help by physiologists and Psychiatrists etc. No person should ever have to grow up like this, his childhood was destroyed by these two ppl who were suppose to care for him. They should’ve given him up for adoption, he would’ve had a better chance. My heart breaks for Brian.

[@billyjohnson9166]

This is unbelievable. I can hardly believe this goes on. Sorry Brian you had to go through this.I hope the best for you.

[@jrahn66]

It goes on everyday. Sadly, his situation is not uncommon.

[@buchi777_]

This really hurts so much...Brian now that we've heard you,i want you to know that we will always pray and care about you!! Dont lose hope and get clean again.We would love to hear a follow up on your story and hoping that its going to be onyour recovery..Sending love and prayers Brian.

[@eezbreezy1]

brought me to tears and broke my spirit to watch this. i really wish him peace.

[@jessd7281]

I’m so sorry Brian, to hear about everything that you have been through. Keep your loved ones close, even if you think you don’t deserve them, or are weirded out about how much love they have for you. Keep them close, know you are loved, and cherish that feeling. Having 3 people who care for you and truly understand you is hard to come by. I hope you can get clean, feel happy, and start your life. Lots of love ❤️

[@kimpierce2844]

Brian, you are such a sweet young man. So wise from your lifetime of maltreatment and loss. Can I say I love you and wish you well. Sometimes one of the interviews will stay with me all day and I will ponder it this is one of those days. Bless your heart, Brian. P.S. Spot on about a shower, a pure privilege I am grateful for. Thank you for sharing your story Brian.

[@veronicasloan6365]

Wow, this kid is carrying so much pain. It’s heartbreaking.

[@starringshannon8163]

Brian's story hit differently. My heart is aching.

[@sweetsoundsof]

Great interview. His story soon makes one realise that their own path hasn’t been as bad as they may have thought.

[@mcburgerpants]

This one really broke my heart. I pray Brian can get some legit help and meet some honest friends. He is very articulate and self aware. I hope he will see his worth. It's so unfair what happened to him. He deserves to be happy

[@juliemacdonell6381]

I have never commented on here before, but this kid broke my heart. I hope and pray he gets a break, the support he needs, and people to connect with. I will carry hope for him until he can for himself. Thank you for sharing your story. Much love -

[@triggsnasty6066]

Let’s help this young man! I promise you, you can find support and meaningful relationships and start healing.

[@MsNeo1981]

'Oxymoronic' is also the key word for all the people that are being interviewed on this channel. Brian is a victim but has no victim attitude at all. I respect him very much and learn a lot by listening to his words. Thank you so much for sharing! People are weak but show strength at the same time. They can be self-destructive and equally self-sustaining. Brian I wish you peace and everything you wish for yourself!

[@newthings23]

I’ve watched every video on this channel and his story made me cry so bad 🥺 I’m speechless.. Praying for his peace of mind

[@aliciagrajeda9953]

This is one of the most horrific stories I've heard on this channel. Brian seems like a sweet soul, even after going through such a childhood. I wish I could help him, he needs help so badly. Brian can go back to being a counselor. He can help others again, that might be his saving grace. Helping others learn from his life story might be what helps him. 😔

[@dekayallday1]

“It’s crazy that so many people that do so much wrong - have such a great sense of justice” - Brian

[@ariannakane6716]

This by far has made me saddest. This young man is so young and the level of trauma he has been thru. I don’t feel like he is lying-who would lie about these horrible things in the past and now. I am so upset right now, who does that to a CHILD?? I pray he finds help, a warm shower, clean clothes and the will to get sober…he deserves a chance in this life. Therapy and kindness could go a very long way, we need to stop disposing human life as though it is trash.

[@deboracrammond3755]

Brian is an intelligent gentle soul. I hope he finds it within himself to realize how much potential he has. Sending healing light and love to Brian. Don’t give up!!

[@christophertheiss8877]

"If life was fair, I'd be dead." This broke my heart. Mark, these interviews are so important. If life was truly fair people wouldn't just be thrown away like trash on the streets.

[@pambeforethestorm9784]

"If life was fair, I'd be dead already." This broke my heart on so many levels....I truly do wish the best for him down the line, Brian, you Are important and worthy of love!! Please don't give up, there are those of us who actually Care 💯💙🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mariacrane9921]

Hi Brian, I know it is a long shot. But if you see this message I would love to get in touch with you. Your video was extremely moving and it takes so much credit to be able to sit in front of a stranger with a camera and share your deepest and most painful secrets. I am in Colorado, please DM if you feel like it, I'm an ex addict as well and I just want you to know you're not alone. Would love to be there for you, stay strong and sending you a huge hug!!!

[@AliciaM5555]

OMG I'm only 2 minutes in and I am just so sorry Brian had to endure this! I'm also from LA and the San Fernando Valley so I get it. I really hope he finds sobriety and healing. Love and prayers Brian. The trauma you have been through is extremely significant, but love and healing does exist I am just barely getting that now in my life at 58 years old, super shocked to be alive but grateful 🙏🙏💖💖

[@softestrebel]

this is heartbreaking. I’m praying for you Brian.

[@CaroleMora22]

Brian is a survivor. He's bright, and compassionate, despite the fact that he has been severeely wounded. His story highlights the awful truth that something is terribly wrong in our society. His sincerety is a great strength and it illustrates that he hasn't entirely succumbed to being a "victim" of circumstances. I hope after this interview he will see that many, many people hope for his continued survival, so that he can find a way to beat the addictions and live the long life he has ahead of him with more happiness and love. I hope he will soon get back on track and return to his work in helping others, because he obviously has so much capacity and the ability to give back. This channel as absolutely incredible and although the life stories are absolutely horrific, the level of truthtelling may one day bring about needed changes, for each of the individuals that share their stories and want to change their lives, and in our damaged culture as a whole. 💜

[@livelauflace]

This was a hard one. Brian, I wish you nothing but the best. I hope you can find the strength to pull yourself out of this and realize you deserve a good life and you deserve to have friends you call family.

[@lauraadams6828]

So much trauma for this young man.. I feel so badly that he had to go through all that … it is pure and simple that those people who took part in his torture are EVIL.. prayers for him to overcome the addictions and accept love and trust again …❤️🙏

[@jerryjohns7358]

His sincerity and hopelessness makes me cry.

[@LeaDatz]

I cried from your description of him

[@greenie75]

Brian, you express yourself so well. I wish there was a way through for you despite your compromised heart. You're clearly very intelligent and insightful, and could do anything you set your mind to. It's worth trying - please don't give up.

[@kontrabidangungguy]

get better bro. i hope you find happiness and peace soon. thanks for sharing your story.

[@Grace.allovertheplace]

For what it’s worth, I’m sending you my prayers ❤

[@rodolfocarandang1901]

"What is done in the dark will always come out in the light. What goes through the wash will come out in the rinse."-- wise, wise man. He shows everyone has something to give.

[@lorenablaylock4483]

Long time follower, first time commenter. This is truly the most heart wrenching story by far. He is so obviously intelligent, pure soul. I would like to know how I can help him directly please.

[@sabihakhan7840]

This is perhaps the most heartbreaking interview I have seen. I want to reach out and protect this young man. I can’t believe people who are supposed to love you can put a child through this form of cruel behavior. I hope both the mother and stepfather are rotting in jail. He even put himself through some form of college..He has been through more than I can imagine anyone should ever have to..

[@drmelaniewomble2663]

I have met people like your Dad at work. The reason I do the work I do is to help get justice for people who have experienced the ills of psychopathic predators similar to yourself. Let us do our jobs. I would wish for you to focus ALL the emotional and other world strength you so clearly have into making this life you have better for yourself. Best revenge is success.

[@TheKeltris]

I can't believe what he has gone through!!! so tragic!! He has so much potential to do and be more - I wish he could see and know this about himself!!

[@xfrancesxox1]

I want to hug him & it’s not from feeling sorry or anything, but more so because Brian, you deserve to be supported and shown human kindness

[@sydneyjordan31]

You deserve to feel loved, just know you do have someone, this whole SWU community. We are rooting for you! I am praying that you kick fent and find happiness

[@carlaburgos12]

Gosh, how is this possible? I’m sorry Brian, you look like a gentle soul you deserve better.

[@Ann-ix9xv]

Brian is a very compassionate young man that could help others if someone would pick him up and help him get on his feet and clean. He is intelligent in the ways of addiction and hardships.

[@hlwdreina]

I watch this channel every day. It has taught me to keep an open mind and everyone has a story. This one broke my heart. He has experienced more pain, trauma and loss than any human should. My prayers are with you Brian. You are young with a lot of potential. I pray that you find the strength to seek hope and sobriety 🙏🏾❤️

[@1eltino]

Brian is a very intelligent man. Listening to him has helped me put some of my own life problems into perspective. Good luck in the future

[@theresamerritt3644]

I can’t say that any of the interviews I’ve watched on this channel have touched my heart quite like this one did. This young man is so smart and I feel like all his feeling has been stripped from him and now he won’t connect as a defense mechanism. I pray good things come Brian’s way. Thank you mark for letting him share his story with us. God bless you both!

[@davecaldwell445]

Holy shit, Brian's story hit me harder than anything else I've ever seen on this channel -- and I've seen a lot. What a tragic, terrible, horrific life this poor young man has lived. He's obviously smart and extremely articulate. He wants to be clean, literally and figuratively, and would surely benefit from the smallest of breaks. It makes me so goddamn mad that society can't help people like him, that he's just fallen through the fucking cracks. I dearly hope this video helps him, in some way.

[@amyhuddleston5477]

Mark- if any of us can donate to help Brian please let us know. It looks like a lot of people on here would be willing to help! I live too far away from California to help any in person, but would be happy to offer what I can!

[@ThePlaneterra]

Despite it all, I hear a person determined to live. I hope we are able to reach out to this human and assure him of our heartfelt concern for him. Alone with your drug is a tough place to be. Brian is still in there and he is strong and he is resilient and wise.

[@col.cottonhill6655]

I wonder how many of these fentanyl addicts we watch every week aren't with us anymore. This stuff is killing everyone.

[@brandonratcliff3065]

Lots..

[@col.cottonhill6655]

@Sorum & Sons FF & Painting I'm glad to hear you're still with us brother. life is a gift we only get one

[@myeyeswentdeaf6213]

Fentanyl killed my wife.

[@lisalep]

I'm grateful we don't have it over here in Scotland also the crystal meth and I pray it doesn't. X

[@deenadiiorio]

When he said the hardest part of the life style of being an addict is not being able to shower or even take a shit….this is such an intelligent, well spoken, and resilient young man. I have so much compassion for this human. My heart breaks open for Brian. He is such a genuine soul. I really believe if he can get clean…he is going to change the world.