According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, up to 50% of people suffering from mental illness also struggle with substance abuse. Eric is one of those individuals. He has dealt with stigma and both situational and seasonal depression and due to this, turned to alcohol and drugs. He was 12 years clean, but relapsed a couple years ago and ended up overdosing and ill in the Intensive Care Unit. His healing was complicated by gallbladder surgery, liver disease, ascites, and living with two chronic lifelong illnesses. He is on the mend and recently clean again and has recommitted to sober living. He has been kind and open and honest about his life and struggles and I am so proud of him and thankful he was willing to come on my podcast to talk about such a taboo topic.