Fentanyl Addict interview-Andrea

[@ricktaylor14001]

Just broke my heart when she said she wanted to be a marine biologist! This was just a little girl who had dreams and aspirations, before some sick 17 year old just hijacked her life. What could she have accomplished as a marine biologist?? We’ll never know, but my god this is just so sad!! Andrea, keep AT IT! Get clean and make your life your own again! Don’t let the kid who molested you have control on your life for a second longer. It’s time for YOU now. Wishing you all the best to get through this. 🙏❤️

[@brookehammett2420]

Yep-that fucking 17 year old ruined her WHOLE life and I bet he never even paid for his crime.

[@chanalexa6923]

child molesters and rapists needs to be locked up for life ,Eye for an eye, for God's sake! They ruin someone's lives at early age, the victims don't get a chance to enjoy life but living under trauma and panic for the rest of their lives!

[@TNEDUDE]

She’s not even gonna see this dog

[@evil1143]

@@chanalexa6923 Not condoning anything like that but at 17 and locked up for life? I don't know. Some kind of punishment is needed but to make him a lifer what a waste.

[@fionasedgwick7424]

Great message of support. ❤

[@mattwade1525]

I truly feel the pain and hurt in this woman's story. Please everyone, be a lil more caring you never know what someone is going through. Thank you for sharing your story

[@marylougeorge9890]

Amen.👍❤️

[@YooooTina]

Absolutely

[@jms8326]

Yes

[@prettypurdyprincess437]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@SimpleOne22]

Amen 🙏🏻 all we need is love ❤️ that’s where it starts.

[@ctrl_alt_delete4729]

Wow her brother is a hell of a guy, God bless him! For him & his wife to only have one child & then to take on her three is absolutely beautiful. Even though they are his nieces & nephews and their one child probably loves the time with his/her cousins, it’s still must be hard mentally & definitely financially. 🙏🏻🥰❤️

[@Mia-es1rp]

Yes amazing and the soccer coach helping her go to her moms funeral and helping her find a place to sleep.Good people.I hope she can turn her life around.

[@PumpkinSpice1960]

...at least they might have a fighting chance.

[@mikeslatz1351]

I'm not knocking the brother, but foster parents get paid pretty well ($800 per month per child?) in PA. They also get food stamps. I'm not hating on anyone but there is always more to these stories than the version out of her drug addled mind. I wish the best to all involved.

[@shaylaster1607]

@@mikeslatz1351 I knew some seriously bad people who took on the family kids just to get the money and treated the kids very badly , abused them physically… used them as laborers at their house and business and “ home schooled “ what a joke! they were Terrible people , they are passed now, hoping they are burning internal hell!

[@simplyme9016]

@@mikeslatz1351 That's the truth, around here in Missouri for sure. It's horror stories. So many do it for the money. Smh. I've wanted to foster and tried but due to some major health issues now, I can't. We really wanted to. Especially once both of our kids got married a few years ago and moved out, because we had an empty nest when I was 40 and my husband was 43 and were plenty young enough to start.

[@MEL2theJ]

"You can't go back... but you can change.... you can go forward." --Andrea Brilliant words sister!

[@aprildelcastillo6473]

I know you hear it all the time, but thank you Mark for giving everyone a voice. That’s all we all really want as humans - to be heard and seen.

[@jenniferdotson5510]

Yes thank you

[@ashleyy8527]

Yes thank you ,Mark!

[@KristyMills]

Couldn’t have said that better ❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@anitajinfla9762]

Well said

[@sharonsaulnier7484]

Thanks again Mark. This girl could be our daughter, mother, sister...people don't realize that they are only a paycheck, an illness, or major loss away from ALL of these folks. God Bless you.

[@trubeautyt3832]

I see what you’re saying but please don’t think some ppl will choose to do drugs . I’ve worked hard to be the mother to my kids I didn’t have .

[@E-Wad]

@@trubeautyt3832 most people dont "choose" to do drugs.. They are prescribed them and cant get off of them. Like OP said "paycheck, illness, or major loss away. Add an injury away from being completely dependent on opiates just to make it through the day.

[@trubeautyt3832]

@@E-Wad ok? Well a lot of people do .. we all have free will.

[@starshamoon9210]

@@trubeautyt3832 sure we have free will- meaning the freedom of choice. But often times people make choices at a young age (before their brain is fully developed and can understand the consequences) or a situation arises that is out of Thier control and before they know it they are addicted. and what once may have been a "choice" is now just a part of Thier reality that they can't escape. Once addicted, it's nolonger about good/ vs bad.... It becomes life or death. It's being extremely Ill and in excruciating, agonizing pain because you don't have a substance vs selling yourself on the street, getting beat, and doing whatever you have to do- to get a few moments of relief and make it through another day. NOBODY chooses to become an addict. NOBODY has ever said, "when I grow up, I want to be so addicted to drugs that I lose everything I love and end up on the streets where I have to do awful things just to survive. I want to live a life where I am a slave to a substance and in prisoned in my own body. I want to be a lowlife, POS who is judged by everyone and trusted by no one. I want to destroy my looks and my health. I want to be a bad parent and have my kids taken from me. I want to spend every second of my existence feeding this monster inside of me -this addiction- so that I have no joy, no success, no fulfillment. I want to be completely empty and alone. That's what I choose." NO!!! NOBODY EVER, EVER, EVER, HAS SAID THOSE THINGS! NOBODY!!!!!!!! But you say/ think.... well they may not say that but they choose to do things that cause that to happen, and they can choose something different. They can choose to get help and get clean and have a better life. And that would be true- if they were in control of Thier choices. And if they had help available and the physical means to utilize that help, as well as the ability to obtain the things necessary to survive and maintain that sobriety after they nolonger have that help. I can promise you that being addicted is not just an excuse to escape the responsibilities of being an adult. It's not the "easy" road. It's not fun. People don't become addicted because they are lazy, or weak, or selfish. They become addicted because they made a choice once apoun a time to do something they thought would help them feel better. They did something to numb the pain of an injury. Or stop the reaccuring nightmare of childhood abuse. They used a substance to try and feel the void of never having parents that loved and cared for them or parents that beat them. They did drugs because at the time it seemed harmless. Maybe they did drugs to make life bearable. At the time it may have been the better choice, above taking Thier own life. Whatever the reason for the intial drug use and what choices someone has made.. Nobody chooses to be addicted. If it were as easy as just "choosing" I can guarantee you, not one single person in the history of man kind, would choose a life of addiction and all that comes with it!

[@starshamoon9210]

To make the statement that we all have free will- as though a person is in control and completely at fault for thier addiction because of Thier own choices- is like saying that if a child goes in the street and gets hit by a car and dies, it was Thier fault because they knew the risk of running into the street. You don't know the circumstances that lead up to the person using drugs. You don't know what choices a person has or has not made. You can't say what you would do if given Thier exact life. Please keep that in mind and try to have some compassion for the fellow human being. And if not compassion for them, show some grace and have appreciation for your own life and the fact that only by the grace of God.... the mercy of your higher power... Luck.... Or whatever you believe in- has given you a life unlike thiers, so that you are even able to think and feel the way that you do.

[@captainblackmouth]

I see all of these interviews as actual portraits. Portraits in video form. Fascinating.

[@lightfoot.2000]

Hit the nail øn the head. Coming thru from new zealand 😎🙏 Peace & Love 😑💖💕

[@bettynuggz]

Wow you're sooo deep 😆 clown

[@SG-bk7pb]

Mark has mentioned this is the purpose

[@simonl4523]

Fascinating … and also heartbreaking.

[@captainblackmouth]

@@bettynuggz I said i'm so deep inside your Mama

[@msshrute8787]

Very soft yet well spoken girl. it seems most of the stories start off with some kind of inconceivable trauma. How can ppl watch this and still hold hate in their hearts towards the homeless? Somewhere in there she’s still a scared child desperately looking for a band aid

[@badxradxandy]

Because of what she did to her kids, she's contemptible and she steals.

[@msshrute8787]

@@badxradxandy I’ll admit I had it on in the background while making breakfast so I can’t make any sound judgments on her. I just notice in almost all of these videos some form of trauma is present.

[@callipitter8474]

Ms says" scared child desperately looking for a band aid". She FOUND her bandaide.

[@howwitty]

She has lost her "sexual market value" according to some. She is still beautiful in the eyes of God but we need to understand that her purpose on Earth was to breed support for the war in Syraqistanikraine. A parent's poverty is a reasonably good predictor of their child's socioeconomic class. They love to hate poor people.

[@1Whipperin]

They all have a sob story and are blameless victims.

[@AnneLien1987]

She's ready to change. She's a very empathic woman. Very emotional. She could use that talent to help others. I hope she finds her way.

[@robbil3384]

Mark, I've got to admit that your interviews are my personal addiction. Thank you for letting those people speak and sharing their stories. Amazing work you do on this channel. Also, every time I watch those interviews, 'Running to Stand Still' by U2 plays in my head. This channel should be part of the education curriculum in every school around the world. Thank you again.

[@mcmahon8341]

It’s really wild to me that people can watch these videos and still misuse the word “addiction”. It’s insulting to the people suffering in these videos.

[@robbil3384]

@@mcmahon8341 Addiction is an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior. There is substance addiction and non-substance addiction. Some examples of non-substance addiction include: gambling food internet gaming cell phone sex Someone with addiction will continue to misuse the substance or activity in spite of the harmful effects it has.

[@errorASMR]

Same, everynight I binge til I fall asleep !!

[@Little_Red_Riding_Hoodlum]

I want to say how much it speaks, to me, about his pure intentions behind these interviews when he did not interrupt her as she crumpled the paper towel too close to her mic. It meant more to allow her to tell her story without interruption than to have quality (or edited) audio.

[@aliehawhite8616]

You can really tell she's ready to change her life. Glad she's at least in the clinic, which is a start but as long as you are around the same people and things, it will only do so good. Praying that she gets away and does phenomenal!!

[@brianolson3148]

It’s too bad people don’t realize that she has probably done this 20 times in the past

[@damienholland8103]

@@brianolson3148 Gotta start somewhere. Not everyone who goes to rehab relapses or relapses 20 times. It's worth it even if it saves one out of a thousand.

[@psychohazards]

@@brianolson3148 Too bad you don't realise you have no f'in idea.

[@psychohazards]

I don't care if she does phenomenal. As long as she finds happiness.

[@luckylala1224]

@@brianolson3148 yeah well she might succeed on the 21st time! Or the 38th time!!! Idk at least she is trying tho!!! Sometimes it takes ppl along time before they beat it. 98% of the ppl that have beat addiction did NOT beat it the 1st time they tried. Its sorta what makes you an addict, addiction is doing harmful stuff despite the negative outcome over and over again, even when you truly dont want to do it anymore.

[@alishahuffmanwhite6704]

Andrea..you're not too far gone..your mistakes are not unforgivable..you still have time. Not once did I hear you blame anyone else for your situation. You took ownership of your situation. That is very rare & very hard to do. That's why I truly believe you can beat this addiction.

[@callipitter8474]

All the things you said make no difference. I think we should all search just how hard it is to get off drugs and how little it happens, and stop expecting or thinking these people just have to turn the right little corner and they will be cured. Dosent happen

[@besainted]

@@callipitter8474 oh shut up. let people be positive. not everyone sulks in negativity like you.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

@@callipitter8474 Having something positive to say dosnt hurt anything.

[@julas3642]

@@callipitter8474 no one said it’s easy! of course it’s extremely difficult and many people couldn’t do it and life clean, but there are also some people who could and did it and is DOES HAPPENS! so we have to have hope in every person addicted to drugs or alcohol… telling an addict that it’s too hard for them to do and they don’t have a chance isn’t going to help them. hope and support is what we should do for them. ps I’m addicted to heroin myself and I know how important it is to support an addict in their recovery…

[@callipitter8474]

@@wesleyAlan9179 Theres a difference in positivity and truth. I love truths, not wishful thinking. No one ever won a war by being a Pollyanna. Thats an old term you might have to look up..lol

[@debra9393]

My heart cries for your pain and sorrow Andrea. Thanks for your honesty and sharing your story. You have a great head on your shoulders. Wishing you the very best and that your life will get better. Stay strong.

[@dianehess5520]

Are you related to her?

[@kgreene460]

I see your pain Andrea, I believe in you! You can and will make your way out of this terrible situation, I know you will. Kepp fighting the good fight, you're going to win it.

[@YooooTina]

Yesssss

[@RedMountainChaser]

She should be the poster child for why narcotics should NEVER be given to children and the doctors should be held responsible for this. Andrea if you see this, Its NOT too late. You sound like a wonderful soul (and mother) that was handed a terrible set of cards in life.

[@Catalinaobregon]

So we’re her children.

[@TheDahlialost]

Oh please

[@RedMountainChaser]

@@Catalinaobregon Agreed. I feel sorry for the whole family. It shows the collapse of society

[@RedMountainChaser]

@@TheDahlialost "Oh please" what?

[@lilaworley8935]

So statistically speaking.... Not having the proper therapeutic and medication management shows people are 100x (literally) more likely to self medicate, act impulsively and be less likely to regulate their emotions or make sound choices.... if they *Don't* receive *proper* management and early intervention at an early age. You would not tell someone that's child couldn't make insulin not to get medication. You would not tell a person whose child needs eyeglasses that they don't need glasses... And you wouldnt tell a parent whose child had a major depressive disorder not to give their child medication. Had this woman been given early intervention and was given the right medication for her chemical imbalance.... She could STILL be a productive member of society. Mental health has come a LONG way since she was little. Stop making claims and shaming people for trying to get proper support for their children.

[@lisafrederick8870]

As I watch these videos every morning from my warm bed,next to my husband. I realize how lucky we are. . My heart goes out to these girls and guys that want so little, but have to do so much to get it. Some of these people got handed the cards there parents were dealt, some there parents were trying,and the got abused while they thought there children were in good hands,others just thought "I'm gonna try this once"and once turned into a lifetime .. Mark has opened up a world, we would have never knew existed. All his subs from around the world let's make a difference in someone's life today weather it be a warm smile,a cooked meal,a hug,a cash donation etc...Everyone will benefit from a kind word or jester.... Life is to short,let's all be thankful,and do something wonderful today!!

[@corpsed0llz]

[@veronicamascaro3041]

It’s not about luck. It’s about making positive and good and decent choices.

[@heatherpatterson90]

This one got me... you've done so so so many of these, and I've watched many upon many of them...but this woman is different than the others... she's still got hope, with all that she's been through and seen, she still has hope. I believe if she was given the right opportunity she could change. I pray that the opportunity comes ASAP, because to be frank, drugs aren't what they used to be. Like she stated pretty much everything is fentanyl, heroin has it, coke, crack, xanax, absolutely everything is being mixed with it, so it's absolutely a gamble each time that she uses that the dealer might have mixed too much, or the original supplier did it wrong and well honestly the possible hundreds of people it's going to, it might kill because not everyone's tolerance is the same, and literally all it takes is truly 1 tike and you're done. So I'm praying her and her partner both get the opportunity to get the hell out of there and to get and stay clean, and to get the happiness that she craves so badly.

[@lmartinez1324]

yes i agree I dont know why maybe her voice and broken heart just reached out to me..she reminds of my sister it's absolutely gut wrenching to hear these stories.

[@haileyquick9854]

So much hurt in her eyes, voice, even posture. Wish I could hug her. You are so loved ❤️

[@a.wanderer5006]

So pretty -- amazing skin for 40, but depending on how you look at her she looks 26 or 56. I like her American spirit too. I have a feeling she will get clean. She is intelligent and she wants it. Her brother and sister-in-law seem like amazing people. She's lucky to have people like them in her corner.

[@rubymeagher1005]

Mark,you are the addict’s conduit to self awareness and hope. God bless you and your work. You treat the addicts with dignity and respect.

[@YuckyPeniculum]

Parents please keep your kids away from people as much as possible, meaning babysitters, sleep overs etc. There are a lot of weirdos out there even if they are family they still can't always be trusted. So if it is possible in a two-parent home try to work out your schedules so one parent can always watch the kids. Your babysitter may be great, but her husband and kids/relatives might not be. So please be careful!!

[@marydonovan4174]

Easier said than done

[@junglegirl5174]

Agree. Don't have kids if u can't protect them and take care of them! I'd forbid having kids to some people. I know it sounds stupid. But it's even more terrible to watch all these kids in grown ppl's bodies go thru what they r going, just because of their parents

[@karenshear6046]

Totally agree

[@holdmybeer2256]

Listen again...that abuse story changed.. different age different person...

[@juliettezea9507]

What is someone’s a single parent

[@shannoncyr4687]

This was so touching… Andrea I’m not a religious person but I will say a prayer for you. You are a strong and beautiful soul & I wish nothing but the best for you. When you talked about reading and how happiness doesn’t revolve around money, that really resonated with me. You can do this ❤️

[@luisaaaferrr3230]

I pray that she finds recovery and peace and the comfort she seeks.

[@Lightgoldbridge]

Beautiful soul and so well spoken and conscious I am sending healing to her so much compassion she evokes in me

[@8xscenexqueenx9]

I feel like these episodes hit so much harder when it’s in your hometown. Kensington is like ground zero of drug hell in Philly, I wish there was more that could be done for the ones who want the help

[@loosescrews8106]

I watch videos of Kensington on other channels almost everyday. But Mark's interviews these past few days with some of the people from the area provided some insight into their lives. Whenever, I look at those videos now i have a different perspective.

[@catscratch52]

Her brother & his wife.....Wow!Unbelievable kindness, generosity, sacrifice. True reflection of unconditional love & acceptance. I hope he receives all the blessings he deserves for saving his sister's babies & for some peace of mind! Knowing the kids are together, safe & loved = Priceless! 👍

[@sweetsuzie9346]

Bless your heart Andrea, you can do this! I will be clean 17 years from meth in June and my best advice is go some where you cant get it when you stop. Staying away from junkies is still something I actively do.

[@joshperry6700]

Congrats. I hit 17 years off of it this year too. You and I are badass savages, you realize this, right?

[@G0PN1KB0T]

Best advice. Quit going to the places you find familiar. Cut off the strings keeping you attached to the people, even if it means leaving the ones you care the most about in the moment. Only you can change your life. If you arent clean and free, you cant save anyone. Let alone save yourself. Much respect to you both for 17 years. I don't remember a specific day, but I'm somewhere on the greater side of 5 years now. Keep living positive and always moving forward.

[@terywetherlow7970]

Sweet Suzie: Bravo to you. Wishing u continued success!

[@marylougeorge9890]

You're using wisdom to stay sober. Well done and Congratulations!!!👍👏👏👏❤️

[@marylougeorge9890]

@@joshperry6700 Truth! Congratulations!!!👍👏👏👏❤️

[@buchi777_]

Hoping to see you Andrea in another interview with Mark but an inspiring interview about recovery.nI believe you can make it not just for your kids but also for yourself. Keeping you in my prayers.

[@carolynrupard2699]

I hope she finds the peace that she desperately needs as well as recovery from her addiction.

[@barbieflannigan3957]

I've had a lot of surgeries due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. The doctors are much stricter with pain medication and I see why. Pain led this woman down a horrible path. I pray that God blesses her, her partner, and loved ones. Life will get better.

[@gembrain7095]

She’s got what it takes to succeed! Best of luck to you Andrea.

[@bettynuggz]

Lmao umm ya right omg would you hire her ? Lmoa that's what I thought

[@LeBron_tha_GOAT]

@@bettynuggz Yes I would hire her. I wouldn't hire you. Girl needs help and support.

[@bettynuggz]

@@LeBron_tha_GOAT sure you would... lmfao clown

[@callipitter8474]

gem says" she’s got what it takes to succeed! ". And what is that? She speaks clearly? She not stupid? Does ANYOne know exactly what drug addiction is?

[@beckymellon8135]

Good luck Andrea, you’re a beautiful woman and a beautiful soul🤞❤️✌️ I’m so happy Marks finally in Philly 🌹

[@janiceseaton6180]

"Fuck trying, I'm doing it!" - I love that quote. I can't wait to see a follow up video of Andrea on a hammock, with a coffee, reading a book. The simple things we take for granted. Best wishes to Andrea and thank you for sharing your story.

[@nikkimaloney2759]

"I just want to be comfortable" That shattered my heart to pieces. Sending so so much love. There's hope.

[@sofiya3937]

It’s mind blowing how experiences from childhood can dictate your whole life

[@ophelia.artaud]

The traumatic experiences, specifically. Why should this surprise anyone? I've been sexually assaulted as an adult and it doesn't haunt me at all, but the molestation from childhood got down to a subconscious level where as a 9 year old you don't understand any of it, you just feel disgusted in your body essentially. When I tried opiates at 16 I finally felt ok being in my body. I was trying to annihilate myself to purify myself until now. Unfortunately, understanding how these traumatic experiences inform the subconscious view a child has of him/herself is just the first step in correcting the resultant distorted thinking.

[@callipitter8474]

sof says" t’s mind blowing how experiences from childhood can dictate your whole life" I know!! And nearly everyone of them I've seen in interviews has had the those sort of experiences. I say ...When will parents be held responsible for the severe emotional damage they cause their kids? You can go to jail for giving a kid a beer but, doing this to child is ok. Also, FREE ABORTIONS FOR ALL WHO WANT IT!!

[@Mark-gn5rw]

@@ophelia.artaud wow. Hope ur ok I can relate. Try to have a nice day if u can

[@juliettezea9507]

Yea it sucks

[@callipitter8474]

@Tarziu Armanado-Liviu Unitl you can prove there is a god, then your comment is moot.

[@joanneott1689]

I have been watching many of Mike's interviews. I cannot begin to describe the empathy I have felt for so many of the folks featured here. Some have brought me to tears. Others I have felt anger towards. My heart grows heavy for what many have or are going through. I am appreciative of what Mark's work is bringing to others. It brings me awareness on a personal level of what we humans go through and sometimes the consequences we experience for our actions. We need to show love to one another. I don't have the answers, obviously. Mark Twain wrote “Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it.”.

[@hellothere3097]

I cried throughout the whole interview, I really hope she gets clean and stays clean so she can get her life together.

[@ChessieChess]

this is like the 12th video of this channel I've watched, all were very moving, but this is the first I've actually broken down and cried. I'm a recovering addict and my daughter was born when I had a year sober at 26. But for the grace of God, things could have ended up very different for me---and for her. My heart goes out to Andrea, her children, her brother and his wife. Peace and healing to all of you.

[@ellielagrandeur8075]

Love and peace to this lady 🙏

[@sharonsaulnier7484]

Thanks from Canada. Love your shows. I was addicted to pain pills for years...I am now clean and helping others....God Bless you for doing this and showing people the real people behind the STIGMA!!! Love and LIGHT! TRAUMA IS THE GATEWAY TO DRUGS...WAKE UP PEOPLE!! I am a SURVIVOR or a lot of TRAUMA....I have a book coming out!! THANK YOU for Soft White Underbelly. The TITLE caught my attention!! I am a medium and public speaker now...I am praying for ALL of the beautiful souls you interview...really enjoyed the mountain folks stuff too...the Whitakers...once again GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU!!

[@BeeKay4444]

Your soccer coach sounds like a very decent man…..it is nice to hear. So many stories of the opposite. God bless your brother and sister in law for stepping up and being parents to your babies. If you fight to get clean your kids will be over the moon. You have so much to offer the world Andrea please see that you are worth it.

[@unapologeticus]

I live in havertown. I go to Kensington often to hand out supplies. Andrea if you need food, etc please reach out to me. You can do this girl. God woke you up another day, so you have an opportunity to change. Thank you Mark for coming to Philly!

[@spooked5527]

I'm from Upper Darby and I would love to help you help the people down there

[@BigSmOkE.in.3.2.1]

Such a heart breaking story🥺 I was a heroin addict for 15yrs(9yrs clean) so i know the evil grip it has.(i could easily sit on that seat and share a tragic story as well)..you have been thru so much trauma and made it so far so i know you have the strength to do this..From the bottom of my heart i truly wish you the best of luck and wish you the happiness you so much deserve ..Stay strong beutiful..Much love😘

[@yayaserenity2397]

Very touching interview. Praying for Andrea. I can see that she is really tired. Mark please do an update on Andrea if possible.

[@cathrinedjelevic6049]

I was introduced to this channel a year ago and have periodically come back to watch and rewatch interviews since. The commonality between interviewees revealing itself through the trauma (sexual, physical, emotional) that they express is absolutely gut wrenching every. single. time. But this story in particular illuminates so many themes that arise throughout this project. People are vulnerable, children especially, are vulnerable. What this woman was forced to endure in her youth shaped her life in the most unjust way, and even still, despite drug usage, despite the loss of her mother, and the seemingly endless failure of the system (regarding her children in particular), she is still kind. People are a product of their environment. The circumstances that one is faced with will inevitably alter how they perceive the world around them, their choice in coping mechanisms, and their own being. The little girl that was molested did not deserve what happened to her. The woman in this interview, too, does not deserve the hardship that she is made to overcome daily. But the latter is often what people forget or ignore when walking through their very cities, which is why Mark's work is so beneficial. Andrea is a good woman in a hard place, like many other people on the streets are. I am glad that this channel, in addition to giving these 'faceless' individuals a voice, is acting as an educational tool for not only those in similar situations but those privileged enough to never encounter things like this over their lifetimes. Empathy, compassion, and understanding are so crucial to progress. And this interview, of the many that I have watched even today, has been the hardest for me sit through. I hope that Andrea can continue to persevere and get the support she needs to finally be sober, comfortable, and free to enjoy the rest of her life with her children.

[@annarodgers3385]

You got this Andrea! You go girl! My prayers are with you today. God bless you!

[@callipitter8474]

anna says ' My prayers are with you today". That helps YOU....NOT her or them. if it worked, no one would be on drugs

[@marylougeorge9890]

@@callipitter8474 Prayer is Powerful.

[@marylougeorge9890]

Amen.❤️

[@dinglebarry8801]

@@callipitter8474 quit being disrespectful. Prayer helps everyone. Maybe you should try it instead of putting it down. Prayer is the single most powerful thing we can do for one another.

[@dinglebarry8801]

@@callipitter8474 prayer does work with consistency. People being on drugs is their own free will, but with a little prayer they can be rid of this horrible disease.

[@DB-cz2vl]

Normally I watch these and feel bad, but can go on with my day. I cannot stop thinking of this woman.

[@jacquelinefitzpatrick2405]

Andrea, thank you for sharing your story with us. Your story will definitely help others. Hugs and kisses from Atlanta

[@shannsimms9072]

11:30 I know alot of people will think this is just an excuse for you to not go see your kids. But it makes so much sense and is a really good idea.

[@donamills]

That made me happy to know that she is putting her kids first. Having a parent pop in and out of your life is so...... a great sense of anguish.

[@shannsimms9072]

@@donamills right it makes things feel shaky and unsure about things.

[@romey9640]

Sending prayers and thoughts your way Andrea!! When she said she wants to explain to her kids and she wants to do it sober really hit me hard. I see the willingness in her and that’s all it takes to make a start! One small step in the right direction! I hope you get into long term and find housing and get your teeth and go to school and become a marine biologist!!! It’s never to late! You have goals and faith! You got this!!! ❤️

[@themoderneye2642]

She has incredible recall of dates, times, facts. Brilliant woman. ❤️

[@gemmaboo]

Mark thank you for all the work you do please stay safe hope you're doing okay!

[@mjc2624]

This special woman can get clean. Being an adolescent counselor would be a good goal for her. I wish her the best.

[@SandiByrd]

Her brother is a good man. I'm glad she has him in her life. She seems like such an articulate sweet lady. I hope she can find a way to turn her life around entirely - she'd make an amazing counselor if she can get out of there.

[@evafleur6252]

No one should have to live this way. You can get out of this world. You are intelligent and well spoken and will be able to help so many young people. Never give up hope.

[@laceycrook99]

Hi Andrea, it's Lacey. This interview and your realness touched my heart. You've always been a real one. Your so beautiful inside and out . I've been out there too and it's absolutely a struggle. Your a strong woman but even the strongest need and deserve a break . I will say a prayer for you. I hope things get better by you deserve better.

[@jenniferdarvid1188]

Your awesome Mark. These people need to talk. They need to be heard. You have such respect. It has to be soothing for your guests. They leave you feeling good. This woman is so sweet. Breaks my heart to watch. Makes me think why can’t the government do more😔.

[@armandopinon9479]

These videos make me realize how much shit I take for granted, thank you Mark for these videos. Hope she gets through this shit

[@maggiefisker994]

Mark , the Kensington interviews although tell the same ,sad story somehow show a different perspective . This lady is a very nice person ,i really wish her a healthy life . Have you met Mal from AML films who works doing similar work to you in Kensington ?

[@Jacqueline-tq5yy]

This is absolutely heartbreaking I pray she can overcome this awful disease. She is still so strong, No child growing up wants to be an addict. More people need to have understanding and empathy. These interviews are so well done.

[@kimk8890]

Andrea, you are well spoken and even with your hard life choices, you look amazing for being forty. Your heart is the heart of a Mom. I hope you can be united with your kids soon.

[@annerwin4277]

Oh dear God. The struggle every minute is heartbreaking. The will to live and the unending hope for better is so sad, yet so inspiring. "You can't go back, but you can go forward". Praying for this woman.

[@rebeccalavoy6655]

She is well spoken.

[@callipitter8474]

reb says" She is well spoken." Why is everyone so amazed that thses people can be "well spoken". Nearly everyone in the world is well spoken. Do you think she should grunt like an animal?

[@ma-masetti8008]

Beautiful Andrea…I feel your pain~sending so much love & blessings your way💖🙏💖

[@Sindian84]

That was VERY hard to watch…. My heart hurts this was heartbreaking 💔 I pray you get everything you want ❤️🙏🏽 you can do it ❤️❤️

[@poetrywoman5090]

YOU GOT THIS ANDREA!!! Keep pushing!

[@nylearahim1982]

Hi mark. I'm a functional addict on heroin since 16 now this year I'm 40. Single mom to a 16 year old daughter. It's taken a toll on my body but don't know who and where to reach out to . Still in hiding.never been sober.. always alone. I'm in Malaysia where it's not a real open topic issue unless u wanna be judged. So don't know how where and what to do . everytime I'm watching this too I'm holding a foil so yeah. Do pray for me to one day to put it down. I'm having heart issue now so I'm scared that I'll just stop breathing and no one finds me . 🥺

[@laurettahuffman1363]

You can do it... you can put the foil down... you can.. *hugs to you.

[@fluffyMajestic]

Do you can find a doctor or a self help group? if nothing like that exists. have you access to online therapy like better help (I heard its often not very good, but better than nothing).

[@kristiN1214]

When I see the life stories of all the people you interview…as they talk I picture them in my mind as the best, healthiest version of themselves. So I of course do this with this woman, and she is stunning. I hope she knows that she can be happy and more healed one day, I hope so much that her life goes that path. It hurts so much knowing that there’s so many people hurting out there. Mark, we all need these reminders so we can be proactive and help…I can only imagine how overwhelmed your heart gets doing this work, bless you for it. ❤️‍🩹

[@kristiN1214]

I really hope she gets her some more teeth made asap…I know that will help give her confidence a big boost. It has to be so hard for her daily trying to live and be safe…she’s touched my heart so much.

[@jaiapeace7992]

This poor woman.Trauma harms us so much. I pray for her to get the life she deserves. Thank you Mark for opening minds and hearts to what trauma does to so many

[@mrjones7644]

“That you can’t go back” 😮😮😮 that was deep...HANDS DOWN the best answer to that question I’ve heard after 1000 videos

[@elisayrockyforever4682]

Didn't even watch the video yet just needed to see this... Um it's really inspires me to try harder... I'm still young but I'm addicted to hard liquor I drink sooo much and some morning like this one I needed this for this sad sad day already I started crying early today I feel lost and left out of all hope no one even cares that's what sucks the most is being alone and not understanding why people don't stick with it through the bad times with me and just help in general be positive and do other things with me to get my mind off stuff.. But no one gets it. And it's a battle against myself at 25. Keep it in mind that being sad is ok and always have hope never hold in your emotions.

[@Holly-ro3yq]

I pray 🙏 Andrea & her girlfriend get clean asap. She is hurting so bad. ❤🙏

[@marlomarrufo92]

What a lovely, well spoken woman . You can see what a smart caring person she is . God bless her❤

[@mikaylagilman923]

She’s a good woman. I really pray for her & I hope she gets better. She deserves it so much! & I hope she reads these messages so she can feel our love & support.

[@maggiefisker994]

I think this is the best interview you have ever done .This lady will get better .

[@CLark-yk7oz]

Andrea, you are going to kick some butt and turn things around. You are NOT alone, but you are brave and beautiful and keep it as such. I have been where you have and we don’t ask for much, but life is weird. Your soul will soar! You have the world’s attention. Go forward Sister! ✌️

[@the.bonsai.samurai]

We all just want the same things... we want to feel loved and be heard and have our little home where we can feel safe! This world is a cruel place, and we're all walking around with so much pain, and today you've helped me a lot by telling your story Andrea! Thank you for sharing, I hope you find what you are looking for in life, it's never too late!

[@skycuocolo4346]

The care she takes in maintaining the actual events in her story shows she is and innately caring and good person, that stuck out to me. Andrea, you deserve peace and happiness in your life and I wish nothing more for you. I hope you can find a way out ❤

[@codedresilience5239]

Oh I send her the biggest hugs. I see her soul, her heart, her beauty. ♥️ I’m rooting for you warrior!

[@Doty6String]

I always wonder how truthful these stories really are.

[@holdmybeer2256]

Same here...We all need excuses to justify are actions

[@lynnehuff9659]

@@holdmybeer2256 A lot of people say that it the comments. I tend to believe people.

[@tinastsnkiewicz1014]

why would she lie?

[@Doty6String]

@@tinastsnkiewicz1014 I mean so many reasons!

[@tinastsnkiewicz1014]

Well I actually know her and she definitely is telling the truth

[@aliciaromero3173]

..this was so emotional for me and I don't really get like that but it was the pain and hurt in her voice that got me. To have so much trauma and to still want to get it right you know that that person is completely willing and ready to do whatever it takes and that's the greatest thing about people like her. There is a star in the sky for you. 🙏

[@mckaylaalee]

You know all the resources to help get on track for your better life to start. You got this.

[@gratefulgram]

My heart actually hurt for her! I had childhood drama and overcame it, thank God without being on any drugs or addiction well I was addicted to cigarettes and finally quite. Be strong and take one day at a time. I wish you the best.

[@kristen7623]

Awww Andrea seems like such a genuine good soul

[@jeanetteparrish8167]

What a beautiful woman you, are inside and out i wish you blessings. Thank you, Mark, for this video . God Bless

[@MEL2theJ]

Thank you for the interview Andrea & SWU

[@lightfoot.2000]

Thank.you. Mark. 😎🙏 Sending you the Warmest. Strong. Positive. Vibrations from New Zealand 😑🙏

[@samiraguerra2304]

very few interviews have impacted me like this one.. Andrea, I wish you luck

[@michaeltorres3785]

Takes a lot to tell a story in front of the camera for the world to see, for whatever reason I can tell is honest, this woman can make it , be strong.

[@callipitter8474]

Mich says" I can tell is honest, this woman can make it". Isnt it fuuny how we think someone can or will "make it" just because they can talk the good talk? Most everyone can do that, but it dosent have anything to do with stopping drugs. sad...

[@naijarich]

I can feel her pain through the screen. Miss Andrea you will make it through you have the strength. We can see it ❤️❤️ keep your head up babe 🥺❤️❤️❤️

[@wesleyAlan9179]

💜🙏

[@lisaheltonhudson]

Her story, her grief, her affect, just broke my heart 💔… it touched me deeply. She had dreams… hopes… just wants a place to live and be safe…get a cup of coffee… relax and read a book…simple things most of us take for granted 😢…and that one day her children would forgive her. Not being able to get a shelter bed is real. My heart just broke 💔…. Andrea, you’re beautiful, smart and WORTHY of a good, stable life at peace. Pursue rehab, get clean and medication you can’t get addicted to to treat your depression, anxiety and PTSD. Go to a 12-step program… if you can get help from the community mental health service. You have the WILL TO CHANGE! And believe that you can and you will! Don’t give up. My heart reaches out to from SC ❤ I believe in you and that you can do this - one day at a time. Much love ❤️ and healing to your broken heart and soul 💔

[@kristycartwright4743]

It's so easy to get stuck in the bottom, when it's hard finding which steps to take first to get out of where you are. Andrea, I wish you all the best!! It's never too late, have faith in your own inter strength. The methadone clinic is a good start. Sounds like you already have a good plan. Stay strong! Stay positive!! ✨💫

[@helenw.9512]

This young woman’s story touched my heart, I cried listening to her. She’s truly gotta a beautiful heart, and she’s absolutely beautiful. She told her story with such a soft voice, no hatred towards anyone & I didn’t hear her say one curse word. It’s sad the horrific things that were done to her as a young girl & it’s led to her addiction. I pray with all my heart she can get sober, you can tell she wants so badly to be sober. She doesn’t want money, she longs to have a comfortable home, she wants to gets to know her children, and I pray GOD will help her to achieve this in her life. She’s absolutely right, you can’t go back, you have to go forward & she wants that. Thank You Mark for sharing her story. I pray GOD will continue to bless you abundantly, not everyone can do what you do, you’re definitely a SPECIAL MAN with a HUGE HEART.

[@tharealcar-lee509]

Andrea you are a beautiful person and you have done right by ALL those children you brought into this world. You are strong, intelligent, and worthy of living!

[@KristyMills]

Please do an update on this wonderful soul. She will be in my daily prayers❤️❤️❤️

[@karengozra5092]

Bless her her story breaks your heart.

[@mooniebjones_]

Praying for her healing & recovery !

[@sexymumba3509]

You can tell that it's very emotional for her to talk about. 🙏🏼❤