In episode 36 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ashley Pertuno, who bravely shares her story of surviving childhood abuse by a close family member, the trauma that fueled her addiction, and the mental health battles that followed her into adulthood. Ashley reveals how this pain shaped her relationships with men, pushed her deeper into substance use, and followed her through both her basketball career and her time serving in the military. From hitting rock bottom to fighting her way back to recovery, Ashley’s story is a raw and powerful look at trauma, addiction, resilience, and the strength it takes to rebuild your life after years of darkness.

*Apologies for the change in audio quality around the 17:00 mark, we experienced technical difficulties*

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Podcast Introduction

00:43 Ashley’s Childhood and Family Life

02:10 Experiencing Trauma and Navigating Shame

05:07 When Did the Secret Come Out?

06:49 The Challenges of Sharing and Healing

08:27 Speaking Truth, Baby Steps Toward Healing

10:27 Substances Enter the Picture

13:20 High School Struggles & Coping with Addiction

16:00 Mental Health Battles and Suicidal Thoughts

17:38 First Treatment & The ‘Great Pretender’

18:32 Addiction Progression and Chasing Stability

20:26 College Athletics and Hidden Addiction

22:45 Joining the Military: A New Escape

25:14 Military Life, Structure, and Drinking

28:44 Life After the Military: Back to Delaware

30:52 Addiction to Love and Relationships

34:29 Chasing Toxic Relationships

38:58 The Spiral Into Harder Drugs

41:53 The Depths of Addiction: Love in the Trenches

45:19 Rock Bottom: A Winter to Remember

48:04 First Real Treatment Experience

52:14 Finding Recovery & a New Perspective

55:27 Baby Steps, Willingness, and Long-Term Recovery

58:48 Value of Sobriety & Recovery Stories

01:01:28 Why Recovery Time Matters

01:04:15 The Insanity of Addiction

01:06:47 Hardest Parts of Recovery: Relationships

01:10:15 Discovering Self-Worth in Recovery

01:13:18 Addiction as a Disease – Personal Insight

01:18:55 Genetics, Awareness, and Stigma

01:22:11 Closing Thoughts & Thank You

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 35 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Josh, who opens up about his journey from decades of jail, prison, and active heroin addiction to now celebrating 15 years sober. Josh keeps it real about what life was like in and out of institutions, what finally pushed him to change, and how he’s managed to stay grounded in recovery ever since. It’s an honest, no-fluff conversation about the reality of addiction, rebuilding your life, and what long-term sobriety really looks like.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Intro & Podcast Purpose

00:32 Breaking the Stigma: Why We Share

00:59 Growing Up: Childhood & Family Dynamics

02:51 Moving, Family Background & School Years

05:59 Adolescence, Rebellion & Early Exposure

09:12 First Experiences with Substances

11:00 Getting Drawn into Drug Culture

13:00 Dropping Out & Life on the Road

17:18 Grateful Dead Tour & Teenage Drug Community

23:04 Psychedelics: Influence & Reflections

27:10 The Progression to Harder Drugs

30:29 Addiction Escalates: Heroin & Real Consequences

36:42 Legal Trouble: Jail, Homelessness & Hitting Bottom

43:08 Rock Bottom Moments & Missed Opportunities

51:00 Seeking Help: Jail, Treatment & Getting Sober

54:01 Entering Recovery: New Life Challenges

01:00:03 Life Skills, Fear & Growing Up in Sobriety

01:03:22 Mindset in Active Addiction vs Recovery

01:06:08 Personal Growth & Lifelong Recovery

01:09:00 Service, Self-Discovery & Staying Grateful

01:10:02 Closing & Final Reflections

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 34 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Tabitha, who shares powerful journey from a childhood filled with chaos, trauma, and abuse to finding recovery and rebuilding her life. Growing up in a toxic household in Baltimore, she faced early exposure to addiction, violence, and pain that led her down a path of substance use, incarceration, and survival on the streets. From the heartbreak of overdoses and prison time to navigating the fentanyl and Xylazine crisis, Tabitha’s story is raw and real—but it’s also one of redemption. Today, she’s a devoted mother, Peer Recovery Specialist, and living proof that healing is possible. Her story reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, recovery and self-worth can still be found.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Intro & Meet Tabitha

00:17 Growing Up in Baltimore

02:28 Family Struggles & Early Trauma

06:46 Addiction Starts Young

08:55 Teen Pregnancy & Family Dynamics

13:01 Escalation: Violence & Arrests

17:00 First Time in Prison

22:22 Prison Life & Heroin Introduction

28:36 Street Life, Drug Dealing & Multiple Incarcerations

32:21 Overdoses, Survival & Losing Hope

39:03 Kensington & Fentanyl/Xylazine Era

44:41 Final Arrest & Path to Recovery

46:03 Treatment, Sobriety, and Becoming a Parent Again

49:40 Therapy, Medication & Adult Recovery Court

53:07 Sustaining Sobriety & Growing Self-Worth

56:00 Working as a Peer Recovery Specialist

57:01 Family Healing & Finding Stability

58:58 Reflection, Advice, and Hope for Others

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI

#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 33 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ansu, who shares his powerful story of battling alcoholism for over a decade while struggling with identity, family abandonment, and a toxic marriage. From growing up between cultures and living as a “functional” addict to hitting rock bottom and finding faith, Ansu opens up about his journey toward healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. Through honesty and reflection, he reveals how surrendering to God and embracing humility helped him rebuild his life and find true purpose beyond addiction.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction

00:40 Growing Up Between Cultures

02:18 Family Dynamics and Childhood Challenges

05:13 Landmark Childhood Events and Moving

08:07 Adjusting to New Environments

10:11 Struggles with Identity and Acceptance

13:13 Experimenting with Substances in Adolescence

16:46 College Life: Escalation of Alcohol & Drugs

21:21 Living as a 'Functional' Addict

25:29 Marriage, Stress, & Substance Abuse

32:57 Divorce, Rock Bottom & Hitting Crisis

37:34 Withdrawal, Recovery & Spiritual Awakening

41:05 Finding Healing Through Community & Faith

44:22 Spirituality vs Organized Religion

48:28 Humility, Ego, and Emotional Growth

52:00 Service, Connection, and Helping Others

56:41 Emotions, Reactions, and Growth

01:00:10 God, Purpose, and Identity

01:04:04 Materialism, Fulfillment & Guiding Decisions

01:10:59 Defining God, Spirituality & Personal Belief

01:14:32 Closing Reflections & Gratitude

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 32 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Tim Fritz to share his powerful story of battling active alcoholism and addiction. Tim opens up about how the loss of his father deeply impacted his life and became a driving force behind his substance use. Together, Laisha and Tim break down the thought processes that come with being in active addiction—the denial, the shame, and the endless cycle of chasing escape. Through raw honesty and reflection, Tim shares what it truly took to find his way out and begin the journey toward healing and self-awareness. This conversation sheds light on the emotional roots of addiction and serves as a reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how lost you may feel.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Intro & Growing Up in Baltimore

01:30 Early Childhood and Family Dynamics

03:30 Losing a Parent and Turning to Substances

06:30 Is Addiction Nature or Nurture?

08:00 Personal DUI Experiences & Defining Addiction

11:00 Identifying as an Addict—Comparison and Craving

15:00 The Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Nature of Addiction

18:30 Impact of External Consequences and Unmanageability

21:30 Adolescence into College—Escalating Drinking

24:30 College Years and the Struggle to Control Drinking

28:00 The Obsession with Control & Attempts to Moderate

32:00 Substances Beyond Alcohol and Cross-Addiction

36:00 Why Alcohol Feels Different Than Other Drugs

39:00 Misconceptions: Is it Just Willpower?

43:00 Material Success vs. Internal Fulfillment

47:00 Reaching Bottom: The Path to Treatment

51:00 Medical Marijuana, Relapse, and True Recovery

55:00 Spiritual Experience & Life with a Higher Power

01:00:00 Advice for Those Struggling & Breaking Stigma

01:01:30 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Donate to support!

https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donate

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI

In episode 31 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Maggie who opens up about her journey through addiction, recovery, and rebuilding her life. She shares what it was like growing up around addiction, experimenting as a teen, and facing early arrests and probation. From her first rehab stay—where she admits she tried to “beat the system”—to the depths of opiate and heroin addiction in Kensington, Maggie’s story is raw and eye-opening. She talks about the repeated attempts at treatment, the turning point of true surrender, and how community became essential to her recovery. Now years sober, Maggie reflects on becoming a parent in recovery, working in treatment, navigating mental health challenges, and finding spirituality and purpose in long-term sobriety. This episode is a real, honest look at what it takes to rebuild and heal after addiction.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Intro and Podcast Mission

00:35 Maggie's Early Years & Family Background

02:00 Childhood Experiences with Addiction

04:34 Noticing Differences & First Encounters

07:14 Teen Experimentation and Escalation

13:10 High School Arrests & Probation Struggles

17:00 First Rehab and Intentions to ‘Beat the System’

19:09 Opiates, Heroin, and Full-Blown Addiction

23:18 Going Deeper: Kensington and Consequences

27:30 Multiple Attempts at Treatment

32:00 The Role of Community and True Surrender

38:29 Early Recovery, Growth, & New Challenges

44:24 Becoming a Sober Parent and Building a New Life

47:07 Working in Treatment & Family Recovery

52:18 Mental Health, Stigma, and Support Needs

55:26 Spirituality in Recovery

01:03:42 Long-term Sobriety and Changing Recovery Paths

01:07:07 Biggest Highlights and Reflections

01:09:54 Ongoing Mental Health and Support in Recovery

01:13:23 Final Thoughts and Closing

FTS Medication Assistance Program |

Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistance

Donate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donate

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, DUI, DWI, forgiveness, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 30 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Michael to share his story of addiction, recovery, and rebuilding his life. From early identity struggles to his first experiences with substances, legal trouble, and near-death moments, Michael opens up about what it took to reach rock bottom and finally seek treatment. He discusses relapse, homelessness, and the importance of finding a sponsor, setting family boundaries, and doing the hard internal work of change. Together, Laisha and Michael dive into stigma, mental health, overdose prevention, Narcan access, and what recovery really means. This conversation is raw, real, and a reminder that addiction recovery is possible.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Meet Michael & Podcast Intro

01:05 Growing Up: Childhood and Family Dynamics

02:27 Trauma, Emotions & Early Identity Issues

04:07 First Experiences with Substances

07:07 School Years and Deepening Addiction

10:19 Legal Consequences & Arrest Stories

13:31 The Role of Psychedelics and Opinions on Recovery

16:15 Abstinence, Relapse, and Recovery Definitions

19:35 Reaching Rock Bottom & Going to Treatment

23:39 Homelessness, Health Scares, and Near-Death

27:01 Finding a Sponsor & Starting Over

31:39 Family Boundaries, Al-Anon & Building Relationships

34:47 Describing Addiction & Seeking Internal Change

39:34 Struggles in Recovery & What Matters Most

43:12 Forgiveness, Amends & Maintaining Relationships

47:11 Foundations for Recovery: Steps, Community & God

53:40 Powerlessness & The Nature of Choice in Addiction

54:46 Treatment Industry, Body Brokering & Advice

01:00:06 Stigma, Normalizing Recovery & The Mental Health Crisis

01:02:44 Why Are We Addicts? Nature, Nurture & Accepting Reality

01:04:50 Overdose, Narcan, and Access to Help

01:07:08 Final Thoughts & The Importance of Conversation

FTS Medication Assistance Program |

Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistance

Donate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donate

Pod links |

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bac

Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, DUI, DWI, forgiveness, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 29 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Joe as he opens up about his journey through pain, addiction, and redemption. From a rough childhood marked by school struggles, trauma, and searching for belonging, Joe shares how early challenges led him down a path of experimenting with drugs that eventually escalated into hard addiction. He speaks candidly about coping with personal loss, navigating the streets of Baltimore, and becoming involved in criminal enterprises that brought both wealth and devastating consequences. Joe reflects on his time in prison, the unraveling of his life, and the moment he truly hit rock bottom. From there, he describes his fight for sobriety, the healing process, and how he ultimately found purpose in recovery. The conversation also dives into Baltimore’s ongoing addiction crisis, the stigma and misconceptions society holds, and the struggles of mental health, isolation, and suicide that many face in silence.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Intro

00:18 Joe's Rough Childhood & School Struggles

04:34 Special Ed, Trauma & Seeking Belonging

09:01 Experimenting with Drugs and Addiction Starts

14:00 Escalation to Hard Drugs & Coping Mechanisms

20:00 Personal Loss, Grief, and Street Outreach Work

27:00 Criminal Enterprise, Wealth, and Consequences

36:00 Prison, More Business & Life Falling Apart

44:00 Hitting Rock Bottom & Journey to Sobriety

47:00 Healing, Recovery and Finding Purpose

49:00 Baltimore's Addiction Crisis & Street Realities

53:00 Mental Health, Isolation & Suicide Struggles

01:00:00 Society, Connection & Simplicity of Life

01:03:00 Biggest Misconceptions About Addiction

01:04:38 Life Purpose, Community & The Power of Connection

01:07:00 Final Thoughts & Podcast Wrap-Up

FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistance

Donate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donate

Pod links |

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bac

Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, DUI, DWI

#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 28 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Catie to share a raw and powerful story of addiction, self-harm, and healing. Catie opens up about growing up in a chaotic household, experimenting with drugs at a young age, and spending seven years trapped in addiction while battling self-harm. She talks about how trauma, toxic and addictive relationships, and the stigma surrounding substance use shaped her path, leading to moments of pain, legal troubles, and loss. Through honesty and vulnerability, Catie reflects on her journey of finding strength, building self-worth, navigating grief, and learning healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges. Today, with over a decade of sobriety, Catie is a wife, a mother of two children, and an addiction counselor helping others find hope and healing. Together, Laisha and Catie dive into the realities of addiction, mental health, treatment systems, motherhood, mindfulness, and breaking the stigma to create space for empathy and understanding.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Introduction & Katie's Sobriety Journey

01:10 Family History & Early Substance Exposure

03:10 Coping With Trauma & First Drug Experiences

06:03 Growing Up in a Chaotic Household

09:01 Teenage Years: Self-Harm, School, and Escape

13:20 Addictive Patterns: Relationships & Escalation

17:40 Legal Troubles & Turning Point22:00 Early Recovery: Loss, Grief, and Healing

26:30 Growing Up in Recovery & Learning Life Skills

31:15 Building Self-Worth & Staying Clean

36:00 Therapy Styles: Compassion and Empathy

41:00 From Addiction to Mental Health Advocacy

47:40 Comorbidity: Treating Addiction & Mental Health

55:00 The Realities of Treatment Systems & Stigma

01:03:00 Individual Healing Journeys & Supporting Others

01:13:00 Motherhood, Loss, and Life Lessons

01:24:00 Mindfulness, Living In The Moment & Parenting

01:32:00 Understanding & Explaining Addiction

01:38:00 Destigmatizing All Struggles & Empathy in Practice

01:45:00 Closing Thoughts & Reflections

FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistance

Donate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donate

Pod links |

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bac

Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

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Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, DUI, DWI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 27 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Tristan, who’s back to share what life looks like now at 4 years sober. Tristan talks about what it was really like in the thick of his addiction—six years of IV heroin use, seven stints in rehab, and even losing all his teeth. He contrasts that with where he’s at today: learning how to cope, building real tools to get through the tough moments, and figuring out what long-term recovery actually looks like.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction

.Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Catching Up

02:30 Reflections on Recovery and Four Years Sober

05:45 Realizing Imperfection in Recovery

07:30 Professionalism, Mentors, and Being Human

12:30 The Road to Recovery: Tristan's Journey

18:00 What Was Different This Time in Treatment?

22:30 Individualized Care & Shared Stories

26:00 Building a Life in Recovery

29:30 Dealing with Perspective and Daily Peace

33:00 Early Signs: Discontent and Escapism

36:30 From Marijuana to Opiates: Escalation of Addiction

40:30 IV Drug Use and Understanding Self-Harm

44:45 Life at the Lowest Points

48:30 Realizing Addiction & Reflecting on Rock Bottom

53:00 Why Some Need Multiple Trips to Treatment

57:00 Normies vs. Addicts: Is There a Real Difference?

FTS Medication Assistance Program |

Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistance

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Pod links |

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bac

Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

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Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, los angeles, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness