Are Autistic people more at risk for Drug Addiction? What is Crystal Methamphetamine withdrawal like? Which factors can help addicts live a life of sobriety?  

(18+ Trigger Warning - Talk about drugs and physical abuse)

In this episode of the Thoughty Auti Podcast, Thomas Henley talks to Francesca from @Neurodivergent FranchFries - an autistic creator on YouTube and Instagram, as well as the owner of the clothing brand SickForTrees.

Francesca kicks us off the podcast by telling us about her Youtube channel and the difficulties she faced during COVID-19. Snowboarding is something that has transformed her life, giving her a more healthy outlet for stress; she shares her many exciting stories on getting into the sport!  Despite its location and situation near the USA, Mexico remains an area with little scientific development and low autism awareness. Diagnosed with ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome (Autism/ASD-1), she was seen as a problem child by her father; her difficulties with social communication left her depressed and a big target for bullies.

When her parents left for the USA, she was left for weeks in Mexico where she sought housing at a local drug dealers home - once in the USA she faced workplace discrimination and a lower quality of life due to the poor support/education systems in place.  With her unstable family relations, Francesca flicked a switch and started experimenting with drugs. Tobacco, alcohol, Marijuana, Cocaine, and her drug of choice... Crystal Methamphetamine. Francesca highlights that her addiction was likely a consequence of poor relations with her father and her difficulties with socialising - drug use opened up a gateway to feel valued in a group, an experience shared by the other 'social rejects' in the drug circle.

Withdrawals hit hard, self-esteem drastically diminished, and she knew that something needed to be done. Recovery came slow, but these factors helped her get out of that dark place: Changing her mindset on social interaction, ditching toxic friend groups, finding a new a hobby, setting-up her own business, and most importantly... feeling loved and valued by her close peers.

I know this is a little different to my usual podcast, and I'm taking a risk talking about such a controversial topic. This video took many hours to edit and perfect, so any support is massively appreciated!

If you have an exciting or interesting story and want to appear on the next podcast, please contact me at: [email protected]  

Francesca's Links:- https://linktr.ee/Aspiefranchfries  [https://linktr.ee/Aspiefranchfries]

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Website - https://www.thomashenley.co.uk  

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