I have learned from being around drugs my whole life that sobriety is like peeling a onion. You have to go thru layers , peeling back the hurt & trauma of life. It is the only way to get to the heart of why you are numbing the pain with drugs. It is gonna bring tears, its gonna be hell. But, without looking deep inside at the real pain. 99 percent will not quit using. When living with a lifetime of anguish, to be able to take it away , if only temporary is why most people keep using. I speak from experience, sadly I've lost so many friends & family. From addiction. I've also struggled the same fate. I understand what he is saying 100 percent, Everyone has pain deep inside that you carry forward. I hope he gets the help he needs to work on the layers of hurt inside.
I absolutely LOVE your comment, it moves me because I know exactly what you mean.....peeling those layers back is the most difficult thing....Ever but so very worth it. I wish you well, as well as Stephen, my heart just goes out to him so very much, I see and understand his pain, but he has so much potential, such a beautiful soul. Thank you for this very needed jewel you gave us ❤👑
@@pambeforethestorm9784, Thank you for your comment. Living thru the hell in life, is only the beginning. They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. But, burying it all deep inside will slowly take everything away. I have survived tremendous pain in my 55 years. Like most I buried it, to make it thru another day.But it is all still there, I've learned to take a layer at a time, it gets to be too much too deal with. I'm touched that you understand what I feel. I don't normally talk about these things.i just felt his pain. I hope you find your peace inside, so you can start having happiness you deserve. 💜
Right!!! He's focused enough to know what he wants to achieve. He doesn't hide from his problems and he knows what his problems are, he just needs to learn how to stay clean. I wish him the best. I truly hope he follows through. Perhaps Mark you can help him get out of the area, and maybe enroll into a program. Because he does need to be structured.
That's u should get!!!! What do u think the world owes u mommy wiping ur ass everyday day dont cry cry ti mommy and talk bout service we all been through horrible shit and have ti deal with it without someone there to clean up after our crybaby asses
I donate to get Stephen into a dual diagnosis program to address his underlying PTSD/trauma. In my opinion, regular drug treatment centers are not qualified to handle his case. He wants to gain traction in life but needs a life coach to teach him how to do so. Sending love, strength and prayers. You can do this Stephen. Do it for yourself and children. They need you more than you realize.
I'm guilty of seeing a photo of the person you interview and making a judgement based on their photo and the title, but most of the time the person you interview is the complete opposite. Making these judgements along with many other flaws I have is something I'm trying to overcome, no matter how big or small it may be. This gentleman has a good head on his shoulders, I pray that he ends up getting clean and be living a fulfilling life. Thank you Mark for everything you do and giving your guests a chance to open up and be heard!
@@annaelisavettavonnedozza9607 Atleast we are honest about it. They say it's human nature which that may be true, but I try not to be judgemental. I have met people who are dressed in a fancy suit and carry themselves well and I assumed they are rich or doing very well in life only to find out they are homeless. On the flip side I have read a story about a married couple who bought an older large sized U-Haul truck and turned it into their home on wheels and they traveled the United States in it. From the outside it looked like a ratty old truck 🚛 and people would view them as being poor but they were worth close to 50 million dollars but they wanted to be as worry free as possible and this was there way of doing so.
Just think how many homeless people are out there just like him 😞. That makes me think and makes me sad. I do believe everyone is precious inside and out 🥰
Me too. And I hate that about myself. I want so bad to be non judgemental. In theory I don't care what religion you belong to, what colour you are, what gender you are, what you're attracted to as long as it isn't kids or animals, what you do for a living. I see myself as a very open minded person. Yet, when I see an accountant in suit my first thought is that he's boring. We have nothing in common. But if he rolls up his sleeve and his arm is covered with tattoos, then I'm suddenly interested! This is why I prefer to listen to TH-cam. I let it play automatically and I just listen. And then in the middle of the video I look. Luckily when I meet people in real life I easily get entertained, so I like most people who talk to me. I find their stories interesting and then I don't care that much about what they look like. People who care about something makes everything interesting.
I'm officially 40 years old today. Never thought I'd live this long. Humbled. Hope everyone is well. Stay warm. It's cold everywhere just about. Freezing here. Thank you Mark and Steve for the interview. ❤️ •This man has the tools, I think he can make it. Wishing you sucess Stephen! You can get home to them kids brother. I know you can.
What an interesting take on the VFW. Also, love hearing from an actual veteran about the sheer neglect from our government after their sacrifice and service. My grandfather came back from Vietnam and was not mentally stable due to the trauma he experienced. I hope this man gets the help he deserves
*I have family and friends that have served this country proudly. The unfortunate part is when they returned, the correct mental help for them all was several months away and they had to go through hoops and put on a waiting list for mental health help. When the help was finally given it was so sub par, they turned to drugs & alcohol to cope from the events they seen while serving our country. I also worked many many years as the Emergency Services Supervisor for the American Red Cross and can't even tell you the countless calls I received from service members (and family of) going through the samething and weren't able to access mental health help asap and/or when they did, it wasn't sufficient. It devastates me to see so many men & woman who've sacrificed & served for so many years only to finally come home and have their lives completely fall apart. Many committed suicide because of feeling like they were a failure to their country and love ones because when they returned home, they couldn't mentally deal with what they went through while serving. Our VA care is deplorable.*
How we can ask people to die for their county and then not offer them immediately access to whatever help they need as soon as they get home is unacceptable.
This soldier should still be taken care of especially since he is a veteran. Please don't give up Stephen, there are people who have your back. Much love take care of your beautiful children.
That was hard to watch, so much authenticity and emotion. Stephen, surrender completely. You can do this brother. I had 17 years in alcoholism and this month I celebrated 8 years. There is nothing more rewarding than being released from the chains that bind you. Don't let some bathtub chemical steal your life. Prayers for recovery!
I’ve seen most of Marks interviews & honestly this is one of the most powerful interview showing the effects of addiction, hope you get clean Stephen, stay strong 💪🏽
As a recovered meth addict for almost 11 years now, I wish nothing but the best for this young man! Meth WILL destroy everything about you and your family suffers right along with you. Prayers to all meth addicts!!
I've been telling all of the homeless people that I see that they can go to H&R Block, Liberty Tax, etc. and they can help you get all of your stimulus money. You don't need a permanent address. Y'all, spread the word. And I'm also in Phoenix. Best of luck to you, Stephen. ♥
My son did two tours in Iraq with the Marine Corp and experienced the unimaginable. He too had just graduated from boot camp Parris Island 7/01. While deployed his (high school sweetheart) wife cheated. After 8 yrs He resigned given an honorable discharge. Unfortunately These two traumatic events left him forever angry! He went to the VA for mental help for what we now know is PTSD. The clinic basically told him, “You’re a Marine, suck it up.” He began drinking but was able to hold a full time job. After a yr I begged him to quit drinking and he did! He has since purchased the company he worked for - boat mechanic from his training as special forces in the MC. He achieved a lot $ but To this day he has a hair trigger anger attitude. The day he graduated I couldn’t have been more proud 🇺🇸 *I haven’t seen MY son (The real him) since 2001 when the recruiter came to escort him away for boot camp.
@@thematriarchy2075 I forward EVERY one that relates to him obviously without my comment. 😔 It’s so sad to watch these/him as his mom. Let me add he won’t talk about “What It” is. He needs professional help. And he developed a CONSTANT ringing in his ears but refuses to collect $. His macho reply is, I’m alive with all parts…others need the $ more than I do.
@@kimmie020That's tough. I think all this content is about all of us, regardless the story. I wish you both the very best, and keep communicating, because that's the most important thing. Thank you very much for sharing ❤
Bless your sweet heart, ma'am. I hope the very best for you and YOUR son....im going to call my mother now,I'm almost in tears, I haven't talked to my mother in almost 2weeks now, I need to go see her, sorry for the rambling 😆 Bless you and your son,ma'am, I appreciate his service also. 💜🙏
My father was a Vietnam veteran and has his own story of lack of care of the government for the trauma and poison (Agent Orange) he was exposed to that affected our family. It really hurts to see how this continues on .. I am the same age as this man…it truly breaks my heart.
The Vietnam Dervicemen generally, were treated like shit by Governments. The NZ Government arranged for the returning New Zealand troops to arrive at night, so none would know about them being back
I am ex army (British Army) the way America treated the Vietnam veterans is scandalous, it’s a different story now when everybody is going Oh thank you for your service, its so false
If there was a way I could get a hold of this man. I have an incredible amount in common with him. I'm now 3 years sober. I am also LDS and would love to be able to converse with him and give him some hope.
Mark, if you read this, I just want to say how much I admire what you're doing with this project. It truly illuminates the front lines of an addiction/mental health/housing crisis. It is a window into an issue people have to confront if we have any hope of moving forward. Would love to see the interviews you could get in Boston! Keep yourself safe out there.
My heart goes out to you, Steven. I'll be praying for you. Gotta break your meth addiction man before you can get with your kids and get some discipline for your art. Good bless you.
Stephen seems like a wonderful person. It sounds to me like he uses drugs as a way to escape the PTSD. I hope that along with a sobriety program he gets help from a therapist that specializes in PTSD treatment. I think that will save him.
I agree. It's so sad to me that these war vets come back from serving our country and have terrible trauma from war... They are the one's that pay the price of defending our freedom. And then when they return home they have no help or treatment for their PTSD so they turn to street drugs and self medication as a means of coping...
@@evantochydlowski4787 I think another deep trauma for him is the loss of his ex partner, the mother of his 3 kids. He broke down quickly remembering her, he stated that he thinks he's party responsible for her drug overdose death.
What is strange about stimulants and PTSD is that stimulants seem to calm people with PTSD. I believe it works in a similar way to turning up your radio so loud it distorts the sound of the music and you can’t hear it anymore it’s just noise. Stimulants crank up the signals in the brain and distorts the signals and giving the person relief for a short time.
My brother was a contractor for the military twice in Iraq and at Guantanamo. He died in his early 50s last year of alcoholism. He briefly mentioned he suffered from ptsd, but there was no type of VA help for him as a civilian. I wonder how pervasive this problem is among other contractors.
What a Great Dude!!! Thank you for your Service Brotha!!! I pray that you find yourself and Get back to your Babies... They Need you soooo Much Bro.. You are fully capable still to making a difference and you Do Deserve a Better life
I have high hopes for Steven. I respect that he takes full responsibility for his drug use and where his life has went, that seems to be the first step to sobriety. Wish him success.
He's incredibly honest & apparently transparent about things. He's really struggling to hold it together, may God help him. Being honest is the 1st step towards healing.
Another great interview with this intelligent and skilled young man. We do not the truth but after serving in the marine, weed or not weed, he's entitled to some after care. It's good that he's taking responsibility for his addiction, but if there is some ptsd has to be taken care and not self medicating with meth.
He can get the help he needs at the va. He needs to fully accept that it involves work on his part and making a 2 minute phone call and filing out a one to two page application. Everyone’s shitting on the va. The ones that say it’s so bad are the ones that are being lazy and not asking for the help and taking the steps to get in the system. It’s not hard.
@@CathAquintic I agree. He HAS to do the work. He has to want it. The assistance and support is there. It takes individual persistence to accept the support. And it's not an overnight thing. He needs to commit to it. I know plenty of programs out there and many vets that have taken advantage of the services offered. It comes down to being able to do the leg work and the desire to get better.
Once a marine always a marine. Bless this man. God is with him. I have no fear for him because he is not alone. Praise God for being with you sir. Thank you for your service.
@@StandForTruth205 ya man. The Mormons have a cult. I’d like to think above that. Mormons and their child brides is not cool with me. I fuck with the Mormons when I’m out in Utah. When I’m talking about God. I’m talking about the higher power. The God that has given me life and sobriety. Not a cult of dudes who like to dress nice and have 6 wives.
Seems like a really good guy that lost his way to meth. If he can get some time away from the drug and concentrate on his family I think that he could turn things around it seems like he is being honest with himself
Stephan thank you for your service first and foremost! As a sister and child of combat vets I can say with certainty they scrambled your brains a bit. The only thing we can take blame for is the next wrong decision so never blame yourself for somebody else's demon!!! I'm so sorry for your great loss. You have a strong faith and GOD DOES LOVE YOU AND HE WILL DELIVER YOU!!! We will always hear or see something from somebody in the rooms that we can twist around as an excuse lol the IMPORTANT thing is you RECOGNIZE IT!!! Keep up the good thinking you GOT THIS. Unleashing that beast like you did today is the best thing too. Love and prayers from Ohio.
These videos give me the strength to still try with my dad. Keep my distance, but to remember he’s still a human; sentient, with feelings and emotions that he struggles with. Even if I’m not sure if I can have a father daughter relationship with him, I know he needs shelter, food, and protection.
The VA has in patient treatment centers. I've been there. One has to go to the VA though. While you're there, you have all the paperwork resources you need for your DD-214 and service connection. They will help with housing,, jobs,, etc. Get to Ohio VA if need be.I hope the best for you brother. You're not alone.
I hope this man finds a dependable support system as he recovers. From one artist to another, keep creating! The world needs your vision and your kids need a sober dad. Wishing you the best.
I have a ton of empathy for this man. Semper Fidelis (always faithful) is the Marine Corps motto. A lot of vets have gotten messed over in many different ways. Truth. But, he knew the rules, as all Marines do, with regard to drugs and piss tests. U.S. Service Members answer to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and not the civilian legal system. Today, if you piss hot, nine times out of ten, you're gone. The only exception is, if you are a junior Service Member, and you self admit before the urinalysis. I'm a Marine and a recovering alcoholic. I hope this man finds help and is able to excise some of the demons he has. Recovery must come first. Have a blessed and fruitful New Year.
@@gabrielmartin4726 You said it better than me. I was discharged from the Coast Guard after three years after testing positive for multiple illegal drugs that I used while on leave. The use of those drugs affected my job performance in no way whatsoever, but the FACT is, I knew the rules!!! I intentionally disregarded those rules knowing full well the consequences would be life changing if I was caught. I have no one to blame but myself. Having children now and concerned more for their future than my own, I teach them that when you know the rules and you break the rules, you and only you are to blame
That’s a broken man . That is what he needed...someone to just listen to him, and mark did a good job . I truly think he wants to change...but then I thought the same with exotic ....I hope I’m wrong and he gets out of this life .
My father was in WW2 and saw atrocities and death doing what he was trained to do. He once told me " every night he closed his eyes he slept with the devil". Alcohol became his way to stop the pain he felt . This man lives the hell many live. Thank you for your service and truth and honesty to yourself will take you to where you need to be. You are a well spoken, aware and genuine man . I wish you nothing but happiness and sobriety in your life
"And I didn't have to remember" is the truest shit ever said about amphetamines. Opiates have a similar effect of helping you not remember but some people want to be wide awake, others 3/4 asleep. Same underlying problems but different coping mechanism/lifestyle.
Ehh and obviously everyone reacts differently. Amphetamines and other uppers definitely don't make me forget about any of my problems, at least not in the way that alcohol and opiates do the trick for me. I've just never really "gotten off" from stimulants, I will admit the rush from snorting meth is insane but after like 6 hours I'd catch myself just praying that the effect ends soon.
This one hits close. Both of my parents have been addicts my whole life. I’m 21 now and my entire life I’ve watched them put their habits ahead of my needs. The love is in their core but their actions are always based off of their own needs. That’s what addiction does. :/ It’s painful because I can’t really be mad at them but I also am incapable of trusting them anymore. And honestly it’s hard to trust anybody. I wanted nothing more than to have parents that were there for me. I hope this guy gets better and takes care of his kids man. Growing up without guidance is extremely sad and I will probably never fully heal from the things they’ve put me through. I don’t resent them, I don’t hate them, but they have broken parts of my soul I can never get back. I can’t see them in the same light. And that’s a pain nobody should ever feel.
This guy is intelligent, he deserves a good life, & to be taken care of by our government/ military, whoever it may be. How disgusting that someone who fought, screwed up their mental health, & was willing to die for our country, is living & feeling this way. Completely unacceptable
If we look at how difficult it is to change our own lives without support it's 1000xs more challenging once on the streets. ,esp.strugghling with any substance abuse..We all need a loving Support Team in our lives to help us achieve goals we can't do it alone. ..Noone can survive without their Tribe..Yes go back in the hospital to medically detox and stay in the Program..
Good luck to Stephen. Mark your backdrop and lighting is just amazing. Around 10 minutes he could be a classical oil painting come to life. All the best.
Stephen has soo much potential. He has family and faith. At some point, I hope he can see all the blessings! He deserves to be happy and have a life without addiction. Paint your life Stephen!!!
I watch this channel ALLLLLL the time. This interview has impacted me the most as far as someone who is really trying to fight this disease , addiction. I would really love to see follow ups of Stephen. Wishing Stephen and Mark both many blessings this year. Sending you good vibes and prayers 🙏
Good morning Mark. I hope it's warm Where You Are it's freezing here in Philadelphia. Stephen please know that we are not the culmination of our regrets or mistakes. God loves you stay strong and thank you for your service. You can do this man, I believe in you. You have a kind soul sir
Stephen call your brother again! You can't get that day back but you can start again. You know what's right and are so close to changing your life. Keep going you are worth it.
Absolutely! He knows. Staying clean and accountability will open all the doors which he needs to succeed. Thank you for your sacrifice and your service. I too was a Marine, I too was an alcoholic. Semper Fidelis. Stay in the rooms. Keep a good Sponsor. Read the Big Book. Most VFW's and American Legions are no longer all about drinking. Remember, if you go to a barber, at some point, you are going to get a haircut. The VA, although it has it's problems, is here to help. Accountability and sobriety. The rest will follow. Praying for you. Semper Fi.
street art wont get you off the street man yout not making nothing on the street its delusions workon getting sober your kids need you time to put them first
My niece learned that paper trick on u tide last week. She’s 6. Ur kids must be so proud. Through all his delusions. I can respect the fact that he knows he let his kids go. That’s hard
There’s programs for PTSD he needs to apply so he’s compensated by the VA and there’s Attorneys to change your discharge if he got a bad conduct discharge
“Picking your kids up from school and taking your kids out of the car seat. Those things are special.” 😢😭 This man has touched my heart in so many ways. Praying for your sobriety Steven. You will have all of the things you want in life.
My brother joined the marines the exact same time! Maybe y’all would know each other. My brother was addicted to meth for over a decade. He’s better now, not as bad as he was. A lot of ptsd. You guys look like you would get along.. Hershell David from Tennessee?? I won’t put his last name but a big tall mean red head You got this 💪🏽 ✊🏽 Much respect to you and thank you. You sacrificed so much. You absolutely deserve an honorable discharge
I hope he can get to know his kids and vice versa, I hope he can have some quality time with them he seems like he would be a positive influence on them, they will need that soon as they get older.
"Keep coming back! It works if you work it! And you're worth it!: I got sober over Zoom in 9/2020. Now, Zoom meetings are my norm over in-person meetings. Faith without works is dead. You got this, Stephen!
I love you as a person, Mark. I've always been a bit odd. Since I was a teen, I always asked questions about people, society and how things are looked at. Why am I supposed to automatically have this huge respect almost in awe when I meet a Doctor, a Lawyer, a Surgeon or another person who went to school for many years and got a high degree? Shouldn't I rather have the most respect for the people who wash public toilets, people who pick up the garbage, people like nurses or people like you? Because you live exactly the same way I do. I treat everyone the same. I treat people with respect until they prove me differently. A degree do not teach you how to be a good person. That's the most important thing in life, to be a good person. Often I feel like those people with the highest degrees are the people who care the least about others. They care about their lives and careers and money. The ones who really care are those who suffer themselves. Those who give to others are often those who have the littlest.
I really enjoyed his story, the first step in acknowledging addiction is admitting you have a problem and seeking help and that what he’s doing he just needs to get away from his triggers. I see potential in him and I feel he will make great change! Also how do I recommend someone for an interview to Mark? Anyone know?
Been sober for 2 and a half years. Meth tore my life apart. Now I live a normal, productive life and have my clarity of mind and level headedness back. I really feel for this man, I have watched many of these videos but this is the first to bring a tear to my eye. You can see the strength of Stephen's spirit shine through, and I very much hope he gets healthy, sober and back on track to be reunited with his children and live a life with some semblance of peace. For any reading this who are struggling with addiction, know that YOU CAN CHANGE. If I can, you can. We are all under oppression from the ruler of this world, but remember that you are a child of God, who loves you, and to die in sin is the worst thing that can happen. Time is running out, turn away from babylon.
Stephen, you seem like such a good human. It seems so clear that, at your core, you're just a good person who wants to do the right thing. But believe me, I know -- addiction makes it impossible to "do the right thing." And the shame that follows that dissonance is crippling. But you know the way... you've walked the path before. I hope you're able to jump back into a 12-step program (since it seems like you really flourished in the fellowship) AND get extensive, long-term trauma therapy. I've been clean & sober a long time now, and if I can say one thing conclusively, it's that nobody, without exception, can achieve long-term recovery without processing the trauma that lead us to the booze, dope, etc. in the first place. Our government owes you this therapy. Sending you so much love & light.
Sad thing is, the military will ditch you if you get out with a ‘dishonorable’ or ‘less than honorable discharge’. Even if you served honorably. Then there aren’t any benefits or programs. Hell, it’s even harder to get a job with that status.
This has been one of my favorites. What a sweet soul. Totally takes responsibility for his situation. He has such a deep spirituality. " we are all family. We are created by same creator ". I hope he gets the help he needs and is successful. So much potential
WOW, i really saw him as a human being and not just a drug addict. It really touch my soul as another human being. i really hope he does his art and reaches sobriety. I would love to see his soul and heart heal to really grow and evolve out of the pain into life. I know my children have been the light in my life and strong motivation for me to be a better human. even if my kids were not in my everyday life they would still motivate me to try to be a better human. its so crazy how much self love can help us overcome so much as humans but sometimes that is so hard to do.
It's so sad that American leadership doesn't take care of these soldiers when they come home. They leave boys and come back broken men. How different would his life be if the infrastructure was set-up to help them start their lives when they come home?
Those 30 days is not wasted time!! That is time to get well, learn healthy ways of thinking with professional therapists, talk out your trauma, releasing that trauma, apologizing to the ones you’ve hurt along the way, they provide you the right vitamins and foods to help you get healthy again, they help you find a job, they have certain connections to help you. Those 30 days aren’t a waste!
Yes I hope he gets clean. But he is a dope fiend. He has a lot to say. To me he still is using. He said he was out of the marine corps in 2004. Did one deployment. He said he two deployments. After 2004. So which is it people didn’t you listen to him. He needs help yes. But he messed up and he full of sht. Stop blaming everything and everyone else. His crying is fake. Get your sht strait. Sorry bud everywhere you go. There will be dope. Dig deep go for it. Been there fine that.
This man has survivors guilt which is a form of ptsd, it caused you to sabotage anything good that ever happens to you because you feel like you don’t deserve it or you shouldn’t be there.
Dude still has the mentality and you know his soul is real.... I hope he finds his true calling...he like countless millions deserve peace and harmony. 😇
You should reconsider getting help from the VA, I know their reputation isn't always the greatest but there has been significant strides in Veteran care and most VA employees care deeply for the Vets.
I know I'm going to get allot of shit for saying this but I've got to. I hear allot of blame being put on the Marine Corp but really the decisions were his. I wasn't nor am I a Marine but I was in the Army so I know the military struggle. So when he said the Corp was feeding him alcoho isn't true because the military doesn't prescribe or issue alcohol for any reason. Also for the VFW comment all VFW's serve alcohol, it's a private club for veterans/active military members to come together and socialize but they don't force anyone to drink. As I said before I know this statement is going to some people talking shit but I just have to say what's on my mind. Anyways anything I've ever done in my life was ultimately my decision and I've been sober for almost 7 years now. I hope everything works out for him and he gets his life together especially for his kids but mainly for himself. Again I know the struggle because I'm a recovering junkie but my decisions were mine and not anyone else. I got my own complaints with the military because they do tend to screw Veterans over but you just can't give up. I also have to say 1 last thing, there shouldn't ever be a homeless veteran in this country but unfortunately there's allot of them. Our government and hell even some citizens treat veterans like SHIT. There's enough crazy rich people in America fix this issue but it'll never happen. Anyways I hope everything he gets his life together, just keeping striving forward and don't look back.
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I have learned from being around drugs my whole life that sobriety is like peeling a onion. You have to go thru layers , peeling back the hurt & trauma of life. It is the only way to get to the heart of why you are numbing the pain with drugs. It is gonna bring tears, its gonna be hell. But, without looking deep inside at the real pain. 99 percent will not quit using. When living with a lifetime of anguish, to be able to take it away , if only temporary is why most people keep using. I speak from experience, sadly I've lost so many friends & family. From addiction. I've also struggled the same fate. I understand what he is saying 100 percent, Everyone has pain deep inside that you carry forward. I hope he gets the help he needs to work on the layers of hurt inside.
This is so on point! Great message and attitude. :)
I absolutely LOVE your comment, it moves me because I know exactly what you mean.....peeling those layers back is the most difficult thing....Ever but so very worth it. I wish you well, as well as Stephen, my heart just goes out to him so very much, I see and understand his pain, but he has so much potential, such a beautiful soul. Thank you for this very needed jewel you gave us ❤👑
♥️
@@pambeforethestorm9784, Thank you for your comment. Living thru the hell in life, is only the beginning. They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. But, burying it all deep inside will slowly take everything away. I have survived tremendous pain in my 55 years. Like most I buried it, to make it thru another day.But it is all still there, I've learned to take a layer at a time, it gets to be too much too deal with. I'm touched that you understand what I feel. I don't normally talk about these things.i just felt his pain. I hope you find your peace inside, so you can start having happiness you deserve. 💜
@@Mrskaseymunzer,Thank you for your comment. 💜
I really respect how this guy takes full responsibility for his drug use. I really hope he gets there.
Right!!! He's focused enough to know what he wants to achieve. He doesn't hide from his problems and he knows what his problems are, he just needs to learn how to stay clean. I wish him the best. I truly hope he follows through. Perhaps Mark you can help him get out of the area, and maybe enroll into a program. Because he does need to be structured.
It’s the steps man. That shit takes you to the next level as an addict. Work them and you will keep showing improvement.
I agree
You mean when he said it was the "Marine Corp's" fault he smoked cannabis? Lol
He will get there
YOU HAVE TO GET AN UPDATE ON THIS GUY. WE ARE ALL ROOTING FOR HIM AND ALL THE OTHERS BUT THIS GUY SEEMS SO CLOSE TO TURNING IT AROUND.
That's u should get!!!! What do u think the world owes u mommy wiping ur ass everyday day dont cry cry ti mommy and talk bout service we all been through horrible shit and have ti deal with it without someone there to clean up after our crybaby asses
All you fucking men quit pandering to these whiny women saying they want to see ur emotional side they will ultimately hate u for that
Ultimately in the end this is ur fault, yet u continually pump babies into her
Have a neighbor that cries like u do and let's a woman ruin him even though she dosent live there anymore
Ur an idiot this guy is a crybaby looking for dumb fucks like u to get 5 bucks to get high again
I donate to get Stephen into a dual diagnosis program to address his underlying PTSD/trauma. In my opinion, regular drug treatment centers are not qualified to handle his case. He wants to gain traction in life but needs a life coach to teach him how to do so. Sending love, strength and prayers. You can do this Stephen. Do it for yourself and children. They need you more than you realize.
Peer to peer recovery is the only way
This man has greatness in him, something about his spirit, and he needs to realize that
LaKendria- I 👍agree with your comment.
I 100% agree with your comment, this man has touched my soul I hope he has the power to help himself,
Agreed 👍
Yes, he does.
Bonger
I'm guilty of seeing a photo of the person you interview and making a judgement based on their photo and the title, but most of the time the person you interview is the complete opposite. Making these judgements along with many other flaws I have is something I'm trying to overcome, no matter how big or small it may be. This gentleman has a good head on his shoulders, I pray that he ends up getting clean and be living a fulfilling life. Thank you Mark for everything you do and giving your guests a chance to open up and be heard!
I do the same exact thing-I STILL do it even after being wrong so many times about the subject
@@annaelisavettavonnedozza9607 Atleast we are honest about it. They say it's human nature which that may be true, but I try not to be judgemental. I have met people who are dressed in a fancy suit and carry themselves well and I assumed they are rich or doing very well in life only to find out they are homeless. On the flip side I have read a story about a married couple who bought an older large sized U-Haul truck and turned it into their home on wheels and they traveled the United States in it. From the outside it looked like a ratty old truck 🚛 and people would view them as being poor but they were worth close to 50 million dollars but they wanted to be as worry free as possible and this was there way of doing so.
That's called unconscious bias, and every single person automatically does it the moment they see someone. You don't even know it's happening.
Just think how many homeless people are out there just like him 😞. That makes me think and makes me sad. I do believe everyone is precious inside and out 🥰
Me too.
And I hate that about myself.
I want so bad to be non judgemental.
In theory I don't care what religion you belong to, what colour you are, what gender you are, what you're attracted to as long as it isn't kids or animals, what you do for a living.
I see myself as a very open minded person.
Yet, when I see an accountant in suit my first thought is that he's boring. We have nothing in common.
But if he rolls up his sleeve and his arm is covered with tattoos, then I'm suddenly interested!
This is why I prefer to listen to TH-cam.
I let it play automatically and I just listen. And then in the middle of the video I look.
Luckily when I meet people in real life I easily get entertained, so I like most people who talk to me.
I find their stories interesting and then I don't care that much about what they look like.
People who care about something makes everything interesting.
I'm officially 40 years old today. Never thought I'd live this long. Humbled.
Hope everyone is well. Stay warm. It's cold everywhere just about. Freezing here. Thank you Mark and Steve for the interview. ❤️
•This man has the tools, I think he can make it. Wishing you sucess Stephen! You can get home to them kids brother. I know you can.
you too
Happy birthday... keep goin.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday 🎉🎁🎈🎂
Happy Birthday!!
Nod from a severely wounded vet from those years. We all found our poison to forget, but your kid needs you.
He needs a good job opportunity
Thank you for your service. I'm sorry about your struggles.❤️💔
Respect. .....poison to forget. .....Respect.
He'll make it. God has more for him to relate, I believe it.
Stephen is a nice looking guy and has a plan to be better person and parent. I hope he succeeds. Please don't give up. Keep trying.
Well, those "nice looks" have nothing to do with it.
Sandi..I agree with you.
he looks Danish to me
The Matriarchy, you missed my point. Positive reinforcement is important, male or female. We are all worthy.
@@sandife4nandes365 Absolutely and he is a handsome man and there's nothing wrong with noting that.
What an interesting take on the VFW. Also, love hearing from an actual veteran about the sheer neglect from our government after their sacrifice and service. My grandfather came back from Vietnam and was not mentally stable due to the trauma he experienced. I hope this man gets the help he deserves
Wounded Warriors is a great non profit group. They operate on donations. This is one of the charities that I donate to. Every dollar counts.
*I have family and friends that have served this country proudly. The unfortunate part is when they returned, the correct mental help for them all was several months away and they had to go through hoops and put on a waiting list for mental health help. When the help was finally given it was so sub par, they turned to drugs & alcohol to cope from the events they seen while serving our country. I also worked many many years as the Emergency Services Supervisor for the American Red Cross and can't even tell you the countless calls I received from service members (and family of) going through the samething and weren't able to access mental health help asap and/or when they did, it wasn't sufficient. It devastates me to see so many men & woman who've sacrificed & served for so many years only to finally come home and have their lives completely fall apart. Many committed suicide because of feeling like they were a failure to their country and love ones because when they returned home, they couldn't mentally deal with what they went through while serving. Our VA care is deplorable.*
How we can ask people to die for their county and then not offer them immediately access to whatever help they need as soon as they get home is unacceptable.
My uncle too
Yes I thought the same and it's a damn shame that it's a VFW serving alcohol on every other block in America.
This soldier should still be taken care of especially since he is a veteran. Please don't give up Stephen, there are people who have your back. Much love take care of your beautiful children.
his disdain for the military isn't without merit but i agree that he should be taken care of, he's clearly earned it
The way veterans in need are treated in the US and UK is appalling.
Soldier
Marines don't like being called soldiers. That's for Army.
@@lv42daze he can hate the military all he wants
That was hard to watch, so much authenticity and emotion. Stephen, surrender completely. You can do this brother. I had 17 years in alcoholism and this month I celebrated 8 years. There is nothing more rewarding than being released from the chains that bind you. Don't let some bathtub chemical steal your life. Prayers for recovery!
Congrats to you and keep on keeping clean 🙏💖
Surrender. Ah such a hard part of life for many.
I’ve seen most of Marks interviews & honestly this is one of the most powerful interview showing the effects of addiction, hope you get clean Stephen, stay strong 💪🏽
Bungsicle
As a recovered meth addict for almost 11 years now, I wish nothing but the best for this young man! Meth WILL destroy everything about you and your family suffers right along with you. Prayers to all meth addicts!!
Congrats to you. You did it. Keep on keeping on. 🙏
My husband has been struggling for about 10 years. Just relapsed on a 5 month sobriety journey. Thank you for your prayers
@@kimsmith819 thank you. Appreciate you
@@TheToywa hopefully he will pick himself back up. Sobriety is so awesome and I wish nothing but the best for you and yours.
Thank you
Fully believe this man will reach sobriety .
Why
@@qazy477 because he clearly wants to turn his life around. He comes across as very sincere and genuine.
@@jaf8771 agree. But i want to believe he will and think he can. He's not quite bottomed out yet tho it seems.
I wish it worked that way..
I've been telling all of the homeless people that I see that they can go to H&R Block, Liberty Tax, etc. and they can help you get all of your stimulus money. You don't need a permanent address. Y'all, spread the word.
And I'm also in Phoenix. Best of luck to you, Stephen. ♥
Thank you for your service and the sacrifice you gave.
Not sure if he’ll see this but we’re rooting for you Stephen! I’m hoping that you’ll break this cycle soon. I think you can do it man :)
My son did two tours in Iraq with the Marine Corp and experienced the unimaginable. He too had just graduated from boot camp Parris Island 7/01. While deployed his (high school sweetheart) wife cheated. After 8 yrs He resigned given an honorable discharge. Unfortunately These two traumatic events left him forever angry! He went to the VA for mental help for what we now know is PTSD. The clinic basically told him, “You’re a Marine, suck it up.” He began drinking but was able to hold a full time job. After a yr I begged him to quit drinking and he did! He has since purchased the company he worked for - boat mechanic from his training as special forces in the MC. He achieved a lot $ but To this day he has a hair trigger anger attitude. The day he graduated I couldn’t have been more proud 🇺🇸
*I haven’t seen MY son (The real him) since 2001 when the recruiter came to escort him away for boot camp.
Does he watch this content? It might help him.
@@thematriarchy2075 I forward EVERY one that relates to him obviously without my comment. 😔 It’s so sad to watch these/him as his mom. Let me add he won’t talk about “What It” is. He needs professional help. And he developed a CONSTANT ringing in his ears but refuses to collect $. His macho reply is, I’m alive with all parts…others need the $ more than I do.
@@kimmie020That's tough.
I think all this content is about all of us, regardless the story. I wish you both the very best, and keep communicating, because that's the most important thing.
Thank you very much for sharing ❤
Bless your sweet heart, ma'am. I hope the very best for you and YOUR son....im going to call my mother now,I'm almost in tears, I haven't talked to my mother in almost 2weeks now, I need to go see her, sorry for the rambling 😆
Bless you and your son,ma'am, I appreciate his service also. 💜🙏
Stay strong mama. 💜
My father was a Vietnam veteran and has his own story of lack of care of the government for the trauma and poison (Agent Orange) he was exposed to that affected our family. It really hurts to see how this continues on .. I am the same age as this man…it truly breaks my heart.
The Vietnam Dervicemen generally, were treated like shit by Governments. The NZ Government arranged for the returning New Zealand troops to arrive at night, so none would know about them being back
I am ex army (British Army) the way America treated the Vietnam veterans is scandalous, it’s a different story now when everybody is going Oh thank you for your service, its so false
Steven you can do it..when he said we are the human family makes me cry..stay strong 💪 do it for your kids
If there was a way I could get a hold of this man. I have an incredible amount in common with him. I'm now 3 years sober. I am also LDS and would love to be able to converse with him and give him some hope.
Mark, if you read this, I just want to say how much I admire what you're doing with this project. It truly illuminates the front lines of an addiction/mental health/housing crisis. It is a window into an issue people have to confront if we have any hope of moving forward. Would love to see the interviews you could get in Boston! Keep yourself safe out there.
I have so much hope that someone will help Stephen as he seeks out to become sober! What a tender heart!
My heart goes out to you, Steven. I'll be praying for you. Gotta break your meth addiction man before you can get with your kids and get some discipline for your art. Good bless you.
Stephen seems like a wonderful person. It sounds to me like he uses drugs as a way to escape the PTSD. I hope that along with a sobriety program he gets help from a therapist that specializes in PTSD treatment. I think that will save him.
I agree. It's so sad to me that these war vets come back from serving our country and have terrible trauma from war... They are the one's that pay the price of defending our freedom. And then when they return home they have no help or treatment for their PTSD so they turn to street drugs and self medication as a means of coping...
He was using drugs right out of bootcamp.
@@evantochydlowski4787 I think another deep trauma for him is the loss of his ex partner, the mother of his 3 kids. He broke down quickly remembering her, he stated that he thinks he's party responsible for her drug overdose death.
Wish he'd write about his life experiences. Lyrics, short stories, rap/poetry etc. Always interesting, thanks!
Lol
What is strange about stimulants and PTSD is that stimulants seem to calm people with PTSD. I believe it works in a similar way to turning up your radio so loud it distorts the sound of the music and you can’t hear it anymore it’s just noise. Stimulants crank up the signals in the brain and distorts the signals and giving the person relief for a short time.
Interesting insight..
@@freebriccs6134 thanks
i think its because it gives us the adrenaline we crave to get to the alert state we had to be in
Stimulants dull emotions. Even in therapeutic doses people take to treat adhd.
That's not correct @@richardcullen7007
My brother was a contractor for the military twice in Iraq and at Guantanamo. He died in his early 50s last year of alcoholism. He briefly mentioned he suffered from ptsd, but there was no type of VA help for him as a civilian. I wonder how pervasive this problem is among other contractors.
This is so sad that he couldn't get help. Im so sorry for your loss 🙏💜
@@kimsmith819 Thank you.
I get this so much
What a Great Dude!!! Thank you for your Service Brotha!!! I pray that you find yourself and Get back to your Babies... They Need you soooo Much Bro.. You are fully capable still to making a difference and you Do Deserve a Better life
Will you please do updates on Stephen. I truly beleives he can get sober. Please stay in touch with him
Great interview, I'm speechless. This hit home to me also...I was in the Army, (4 year term)I was also in basic training when 9/11 happened. 💜
Are you having struggles after getting out?
@@tylerlienau7548....yeah,I did for several years, but I got it all squared away, I'm good now,I reckon 😉
@@wesleyalan9179 awesome man!
Thank you for your service!!
Love you, Wesley. You're a treasure.❤️❤️❤️
I have high hopes for Steven. I respect that he takes full responsibility for his drug use and where his life has went, that seems to be the first step to sobriety. Wish him success.
Same
He's incredibly honest & apparently transparent about things. He's really struggling to hold it together, may God help him. Being honest is the 1st step towards healing.
Amen!
I think he’s feeling way too ashamed and guilty someone needs to tell him it’s not his fault and not even blame him for getting into a drug
I think he’s feeling way too ashamed and guilty someone needs to tell him it’s not his fault and not even blame him for getting into a drug
Another great interview with this intelligent and skilled young man. We do not the truth but after serving in the marine, weed or not weed, he's entitled to some after care. It's good that he's taking responsibility for his addiction, but if there is some ptsd has to be taken care and not self medicating with meth.
Absolutely! Great comment
He can get the help he needs at the va. He needs to fully accept that it involves work on his part and making a 2 minute phone call and filing out a one to two page application. Everyone’s shitting on the va. The ones that say it’s so bad are the ones that are being lazy and not asking for the help and taking the steps to get in the system. It’s not hard.
@@CathAquintic I agree. He HAS to do the work. He has to want it. The assistance and support is there. It takes individual persistence to accept the support. And it's not an overnight thing. He needs to commit to it. I know plenty of programs out there and many vets that have taken advantage of the services offered.
It comes down to being able to do the leg work and the desire to get better.
Is he still eligible for va services with a bad conduct discharge? I sure hope so. I think his weed usage was medicating from ptsd.
Once a marine always a marine. Bless this man. God is with him. I have no fear for him because he is not alone.
Praise God for being with you sir. Thank you for your service.
Amen
The god that the Mormons follow is not the true God of the bible
@@StandForTruth205 ya man. The Mormons have a cult. I’d like to think above that. Mormons and their child brides is not cool with me. I fuck with the Mormons when I’m out in Utah. When I’m talking about God. I’m talking about the higher power. The God that has given me life and sobriety. Not a cult of dudes who like to dress nice and have 6 wives.
Ohhhhh this one right here hit home. As a veteran I know way too we’ll the sucky transition to the civilian life. 5 year navy veteran here.
Thank you for your service!!!
You fine
Seems like a really good guy that lost his way to meth. If he can get some time away from the drug and concentrate on his family I think that he could turn things around it seems like he is being honest with himself
Stephan thank you for your service first and foremost! As a sister and child of combat vets I can say with certainty they scrambled your brains a bit. The only thing we can take blame for is the next wrong decision so never blame yourself for somebody else's demon!!! I'm so sorry for your great loss. You have a strong faith and GOD DOES LOVE YOU AND HE WILL DELIVER YOU!!! We will always hear or see something from somebody in the rooms that we can twist around as an excuse lol the IMPORTANT thing is you RECOGNIZE IT!!! Keep up the good thinking you GOT THIS. Unleashing that beast like you did today is the best thing too. Love and prayers from Ohio.
for the love of god and Stephan, Please change your dp
@@akhilrana8112 😂😂😂
Hoping he reaches sobriety and gets to be the best version of himself. For everyone that is not easy. Sending love and light
These videos give me the strength to still try with my dad. Keep my distance, but to remember he’s still a human; sentient, with feelings and emotions that he struggles with. Even if I’m not sure if I can have a father daughter relationship with him, I know he needs shelter, food, and protection.
❤❤
True
The VA has in patient treatment centers. I've been there. One has to go to the VA though. While you're there, you have all the paperwork resources you need for your DD-214 and service connection. They will help with housing,, jobs,, etc. Get to Ohio VA if need be.I hope the best for you brother. You're not alone.
Even for those with dishonorable discharge or are you just thrown away and forgotten
Pretty sure he was dishonorably discharged, meaning this doesn't apply, unfortunately
I hope this man finds a dependable support system as he recovers. From one artist to another, keep creating! The world needs your vision and your kids need a sober dad. Wishing you the best.
If this guy really got screwed over for a positive weed test, that's damn near criminal...
It’s against the rules! It’s made clear to recruits that there’s a zero tolerance policy towards non-prescription drugs, marijuana being one of them
I have a ton of empathy for this man. Semper Fidelis (always faithful) is the Marine Corps motto. A lot of vets have gotten messed over in many different ways. Truth. But, he knew the rules, as all Marines do, with regard to drugs and piss tests. U.S. Service Members answer to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and not the civilian legal system. Today, if you piss hot, nine times out of ten, you're gone. The only exception is, if you are a junior Service Member, and you self admit before the urinalysis. I'm a Marine and a recovering alcoholic. I hope this man finds help and is able to excise some of the demons he has. Recovery must come first. Have a blessed and fruitful New Year.
He wasnt just using weed in the marines. He admitted to starting meth when he was on post deployment leave. This man is not telling the full story.
@@gabrielmartin4726 You said it better than me. I was discharged from the Coast Guard after three years after testing positive for multiple illegal drugs that I used while on leave. The use of those drugs affected my job performance in no way whatsoever, but the FACT is, I knew the rules!!! I intentionally disregarded those rules knowing full well the consequences would be life changing if I was caught. I have no one to blame but myself. Having children now and concerned more for their future than my own, I teach them that when you know the rules and you break the rules, you and only you are to blame
@@Nobodyshoes If I'd been through Wray he has I'd be self medicating too
He has and knows he can do it. Someone needs to help him be accountable and believe in him. You can do it brother.
Yes I was thinking the same. He needs almost like someone to help him everyday. But that’s not realistic I know.
That’s a broken man . That is what he needed...someone to just listen to him, and mark did a good job . I truly think he wants to change...but then I thought the same with exotic ....I hope I’m wrong and he gets out of this life .
My father was in WW2 and saw atrocities and death doing what he was trained to do. He once told me " every night he closed his eyes he slept with the devil". Alcohol became his way to stop the pain he felt . This man lives the hell many live. Thank you for your service and truth and honesty to yourself will take you to where you need to be. You are a well spoken, aware and genuine man . I wish you nothing but happiness and sobriety in your life
Much love and respect from a Chickasaw Native American living in Indian Territory Oklahoma USA 🇺🇸 ✌🏾 🪶
I hear him loud and clear... This man will have a freedom testimony! So be it. I see him healed.. so shall it be.
"And I didn't have to remember" is the truest shit ever said about amphetamines. Opiates have a similar effect of helping you not remember but some people want to be wide awake, others 3/4 asleep. Same underlying problems but different coping mechanism/lifestyle.
Ehh and obviously everyone reacts differently. Amphetamines and other uppers definitely don't make me forget about any of my problems, at least not in the way that alcohol and opiates do the trick for me. I've just never really "gotten off" from stimulants, I will admit the rush from snorting meth is insane but after like 6 hours I'd catch myself just praying that the effect ends soon.
This one hits close. Both of my parents have been addicts my whole life. I’m 21 now and my entire life I’ve watched them put their habits ahead of my needs. The love is in their core but their actions are always based off of their own needs. That’s what addiction does. :/ It’s painful because I can’t really be mad at them but I also am incapable of trusting them anymore. And honestly it’s hard to trust anybody. I wanted nothing more than to have parents that were there for me. I hope this guy gets better and takes care of his kids man. Growing up without guidance is extremely sad and I will probably never fully heal from the things they’ve put me through. I don’t resent them, I don’t hate them, but they have broken parts of my soul I can never get back. I can’t see them in the same light. And that’s a pain nobody should ever feel.
Very well spoken. “I don’t hate them, but they have broken parts of my soul I can never get back.”
This guy is intelligent, he deserves a good life, & to be taken care of by our government/ military, whoever it may be. How disgusting that someone who fought, screwed up their mental health, & was willing to die for our country, is living & feeling this way. Completely unacceptable
If we look at how difficult it is to change our own lives without support it's 1000xs more challenging once on the streets. ,esp.strugghling with any substance abuse..We all need a loving Support Team in our lives to help us achieve goals we can't do it alone. ..Noone can survive without their Tribe..Yes go back in the hospital to medically detox and stay in the Program..
Good luck to Stephen.
Mark your backdrop and lighting is just amazing. Around 10 minutes he could be a classical oil painting come to life.
All the best.
Velvet.
get on the Bus to AZ......
Im from Sweden but i wish the US could take better care of their vets 🙏
*It’s terrible the way the military treats people when they deem them redundant.* 😡
Stephen has soo much potential. He has family and faith. At some point, I hope he can see all the blessings! He deserves to be happy and have a life without addiction. Paint your life Stephen!!!
I watch this channel ALLLLLL the time. This interview has impacted me the most as far as someone who is really trying to fight this disease , addiction. I would really love to see follow ups of Stephen. Wishing Stephen and Mark both many blessings this year. Sending you good vibes and prayers 🙏
please bring this man back i loved hearing his story and i know he has a good heart and i wanna see him win and progress in life
Haven’t watched yet but glad I’m awake
Lol same. Good morning sunshine!! 😂
Amen
MISS ZANETTA , GOOD MORNING ❤❤❤❤❤ BEAUTIFULL❤❤💯💯💯💯☕☕☕
5:19 A. M. BIRMINGHAM , ALABAMA
He has a good soul, I hope his life improves and gets through rehab. Everyone always has a chance to change
Good morning Mark. I hope it's warm Where You Are it's freezing here in Philadelphia. Stephen please know that we are not the culmination of our regrets or mistakes. God loves you stay strong and thank you for your service. You can do this man, I believe in you. You have a kind soul sir
Stephen is very handsome I hope he can get himself together best of luck Stephen❤️❤️❤️
Stephen call your brother again! You can't get that day back but you can start again. You know what's right and are so close to changing your life. Keep going you are worth it.
Absolutely! He knows. Staying clean and accountability will open all the doors which he needs to succeed. Thank you for your sacrifice and your service. I too was a Marine, I too was an alcoholic. Semper Fidelis. Stay in the rooms. Keep a good Sponsor. Read the Big Book. Most VFW's and American Legions are no longer all about drinking. Remember, if you go to a barber, at some point, you are going to get a haircut. The VA, although it has it's problems, is here to help. Accountability and sobriety. The rest will follow. Praying for you. Semper Fi.
street art wont get you off the street man
yout not making nothing on the street its delusions
workon getting sober your kids need you time to put them first
My niece learned that paper trick on u tide last week. She’s 6. Ur kids must be so proud. Through all his delusions. I can respect the fact that he knows he let his kids go. That’s hard
There’s programs for PTSD he needs to apply so he’s compensated by the VA and there’s Attorneys to change your discharge if he got a bad conduct discharge
I love these kind of interviews. The sky is the limit. He will get there. Good luck!
“Picking your kids up from school and taking your kids out of the car seat. Those things are special.” 😢😭 This man has touched my heart in so many ways. Praying for your sobriety Steven. You will have all of the things you want in life.
Instead of obsessing over Rebecca why doesn't Mark help this guy who would really appreciate it
Please keep us updated 🙏🏿. Keeping him in my prayers. I see a bright future ahead for this man! He has the will and power to make a 180!
He has already done so much service. Helped me today. Thanks bud. Good luck, hope it is easier done than said, getting clean.
My brother joined the marines the exact same time! Maybe y’all would know each other. My brother was addicted to meth for over a decade. He’s better now, not as bad as he was. A lot of ptsd. You guys look like you would get along.. Hershell David from Tennessee?? I won’t put his last name but a big tall mean red head
You got this 💪🏽 ✊🏽
Much respect to you and thank you. You sacrificed so much.
You absolutely deserve an honorable discharge
Rooting for this guy! .. remember, YOU can do hard things.
Seems like he could be a good dude , my opinion is he needs to shut the mouth and open the ears . Thanks for what you do .
i getting schuckin and jivin vibes....i don't sense he is ready. i think he wants to be ready, but we'll see....
Yep, he seems to have an excuse for everything, he's going to have that and take full responsibility if he's going to get clean.
He has potential but forget the art and get a job
Should a bus driver that’s hot for pot be able to drive 72 kids around? Why did u think it was ok ??
I hope he can get to know his kids and vice versa, I hope he can have some quality time with them he seems like he would be a positive influence on them, they will need that soon as they get older.
They needed it as soon as they were born.
I felt this… so much. God bless you my friend. ❤️🙏🏻🕊
"Keep coming back! It works if you work it! And you're worth it!: I got sober over Zoom in 9/2020. Now, Zoom meetings are my norm over in-person meetings. Faith without works is dead. You got this, Stephen!
I love you as a person, Mark.
I've always been a bit odd.
Since I was a teen, I always asked questions about people, society and how things are looked at.
Why am I supposed to automatically have this huge respect almost in awe when I meet a Doctor, a Lawyer, a Surgeon or another person who went to school for many years and got a high degree?
Shouldn't I rather have the most respect for the people who wash public toilets, people who pick up the garbage, people like nurses or people like you?
Because you live exactly the same way I do.
I treat everyone the same.
I treat people with respect until they prove me differently.
A degree do not teach you how to be a good person.
That's the most important thing in life, to be a good person.
Often I feel like those people with the highest degrees are the people who care the least about others. They care about their lives and careers and money.
The ones who really care are those who suffer themselves.
Those who give to others are often those who have the littlest.
I really enjoyed his story, the first step in acknowledging addiction is admitting you have a problem and seeking help and that what he’s doing he just needs to get away from his triggers. I see potential in him and I feel he will make great change!
Also how do I recommend someone for an interview to Mark? Anyone know?
In the About section on the Soft White Underbelly channel page is Mark’s email and info on how to apply for an interview.
I love this guy so much.. I’m rooting for you Stephen!
Been sober for 2 and a half years. Meth tore my life apart. Now I live a normal, productive life and have my clarity of mind and level headedness back. I really feel for this man, I have watched many of these videos but this is the first to bring a tear to my eye. You can see the strength of Stephen's spirit shine through, and I very much hope he gets healthy, sober and back on track to be reunited with his children and live a life with some semblance of peace. For any reading this who are struggling with addiction, know that YOU CAN CHANGE. If I can, you can. We are all under oppression from the ruler of this world, but remember that you are a child of God, who loves you, and to die in sin is the worst thing that can happen. Time is running out, turn away from babylon.
Stephen, you seem like such a good human. It seems so clear that, at your core, you're just a good person who wants to do the right thing. But believe me, I know -- addiction makes it impossible to "do the right thing." And the shame that follows that dissonance is crippling. But you know the way... you've walked the path before. I hope you're able to jump back into a 12-step program (since it seems like you really flourished in the fellowship) AND get extensive, long-term trauma therapy. I've been clean & sober a long time now, and if I can say one thing conclusively, it's that nobody, without exception, can achieve long-term recovery without processing the trauma that lead us to the booze, dope, etc. in the first place. Our government owes you this therapy. Sending you so much love & light.
Sad thing is, the military will ditch you if you get out with a ‘dishonorable’ or ‘less than honorable discharge’. Even if you served honorably. Then there aren’t any benefits or programs. Hell, it’s even harder to get a job with that status.
This has been one of my favorites. What a sweet soul. Totally takes responsibility for his situation. He has such a deep spirituality. " we are all family. We are created by same creator ". I hope he gets the help he needs and is successful.
So much potential
WOW, i really saw him as a human being and not just a drug addict. It really touch my soul as another human being. i really hope he does his art and reaches sobriety. I would love to see his soul and heart heal to really grow and evolve out of the pain into life. I know my children have been the light in my life and strong motivation for me to be a better human. even if my kids were not in my everyday life they would still motivate me to try to be a better human. its so crazy how much self love can help us overcome so much as humans but sometimes that is so hard to do.
A "drug addict" is a human being.
It's so sad that American leadership doesn't take care of these soldiers when they come home. They leave boys and come back broken men. How different would his life be if the infrastructure was set-up to help them start their lives when they come home?
Those 30 days is not wasted time!! That is time to get well, learn healthy ways of thinking with professional therapists, talk out your trauma, releasing that trauma, apologizing to the ones you’ve hurt along the way, they provide you the right vitamins and foods to help you get healthy again, they help you find a job, they have certain connections to help you. Those 30 days aren’t a waste!
Yes I hope he gets clean. But he is a dope fiend. He has a lot to say. To me he still is using. He said he was out of the marine corps in 2004. Did one deployment. He said he two deployments. After 2004. So which is it people didn’t you listen to him. He needs help yes. But he messed up and he full of sht. Stop blaming everything and everyone else. His crying is fake. Get your sht strait. Sorry bud everywhere you go. There will be dope. Dig deep go for it. Been there fine that.
This man has survivors guilt which is a form of ptsd, it caused you to sabotage anything good that ever happens to you because you feel like you don’t deserve it or you shouldn’t be there.
Wouldn't it be more accurate to say "murderer's guilt"?
Stephen has a beautiful heart. His story is breaking mine. Sending strength and care and hope for lots more support. ❤
Dude still has the mentality and you know his soul is real.... I hope he finds his true calling...he like countless millions deserve peace and harmony. 😇
You should reconsider getting help from the VA, I know their reputation isn't always the greatest but there has been significant strides in Veteran care and most VA employees care deeply for the Vets.
You can do it Stephen. I believe in you. Keep moving forward!
i can't wait until mark can have an update interview and how your progression thru to finding amazing life sober
I know I'm going to get allot of shit for saying this but I've got to. I hear allot of blame being put on the Marine Corp but really the decisions were his. I wasn't nor am I a Marine but I was in the Army so I know the military struggle. So when he said the Corp was feeding him alcoho isn't true because the military doesn't prescribe or issue alcohol for any reason. Also for the VFW comment all VFW's serve alcohol, it's a private club for veterans/active military members to come together and socialize but they don't force anyone to drink. As I said before I know this statement is going to some people talking shit but I just have to say what's on my mind. Anyways anything I've ever done in my life was ultimately my decision and I've been sober for almost 7 years now. I hope everything works out for him and he gets his life together especially for his kids but mainly for himself. Again I know the struggle because I'm a recovering junkie but my decisions were mine and not anyone else. I got my own complaints with the military because they do tend to screw Veterans over but you just can't give up. I also have to say 1 last thing, there shouldn't ever be a homeless veteran in this country but unfortunately there's allot of them. Our government and hell even some citizens treat veterans like SHIT. There's enough crazy rich people in America fix this issue but it'll never happen. Anyways I hope everything he gets his life together, just keeping striving forward and don't look back.
This is one of the saddest ones for me. I really really hope he gets help. ❤️