In this deeply moving and candid episode, Louis sits down with Stephanie Cooks, a woman whose life story is both a powerful reflection of America’s opioid crisis and a shining example of resilience and transformation. Stephanie began her adult life working as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines, living what many would consider a dream career.

But beneath the polished exterior, she struggled with growing emotional pain and personal challenges that eventually led her to the heart of one of the most dangerous drug epidemics in U.S. history—the Florida pill mill era of the early 2000s. What started as recreational use turned into dependence, and before long, Stephanie found herself regularly traveling to Florida for easy access to prescription pills. These so-called "clinics"—often little more than storefronts—handed out powerful opioids with little oversight, feeding an addiction that quietly unraveled her life. Stephanie opens up about the harsh realities of addiction, the toll it took on her relationships, her career, and her sense of self. One of the most devastating moments in her journey came when she lost the father of one of her children to a fatal overdose—a traumatic event that became both a crushing loss and a turning point.

Through years of struggle, setbacks, and ultimately a hard-fought journey to sobriety, Stephanie emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. Today, she works in the addiction treatment field, helping others walk the same road she once traveled. Her story is raw, unfiltered, and full of truth—but most importantly, it’s full of hope. Whether you’re in recovery yourself, love someone who is, or want to understand the human side of the opioid epidemic, this conversation will move you, challenge you, and leave you inspired. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share—someone out there needs to hear Stephanie’s story today.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience. Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, and more below on our Link Tree below!

Get a Grip Podcast Link Tree: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠