Heroin Addiction, Recovery and No Shame | Crystal Oertle | TEDxColumbus

[@tatesanders9643]

Ugh, I don't know why I watch these late at night. I'm struggling with a heroin and meth habit for the past 7 years, and I want to quit so bad.. I always stay up and watch these to give me hope that I can do it. I need to get my life together.

[@elisasaylor4778]

I wish you the best of luck and strength in your struggle. Sincerely with all my heart.

[@JDKing-yg1ii]

Tate Sanders we can do it one day at a time

[@deepinthestreets5351]

Check my ch we can help each other

[@NirajPoudyal]

Hi, good luck with the recovery. You can do it, I was a poly addict for almost 7 years . Now I am totally clean for 10 years. Life is much better, despite some struggles....YOU CAN DO IT...🙂

[@dannyvee4499]

Tate Sanders use kratom to ease withdrawal

[@RandyStimpson]

My son just celebrated three years clean. What you and him have in common is that you both stayed connected to your family.

[@joethepope3]

I agree, society through laws and social stigmas alienates addicted people so we either jail them or disconnect from them socially , which only encourages addictive behaviour. War on drugs. War on ourselves.

[@messybutmeaningful]

Hey mate. How's your son going today? All the best.

[@messybutmeaningful]

@@joethepope3 well said mate.

[@RandyStimpson]

@@messybutmeaningful thankfully still clean.

[@rockyyahoo5566]

I hate my family members ,, my hope is only my son TinTin .

[@staceyoswald6967]

congrats, I celebrate sixteen months on 8/13/16. grateful for my recovery

[@cocoowen9344]

Stacey Oswald how are you doing now?

[@rosa273]

Are u still addicted lol

[@jasonkuy7100]

Congrats on your milestone. How's your journey today??

[@rosa273]

Jason Kuy she back on the STREETS ain’t no wifi there

[@crustydinglecherry3451]

Stacey aint celebrating nomore

[@the_dapper_barber]

The amount of courage to get up on a taped stage and expose that part of yourself is amazing

[@esmeraelillywing612]

I lived this, and it's hard to hear it out loud. I did everything she did, except I NEVER took my child with me when I would pick up. I was terrified CPS would take him away. I never used in front of him. As a recovering addict, I am proud of that, despite what others might think. I am proud of her too, it's hard to come out the other side of addiction. The pain is so indescribable.

[@tjulia88]

+Rae LanH There's nothing about addiction that anyone should look back on and be proud of. "Oh I shot dope but I didn't do it in front of my kid!" lol a "normal" person would hear that and think you're crazy b.c the fact of the matter is that you were using hard drugs while you had a kid and you were around your child while under the influence of hard drugs. She prob had nobody to watch her kid. You're just lucky that you had someone to watch your kid.

[@esmeraelillywing612]

+tjulia88 what I'm proud of is that I didn't do drugs around my child, and that I stopped and successfully came out the other side a wiser person, and my son still has a mother. there are many things in this world that sound crazy to a person who has never been in that position, but you are entitled to your opinion and I respect that. you'll understand if I hold my own opinion of not much caring about the opinions if those who judge me in return. be well and luck to you.

[@tjulia88]

+Rae LanH it's just silly and unnecessary to point that out. As if it is an accomplishment when, in actuality, it's nothing to be proud of. It's like saying, "I robbed a bank but I didn't get caught."

[@esmeraelillywing612]

+tjulia88 I'm truly glad that you have never been in the position of an addict. I wouldn't wish it on anyone and that is the truth. I do recommend if you wish to truly understand how it works, you speak to counselors at NA or any addiction program. often they are former addicts themselves. in the meantime, I ask that you reserve your judgement, at least vocally, toward the actions of former addicts. what you don't realize is that we are almost always harder on ourselves than you could ever be, and a person new to sobriety is a fragile thing. it's easy to say, just stop, or you're a bad person for doing it at all and don't deserve redemption. it's common in people who know nothing about the workings of addiction. All I can tell you now us that I'm no longer that person, and try to spread the message of sobriety now to those who need it, as well as their friends and family that need to be educated on the thought processes of an addict. it can allow them to recognize the signs to backsliding so they can help stop it, as well as help them move on. you can think me horrible, I'm more than fine with that. again, be well.

[@tjulia88]

+Rae LanH lol I am on methadone. I was shooting heroin and struggled with addiction for 7-8 years. That's exactly why I dislike when other addicts focus on silly things that don't matter.

[@brittneybabeee4031]

Whether you’ve dealt with addiction or not, STOP assuming she is still getting high. I’ve been addicted for 4 years now, to pain pills, and I’m fighting every day but when I can finally say that I’m clean, I would be DEVASTATED if people who don’t even KNOW me tried to claim that I was still getting high. If you’re not here to help her or others then don’t leave a comment because what you say really does matter.

[@starc.5698]

You know what bothers me, is addicts who reek havoc on their family members financially emotionally physically etc becuase they decided to take and abuse harmful substances. I hate how many addicts do not realize how their actions and lifestyle affected others. It’s selfish and it’s definitely not all about the addict!

[@harjinderkaur2384]

Yea i know...

[@cmitchell5593]

@@starc.5698 u could say that about hundreds of things eg choosing a bad partner, being a bum, getting sick due to bad lifestyle...all impact ur family not just drugs

[@dem3817]

Yall speaking in front of people is hard enough, imagine having to tell people things you are deeply ashamed of, and regret doing. I applaud you Crystal. I am 9 years in recovery, and work in the field now helping others through it, like I wish i had someone to help me through everything when I went through everything.

[@luvmenow33]

People like this are HUGELY IMPORTANT to END the STYGIMA of drug addiction. There's NO ONE who lives this life because they enjoy it! They aren't selfish! Drug addiction changes ones brain chemistry. It LITERALLY makes you into someone else! God Bless all of you.

[@nicholasreynolds3318]

Beautiful empathy, you seem well informed.

[@DeathYesPlease]

Exactly! 👌

[@jessinorman9]

Good for you Crystal, I live in southeastern Ohio and I know all too well about the drug epidemic in my small community. I as well struggle with my own addictions, I am almost 1 year sober and this video proves that we should all recover out loud, and we are all worthy of recovery. This is the kind of inspiration I strive for to recover a little louder everyday.

[@user-vv6mt8md6g]

I'm so happy and proud of Crystal to get the help she needed and finding her recovery. One of the biggest keys to recovery, is having no shame. It is the shame that keeps people in the cycle of addition. Such a touching story! =0)

[@keverlyrider1808]

thank you for coming out to talk, you planted a seed.

[@preettoor2411]

yes seed of recovery

[@jodyalexander621]

it takes a lot of courage to get up and share your strory, and to do this at 7months at a ted talk was so courageous! of course there were things left unsaid but the fact is you were trying to share hope. you said what you needed to. good for you. people do recover, and regardless of what anyone’s comments are on here, no one can argue your truth. 🥰🥰💕

[@DadSkool]

UMM, you mean alot of stupidity to do this after only 7 months cessation of a decade long opiate habit. Now she will find it alot harder to acquire it when she does go back lol

[@theamazingalex99]

i'm currently 4 days clean from my year and a half addiction to dope. i was lucky enough to get into a suboxone clinic and i'm currently waiting to get into an inpatient treatment

[@dpcsoup04]

My name is Alex try to get off of everything, it’s tough but worth it. Celebrating 9 months in a few weeks

[@clintonkinsey482]

Congratulations Alex 🤘

[@dannyvee4499]

Ali subo one is worse

[@Dani-rl5kp]

How r u doing now i am praying for u alex

[@cmlisk6]

How do you feel now Alex, are you still clean?

[@Detoxtorehabcenter]

Thank you so much for Sharing your story Crystal. It's very important for people who have no experience with addiction to see that those suffering from it can recover and start leading a happy productive life again.

[@dawnnoble5965]

Samantha you are a true hero. Thank you for the courageous act of sharing your story. I can relate to being addicted to opioid medication. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Now you're paying it forward and spreading awareness to help others. Your are a survivor. Job well done!

[@aaronmaloney8282]

Herion basically took all my best friends away from me ! now i actually feel I'm the one paying for it . I wouldn't touch that stuff in a million years, sad times people sad times

[@DadSkool]

Every user had said the same thing, dont be so naïve

[@stephenhawkins6858]

samantha she is licking her lips due to dry mouth from whatever she is on, suboxone, methadone, whatever. She said only "about" 7 months ago her grandmother came to her then she magically quit using? trust me as a addict myself it does not happen like that and is not that easy or everybody would stop and they would close about half the u.s prisons and rehabs. how did she get to share her story in 6 months of recovery? as a member in aa we can't share our story's until we have at least a year sober because anytime before that your brain is still wired to drugs and the percentage of relapse is so high. after 12 years of using there is no way she just stopped without at least an inpatient treatment for at least a year. I am sober for 3 years and I was in treatment for 14 months. the obsession to use didn't go away for me for about 6 months and I was in no way the right mind for at least a year. I am still learning everyday how to live sober. I hate that she is telling her story when she has only 6 months of clean time after 12 years of using with no treatment? I would like to know her magical ways to recover so fast from herion after 12 years of use. your brain is completely rewired and it take years to transform into somewhat normal again

[@Solidude4]

+Stephen Hawkins Yeah, I wish she talked about the actual recovery and gave less time to the backstory. I thought the same thing, seven months is a pretty short time for a recovering addict. I think it's great that she doesn't consider herself an addict anymore but 7 months is still a really short time when you've been addicted for years. Personally 7 months would not be enough for me to claim that I am no longer addicted.

[@javimoreno3196]

You do realize that dry mouth can be caused by the anxiety she's feeling. There's plenty of people out there who get nervous before speaking publicly. I highly doubt any of y'all will get up on stage without an ounce of jitters. So sit back and mock her from behind your screen because that's easier than admitting a former junkie has accomplished more than you in the 7 months she's been clean.

[@jessicaknotts1560]

Stephen Hawkins this isnt about her recovery this about her story..

[@sachishetty8183]

it is her story. who are you to question/judge someone else's story just because it does not make sense to you

[@roanold]

Stephen Hawkings there is no rule about sharing at 1 year. I think it is actually detrimental to,the newcomer not to hear someone with 3-6-9 months. They need to hear that. Again we do not promote NA but so far what I heard is her story.

[@nightsintheasylum2340]

If you are reading this, just know you are loved, strong enough to get/stay clean, and I believe in you. You got this! ❤️

[@DadSkool]

lol ive been at it 25 years but i am clean. This terminology must change. The majority are like me, in the closet, professional ppl earning big money, legally, kicking it up to criminal organisations. THe prohibition is what is the cause of all the problems and the gov is who needs to get clean

[@psychopathstalker]

@@DadSkool same. Professionals In the closet, kicking our money to criminals. The drug war can never be won, the government needs to change the strategy to eliminate criminals and that's legalization. But government makes hella money on this drug war drama and there will never be legalization.

[@Milne85]

Bless you and thank you for your kind words. 😊 very much needed

[@Canyourelate77]

So happy for you! Thanks for sharing your story! I have been clean and sober for 10 years now after a 10 year battle. I try to tell my story in hopes that it could help someone as well

[@theweirdguy4465]

I have been struggling with addiction, I’m in early stage and I wanna quit, I have lost countless nights and lost the love of my life this has cost me a lot of things. I’m desperately trying and alone in this journey. I just pray if there’s anyone who’s struggling like me I hope the god gives you strength to overcome this addiction and see what life has in store for you. ❤️ Peace ✌️ ☮️

[@johntluangte]

So am i, maybe we can encourage each other

[@DadSkool]

@@johntluangte Nope, try to keep as far away from anything relating to your addiction. Even me replying to this now will send you a notification which will G you up. Get away from all reminders and you may have a chance. My advice, if you have nothing tying you down, get on a train and RUN away to a farm or something, ask them if you can milk their cows for free. Just run. For those with responsibilities, its not so easy to maintain yours and others lives while kicking opiates. But if you have no responsibilities tying you down RUN RUN RUN, whats the worse that will happen? you die? lol

[@lellovenance5702]

You can do it,if you are in Eastern Africa, come to Tanzania so you can get treated, like methadone treatment

[@lilac8794]

Stay close af to your family and start forming new habits like gym. Avoid a triggering environment

[@crystalsmith607]

congratulations to your life back!!!!!! I'm sure we all have lost so many due to addiction. we're lucky to make it out alive!

[@clarencec.stanleyjr8418]

erase the Shame...She s My Friend. .thxs Crystal for that Powerful Lead.

[@jessicaknotts1560]

Clarence C. Stanley,jr unreal and so touched to have the opportunity to hear her story.

[@pinkconservative]

She's my son's cousin. Her Uncle is my sons father. She is so awesome. Proud of her!!

[@cataniastarr]

My poor father I wish he knew how much I loved him. I was angry at the time because I was so young and blamed everything on him but it’s nobody fault. I wish he was still here if I knew what I knew today I could’ve helped him. So im going to take that pain and help others. I want and need others to overcome their addictions. To me everyone is somebodies child everyone was once a baby. Why not be supportive of people in need. I understand the pain it cause others but just imagine the war they have going on inside. It just makes me cry because people can be so mean and people who are struggling with addiction don’t need that. (My dad and other people did not choose to have an addiction. They became victims)

[@cataniastarr]

Just to add his addiction started from medication that was prescribed to him. Instead of weaning him off they straight snatched him off of it and this was back in 2007. So a lot of research was done yet linking opioids to addiction.

[@DadSkool]

@@cataniastarr i love you

[@johanj6660]

Hi guys .. 2 year geroin addict ... 3 years clean .never gone back

[@yuviiii3223]

Proud of you 👏

[@ninobrown987x]

I am currently in recovery myself. If I can do this anyone can, I sincerely mean that. Please find it in yourself to stay strong and just do it. To the person reading this that may need that help just know you really CAN do it! The quality of your life will improve ten fold. Don't be ashamed for what has been, be great full that your still on this Earth and you GET to put yourself into recovery. You CAN do it! I was able to use about seven Suboxone to get myself off with a short term taper method I figured out myself. PLEASE do NOT let a doctor get you hooked on Suboxone, that kick will be worse than anything you'll go through. Please feel free to message me or reply here and we can talk and discuss how you can taper down and what not. I'm here to help, don't be embarrassed or ashamed of anything! We're humans, were not perfect by any means.

[@Rongmai_Tribal_blood]

Can i get clean staying in home.. It's already 4 days I din't take, n I took almost 1 year. Back then..

[@aiddahtriza963]

Hey Alex, how is your progress? Kindly let me know.

[@brandonriddett9783]

I’m trying to kick the habit myself, through meds and motivation. I’m making progress within myself, and I feel that I really do have a chance

[@chainsawteddybear]

Good, being addicted is weakness and I know you aren’t that. You can do it

[@DadSkool]

@@chainsawteddybear you are week and have no clue. The strongest ppl o know are users, Have you ever seen what a user will do to get enough money together to score while also feeling like they are dying? That is not weakness

[@Irishrover101]

Iv been a herion addiction for 20 years at November I stopped and I felt like I didn't want it any more every day I got up.i didn't want it. Then last week something I my head said I wanted it and sadly now I'm back on it all because I feel alone in life and now my family want me out of the home I don't know what to do I have cravings all the time.

[@lewisjames3167]

I hope things get better for you 🙏

[@sukie0195]

I’ve been sober for 2 years and while I feel proud, I also feel like I fell so far behind in life. I feel impatient to now have a blooming career, a house, stable finances, etc. I really struggle starting over and being patient

[@karrum1730]

If theres anybody out there who chooses to take drugs because they feel that they have challenges and mental illness in their lives, know that hiding behind the drugs will not help u overcome challenges. U need to face these challenges urself, drugs will not make it any easier.

[@lellovenance5702]

no one knows the truth of what we went through, it is our job to educate other people not to fall into the trap of drugs, my lover died, but I am still getting methadone treatment, I am safe

[@a9c]

"When I was about 20 years old somebody offered me a vicodin, and I took it, and I liked it" LIKED IT was an understatement for me. I LOVED IT. I thought I had finally found a solution for my depression and anxiety. What is this amazing pill that takes away all that pain and offers such joy?! It was all downhill from my first tramadol pills. I LOVED THEM. If it wasn't for tolerance buildup I'd still be using them.

[@LuizOliveira-xi5ks]

What's that? I never heard about it. I want to try it

[@a9c]

Tramadol?

[@SerenityScratch]

@@LuizOliveira-xi5ks don’t do it

[@HeraldOD]

@@LuizOliveira-xi5ks not worth it. addiction from the first pill.

[@hesedken]

@@HeraldOD i got addicted to codeine... seemed like from the first... i had never felt so good pharmaceutically. It was actually added on to an alcohol addiction. i lost some of the best years of my life due to addiction... 16 years, 12 in and out of institutions, jails and prisons. Been free now for 43 years, ever since i left Teen Challenge. Moral of the story... don't ever take the first one.

[@JW-lr8sd]

Did she just say 7months ago?? How is that making it to the other side? I have over a year clean and I'm still in the trenches, fighting inch by inch to the "other side". I mean, good for her. That's great, and amazing that shes in Recovery and cleaning up... but this didn't have much impact on me- she talked about her addiction, but what did she mention much about after that? That's what will help people, then "then what...". people know about the trenches, what they need is the knowledge of the other side and what it takes to stay there. I've heard worst than her... I've seen worst than her... heck, I DID worst than her. What keeps me on the "otherside" isn't the 12 steps (now, it was in the beginning), it isn't will power (sometimes; it is A LOT of the time- now that in clean and able to choose THAT again, I wasn't before), and it isn't god or a higher power as far as I know. It's the belief and faith I have that what my life can be, is better than nothing at all... I craved for years to die, for it to all just stop and leave me alone.. but once i had a glimpse into what my life could be, right around the corner with a little work, I decided to actually go for it. Knowing your life could be better, and believing your life can be better are two separate things.

[@patriciabeckman8573]

Overjoyed you are able to make choices in your life again. You need to post a talk. How can one encourage an addict to get that glimpse?

[@princetheprophet]

Needed to hear this. Goin on 48 hours. That little glimpse is what’s taken me this far.

[@JW-lr8sd]

@@princetheprophet I'm proud of you brother. Bit by bit, step by step.. And almost never in a straight line.. But keep walking- & you'll make it. One recommendation? Make a list of all the things you'd do "if you weren't afraid of failing".. My list 4 almost 5 years ago included things like learning different hobbies. learning different skills. trying new things.. So that way, if I ever had a large chunk of empty space/time.. I could go right over to that list and pick something up. One of those things has actually turned into a pretty successful career. I actually still have my list on my wall across from me in my room.. Sending you love & light man.

[@princetheprophet]

J W thank you brother, same to you! I’m still going strong and finally got my first night of sleep! (5 hours but that’s a record so without drugs!) Everyday brings a new joy that I lost from my addiction. I fell in love with music again, the beauty of the world by going on hikes and scenic drives 🙏🏽 I’m just excited for what life brings next. I still have withdrawals and craving but my willpower and intention to continue being sober overpowers them! Love and light to you too

[@slobo428]

Thanks for the share Crystal Oertle . From my point of view , the point that most of the negative comments are missing it's at 7min 20 -to- 7min30...It's all about the feeling of shame ! and it's all arround the comments down this page in almost every single example. I learned that the feeling of shame desable you to learn and it shots down the part of your brain that allows you to grow and opens up the survival pathwaves..(proven by many studies and FMRI) It doesn't work ! Shame is universal , we all feel it..how many times I though that i'm not good enough, I'm not OK , I'm not living this life right. I thought that , that way of thinking , will end up making me feel better , that it would help me realize something , bring some improvement. But literally, physiologically , it releases cortisol and normethanephrin, and it robes the brain of the energies that needs to do the work.. All I was doing is judging my self , beating my self and putting my self in survival mode , and then trying not look at it at all...by hiding it deep down inside. So as soon as Miss.Oertle realized that , and got rid of it , there was much more space for hope and kindness or call it how you want , but she filled her thoughts more constructivly with all that extra energie she had , since shame wasn't playing a part in her thoughts. (sorry , my english is a bit rusty )

[@lilmamagc]

I have a 10 year addiction to something different but i still can't get over it :(

[@DadSkool]

what?

[@Milne85]

You waited an hour car journey to get back before you used? I just don’t understand how that’s possible driving all that way with your bits in your pocket must have taken a lot of self control so maybe you never lost sight of the need to get clean. I never did and I went cold turkey 24 days ago. I have never met anyone round my area who’s ever done it that way. I really hope that you are doing alright now as it’s a few years down the line. I need guidance I’m lost with no direction thank you

[@davidhudson8202]

I prefer during leads when the speaker focuses on more of the recovery aspect not the using. I feel its more beneficial for me to hear how someone got clean and the benefits of a life in recovery not just "war stories". Also in AA and NA you cant give a lead unless you have at least 12 months clean.

[@ItalianaBella333]

David Hudson That is what my boyfriend says verbatim. I hope you are doing well. This is the hardest drug to get off physically and mentally that I've ever seen. I've lost so many as we all have, while my boyfriend is an active user. It's a battle to say the least

[@livia1881]

If you love someone who is addicted get naloxone if its available in your area. Google your local health department they can tell you where to go. If naloxone is not available to you there is an angel named Tracey Helton who sends naloxone care packages, you can find her easily thru a google search. When you shut people out they often die. Everyone matters, every one of us means the world to someone else. Save a life! When you save a life you save more than 1, it extends to those that love that person.

[@Qwerty-w7k]

Thank you, you are awesome.

[@livia1881]

MD H TY. I think you are awesome!!

[@DadSkool]

i think you mean Narcaan

[@rudy1183]

She looks a lot like my mother. So similar that it was a little scary. I don't speak to her much any more, but sometimes in life you're reminded of how far some parents can fall, and I feel grateful that mine never went that far down...

[@counselormatty]

45 days off the needle. I don’t want to go back.

[@dannyvee4499]

Licenciado stay strong hermano

[@Porolux]

You got this💗

[@smcathe8754]

Yes stay strong

[@travisriordan9514]

Such a great feeling to just be sitting somewhere and realize how amazing it feels to be clean after a horrible addiction....

[@crustydinglecherry3451]

U chillin McMillen?

[@erinlouise75]

Well done Crystal ! Ignore the haters

[@JJ-xo3er]

Pills are non existent now, the rise in heroin usage and overdosing is directly correlated to doctors not prescribing opiates anymore. At least with prescriptions you know the exact dosage and the drug your taking unlike heroin so we had no choice to switch to dope.

[@merncat75]

My pain management doctor closed her office and moved out of state literally the day before my appointment!!! No warning, no replacement doctor.. NOTHING It was very irresponsible, unprofessional and I thought I was going to end up in the ER with the level of shock and withdrawal my body was going through.. Needless to say.. it led me to where I am now and I hate that doctor for it.

[@lewisjames3167]

@@merncat75 I hope things get better for you genuinely I wish you all the best in life 🙏

[@lulabell79_31]

God bless you, protect you and give you comfort, strength and peace. So proud of you!! So glad you made it to the other side!! Very inspirational testimony!!

[@MarkButts-w3r]

Thanks a million christol for sharing your story with me i needed to hear this God bless u so proud of u ❤

[@TonyB-nh7vu]

You lucky you got ur family to support you , there is many people has no support or someone to hold them when they need😢 , good bless you and your family ❤️

[@johnrosenbaum8730]

Thank you.. I've been clean now over 1year. Hardest thing I did. Well done to you also. Yes the shame is one factor for not reaching out. X.

[@erinlouise75]

If u havnt got anything nice to say then dont say anything at all!!!!

[@jerroldphommachit6371]

you deserve a medal , lass

[@NanuN64]

I got my husband clean for two years. Two years ago we moved to a new state where drugs are few. I thought moving out into the country would help, it did until his coworkers sold him some more H. I just found the foils and a makeshift pipe this morning. I don’t know what to do to help him.

[@MiguelPerez-ty1vb]

I know how to end the war on drugs. I have discovered the cure to addiction. Addiction is the psychology of a liar, drugs don’t cause addiction and only liars get hooked and only honesty gets freedom. The tragedy of addiction is children who revenge a childhood hurt or trauma against their parents learning from example becoming victims of themselves so as to conceal the hatred and hurt others.

[@ellieb5517]

leaving him is the only thing and tell him I'll be there if he wants to stop he will tell him relapse is apart of recovery though so make sure it's not just a relapse first give him the Bible and he will find what to do if he is desperate enough

[@DadSkool]

Both these ppl have no clue. Move again. Your husband will have this struggle forever. be there for him, love him, his use has nothing to do with his feelings for you. Move again, hopefully this time it will take longer for him to find.

[@jd_ralte]

How many months dry ? she started a speech on podium.. Also note that 7 months dry is not a complete sobriety

[@carlymadrid2970]

Well at least it’s a start and she’s doing something about it..

[@RcOffroad9513]

How is fentanyl recovery going? Is it as bad as the dope or do people fear the fentanyl more? Are they able to stop using easier?

[@black_mamba_2426]

Yeah this Ted Talks wasn't what I expected. Just a woman telling her story and not really explaining how she actually recovered. Anyway, props to her and all other addicts in recovery & even those actively in addiction, may God bless you all & guide you to recovery and better lives

[@emilivanov3966]

Hope you gonna make it!

[@nashyorkz6828]

Very courageous of this lady doing this. Congrats on quitting. All the best!

[@jessicaknotts1560]

so happy to be given chance to listen to your story. its strong and heart felt, thr courage u have to speak the way you do is incredible. hope your still doing well and life is giving you everything you deserve:)

[@bigdutchie8960]

Thank you so much, I'm sorry this is the first time seeing your comment after years, I am doing well, I'm over 5 years in soberity and 4 months suboxone free💜

[@jessicaknotts1560]

@@bigdutchie8960 that makes me smile 😁 I am now 4 and half months clean and sober my self

[@carrieknoth4346]

Takes guts to admit you have a problem. Proud of her

[@dawnmicah9833]

Support is necessary for recovery. Whether it be from family or a support group like AA.

[@ryguy-qh2qk]

I pray to god that staying sober does make life get better....

[@Rollysnop]

she says she 'was' a heroin addict.Thinking like this will lead her back to the needle. She 'was' no heroin addict. She IS a heroin addict. Not a junkie (anymore) but still an addict.

[@sisterstiffticket1]

No, don't agree. If she thinks like you say she will not be able to move on. You don't call smokers recovering.

[@G13MomCat]

suboxone saved her btw.....however ya feel about THAT. Its harder to kick than H. Yes....fact.

[@Rollysnop]

Harder to kick but easier to control!

[@jessicaisme187]

is there a difference between addict and junkie? They're both terms that continue the stigma we , people who have struggled with substance use, face. Professionals don't diagnose people with drug addiction or drug dependence anymore because of the stigma associated with those terms. We start changing the way we talk about people who have struggled with drugs and alcohol, then we can stop viewing them as pariahs. Her saying "I was a heroin addict" is a true statement. She not "addicted" to heroin anymore. She has a substance use disorder that she is treating with whatever works for her. Some people want to hang on to the titles "addict" and "alcoholic" to remind them of where they came from.

[@mt.doomer6645]

Rollysnop wrong. go back to your 12 step meeting.

[@UrbanSipfly]

I wish you well in your attempt to lead a drug free life this day forward, and you don't have to battle your addiction alone.

[@coyotejoe80]

Is she still alive?

[@archiemustachie3693]

Probably not

[@lunamorris2091]

I liked your blog. It is informative too, at the same time. Thanks a lot for your guidance!

[@lellovenance5702]

I forgot to tell you, I'm looking for a wife now, I'm clean and I'm not ashamed of what I've been through, it's just life, let's learn something, we're loved a lot

[@imheretosupporttherightand3411]

My bf has been doing through a addiction and he wants to get out but can't please do give me advice to how can i help him to.fight this

[@dani.ggerman]

Get him on methadone treatment

[@Bela66699]

We are the ones who wants to play this game of no winners. Due to the feeling we get we keep on playing the game but we never want to lose. Even though Game of No Winners has no winners in its name. This lady is not clean. She is on a substitute or still in active addiction I can hear it in her voice. She is managing the addiction but it will not last. Opiate addicts with a multiple year of using do not try to stay abstinent. Get on methadone before you die. And people with less than multiple year usage, never ever go on methadone. Two years and up ( methadone) Less than two years ( dont go on methadone maintenance) And again this lady on TED is not clean. I wish all the best for her

[@nathankenney5023]

I was into ecstasy for a little while. Not heroin ever but I was told once that some of the stuff I was doing had some heroine in it.. weird stuff- all of it. Good luck to you

[@matthewmoorfoot4945]

to Samantha Rumbolo, i must admit she does sound high when say gives her talk.

[@scottdockrill]

Yeah, she isn'the really paste or anything. She is probably on a high dose of methadone

[@jessicaknotts1560]

Matthew Moorfoot long term use if drugs have lasting results some times that do not go away. its very disturbing to see people making judgment on someone whos choosing to speak out loud about something very important. some humans make it impossible to come together as one. makes me sick

[@JRMcCabe]

Matthew Moorfoot i know! Your voice changes when you are high and she def has that sound.

[@merncat75]

@@jessicaknotts1560 I was going to say this woman didn't need to put her story out there.. I can't believe how many people are criticizing her 😕

[@merncat75]

@Gary Anderson unfortunately, I know what it's like too

[@AP-fv2in]

I used to be a drug addict for years recovered with help through treatment programs. I went to jail for a DUI years after I started recovery and walked out with the jail C.O.'s blasting radar with policemen here. They blast a lot of people but it's apparent they are severely disturbed in everyway. I never knew what this was or heard of it. Now I know they can play a frequency and blast people with it for nothing.

[@luckystrike2467]

Thankyou for sharing.. needed to watch this glad I did.

[@PatchedThePipe]

6/7months is not long enough to giving talks!! It’s great that she’s in recovery but you still ain’t worked thru 1% at 6months.. she’s newly clean basically (which is great) but need a few years to have a recovery story!

[@carlybusch9675]

How courageous! Thank you for posting!

[@alexbravo8423]

Help me lord

[@MsGnor]

Good luck to you & your family Crystal xx

[@kmm4499]

Really good public speaking skills for only 7 months clean. Good job

[@streetsmarts2corporate471]

I needed to see this

[@boutrosboutrosghaliboutros3148]

It took me months to get the front to ask my father for help. so I told him and he abandoned me..

[@Porolux]

I’m so sorry this happened to you. I hope you’re doing well and things have turned out for the better. 💗

[@kellyarcher759]

Thanks for posting!

[@SONIKATYAGI595]

We even don't know how our generation rapidly going into Addiction. Students took stimulants in higher rate. Even we don't know what type of things students use...Nail paint removet, thinner, kerosine oil and many more things..

[@MikesSteelYard]

Seven months being clean.....its a start, lets hear from you after 20 years of be clean and see how you are doing.

[@deerheart87]

Is she high or nervous ? She sounds like it’s in her system

[@CaliTravelinDorks]

thank u

[@preettoor2411]

welcome

[@mykillprospecting]

when getting clean time don't matter we all only have today and that's all we have to do stay clean today

[@iamone8359]

Drug abuse never discriminates- Words from a Relative of mine

[@sherrihinton8567]

I hope you made on your journey. I know the pain

[@rebekahlikesmusic2723]

I needed this thank you

[@JustBelieveRecovery]

Thank you for this great video!

[@thomasstevenson7564]

Your story is like mine being a addict but my family and wife had enough, turned the page except my children. I have to start with a n/a family but can not be ashamed anymore, that guilt will make me use!!

[@apathania123]

Thanks for your story it motivates me

[@tarawasinger]

Amazing talk!!!!!

[@ryangoslin6636]

trippy_psyche1

[@ryangoslin6636]

They're on Instagram .....

[@UrbanSipfly]

I'm currently watching CNN's "This is life with Lisa Ling." The episode deals with BLACK and WHITE "Heroin", and the disparities between the races. So, there Lisa is interviewing a young lady of about 25 years old who just got her fix from her drug dealer and excited (maybe relieved) to shoot up her next batch into veins...The young lady runs off somewhere in the room's corner and returns back to be interviewed. How do you feel, ask Lisa? What's the feeling like? Young lady: Sniff. Sniff. I feel good. It's the best feeling in the world!!! I watch in confusion and in horror..."It's the best feeling in the world?" Really!!??!! I say to myself. One would have to do an amazing salesman job to convince me that heroin provides the best feeling in the world. How can can one draw that conclusion in the midst of shooting up into dead spots in their body? Having to beg for money, lie, steal, kill, and cheat?

[@raghurajaram2853]

don't judge...be open minded...you will never understand what she means until a drug takes hostage of your brain....for an addict its insanely pleasurable....i guess your question is 'why would anyone do it in the first place?'...

[@PoyTroy]

UrbanSipfly yea u have to truly go thru wat weve went thru to kno that wen u get high at that moment it is the best thing in ur life. which now that I'm clean sounds sooo crazy. but i too was there. i mean it went to jus taking pills on the weekend to not bring able to get outta bed with a fat line of herion. and i hsve a great job. car. money. etc. and still i got to my lowest point. so u dnt kno wat its like til uve actually had somethin soo servere and so strong it takes over the way u think. the way ur body feels. its jus horrible. but while ur using it really is heaven smh. so glad ive been clean. took more then jus to stop once. i relasped 6x and the 7th time i quit that was it

[@bobbyberetta4206]

UrbanSipfly you just answered your own question. You would do anything to use, knowing very well the consequences, nothing matters but the high. I can't describe the actual high (there are no words) but I wish I never dipped in the devils water.

[@PoyTroy]

Bo88y Beretta amen. amen. thsts exactly wat it is. the Devils juice. wine. whatever wanna call it. its not of righteous. and we made it out. keep pushing

[@JRMcCabe]

UrbanSipfly yea, its really good....REALLY. GOOD. Lol

[@ec614]

Good job!

[@annmariemccabe4047]

You can do this! I just come of methadone it's hard withdrawals but very do able! Best thing I've ever done❤️❤️🥰

[@lellovenance5702]

I'm also in the methadone treatment,we can do it,yes bro we can

[@mcgerry5532]

Just relapsed the other day from 2 years clean. Idek why. Just seems easier

[@TheReetchou]

I’m so sorry. What seems easier about it?

[@privatedeletebuttongooglei5221]

Days are over

[@jonathanelliot-yv1yt]

You never lose the tickle or the you miss it even if you’ve been off it a life time

[@aliciam6725]

Please, all interested persons, if you haven't already, read "Chasing the Scream" by Johann Hari. A comprehensive look at addiction in a new light.

[@KSangel180]

Great book!

[@michaeljjon]

Not sure how this was helpful but glad she’s sober

[@mercymylord5139]

GOD I don't pray I beg the GOOD LORD to be one of those BLESSED PPLS to say I have xxx of days clean.....

[@Eemmee77]

Thank you!

[@privatedeletebuttongooglei5221]

A very BRAVE YOUNG MAN OLDER NOW

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Very sad story but I don't think it's significant enough to be a TedX