In this episode, we hear from Ben Blankenship, a former addict who was arrested almost 50 times before finding sobriety. Ben shares his story of growing up in a family with addictions, how he became involved in drugs, and the impact it had on his life. He talks about his last arrest as his turning point and how reading played a significant role in his recovery. 

Ben is now part of the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) community, a group that provides support and education for addiction recovery. He discusses the importance of breaking the shame associated with addiction and building a community to help those struggling with addiction. Tune in to learn more about Ben's journey and the MBK community's efforts to fight against addiction.

KEY POINTS: 

• Ben Blankenship was born and raised in Tomball, Texas, to a family that had addictions to drugs and alcohol.
• At the age of 10, Ben began smoking marijuana because that was what his brothers and their friends did, and he considered it to be normal.
• By the age of 14, he had tried almost every drug imaginable, including cocaine, methamphetamines, acid, ecstasy, and alcohol.
• Ben was arrested multiple times, and by the time he turned 18, he had been arrested about 47 or 48 times, mostly for neglecting tickets and possessing drugs.
• Going to jail became a normal part of Ben's life, and he became familiar with the police officers and guards.
• Ben's last arrest on June 2, 2018, became his sobriety date and rescue date.
• While in jail, Ben started reading and credits it as a significant factor in his success.
• The speaker is talking about the community that they are building with MBK (My Brother's Keeper), which is a badge of honor.
• By purchasing one of the MBK t-shirts or hats, you are sponsoring someone who is struggling with addiction, and you are saying, "Hey, I support someone that I love that's struggling."
• The speaker talks about their addiction and how addiction makes you feel alone.
• They are building a community of My Brother's Keeper that will also turn into my Sister's keeper and my Daughter's keeper to help people deal with addiction.
• The speaker talks about the shame behind addiction and how this community can help people with the education of addiction recovery.
• The speaker shares their story of being a drug dealer and how the people that arrested them are now part of their community.
• The speaker hopes that this community takes off like wildfire and that the battle against addiction can be won if everyone stands up together.

QUOTABLE MOMENTS:

“He said, that book is telling me exactly who I am. I was like, cool. Keep reading it.” - Ben @ 8:50

“I've been to jail literally probably 47, 48 times. and I was never successful of exiting. Never. I would always return to my addiction because it was easy” - Ben @ 12:37

“It's about learning to deal with the trauma that most of us don't realize that we experience as children. And that's why people are addicts. “ - Ben @ 37:38

LINKS MENTIONED:

Ben Blankenship on Instagram

Amy Cassels

Amy Cassels on Twitter

Amy Cassels on Instagram

Amy Cassels on YouTube

ONE Way Life

Mentioned in this episode:

NingxiaRed

Sparkle Dust