In episode 42 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Matt Anderson, who shares his raw and honest journey through mental health struggles, addiction, incarceration, and recovery. Now 9 years sober, Matt opens up about going to jail at just 15 years old, being exposed to hard drugs at a young age, and growing up with an abusive father where fighting became his outlet. After his childhood home burned to the ground, his addiction escalated, leading to years of cycling in and out of jail and prison. Along the way, Matt lost many loved ones to fentanyl overdoses, deepening his struggle with grief and substance use. He shares how finding God became a turning point in his life and played a critical role in his sobriety and recovery. This episode dives into trauma, addiction, faith, loss, and what it truly takes to break the cycle and rebuild a life in recovery.

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Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Podcast Introduction

00:30 Matt's Early Life & Family Background

02:00 Struggling with Anger & Behavior as a Child

04:55 Violence, Hyperactivity, and Early Programs

07:20 Discovering Outlets: Fighting & Seeking Approval

10:25 Substances Enter the Picture

13:00 Experimenting with Alcohol & Peer Influence

15:20 Family Trauma & First Encounters with Drugs

17:55 Stealing, Conscience, and Losing Guidance

22:35 Escalation: Violence, Stealing & Substances

25:15 First Consequences: Juvenile Detention & Early Legal Trouble

29:30 Growing Up in the System & Life-changing Encounters

36:00 Cycles: Release, Relapse & Street Life

40:00 Introduction to Cocaine & Crack Addiction

44:00 Descending into Crime & Prisons

50:40 Losing Loved Ones & Reflection

53:25 Hitting Rock Bottom & The Road to Change

01:00:20 Sobriety, AA, and Finding God

01:06:30 The Power of Inventory & Making Amends

01:13:00 Perspective, Gratitude, and Relationships

01:17:20 The Stigma of Addiction & Educating Others

01:25:00 Steps for Everyone & Final Thoughts

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…

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