Recovering Fentanyl Addict interview-Zack
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- Опубліковано 23 лис 2024
- Soft White Underbelly follow up interview and portrait of Zack, a recovering fentanyl addict now living in Dallas, Texas.
Here's a link to a GoFundMe campaign to help some of the people seen in SWU interviews: gofund.me/9eba...
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Man anyone in recovery needs to hear this. As a recovering addict myself, this is extremely motivational to hear. It’s not impossible. We can win this war y’all. It takes every ounce of strength we have but eventually, we will get to that light at the end of the tunnel even if we feel hopeless and can’t see it
You can do this brother
Wishing you all the best Josh, I have 9 years clean and I can tell you with confidence its not only possible it gets to a point where the thought of drugs makes you ill if you work at it hard enough. Just bought a house with my wife and life is good, Im happy every day and I gave up everything, no drinking, no drugs, just coffee and cigarettes. Powerful words from you brother stay positive and one day at a time good sir.
It gets easier! I used to think they were lying, but I promise they’re not! ❤️🩹
35 years here 😀
@#PrisonForJohnnyDepp what does this have to do with this man's recovery experience??
Wow how is it possible to feel proud of a stranger? Rooting for you all the way from New Zealand 🧡
I was thinking the same thing, I'm so proud of this young man and I don't even know him. This dude is fuckin awesome!
Beyond the mind there are no strangers. At the soul level we are all the same coming from the same source of love. 🙏🏼✨
It happens when you have empathy. I’m proud of this dude and how far he’s come as well. People give themselves the lives they believe they deserve and this guy has finally done the right thing.
Kiwi here and I feel the same, what a legend this young man is.
Live that. Sweetest thought.
I am 19 months clean from a 17 year battle with opioid addiction. This was such an amazing interview I'm so glad I found it. I was an IV fentanyl user myself and ended up with Endocarditis, Sepsis, and Tricuspid Stenosis and waking up in the hospital on my death bed while doctors scrambled to save my life. After 3 weeks in the hospital I went to an inpatient rehab for 6 months and today I work as a Mental Health Tech at that same rehab that helped treat me and show me a better way to live. Recovery is possible. Don't ever give up. You're worth it.
Way to go 🙌 so happy for you! ☀️🌷
Much respect, Dustin. You deserve the best life now - you did the hard work in recovery. ❤️🇨🇦
@@mmmmlllljohn Thank you so much for the support 🙏
@@eireannemerald1382 Thank you. I am truly blessed for the second chance I got and I try to make the most of it every day
@@dustinhouck2606 ❤️ Never give up on yourself. (You know that now.)
Make this one go viral. Everyone struggling with addiction who feels like it’s hopeless needs to see this
Why. He is not being honest.
@@kevinledford8260 what makes you say that?
Agreed❤
@kevinledford8260 that is rude and negative. He seems very truthful
Agreed with you Chris😅
I've watched almost every interview on Soft White Underbelly. I believe the content I've watched has affected me in way i can't even explain but my life is not the same way it would have been had I not found this channel. This interview just.keeps speaking to me. I'm on the third time listening. So much respect for you Zack. Thank you for helping me brother and wish you nothing but the best in life.
Roy Alexander; I am the same as you here…The real truth…I’m on twitter, and sharing on there so #MarkLiata will get more viewers, and more financial support…
@@tedijune6759 right on brother! These interviews should be shown to middle school and highschool kids. Imagine seeing an interview like this in the 7th grade?
I relate to your comment so much. I was all these things before but I am increasingly more open-minded, kinder, less judgmental, more empathetic toward these struggling humans. We live in NYC and are surrounded by homelessness. My husband worries that I am not fearful enough now after watching these videos. I don't just walk by. I ask questions and feel sad and want to help. I am seeing their humanity so much more and not discarding them as wasteful humans. This channel is so important. For those giving the interviews and those watching.
I am in the same boat. My level of empathy for people has gone way up since frequenting Mark's videos
@@TinyRagerNYC your comment warmed my heart and gives hope. People really live in completely different worlds. I've been homeless countless times. Tenderloin district is beyond sad. The mental health of a lot of these people has deteriorated so much. Be kind friend's. Them today, you tomorrow. The saying sounds better in Spanish but still so true.
This guy has so many people rooting for him!!! Hearing about his experiences, what he has learned, his goals…. I am so proud of everything he has overcome so far. His life is just getting started♥️
Hi Zack 👋, just in case you browse through these comments, I wanted to congratulate you on pushing through to sobriety. From one person in h/f recovery to another, I sincerely hope you consider finding a counselor or therapist to help you talk through your early sobriety. I know these emotions well, and therapy has helped me greatly. I wish you all the best. You're amazing 👏
♥︎
Yes! A success story! The reason we keep rooting for so many individuals in these videos. Stick with it Zack. Keep moving forward!
Absolutely…there are as many ways to recover as there are people. They are now prescribing marijuana for underlying physical and mental health conditions and even like MAT, in some places. I’m glad people have options that are reducing substitution of fentanyl with substances that are severely addictive and cause damage to vital organs, like alcohol. MAT that comes with dependency, like methadone and Suboxone (used as prescribed), are longer acting but heal addiction in the brain by allowing nerve receptors to heal and stopping extreme highs and lows in the limbic system. Suboxone, in particular, does cause a high in people used to full opiates because it has a ceiling…it caps off opioid receptors and doesn’t allow dopamine to rise in the
bloodstream (even if someone takes more than prescribed). It’s still potentially dangerous to mix with other drugs (including certain medications) that cause CNS depression but are not, generally, prescribed with them. Personally, I don’t use THC. I have chronic pain but don’t respond well to it and experienced side effects due to autism. I take a low dose of Suboxone for pain and feel clearheaded, no euphoria or crash. I’ve worked my way down (and off, for a year, using kratom) with little withdrawal. However, degenerative bone & muscle disease got me on a narcotic schedule to begin with, so treating pain appropriately reduces my relapse potential & cravings are 0. Taking meds “for the rest of your life” is better than not having a rest of your life. Best MAT quote ever (not mine). If surviving and thriving is not success, idk what is. That’s just part of one story (mine)…there are so many! We do recover…whatever recovery looks like to you, go for it! This young man deserves life, and the world needs him. ❤
What an incredible human being. I hope he can feel the weight of love and cheering him on that's echoing in these comment sections. Anything negative only stems from ignorance and inexperience in these situations where you really get treated so poorly it's almost unfathomable. I feel in today's world young men especially are suffering in silence because "you gotta toughen up"...Asking for help is one of the strongest things one can do. ♥️♥️♥️
If he reads this hopefully. He really took responsibility for his life. What a soldier
God Bless You for saying these things🤍
You are a really nice guy and deserve the best. Hang in there, we are all rooting for you, we want you to succeed. Thank you for the talk about personal responsibility. Yup, I'm done.
This interview gave me chills. I am so proud of you Zack. Keep going, you got this! Much love to you.
Cornball. What gave u chills lol
Wow. Hearing your story all i hear is : HONESTY. Being truthful to yourself about eveything you have been through and everything that you need to live the life you wanna live. Honesty saved your life.
And you are the person who decided to live in honesty. It really is impressive.
I'm wishing you to be as proud of yourself as your are honest to yourself. You deserve to be proud.
You're a warrior Zack! I can feel the pride radiating from you & you've earned every bit of it.
So much respect for you (& the friends that rallied around).
I heard someone say the opposite of addiction is connection. You charged headfirst into battle then found your army.
Your emotional intelligence, self-belief & forgiveness is aspirational & I'm so proud of you! What a legend!
What an absolute champ, you did what seems impossible and came out stronger than ever. Love you and all the people who were there for you. 🤘
My greatest hope is that your story will create a chain reaction of hope,healing and recovery.
Thank you for coming back to share this wonderful news!
I pray that you will continue to grow, that your liver will be completely regenerated healed and that you will prosper.
I can see you in your food truck not only doing what you enjoy but being a catalyst to help others take that first step back into life.
Very Proud of him!!!! This is awesome to hear that one Person was able to get through this. All the Best!!!!
I was just watching this video this morning while at work and intended to forward it to my uncle once I finished watching it. It was 11:30, ten minutes before the videos ended, when I received a phone call from my brother to let me know that our baby cousin had just passed away from a fentanyl overdose in hotel room in Boston. I apppretes this history and thank you for sharing it with us. I pray that you continue doing well. Mark, thank you for your contributions, and keep up the good work, 2/14/23.
One of the most deep, touching, motivational, spiritual interviews i've heard! Thank you so much Zack for sharing and for Marc
Yes, we need a to see more of these people in recovery. Battled a 15 year addiction myself and now have 12 years clean, wasn’t easy and went through about 6 rehab stints, multiple visits to jail before I truly decided I WANT THIS. People in their addiction struggling need to see there is hope and even for them.
This is awesome! I'm from Dallas and have been in the Bay area since Sept 2022..three months clean from heroin. The universe has placed me in the Tenderloin. Hearing him talk about Dallas is a sign for me to go back home because I have been struggling with wanting to go back. (Going back to Dallas 02/06!)
Edit: so crazy how similar our story is yet so different.
Brother I live in a motel day to day. I'm blessed to off heroin so it's all good I wouldn't change it. I've been on and off heroin since age 17.. I'll be 34 Saturday. So this sobriety is a miracle. Your an inspiration Zack!!
Born in Hondo texas. Raised in Dallas Texas. North Dallas/ oak Cliff
God bless u brother... I'm an addict myself...
The Bay Area is good for people in recovery ? 👀
Proud of ya my guy❤️ From one addict to another DO NOT GET COMPLACENT! Do start thinkin you got this. I’m in my late 40’s and walked your walk. It can happen years later. Don’t ever forget where you been and what you went through. I was sober 3years and someone close to me passed away this was back when fent was just coming on scene. I fucking shot damn near 1/4 of a patch. All I remember was that alcohol cough and lightning a cig
Woke up in the hospital. Still didn’t quit. Got sober in prison and never looked back. That was 17 years ago. Keep doing what your doing and fight everyday for it. Sending you love brother
Ooof! Well done Zac! Such a tough drug to leave alone. Stay clean and safe ❤️
Mark, what a great story, thank you so much for this interview.
Zack young man. Well done indeed. It is not going to be easy. But it is possible. And you can do this.
Just over 33 years ago I began my sober journey. I am an alcoholic, started drinking at 17, took my last drink just after my 34th birthday. I ended up unemployed and unemployable. I was all but homeless. I had just about given up on myself. How dark it is before the dawn. I came to after my last night, laying on a cold hard seat at a railway station. I went home to my wife. It was 24th December 1989. My wife was very upset. Her only words, What a lovely Christmas Presant. I went to bed to sleep my hangover off. I have not taken a drink since.
You hang in and walk tall my friend. You paid a huge price to be where you are today. Clean and sober. I wish you well. Take care.
John alcoholic, greatfully sober.
This made me cry, I’m so proud of you it’s so empowering to hear your story
I'm so incredibly proud of you Zach. There are no words. I'm a recovering addict myself, I managed to get out before fentanyl. 💖💖💪
I resonate with this so much. The being bisexual, the not asking anyone for help because you’re prideful but also because you don’t want the rejection so you tell yourself “I’ll do whatever I have to do before someone says no to me”
Keep going. You’re there already. Keep going.
i just wanna hug him & tell him how proud i am of him. go, zack, go! 💙
This is BEAUTIFUL! This is the power of community and unconditional love. Shout out to everyone that helped this man along his journey whether through physical or emotional support. Keep going my boy!!!
It's great to have you back on the channel Zack! Congratulations on your sobriety! Godspeed!
So amazing to see him sober and HAPPY!!! We need more of THESE stories man!!
Zack, God bless you brother..I am a ex British soldier who suffers PTSD who got addicted to opiate painkillers to relieve my suffering which has left me the worst type of addict for the last 8 years, I'm finally on Buprenorphine and coming off of that now.. If we could all have your heart, courage and perseverance, the world would be a better place. Good luck with your future, rooting for you bud, all the way from the glorious UK.. Always forward.
What a great success story!! Congratulations!! You inspire me.
You are so strong and thank you for sharing such an important transformation. I hope every addict can forgive themselves for making mistakes and accept help. It’s interesting that you think selling drugs, stealing and living in a tent is the same as having sex with a ‘fat chick’ as being the lowest of the low. I hope you can accept all people of every shape, size, sexuality - we never know their story. You are such a good man and this is wonderful update. 😊
Wow I had tears several times watching this. The raw honesty of withdrawal. The fight that you've put up to get clean and your insight into the drugs is just amazing! You can do this Zack, you really can! I believe you have what it takes to not only stay clean but maybe find a career in helping other addicts.
So proud of this young man!❤️❤️God is going to continue to use you to do great things in this world!! Don’t forget that the devil fights harder when you are on the right path!! Be prepared and equipped to resist the enemy! You have an amazing spirit
WOW Zack. Listening to you and the sincerity of your heart and your capacity to drop any bitterness from your past and just show up and take full responsibility for your actions regardless of who fed into your addicition, just makes me very emotional and so dang proud of you buddy. I will pray every pickin' day that you own your own restaurant someday! Cheers to you and your bright shining future my friend!
You should be so proud of yourself Zack!! What an incredible story of strength and resolve. You are going to inspire so many people in your life, you have a big calling to impact people. Keep going and keeping your head high!
Love from Australia ❤
The amount of joy and pride you have in yourself is beautiful! You have a gift and you can give hope to so many! Keep it up sending love ❤️
Congratulations Zack! Handle your business and get back to your safe place. You’re a inspiration young man ✌🏼❤️
So freaking proud of you! Keep pushing forward! We do recover!💯💪🙏🏻
Zack's story is the first person that you have interviewed that I felt like, "That could have been me." He just made one too many bad choices than I did. I have not seen his first interview video yet. I just want him to surround himself with good positive people and let him have a solid foundation to let him become who he can fully be. Be yourself. Be honest. Zack, ou are loved.
What a difference a positive mentality makes. I saw his first video...and I was so glad to see this one. God Bless you, Zack...you are incredible...I hope you inspire others to get clean...you are a success!
This is a real man right here. Putting it all out. Expressing his feelings and feeling proud for taking the initiative to get him self out of hell.
So true what he said. Drug buddies are not your friends!
i just watched your first video. i'm so happy for you. this is probably the best advert for anti-addiction you could ever see
It’s so great to see you’re on your feet, sober, and looking great. Bless you. Onward and upward.
Hi Zack, I went back and re-watched your first video. I almost didn't recognize you. I'm so happy and proud for and of you!!! Praying and so happy that you are doing well. Please continue to seek the best days of your life, and perhaps with a therapist as well. Good luck in your future endeavors and hopefully one day, I can buy something from your food truck.
You now have "the keys to the kingdom"! Congratulations for taking control and pushing through. I am also a recovering addict. When I was still using, folks used to warn me " quitting is the hardest thing you'll do in your life". That turned out to be bullshit. Staying high was the hardest thing! Stay strong, stay clean. Every day get better and better.
Zack your awesome, so strong. 🙏 🙏 to your future. Recovery Instructor would be the best job for you. Living proof. So happy Mark introduced us to you. Humble beautiful man.
This young man has fought the fight!! Keep going! Im a mother of 2 adult addict sons, both in recovery as well
Oh Zach I am so proud of you and so happy for you that you are working so hard to get and stay off fentanyl! I lost my nephew to heroin (he got clean finally, was in a half way house, but felt he couldn't live in the real world so he killed himself by jumping off a bridge). Getting clean and staying clean is the hardest thing in the entire world to do. When I see addicts on the street or hear stories about one losing their battle against addiction - I alway imagine that man or woman boy or girl as a brand new little baby in their moms arms. That hurting person was someone's baby, young child, teenager, then person in the world. Their parents held them in their arms when they entered the world and saw only potential in them. Then the world beats them up and chews them up and spits them out and it becomes harder and harder to remember who they really are. Zack - thank you for this followup video and giving a face to this struggle. I will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Much respect Zack, I'm 7 years clean from opiates and I thought the oxy withdrawal was bad and and at the end I was goin thru that every 2 days. I can't even nor want too imagine what fentanyl would be like, it's really good to see you back here man and show people, as bad as fentanyl is some addicts say u don't come back from it but bullcrap cuz your living proof that it can be done. Listen, don't be to hard on yourself that will get us everytime, It's time to move forward, keep your buddies in your prayers and start over. Congrats bud
You’re one of the rare ones! So proud of you. Got me in tears watching…keep going!!
Zack, I don't know you but I am so proud seeing and hearing you in this interview. I wish you all the best and I am rooting for you. You are amazing!
The self awareness got him far. Your heart and self awareness will get you far.
Dude, I am so happy for you... Wow. Makes me tear up.
Keep going, Zack. Rooting for you all the way.
Zack, I’m proud of you. Thanks for being so honest. Stay strong, brother. ❤
A lot of these videos remind me why I got clean 15 years ago. Thank you SWUB.
I’m soooooo freaking proud of you bro❣️❣️❣️ What an AMAZING testimony. May God continue to richly bless you✝️
Zack, we're totally rooting for you!! It seems like you have a good heart inside. Hearing that you started doing drugs at 12, no doubt you've been through some stuff. Hopefully you're getting proper therapy and support in order to sort through all of that.
You are a hard worker, very focused, and determined. It would be so cool to see an update of you working in your own food truck in the near future. It really seems like you're on a solid road. Congrats on getting off parole and getting a job!! 🩵
P.S. The haircut looks great. You look so much healthier.
We need more recovered interviews in the sea of addiction. Gives people hope!
This follow-up interview is so wonderful--more power to Zack... keep going, you have so much to offer others who are struggling with addiction. You've made it!
Such a great testimony…I don’t know you but as a fellow recovering addict, I sure am proud of you bro. Keep up the good work and don’t let anybody detour you from your goals in life.
I’m 20 years old.
3 months Fentanyl Clean.
I’m on suboxone but atleast I don’t think about fent at all anymore!!
I love life way more now
So proud of this guy Congratulations Zack. Everyone struggling with addiction needs to see this Thank You Mark for sharing this interview Zack keep moving forward you are Awesome
This is a GREAT recovery story right here in front of America !!! Listen to Zach and if he can do it then you, too, who are listening to him and reading this can TOO get sober and get your life back !! Please please listen to Zach and let him motivate you! Great job Zach!! I think SWU peeps are SO proud of you!! I know I am! I think you could even go to high schools in TX and speak to the teens about NOT even trying drugs to begin with. Please inquire to the High Schools because I know you could save hundreds of lives if you went to the high schools to tell your story!!! Keep on Slaying Sobriety Zach!! You’ve got this!! No doubt!!
Awesome story! I truly hope you continue on this path. You are young, attractive, and intelligent. Use all of those things and embrace the life you deserve!!! There's a big world out there, and sober you honestly can do anything you put your mind to. Look at what you have accomplished so far! Congratulations, because this is seriously a huge thing that you did and are continuing to do.
This touch my heart . I am so happy for him and proud of him . I wish I could give him a hug . I feel like I’m hearing my brother talking.
My little sister is a fentanyl addict. Shes 26 and endured horrific childhood trauma. Everyday I worry that I will get the call that she's lost her battle and I'll have to bury my sissy. It keeps me up at night. She won't speak to me because I created boundaries. Watching this video gives me hope. Please keep fighting. ♥
Dear Zack, It's heartwarming to see your face light up about cooking for people. You have a bright culinary future ahead of you. Also I looked it up, the OG Littlerock Greyhound Station is indeed a beautiful building. May you stay clean and may your inner light continue to shine. Blessings to you Zack ✨
Zack!! You got this! Rooting for you. Keep that mind and spirit aligned and know your worth. You deserve all the great things in life
So happy for you Zach!! We don’t see a lot of success stories on here, continued success on your sobriety and future!!
Zack you are so positive thank you for coming back to share your story. So glad you and your moms are good now and your siblings.
I’m so happy for this young man. JRE got me here. Nice work, Mark. Beautiful.
So happy for people to see a video on this channel that shows recovery instead of active addiction. It is so worth it!! Team work makes the dream work! Swallow your pride and Ask for help! It’s sooo possible!!
I am so proud of you, Zack! You’re determination is so inspiring! God will never fail us. You asked for ‘one more time’ and he delivered…he will every. single. time. Never lose the faith, bud. Keep fighting the good fight and sharing your testimony! I am so happy I watched this today, I needed the encouragement. I have 6 months as of yesterday…WE DO RECOVER!!
This story is amazing! I'm so proud of you! Thank you for sharing your story ❤
Incredible story, Zack. This fellow Dallasite is proud of you. Keep going, man!
This young man has awesome testimony !
Forgiveness and being able to let go indeed.
My heart is full of love for this young man! I’m so proud of you!!!!
This is so wonderful 🎉🎉! Congratulations Zach! I’m praying that you continue to be an incredible role model for others 🙏🏾
Love the positivity. He is a true inspiration for me to get clean soon.
Wow, he looks so healthy and strong and together. That’s an amazing transformation I hope and pray that others see from you that it is possible. Fortitude and courage, you did it! The last minute of that interview really made me smile. :)))
So happy for you, Zack! Wishing you continued sobriety and success.
Hi guys!! This is so amazing!! Congratulations Zack!! You are a hero to many!! Keep up the good work!! So happy to see you happy!!! Proud of you!!
Yayyyy as a recovering addict myself I am sooo happy to hear about this Zach!!!!❤
I went to detox in Nov and I've been clean off fent since. I cold turkey off fent, Xanax and 88mg of methadone. Worst pain I imagined having. I seized and hallucinated and every bad thing u can imagine. I'm back working and building my life and u inspired me to KEEP GOING. I'm so so proud of you brother!
Amazing interview, and it's amazing the success you have had! As someone who has done an interview it's impressive how well you did. Your going to help a great deal of people with this discussion. As a recovering addict that used for 20 years, you truly inspire me. In my experience, the journey will get tougher before it gets easier but I sincerely hope it's different for you. Good luck and Thank you!
You are the same age as my son, I just want to give you the biggest hug!!! Good on you, good for you for not giving up.
Beautiful young man. Resist to temptations. Stay strong.
Zach, you are so inspirational in how far you have come in your recovery and sobriety, you are a lovely man with a heart of gold. Good luck xx 😘
So happy for him. He has come through a long journey. I wish him all the best. Congratulations! 👍🎊🎉😊 So glad he reconnected with his family too. Bless his heart. 👍😊 He is a grown up. Alot of self awareness...just learning consequences to their own choices. & Willing to love themselves. Way to go Zack. 👍👏😊
What an incredible accomplishment! Keep it up! All of your goals are achievable now and anything is possible. Congratulations!
I have so much respect for Zack and I’m sorry for the loss of his friends. It sounds like he has some great friends who care a lot about him. I hope he is in a 12-step program for support. He is such a good guy and I think God had his hand on him because he could have died many times. He should be so damn proud of himself. May God bless him. ❤️🇨🇦
What an amazing video!! Thank you for sharing and good luck to you in your future life--your struggle and ,pain and story can and will help so many! May you live until 120,my friend❤
Zack, don’t give up on yourself. Keep pushing everyday. I am proud of you, you got this you have come too far what an amazing story. I have two nephews strung out on Fentanyl. I hope they get to tell their sober story one day.
ZACK I am so happy to see you doing so well, so happy and clean and sober. You have a big beautiful heart and you really went to all lengths to get clean , and it is so so wonderful to see you again and doing so well and happy. God bless you Zack as you go forward with your new sober life.
It is 3:31 am. I woke up and I am so glad I did. What a miracle this is, to hear this beautiful young man win a war. The will and the sacrifice Zack endured is commendable . You are a winner Zack. Keep it up……. I am sooooo proud of you. God Bless You. 👍😊😘
Zach, I am proud of you and rooting for you. It is really hard work to be sober and experience life's ups and downs at the same time but as you have found, it is so worth it. I loved hearing about how you have reunited with friends and family and I am super excited for your future. Keep being honest with yourselves and others, keep sharing your story and help others. Stay away from LA! Sending you much love!
I’m definitely not going to presume that no one can quit. Keep rising high and hope you can help others with your amazing story
You're ahead of your time and without realizing it, have probably set a pace for many behind you to start fighting. Your gift of carrying a high level of hope is a God-like ability, own it. I'm so, so proud of you. Keep going, you got this.