Surviving Drug Addiction at Age 15

[@Azeal]

Today's speaker will be replying to comments as "That Wierd Alien". Anyways, thanks for watching, I know this was an intense video but that's nothing new for this channel of course. If you'd like to support this kind of content, you can support me directly at patreon.com/azealvr

[@DTBias]

If I had money I would lol

[@ponklpoodle3172]

Vid was released 6 min ago, comment 7 min ago…. Ok

[@spectrumspectre]

Thanks for doing what you do, Andrew 🫂

[@DTBias]

@@ponklpoodle3172 creators can comment before the video publishes. Especially if the publish is scheduled. Basically whilst quality checks are completing creators can go to the future link and leave a comment so they don't loose it before they pin it.

[@chadandersen6590]

Please find and delete TackPlayz' comment, you'll understand when you see it, its obviously a made up story and I feel as though the last sentence is going a bit too far.

[@StonedHunter]

What's even more sad is that studies have shown that childhood trauma ALSO effects your memory. It's just heartbreaking that when trying to erase the trauma you can just compound it. Thank you for not only sharing your story, but for making it to where you are today. I hope you're doing well.

[@stayhydratedwalter]

My boy is going places don’t you worry

[@ashkat_t]

ngl that explains a lot

[@StonedHunter]

Honestly, everyone should take at least a basic developmental psychology type of class. Things can literally change the way your brain is able to function from such an early age.

[@zacksweird]

@@stayhydratedwalter ❤

[@zacksweird]

I'm doing great atm, thank you for your support, it means the world ❤

[@manyspices1067]

You never really know how bad drug abuse is untill you hear it from a firsthand expirience. I really wish people never have to go through this.

[@zacksweird]

The more people like us spread the message, hopefully we will be able to make an impact

[@asphalt-cowboy9479]

It sounds stupid and cliche but it truly only takes 1 time to ruin or impact your life in a massive way. I was 100% addicted to opiates the first time I tried them.. the way he described withdrawal makes me doubt that he was actually addicted to anything because the effects of opiate withdrawal are basically opposite and WAY worse than what he described. It sounds more like he had some severe behavioral/mental health issues rather than a drug problem. There's really no way to say that w.o sounding like an asshole :/..

[@johnbollinger6268]

@@zacksweird I’d love to talk to you bro, I went through some similar shit but I won’t pretend it was as difficult as your experience. It’s so fucking nice to speak to someone who can understand even if they can’t directly relate. Understanding that you don’t understand everything about life and how awful and incredible it can be is everything.

[@birdiebayou]

Awesome interview. He did an amazing job talking candidly about what he'd done and what was done to him. Holding himself accountable the way he does but still moving forward with his life is really impressive. Wish him all the best.

[@heartsofgoldd7388]

Agreed this guy needs more subs

[@zacksweird]

I wish you the best as well, thank you homie ❤

[@thecraziesttomfoolerthatca8233]

LSD BABY!!!!!!!!

[@wesleycarr217]

C. Mmm l Joni. N johhhhgm oust the zc

[@notyarrs]

@Mentally Misunderstood imagine being a dickhead on THIS video, you are high-key a dumbass

[@gavinly7568]

It's great that this guy is raising awareness of drug abuse in middle-class kids. I have an old friend that is now 15 that will regularly green out in the back of the orchestra room. His addiction is also a result of emotional trauma and he's not responding to any help he's given.

[@Azeal]

I wish him good luck making it through that :/

[@bringoujelqings4078]

😆

[@kaiwilliams8886]

@@bringoujelqings4078 wtf dude

[@GigglingBug1564]

holy shit, i was not expecting to cry but when said "I smiled for the first time in 8 years" i cried. Such a powerful and reality-grounding story that reveals the flaws in the various systems in the united states

[@zacksweird]

Thanks for the love homie ❤

[@yashjoseph3544]

@@priestofronaldalt Technically it’s one of the best.

[@triv4555]

Us being one of the "Greatest nations in the world" also means that we have the "greatest" problems, which require the "greatest" of attention. That's how I see it at least

[@stayhydratedwalter]

That’s my son ;) Honestly though, thank you Azeal for givin’ Zack a platform. This story was always rough but motivational for me and it’s nice to know other people can hear it now.

[@zacksweird]

Thanks homie, love you ❤

[@Goblin-thebesthousewife]

Im glad Zack could tell his story and im glad he's doing much better ^^

[@stayhydratedwalter]

@@Goblin-thebesthousewife yo wassup furry

[@zacksweird]

@@Goblin-thebesthousewife ❤

[@Goblin-thebesthousewife]

@@zacksweird we love you, man 💙

[@alwaysyouramanda]

My sister and I were awful as teenagers while my mom battled cancer. 🥺 it’s such a huge source of guilt. She was a bit neglectful when we were young but no one deserves to go through all of that. We all wound up on weed together, but my sister was hooked and still is on the bottle. It’s horrible.

[@valgracnerbotonjic6903]

it's alright bro. you regret what you did witch is important becaouse that says you improved and are a better person now. i don't know everyethin that you went through but as far as i can see you are a better person and i want you to focus on yourself. you can try to have a talk with your sister to maybie get her to see that it's not all bad and to focus on the good things in life even if life is a bitch it's still the only one you have so you gotta make use of it. good luck bro i know you can do it!!! I BELIVE IN YOU! you got this.

[@ChristianF15cher]

“No matter what you say, no matter what you do I’m never gonna judge you cuz I’m worse than you.” -“Take It” by Monster Magnet

[@minnermin]

The bottle is evil man

[@jaxhayes4372]

A family member of mine, he was in his 30’s, had a bad addiction to drugs, either meth or heroin, I don’t remember. I recall going over to his house and meeting his three year old son, who adored his father and was an absolute ray of sunshine. It just made everything sadder when my uncle cracked in rehab and got his hands on drugs again, and overdosed. It’s been five or so years since he passed and I still think about his kid, I hope the little stinker is doing okay.

[@kylebarfuss7977]

I'm glad this guy got to share his story and it was nice getting a different perspective then the typical stigma.

[@DTBias]

deleted my reply because rather than confronting you and getting in to a massive arguement Ima just leave it. Also guess what. You didnt ask

[@kylebarfuss7977]

@@DTBias cool thanks for being the responsible one in this. Sorry for throwing shade back at you.

[@ayoxe]

A happy ending☺️

[@reigningmonarch]

@@ayoxe Achievement Unlocked: The mature ending

[@zacksweird]

Part of the reason I wanted to do this was to get rid of some of the stigma. People sonetime aren't able to understand that while someone who is using is responsible for their actions, they aren't in control and need help and support. It's contradictory and can be confusing. Thanks for the love ❤️

[@zacksweird]

Before anyone else comments about DXM not being an opiate: I'll admit I was wrong, after seeing quite a few comments like this I googled it, and it isn't. I also learned that it is synthesized from a derivative of morphine, which I have also abused. DXM was simply my drug of choice out of ease of access, I didn't have to pay for it but could just steal it. I hope you can see how and why I made the mistake of calling DXM an opioid, however between being synthesized from a derivative of morphine and having similar affects to hydrocodone, it is objectively an easy mistake to make, even for me.

[@stevenbouchard2298]

it may be a derivative but its not like opaites at all with the effects it doesnt work on the opiate receptors at all either the only thing that are the same between them are they both relive pain but i was an opiate addict and taken dxm many times and its not comparable at all dxm feel more like alchohol in lower doses if anything and opiate withdrawal is nothing like coming off dxm trust me opiates are way worse to detox from you get cold sweats major anxiety your muscles hurt very bad but you get restless legs when you try to sleep your nose gets runny you dont sleep for months after stopping and you get major diarrhea just to name a few things its like having the worse flu you could ever have in your life times 100 with anxiety and depression added in. im glad you didnt go down that rabbit hole of opiates because its way harder to stop taking and who knows how you would have ended up im glad your doing good and keep up the positive life im just saying this so you and other people are fully aware of how severely different they are i wouldnt give an opiate to my worst enemy and i wish opiate addiction on nobody

[@Lohanujuan]

I’m just glad you got the help you needed. I’ve kicked DXM and opiates and definitely hate the ladder more. We have really similar stories although I didn’t end up getting help until I was much older. I remember the first time I just decided to make some popcorn and watch a movie- just for myself. I had gotten out of residential treatment where your whole day is planned for you. It was the first time that I had no more distractions or anything to take me out of myself. As weird as it sounds, just watching a movie because it was what I wanted to was a big step in me starting to live and be okay in my own skin. And this was after 7 months in rehab. Just thought of that when you told the story about you smiling.

[@qantaloupemelon2791]

I wish you much hugs and love and much continues healing 🤗💕

[@daephx]

I've always read DXM is classified as a dissociative in high doses, which would put it more inline with Special K or PCP

[@Peroxide-Mark]

opiate or not its still a fucking drug bro dont let people point out tiny discrepancies to invalidate your experience

[@dylanorr2127]

What a great interview. His story is so similar to mine until about high school. Makes me realize how a good a choice to not chase after drugs even though its been hard growing up with divorced fighting parents and poor friends. Thanks

[@zacksweird]

Stay strong homie ❤

[@idefixl3234]

What an absolute lad, coming from a similar situation I know how hard teenage drug addiction can be. Happy to see him have a positive outlook on life despite all he's gone through

[@stayhydratedwalter]

My son is going to become a god damn astronaut

[@Goblin-thebesthousewife]

@@stayhydratedwalter I can confirm, his son will become an astronaut

[@Khattab99]

@@Goblin-thebesthousewife I can confirm his son is going to become an astronaut

[@zacksweird]

Thanks brother, hope you're doing better also, know that you're loved ❤

[@zacksweird]

@@stayhydratedwalter Jesus christ man 😂

[@Specters0rd]

The sad part is that once you are a addicted your body still affected. People think once you go to rehab you are cured, but like any condition it's an journey.

[@fish4014]

I love the anonymity VRChat can give. It must be great to vent and no one can judge you for who you are. Because we have no idea who you are. Glad you got thru it

[@treelicker]

My brother died as a result of a drug overdose at the age of seventeen. He had a suicide note written, but it was dated a few months before so we can't be sure if it was intentional or not. Hearing the pain in your voice and the experiences you had that were so similar to ours really got to me. I didn't expect to cry, especially not to break down, but you just sound so much like him. I wish I could have helped him more, I will forever hate myself for my failure as a big sister. I'm glad you made it through to see the good in life❤️ Wishing you all the best, man. Thank you for sharing your experiences and making the struggles of addiction more public.

[@TheErilaz]

I am writing because I have lost one of my parents to long time disease and around those times I felt guilty because I couldn't do anything about it,but it wasn't anyone's fault. 2015 was a hard year, and I sometimes miss the person. I hope that you don't hate yourself and will accept my compassion and empathy.

[@averymartin1327]

I've struggled with alcohol abuse since 14. I still work, bathe ect. You'd never know unless you saw my shelves at home.

[@Azeal]

yikes man, stay safe

[@averymartin1327]

Long overdue, but thanks for caring to some meaningful capacity bruh ;-;

[@tosdurk]

I support this kid 110% but I think you should have someone that truly experienced heroin/opioid addiction at a young age. It’s far more common than most would think, I started doing morphine at 13, shortly after started shooting dog food. Fell in love, eventually China white came along around 16, the strong shit at the time. Prior to the big fentanyl craze. Around 16 I lost my baby nephew to sids, went on an insane bender, the next year my best friend died from an overdose. They charged a different friend with involuntary manslaughter for giving him the dope. A long court case ensued, then my grandmother died from cancer the next year. On top of another friend dying and then they charged a close friend again with reckless homicide for that one. We were just all friends trying to support each other addictions, make sure our friends weren’t dope sick. There is a little article about the one situation with my friend Justin and his childhood friend. Called “STAT news, fentanyl a stealth killer.” Then a childhood friend got deported to Bolivia after someone in our inner circle wore wires on a lot of people. Just all out madness, I’d love for a chance to explain my journeys if you ever want to speak with someone that has been a heroin addict for over ten years. I’m 26 now, was sober from august 2021 till April 2022, relapsed in April and now have a little over a month of sobriety again.

[@kisa.4259]

I can't imagine what it must have been like going through all of this at such a young age, but I'm really glad he's fine right now. Usually I just listen to those interviews without connecting too much or thinking "this is a person/human" but this one really got to me, probably because he has such a nice soft voice that makes you wonder how is he this soft even after fighting so much? I'm really really glad you could face of your battles and fears, keep going, you're an amazing inspiring person for sure!

[@zacksweird]

Thanks for the love and compliments! I am currently doing much better now 😊

[@tigerkatze9819]

Amazing interview. Tell him he's loved if you see him. I'm 2 years sober from painkillers and hope he's still doing well too

[@stayhydratedwalter]

I'm his father and I'll relay the message. Thank you

[@Khattab99]

@@stayhydratedwalter good job father His mom is a bitch!

[@zacksweird]

Thank you, you're loved too ❤❤❤

[@Azeal]

congratulations on 2 years!

[@zacksweird]

Sober as long as I have

[@Mr.Smith47]

As a survivor of fentanyl addiction I can say this story is a lucky catch before he slipped into many years of addiction. The withdrawal of years is much worse than the withdrawal of days.

[@angriestskeletonofalltime3438]

I just want to say, this man had a terrible childhood and sadly he thought drugs were the only option. Now if i’m being honest i would’ve most likely done the same thing. You did great and i’m happy you’re still alive, hope you are doing great to this day! (this is as long as he sees this)

[@angriestskeletonofalltime3438]

When i mean he did great, i mean he took it better than i would’ve

[@acousticorca947]

I know how it feels to know someone with an addiction it can be very difficult for them to get out of it so the fact that this person did is amazing

[@CarbonatedGravy]

Just an FYI, yes DXM is structurally related to codeine but it has no opioid activity whatsoever and is a completely different drug in every way shape and form from opioids, it’s actually really unique but closest to ketamine/pcp in its effects as an NMDA antagonist

[@pirate2041]

I was addicted when i was 15 and went to rehab when i was 16, its crazy how much i relate to this, im so sorry you had to go through this, drugs are awful. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@jakearchibald2205]

Same bro same but my rehab did not work it was a prison essentially I went to a residential which was not fun

[@Lil_Timmy6323]

I genuinely love these videos. Hearing peoples pasts, troubles and struggles are so incredibly impactful to hear. It puts a different perspective on my life and shows me that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for giving these poor souls an audience for them to express themselves and get weight off of there chests. Keep up the good work man.

[@Azeal]

thank you!!

[@Lil_Timmy6323]

@@Azeal No genuinely what you are doing for these people is so amazing. Also Thank you for replying to my comment. :)

[@daitsy2476]

When I was around 14-15 I was ridiculously addicted to DXM like I was skipping school every day to take literal handfuls of triple c's like entire bottles of the stuff and drinking the syrup the way it made me feel was actually unreal It was like a dream state almost I was so into it that I'd do constant research on it and read trip reports and try to reach new "plateaus". After having my first panic attack from it and nearly having a seizure I ended up quitting I'm only 100 lbs so the amount I was taking daily would have eventually killed me. I do wish I could visit that high though without needing to take it but I'd never risk that again especially with everything I've done to my body since then It'd probably just kill me. Live and learn. Drug addiction and abuse literally happens everywhere by anyone a lot of people are just good at keeping their use quiet while judging others who aren't so quiet about it. I've been struggling with addiction for over half my life I'm now 28 and as I get older I learn more and more how many people actually abuse drugs but act like they don't. A ton of people do it in one form or another but won't admit it to themselves or others especially when it comes to alcohol or prescription drugs. "It's legal so I'm not an addict like those junkies on the streets". Nothing worse than people who judge others instead of getting past their ego and being truthful to themselves.

[@zacksweird]

I know exactly what you're talking about man, glad you got out of it tho, shits fuckin nasty

[@Nixo66]

You can safely take dxm without taking ccc’s you didn’t do enough research or just didn’t care but that’s on you dog. This is coming from another person who was addicted to tripping. Did the research. Was just as obsessed. Plateaus and chasing “enlightenment”

[@prod.domino]

I overdosed on DXM when I was 17 and that was the last time I did it. It was a mix of Delsym and Robitussin and I was also on antidepressants at the time so it was kind of a whopping combo. I am happy to be alive and I am grateful to be here and happy, healthy

[@captainpekkachu5202]

I have had father figures leave my life multiple times due to drug abuse. It is a very scary thing and something insanely hard to get out of.

[@Tre_Di]

I don't suffer from addiction, but it has been at least 8ys since I'm suffering from depression, and I'm working so hard to find the joy that's within myself. I'm happy you did it :) you're not the monster you are scared of. You are a child who deserve love. You worked your ass off for what you have now and the person you are now. Enjoy your results :)

[@gnomechild3248]

This guy gave some amazing advice I wish I would have known in middle, and high school. I As well Dealt with drug abuse, and trying to fit in. That ultimately ended with me trying to commit suicide with a firearm, firing it off in public, changing my mind last second, and having the police arrest me. They took me to the mental ward. And to top it off, the detectives on the case were waiting outside the hospital when I was due to discharge. They arrested me, then took me to juvie. As if I wasn't fucked in the head enough already, that just put the icing on the cake.

[@driesdriesdehaan]

I used to be an alcoholic from age 18 to 21, and i destroyed so much just for that addiction, luckily i was able to kick it but it left me with scars still visible to this day

[@TheOfficialCatLord]

I feel for this man, I can’t relate to him because I’ve never experienced drugs but I do know what it’s like to go through horrible stuff like this. I wish the best for him.❤️

[@diablo5306]

So glad these videos bring some awareness to this stuff.

[@kylebarfuss7977]

For sure

[@shadeymations9580]

It honestly hurts my heart that people can be so hurtful and hateful and awful٫ I like to think people can improve and this guy is proof people can with time and effort٫ and that's what anyone should take from this if you ask me; people can improve with time and become better

[@leylacraven1337]

Me and him are the same age, I'm also in my second semester of community college and struggled with addiction in high school and spent so much time in hospitals and residential centers, mostly for mental health rather than addiction, I also spent my whole senior year away at treatment... I was also really smart academically but bullied when I was younger...I'm so blown away by how similar our stories are! And I'm so proud of both of us!

[@IndigoMist44]

So glad he's doing better and congrats on the 4.0 dude! Your hard work's gonna pay off for sure

[@HiroSnowLeopard]

As someone whos gone through recovery classes and group therapy I want to say thank you for sharing. I know its not easy, especially for me because my group was with people that had been addicted since about early teen and they were now 30-40 year olds. It was hard for me because i was a self referal and it was because I saw my life going down the drain because of marajuana but these men were here for things like meth and opiods. Luckily they understood they addiction isnt about what drug it is, you can get addicted to anything and they showed me respect and understood my struggle. Now almost one year later and turning my life around I'm glad you shared your story.

[@starshifter4]

I know what a toxic environment can do to someone and how much coming out of that toxic environment can help. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Azeal]

very true.

[@nthntrnh300]

There’s only ever two types of people that’ll always be there for you in life if you’re lucky; you, and your family and I’m glad to hear that he’s there for himself because of his family.

[@strawberry_boba_milk_tea8195]

i'm so glad you are doing so much better,i'm so proud of you for letting in others enough to help you,its a difficult, brave thing to do.the process had its ups and downs but in the end it was worth it.thank you for sharing this to us.your story could possibly help people to ask for help. you're doing so much more than you know,you are providing a light to strangers darkest moments,you have a beautiful soul. i'm glad you were able to feel comfortable with being your own company and hope you go on a journey of self love.i wish you the best. I'm cheering you on and whether you need to drop out for mental health or walk the line to graduate,you have so many people cheering and rooting for you.

[@zacksweird]

Thank you, so much. This almost made me tear up. I appreciate all the love and support, from the bottom of my hear ❤

[@Poket132]

I understand the feeling of being the outcast, the ostrisized, and being in trouble a lot. I also have ADHD, and also know the feeling of wanting to be included and trying to fit in. This makes me grateful that the first people that invited me to hang out weren't like his. I will save this video as caution for myself in the future. Especially since a lot of his experiences and feelings outside of anything drug related correlate with my life.

[@pandaman5406]

what the fuck i was about to comment the same thing

[@Poket132]

@@pandaman5406 I guess there's just a lot of us in the world

[@pandaman5406]

@@Poket132 i guess there is

[@invastaju7887]

@@Poket132 even I have adhd

[@f4llenx140]

Your words really helped me man, thank you I cant compare my life with yours, i didn´t went through over the things that happened to you, but i felt identified with some of the things you said. I always feel terrible with who i am, i did too many things wrong, i hurted people that i loved and i treated myself as garbage. The phrase you said, "im so grateful to be able to look at myself at the mirror again and realise im not this monster that i saw myself as before" that gave me so much strenght, thanks for real :') edit: sorry i miss wrote something i'm still learning english, i am a 16yo from argentina

[@Solar3232]

i had a close friend in elementary school, he was one of the nicest kids i knew. then we get to high school. he just suddenly stopped talking to me and started ignoring me. i brushed it off and continued school. later that year he was caught dealing and doing edibles, vaping and smoking etc. this was all in GRADE 8. it still is quite shocking to me how someone can go off of the deep end so fast. to be honest, i am really scared for him. i dont know what to do, if anything.

[@bennyjj8454]

School does not go far enough in depth about the emotional effects of drug addictions. All they tell me is all the physical downsides and that you will get depressed. Never heard about this memory loss stuff or self hate which honestly sounds worse than any physical downsides. One of my favorite videos, thank you for sharing your story.

[@okamiwolf250]

Listening to this kind of made me sick in a weird way. Made me realize how easily it could happen to anyone. I'm glad he told his story. Good on him for putting in the effort to do better by himself.

[@mckayle3]

my dad owns a detox. i’ve seen it all, from infants born addicted to heroin to 97 year old women addicted to alcohol. i’m happy to hear you’re better.

[@BetterDayz55]

Dude, you have no IDEA how much I wanna hug him rn! I really hope he's finding his way along in life!

[@Estebancito85]

Oh shit you're chicano, Mexican American that's dope and you're a recovering addict like me, this is inspiring and gives me hope bro, it makes me happy to hear my ppl beating these kinds of addictions and obstacles, and we need more of our ppl to share stories like these cause coming from where we come from and being Mexican and using opioids in a Mexican family is really depressing cause of the shit you get and the way your own family makes you feel but we need to share our stories to let other addicts who are chicanos that there is change available and if you work for it and put just a bit of effort like we did when we were actively using we can do it

[@zacksweird]

I'm actually not, my grandpa that I mentioned lives in Mexico but wasn't born there, he's Irish. Also thank you for the love and support man, it means the world ❤

[@timmyuniboi2050]

Bruh I totally support you and all that shit, but you need punctuation.

[@jakeking974]

Man, I'm actually glad I had to learn to be vigilant with myself when I developed a panic disorder that required me to use Xanax to counteract the panic attacks, and that I learned years ago after my wisdom teeth surgery that Vicoden does literally nothing for me. It's a small win, but I fucking hate opiates and what they've done to the country.

[@petergraywolf6671]

I appreciate his self awareness and also refusing to blame the drugs for his own bad (or even abusive) behavior. He seems like good person who did some bad decisions which as a result was downward spiral and i am so glad to hear that he reflected upon his actions rather than excusing his behavior. Hell so called healthy and not addicted people cant do that ! So big applause to him for not excusing himself.

[@user_name_taken_9188]

my uncle took drugs in 2016 and it paralyzed him and also killed him. this kid is lucky to even be breathing to this day

[@chronicallycrohnic9947]

Bless his heart and his journey. I am so proud of this guy. Brings me to tears.

[@ItsameArtic]

This man had something i had to go through, a father which forced me to choose, but i didnt want to choose, i wanted both, and i got both

[@Azeal]

hm?

[@dgcfgvvgb6555]

@@Azeal I'm guessing he means that his father and mother made him pick sides as well, but he eventually got them to resolve their issues and stay together or smthn

[@mr.sheeppeehs4204]

I’m glad he was able to share his story

[@SickKitty-IsDead]

Damn this is painfully relatable.

[@func_e]

one of my uncles was a drug addict, so I've never thought of addicts as street criminals, homeless people, whatever. This was honestly incredible

[@Big-Keat78]

people like him who used to be into drugs and stuff that go through the really hard times like he did have the best life advice, seriously no other group have better advice are sober drug addicts that have found themselves again

[@JoshTRC]

this taught me way more than school. the slow descent and the fact that taking drugs becomes "normal in a way is terrifying and i never looked at it that way, at least my school didn't show me it like that

[@m00nbeams42]

oh shit- i’m 18 and i’ve been abusing dxm for a year now and i’m trying to get out of it too. it’s rough man!! good luck staying out of it man it’s so hard. and this interview hit me right where it hurts man. nothing but peace and love peace and love to you man

[@genehen6495]

it was shocking for me to hear KW Legacy Ranch mentioned, because I know someone who went there - and came back far worse. I'm glad it worked for him, but the troubled teen I knew who went there (the only drugs she did was pot but she ditched school alot and was getting worse) came back just kinda broken. She didn't do pot anymore but she didn't really do anything else either, she was scared to be in rooms of more than one or two people and was terrified of more than one person talking at once. Like she would start crying, full on sobbing, and cover her ears and shake. She came back way thinner than she went in - she went into hospital like 2 days after she came home for malnutrition - and she had a really weird relationship with food. She refused to eat most of the time, but when there was something she did feel like eating she'd get really violent and protective over it, even if it was just like ground beef or something boring. I don't know what happened there. I haven't seen her much, I live in a different country but at any gatherings pre-corona she just wasn't the same girl she used to be, even years later. As far as I know she is still quiet, no job, no boyfriend, never completed school because it was all just too much for her. Her parents really beat themselves up about it too. They weren't told much about how it worked or what would happen - they didn't even know it would be the middle of the night when she was taken. I dunno... im just glad this guy found a way out of their situation, no matter what it was.

[@noahthewiz8825]

This is so heartwarming almost brings me tears

[@aclassicusername2174]

Thank you for this story. I saw three of my friends fall to drugs throughout middle and high school, and I really didn't do anything. Thinking about how much I could have done but didn't will forever be a regret I have to live with. Only one of them managed to climb out of that hole, and I will forever be grateful to have him as a friend. I cannot pretend to know what its like to actually be on drugs, but I certainly have watched the descent into it. It is a miserable experience for everyone involved.

[@sepiasmith5065]

This channel is incredible. Making these really important stories accessible. Thank you Azeal and thank you to all the wonderful speakers and survivors. You're incredible. I'd really like to hear about someone's experience with facial dysmorphia.

[@trashotaku]

I am genuinely so proud of him for putting in the effort to get and stay clean. I myself have never experience drug addiction, nor do I know personally anyone that has, but I have heard from very experiences how difficult that can really be

[@pebble7]

This is a very sad yet popular case around the world. People want to be in peace so they think that drugs will give them an advantage. As someone who is trying to recover from drug addiction and depression, its not easy. He is very brave to be able to vent. It’s almost impossible. This guy deserves an award. 🥇

[@mcgaming_1158]

This story gave me hope that I can beat my demons/addictions. It was truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing this story and I'm glad to hear you made it through.

[@Lilgrey1227]

This one made me happy cry, thank you Azeal, keep it up man

[@Smudge3489]

I’m so happy that his story can get out and be told so that others don’t have to deal with what he did and spread awareness.

[@triv4555]

This really says a lot about how accessible dangerous drugs are to the average person, our pharmaceutical industry is honestly so fucked in (along with a LOT of other things in the USA)...in any case I'm very glad to hear that he's doing a lot better lately, I pray he continues on that path and goes on to do/achieve great things in life ♥

[@SWIM44]

I have a very similar story and I greatly appreciate hearing this, I am still in the process of recovery and it is extremely hard at times. I ha e been through a lot because of my addictions but like he said I am extremely happy to be where I am and be okay with who I see when I look at myself in the mirror

[@hyperacid5227]

Addiction is horrible. I have an adictive personality, and addiction runs in both side of my family (mom, dad, their parents) I've struggled, thank you for giving me more hope on my current addictions, and wanting to quit nic

[@mystickitten9597]

I want to give this guy a hug. He holds himself to his actions and he’s aware of what he’s done. He deserves so much

[@dereiziger3433]

probably the best thing about this channel is the fact that within the interesting stories there lies some great advice.

[@Fearsomehero]

As soon as he started talking about how cops had to escort him to a psych hospital I began having some flashbacks, not bad, just remember how drug addiction and bad mental health had me in a similar situation. Except I assaulted one of the cops...opps Great video! And thank you for sharing your story Zach!

[@BSENKevin]

Thank you for telling me the path I rejected. I was engaged, but I never quit pot because I could not eat or "forgive myself" without it. So I lied and eventually she broke it off. I also felt like a monster until recently. I moved away from everyone to make them forget what a horrible person I was. It turns out I just forgot about all the good stuff going for me.

[@jademonass2954]

your interviews are always amazing, i love seeing peoples life stories, and just taking a peek at what others lifes are like

[@Azeal]

thank you!

[@OmegaIdiot]

Great Job man! Although you cant change what you did, you still can move in the right direction! Just stay on the path ahead.

[@zacksweird]

Thank you, I plan on it ❤

[@ashin5040]

When I think drug addicts, I think that someone needs help. My father was a drinker, but isn’t one anymore. He got help, from me as his son, and from doctors. Him recovering changed my idea, because he was a good man before it, and now he’s recovered he still is.

[@zacksweird]

I wish both you and your father a bright future ❤

[@BrotherRex7567]

This shit needs to stop. I know my friend’s dad od’d like 4 times on stuff and is somehow still alive. I hope that you’re doing better, Zach

[@zacksweird]

thanks homie, I am :)

[@SlapShotTakes]

shit, this could've been me, best anti-drug PSA i have ever heard by far hope it keeps getting better every day

[@mateo5044]

Damn, i feel him, cuz as well i used to have a drug problem that i OD 3 times and in one i did die for a couple of min until a doctor injected adrenaline, good for him that he got out of that life

[@Azeal]

holy shit man, I'm so glad you're ok..

[@thedayzgod]

wow thank you man just thank you I havee been abusing alcohol for a while now and when you said that your gonna erase all the good memories because your getting fucked up all the time and I just had an epiphany because it's true I don't remember certain things anymore my memory is trash now and I use to have the BEST memory my mom would always tell me it makes me so sad I think i'm really done drinking to forget im gonna ruin all my good memories of all my friends and family that really care about me...because I feeel like I already have some form of dementia thank you for sharing your story I dont know you and you dont know me but I do think you really just saved my life...I honestly feel like I could sit here and talk to you for hours

[@prod_scarf]

This is an amazing story, I'm glad that you post videos like this. Not only do they get me interested, it informs me and others about problems like this. Thanks for posting.

[@true_notion8022]

Honeestly man I feel your pain and I praise you for getting over it all. Your story really gives me and probs others hope

[@KayKatsumi]

In some of my earlier times dealing with sitautions similar to his, i also expiremted with DMX, Xanax, Weed, Hydrocodone, Codeine. after watching this i cant believe how extremely lucky i was to have never gotten addicted to any of the substances. Hopefully all continues to go well for this gentleman, and i appreciate him sharing his story.

[@wscamel226]

I would never thing of a drug addict like that. That was a very teaching story. Thank you

[@durpysharkking814]

I loved near the end when he said he smiled after 4 years it made me tear up

[@Roguevrgaming]

These videos are so impowering I listen to them well I'm at work and they stories you allow people to share are just so inspiring. Your doing good shit for not only the listeners, but those who you give a place to share their stores.

[@Azeal]

[@EdMcStinko]

I also went to one of those rehab centers that (in my opinion) aren't all that great. I felt I was being observed by the staff, as if I was going to do something violent. They seemed really aloof. It made the experience quite stressful, which made me want to use again, because thats how I coped with stressful environments. This was also one of those places that wanted you to become a Christian, which is really cynical when you think about it. Christians tend to recruit people who are at their most vulnerable; they try to sell the idea that religion is an excellent alternative to drugs.

[@cortanatheai6103]

So, a tip my therapist told me, which I think that I can pass onto you is that "every decision you make is the best decision you could've made with the information you had at that time" I remember doing shrooms with my partner, and he smoked a little bit of weed. At the time, I was pretty depressed, and that heavily influenced the trip. After a while, he wanted to order pizza, which ended up with my partner and I fighting. I began to panic, and I thought about my life, and I ended up becoming suicidal. The police are called, and they bring me to the hospital, and eventually a psychiatric ward. I don't remember much, but I do remember telling one of the officers "I want to take your gun and shoot myself". Eventually, I sought treatment for substances (I was starting to abuse alcohol and weed, and that incident was a wake up call for me), and I stayed sober for a while. I found your story relatable, and I see it as where I could've ended up if I continued.

[@zacksweird]

Thank you for the bit of advice, I will cherish it. I'm happy my story was able to help you ❤

[@brianu8578]

I feel you bro, I live everyday with the guilt of what I did when I was a druggie

[@DTBias]

Lets go. Obviously im not gonna say "nice video" like all the other people predending they watched a 24 minute video 1 minute after it came out, but im looking forward to it.

[@DTBias]

Update: I've been able to watch through now, and NOW I can point out how much of a good video this was. Thank you for giving these people a platform.

[@DefaultMale_]

lol this was the most liked comment for a while what tf happened

[@cameron5802]

AYE YO WE FORGOT THE PERCS- though as somebody who is a "normal" and recovered person and I was grown up in a family that was all former addicts BUT we were living comfortably in middle class. I'm actually on a suboxone treatment plan so I know how you feel. My parents were separated a bit later and I went through this change within middle to high school, ultimately ending up in some alternative education place. Long story short, I know very close to how you feel, you aren't alone, and I love and support your goals to achieve your own happiness.

[@blackcatgamer133]

You just need to remember there are more people that love you than hate you

[@Danny_Supremo]

I've had very similar experiences in my past as this person has and their story resonates with me a lot. I'm glad they're in a better place now and it makes me happy to see someone provide a platform for people like this to share their stories. watching this hit me very hard with the similarities to my own life, especially with the cough syrup abuse. However, a quick clarification, the main ingredient in over-the-counter cough syrup, DXM (dextromethorphan) isn't related to opiates in any way while there's similar effects to a degree, it's actually a strong dissociative anesthetic and is closer related to ketamine. Just wanted to put that out there and explains the hallucinogenic effect of DXM at high doses that opiates wouldn't cause. Regardless great interview and im glad they got to share their story :)

[@Vindicta3127]

I can relate so much to his story. From the family issues to doing things I’d never do if I was sober and being in jail and committing crimes and the SA. I was addicted to opioids from 17-22. It started with hydro and it ended with fetty mixed with H, I wasn’t shooting it but I was smoking it. I’m 25 now and am 3 years sober. It’s and everyday fight but it’s worth it , if you are in active addiction just know you aren’t alone and it’s never too late to get help. You are loved and wanted.

[@zacksweird]

Im 2 years myself, this is why I wanted to get my story out there, to connect with others and let others know that they are not alone, and also to break the stigma. Love you man, keep strong

[@Vindicta3127]

@@zacksweird I respect that a lot bro , a lot of people wouldn’t have the nerve to talk about some of the things you talked about especially so publicly ya know? Keep sharing your story it’ll definitely inspire others and give them hope , let people know they aren’t alone in this . Love you bro hope you’re doing well and living a good healthy life

[@zacksweird]

@@Vindicta3127 ❤

[@efoxkitsune9493]

Zack, dude, I know this is old-ish, but in case you still read this, thank you for sharing your story. You did amazing man; I'm just a stranger, but I feel really proud of you. With all the shit you went through, being able to sit here and talk about it all with such awareness and opnenness... You did a fantastic job. Recovery is not easy. I'm so happy that you're doing better now. Please don't forget that you're a person with value, you deserve love and happiness. I hope you get to a point where you're able to forgive yourself; I know that's extremely hard to do, but I hope you get there. You've come this far and that something to be very proud of. I'm wishing you all the best man, take care of yourself. Sending my love, - a random internet stranger

[@kyum1nq]

i really loved this video. speaker did a great job narrating and im really so happy everything turned up!! he worked really hard to get out of that situation and it shows

[@derp24lordz]

I've always been told drugs would do terrible things to you, but it's a lot worse than what I've been told, and it makes me realize that growing up self isolated was probably the best choice I've ever made, can't imagine the kind of stuff people have been through while doing drugs, and what I would have been like had I grown up differently, whether with my mother when she was addicted, or willing to make friends/meet people

[@thornepp6286]

Thank you for sharing, it really hit me when you talked about smiling and feeling happy again, I need that so bad, and I can relate a lot to your story about addiction and trauma starting a young age. This gives me hope that one day I can experience real happiness on my own.

[@Azeal]

I wish you luck