Show notes
In today's episode, I talk to Jeremy about his story of addiction. He has decided to be a guest today to inspire others to also start their journey to sobriety. This is Jeremy's eighth attempt at sobriety and learning to live a clean life.
Jeremy is now medically retired from the army at age 39 as a result of PTSD. He served our nation for nine years, starting at age 23.
Brought up in Concord, North Carolina, Jeremy was a household child who taught respect and manners. He grew up with two siblings, an older brother, and a younger sister. "My childhood was really great. I was involved in baseball, football, and dirt bike racing." He remembers his friends not having the same solid family foundation, so his parents would take them under their wing and support his friends.
At the age of five, however, Jeremy was sexually molested by a member of his church. He wasn't sure how to handle this emotional trauma. As a result, his teen years were an emotional turmoil as his previous trauma bubbled to the surface. His doctors prescribed him anti-anxiety, antidepressants, and sleep medications. "It progressed from there, I just started numbing myself out. Even at that young of an age, I would abuse benzos." He quickly found out that he could "reach for a substance for comfort" early in his life.
"About 16 years old, I started drinking with my girlfriend and drinking with friends." From this teen experience, he evolved to keg parties with high school kids. At this point, he also experimented with cocaine. At 18, a friend introduced him to oxycontin. He soon realized this type of drug took away his social awkwardness and made him feel more comfortable around people.
Jeremy went back and forth with his addiction until, at age 20, he went to a methadone clinic for a year. From this point, he decided to get clean on his own. At age 23, he talked to an army recruiter as he liked the aspect of military life, and "I knew that's what I wanted to do once I got sober."
Listen in to find out why Jeremy's growth was stagnant on methadone treatment, how he became addicted again through his military experience, and why Jeremy believes in healing physically and spiritually.
At Rock Recovery Center, we take a humanistic approach to recovery, teaching our clients how to live independently in a sober world. We care about the success and safety of each and every one of our clients from the moment they step into our center to the future of their well-being.
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Show Notes:
- [04:14] Jeremy gives listeners a bit of background about his story.
- [06:59] He talks about his younger, formative childhood years.
- [08:47] Jeremy talks about how he learned his addictive behavior from using doctor prescribed medications.
- [11:44] The feelings he has had to deal with as a result of his childhood trauma.
- [13:27] Part of his addiction is genetic as his father was an alcoholic.
- [15:30] Two weeks after first trying oxycontin, Jeremy was addicted.
- [18:43] Jeremy's experience taking methadone.
- [23:49] What happened to Jeremy when he enlisted in the military.
- [25:56] Factors that led to Jeremy staying clean for seven years.
- [27:47] Advice Jeremy gives to addicts looking to join the military to overcome addiction.
- [32:44] The army substance abuse program and how the military treats addicts.
- [37:49] Why Jeremy is grateful for his battle with addiction.
- [40:26] Biggest contributing factors for Jeremy moving forward.
- [44:00] His plans for his new future.
- [45:30] Words of encouragement to others who are looking to get freedom from their addiction.
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