Riley traveled Route 66 alone during the darkest stage of her alcoholism. What started as an escape turned into a harsh look at the reality of her addiction. She shares what that journey was truly like and how it became a turning point. Riley has now been sober for over two years, and this story is a reminder of how far healing can take you.

Riley's Links:

Tik Tok: riwhey_orthehighway

Instagram: riwhey_orthehighway

00:00:00 — What does it feel like to finally admit you’re an alcoholic?00:01:06 — How does childhood ADHD treatment shape your mental health later in life?00:02:18 — Why do kids start believing they need medication to be “tolerable”?00:03:01 — Can Adderall make someone feel numb or disconnected?00:03:44 — What are the early signs your ADHD medication is too strong?00:04:24 — Why do some teens feel socially “different” even when outgoing?00:05:16 — Why do some teenagers chase alcohol so aggressively?00:06:44 — Why do some people want to drink again after getting violently sick?00:07:23 — How does teen partying evolve into emotional dependency?00:08:36 — Why do young people crave the weekend “high” during the week?00:10:27 — When does teen drinking cross into addiction territory?00:11:16 — Why does weed feel like a solution when ADHD meds cause anxiety?00:12:22 — What actually happens when you mix Adderall and alcohol?00:13:10 — How does weed turn into a full dependency?00:15:14 — What changes when alcohol becomes fully legal and accessible?00:16:02 — How does a friend intervention actually feel from the inside?00:17:12 — Why do some people spiral when moving back home?00:18:14 — How do restaurant jobs quietly fuel addiction?00:20:17 — What pushes someone to flee their life and drive across the country?00:23:31 — Why do people believe a new city will fix their problems?00:24:50 — What does a real breakdown look like during a solo road trip?00:31:19 — How does alcohol cause you to lose entire days of your life?00:34:14 — Why do beautiful experiences feel empty during addiction?00:36:33 — How does addiction recreate the same chaos no matter where you go?00:41:22 — What does alcoholism physically look like in the body?00:53:11 — Why does “comfort” become dangerous in long-term recovery?00:54:45 — What happens when you break all the early sobriety rules?00:55:39 — Why do people relapse even after doing the “right” things?01:00:58 — What does making amends actually feel like?01:02:18 — Why is willingness the key to staying sober long-term?

Topics: Addiction, Recovery, Sobriety, Alcoholism, Route 66, Healing

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