@@monicaclinton9680 I know that this dude can think beyond his experiences and articulate it well. Your own mind seems to be locked into the streets Monica. A pity really.
He's one of those guys who 'You grew up with as kids, and yeah,you guys used to get Into trouble, But in the end we all moved on.. Hes like that one Good friend we had growing up that never moved on.. That homie in my life passed already, Hope this guy corrects his destination.
4 ปีที่แล้ว +11
Stephen could make it, if he finds the willpower. But heroin and crystal meth are merciless.
It's not really about who decides to grow-up or not...Every person has a different response to these drugs and cannot fight the physical and mental addiction aspect of it. That's why it's just not worth the gamble to 'try' any drug no matter what everyone else around us might be doing.
Stefanie Oilschlager yes that was me for years finally been now for almost 3 years but I waisted so many years that I can’t get back and I hope this young man doesn’t do that you live with a lot of regrets!
Hope he moves on... I would love to see a video after one year with this guy being successful and supporting other drug addicts on their way to recovery... I see this guy being an angel to others in need.
It's not about "the fragility & strength of the human spirit" or other poetic nonsense. It's about the chemical nature of our biological selves. We are chemicals, consciousness is a chemical reaction in the brain. We are subordinate to chemicals, that is what this is about. I do agree it's a good project.
“I have these goals, I know what I want to do in a sense. It’s those first steps I don’t know how to take...” Dude I felt that in my soul! I know exactly how he feels! 😓
My brother in law is a heroin addict. Has a regular job, a kid and my sister as his wife. Kept clean for many years but every couple years he falls back into it. Must be a terrible demon to deal with. I grew up with a very close friend, but later in our HS years, we chose one path (drugs, bad kids) and I chose a different path which was more focused on school and sports. We were not that much different and he could have been me and I could have been him. He’s cleaned up completely, but took many many years. Nice that even after 50 years, we still stay in touch.
Well how old do you think you are when YOU BECOME a junkie? Lol. You usually start doing dope in your teens... sometimes 20-22. Those are the ages it begins for 90% of people.
There is so much to say about this man. He is so handsome and luckily heroin hasn't completely fried his brain. He's very intelligent and he's very aware but uncertainty is holding him back. I hope he can make it to recovery he has genuine potential 💛💛💛
I really hope he get out the dark hole before it sucks him in to deep,there is such harsh struggles going on in that environment😩 such a heartbreaking reality of many places such as skid row! My thought are with him .. good luck and strength.you really need it 💓
Your really young bro....it’s not easy picturing your life sober in the beginning but everyday you learn how to deal with it more and more....it’s that initial step that’s the toughest but you got this
HI, Stephen. Thank you for sharing your story. "Half measures or whole steps..." and "who knows if that feeling [improved self-esteem] will last?" You know what you need to do. And, no...that feeling will not last. You are now able to look at the people living on the streets for years, haggard, worn and torn, beaten and broken, and realize you are not there yet. You will be. If you don't make big changes, fast! You can do it Stephen...just do it! Find career training...national shortage of welders...good money, lots jobs, not too academic, fairly short training. Just an example of a possible vocation. Get out of skid row. There are services everywhere. Go now and don't look back. Find good people and support. Change your life...before it is too late.
I'm 38, and I miss being in my 20s! I look back and realize that there's a HUGE difference between 27 & 37, ya know? ...and it's only a 10 year difference. I wonder what 48 is gonna be like, probably how I spend my time with what I do within that 10 year time frame between. I've learned that was the case between 27 & 37..I look back and there's a lot I would change,but then they're some things I would deffo not change, it's what we do that makes us I guess...sorry for the rambling,lol! It helps me,lol! It's therapeutic I guess!lol!✌
@@wesleyalan9179 Yea I hear ya! I feel the same way. There's a lot I would do diffetent for sure. You think you have lots & lots of time when your in your twenties but 30 creeps up on you kind of quick. The next thing you know your 40! I'm 46yrs old and I have to make changes in my life before I turn 50. Years & time seems to fly by too fast..its like hold up I remember being 33 and not paying much attention to age. I remember 33 because I got divorced and had a ball. I lived with my parents and worked and went back to college. I was busy and lovin life with no kids so I was having a ball. Things change before you know it tho. I tell my nephews that. Have fun while your young and take good care of yourself. Your body can and will turn on you and it has so many components to it that coincide with one another. In other words your body can fall apart so take care of it so it will take care you..😊..Sorry for the rant but when I get on a roll chile..smh..😁😂
@@valenciavasquez8021 hey...thanks for the response! Really nice to hear someone w/some sound and solid advice,thank you! Rambling on and on to complete strangers in the TH-cam comments section is quite therapeutic for me,lol! Its become my favorite past time(in other words it my favorite way to waste a lil' time ,when I have time to waste that is,lol! But yeah,you're absolutely right about everything you said,time will deffinatly take its time and sneak up on you,sometimes when its allready too late,lol! Well,its a half hr. till midnight here so I'm going to bed,maybe I'll catch up w/ you some other time! Take care!✌😎👌
Stephen, you are sooo much brighter than your current surroundings & situation! It doesnt have to become a permanent lifestyle. Youre young, good looking, well spoken, intelligent; all the right things that will open the doors that YOU want. Dont wait too long, it will only become harder to climb out. Best wishes & good luck! :)
When your ready, you will get sober. I run a street ministry, we will help anyone we can. Maybe 2 out of every 50 asks. Sad part is that so many are not ready, and when they are, its often to late. When you wake up and say I want to be sober more then I ever want to get high again, then you will. We live in self medicating society. One is sober or they are not. There is no middle. We tell them...be weird in todays world and be sober and responsible for your life. Unlike most of the rest. God bless this young man and all in your videos. Gods grace awaits us all, no matter who we are or what we've done.
john sanzone amen to that. It takes what it takes it took me over 20 years and dozens of white chips to finally get it together totally surrender now I have over five years
He needs to go to rehab. Then when he gets out get to an NA or AA meeting as soon as he gets out. Ask for help get a sponsor join a group don’t pick up no matter what. This has been working for me for over five years.
“I want it now” break that thought and trust the treatment you can get clean. You are young. There’s an easier life. It’ll b a bit harder at first but trust every clean person. It’s an easier life clean. I’m 12 years clean.
Steven, if your reading this, I live in Massachusetts and i know that's a world away from you distance wise, but I have been so close to you in spirit. I used dope for over ten yrs and I got clean 5 yrs ago at 29. I got on the methadone clinic (I know, I know, it's not for everyone) but it helped me and I started community college, got my license, got a vehicle, I also had help with housing from family and having support is super important. Idk why I feel so compelled to reach out, but as I lay here in bed I think of you (and all the others suffering along side u) out there in the street, sick, hungry, cold or worse, dead. People out here are oding left and right it's insane. I do miss the fast life, the freedom but not the loneliness or ugliness of it all. u seem so smart and aware. If nothing at all, your I'm my thoughts tonight across the country, and I hope your okay and u find a reason to change your situation. You are beautiful! U can do this! U got nothing lose. ✌💙🙏
If you want to reach him, you should email Mark (the guy interviewing, it’s his channel.) Ask Mark if he has any way to reach this man. I’d bet he’s got a Facebook at least or an email. He can get Stephen’s permission to give you his contact info. I doubt he’d say no. Good luck! Let us know what happens!! 🥰
@@meganfielder144 - I'd love it if it were true. But it's not. You know some painkiller abuser who got off the pills? Congrats that's minor screwing around. And at any rate dope addicts are NOT the ethical focus of the dope problem. The ethical focus of heroin problem is to prevent new innocent people from becoming addicts. They become addicts because they have associates who use heroin and they try it. Addicts spread addiction, dealers are murderers. You don't know one intravenous heroin addict who ever ended that roller coaster without either using Methadone, in which case they are a worthless zombie, or becoming a hardcore alky etc. I've spoken with addicts in NY state prisons who have been clean for a year, they go to bed at night dreaming of a fix and tell me they will buy dope within an hour of being put back on then streets. The data is real and in respect of precision I will agree that perhaps 1%, or one out of 100, heroin addicts every clean up their act. Stories told by people who are trying to get their kids back so they can avoid jail are bullshit. Stories told by people squirming to avoid jail are bullshit, a heroin addict is the most natural liar on planet Earth. I don't hate people, I think heroin addicts should get prescribed heroin by a doctor, but they must turn in their dealers, who should go to jail for life. But addicts won't do that, they want to be treated, have a clean time vaca, then relapse. They look forward to relapse even it they hate being an addict. Believe me young lady, I know the streets.
Do you just have a vendetta against people that have a history with heroin. I can get it if you dislike people currently on heroin, maybe one of your parents shot up in front of you or something, but you need to deal with that yourself instead of laughing. Instead of urging people who have been clean for 8 years to go back to it, even just on youtube Instead of wishing death on addicts, Figure out your own issues and live to find happiness
The lesson I’m still trying to learn is pleasure does not equal happiness. If an addict can grasp that fact maybe they would be more willing to endure the suck of quitting.
I have a few people in my life who struggled with addiction and until them it was a foreign situation to me. But one day while speaking to one of them it hit me; when talking to an active addict you hear they wanna get clean but it's *so* hard. When she said this to me, this thought came to me and I asked her, "Well how easy is *this* life you're choosing to live?" She just stared at me. I was like you've gained a a world of disaster with people so low they'll say and do whatever, this also means you've lost those who care and will fight for you. You're sick when you don't have your drug, you have to worry about someone robbing you, selling you bad crap, ODing, sleeping rough, no money, no belongings, clothes that don't keep you warm, etc. She didn't get sober that day but she did tell me that when she would think about and then turn away from treatment because it was gonna be "hard" she never thought about how hard life was being an addict. She found out she was pregnant and praise be to God she just stopped. It was HARD and a nightmare but she did it. She has since joined an aa/na group at our church ans has other support systems. She has her baby and to see this woman look at that little guy and love him and care for him the way she does is amazing. I am happy for you that you are a success story.
Well put. When I recovered, I had to really take a second to think about "It doesn't matter if I don't feel exactly perfectly right in this moment." It's ok to go through lows. Using drugs, we really manipulate when and where we feel good and bad, so we kind of taught our brains that social situations require drugs because people expect you to not be depressed or be weird. Social situations being sober, I just started to deflect people's questions to me back to them and took time to listen to them, and it taught me a bit of humility. A huge, giant, painful horrible experience getting sober but there's light at the end of that tunnel a million times brighter than where you are at now
You're right, no one is exempt. We are all heathens and some how some of us along the way figured they're better than others which couldn't be farther from the truth. We're all equal, some of us just make a few wrong turns, doesn't make anyone less of a person.
I am so glad that you asked the question about relating self worth to drug use as a source of punishment of ones self. I wish you asked everyone that question. It is so interesting to hear the honestly and brutality of these people lives. Thank you for sharing these stories ❤️
Dear young man, you are smart, good looking and worthy of a good life. You deserve a healthy, happy and successful life filled with love. Go to that resource center and find someone to give you a step by step plan. You are still young. You can still have a great life. You deserve so much more than where you are at right now. JUST DO IT!!!!
This is definitely someone that can bounce back from this period of his life, hope he stops doubting himself that he can just get better and get clean.
I'm 32 years old been smoking green for anxiety since I was 14 years old my father was a heroin addict and he's the first one to give me a joint and tell me exactly what heroin was like to do when your bathing a forty-year-old grow man because he just s*** on himself cuz he don't have his drugs you don't want to do drugs later in life you just keep smoking your green and that's all you do
I agree except I'll trade the marijuana for my antidepressants. Used to love weed, but nowadays even CBD makes me anxious. But yeah. I agree with the sentiment, stay away from hard drugs while you can. They're such a waste of time; the best high is learning how to cultivate the life you want to have
I grew up here in Southern California and have at times volunteered for different programs for the homeless. I think these videos are a great opportunity for people to learn that these individuals are just regular people. There’s nothing in your about page about why you began this project and what you are hoping to achieve by it.
Yes as a los Angeles, ca resident I agree! I promise there are resources you can find to volunteer with, but it usually begins by visiting a shelter in person first. They will provide better linkage to further services like soup kitchens, bathing facilities, and other public services that some unhoused people can come to sit down and recharged for a minute. I would call the Hippie Kitchen in la (they’re really cool) and start there
If you scroll through his videos mark does make a video on where he comes from and why he is doing what he is doing .....he has tons of videos and he is trying to help and listen one person at a time so pls do your research before you assume that he is doing nothing but just making videos hope this helps answer your question and assumptions.
@@punkyfeathers1639 if you click on his channel, Mark has an intro video explaining his purpose & hope's & reasons for why he is doing this type of work. ✌
One thing I've learned, is you can try and run and get far away, but theres going to be drugs anywhere you go and you have to have the will power to tell yourself no!
Eh Stephen, I SEE YOU!!! You’re a smart, self-aware, good person. You are a lot more than your current situation and your past. Don’t let this be your whole story man, you can get out of there. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us!
Stephen you have so much potential and a great insight I really hope you get the strength and help you need to beat this terrible disease you're in my thoughts ❤️
Person in recovery from the same stuff here. This guy is fulllll of denial. Bro I wish you the best!! I really hope you get and stay clean. I’m not trying to be mean, just blunt and critical. YOU ARE WORTH IT!!! Always remember that.
Yeah he will wtf you mean by that??? If he truly wants it he can sign up for a intensive outpatient program which requires him to be drug tested 3 times a week and attend NA meetings all while being free no jail no rehabilitation center to be in. He can roam free anywhere he wants as long as he does what's asked of him
Good luck Stephen.. I see so much potential in you to get yourself together and carve out a great future for yourself. I really hope it happens for you and wish you well❤️
I like this kid, but sad that even when the guy says would you like to be in a program, he says yes, BUT I still want my freedom. Hate to be rough, but he needs to get rid of the excuses, suck it up and get into the program regardless of what the program is all about. Get it together man....you got one life to live. Make the first step to REAL freedom.
Oh Steven, you are still young, bright and driven. Go for it and get help. The job will follow. I wish you the best for you so deserve it. You are a beautifully authentic human being with a sweet smile. Don't let your present lifestyle take that from you. That would be a true shame.
When an addict is ready to get into recovery they do not put stipulations on their recovery. They don't care about being tied down or not having freedoms, they just want to get clean. And they will do whatever it takes! I think this young man is almost there but not quite. I wish him all of the luck!!
Steven you’re an amazing guy and recovery will be the best thing you’ve ever done for yourself! If you can get into a suboxone Treatment program it would save your life! Washington has amazing Drs here if you ever wanted to get out of there
I'm praying for you. You got this. You need guidance and pour your heart out to someone. Let someone take you under their wing. Go get it you can do this. I have faith in you. Please do it
One year of suffering and gutting through it might be a gateway to many many years of good life. Just get mentally ready, suffer and get through it. Otherwise, this life of “pleasure” and very limited freedom (because there is actually very little you can do other than sit in a tent or walk down the streets) will never end.
Stephen blessings to you. ❤️🙏🏼 What happened to Chris.... ? I was watching his video and it was removed. I hope you’re well Chris blessings to you. ❤️🙏🏼
if anyone wants to find out about a better way to treat drug addicts look at the drug policy of portugal. drug users and drug criminals do not get punished with jail. they get help instead and a chance to reintegrate in society. the money portugals safes with not putting people into jails, this country spends instead on all the helping programs. this policy exists since 2001. since then the numbers of drug addicts and all of its horrible side effects went down significantly. hopefully all other countries in the world will follow this more human way imo. i am neither from portugal nor from the usa but whatching from abroad this country is just shocking to me. it seems to be such a cold and unhuman place with its weak members just being dropped and so many people who just don't ever even have or get one single chance. and then this president... it is the 12th richest country in the world. is it so hard for such a rich country to provide proper help? it is just so heartbreaking to listen to all the interviews. i hope everyone will somehow make it!
But you're missing the big picture. The U.S. has a completely different way they formulate inmates, incarceration, and the whole "Justice System". Its one of THE HUGEST money makers in The U S. Why do you think they want everyone arrested?! They dont care about keeping people.in jail, good, bad , or innocent... they just want them fined, arrested, housed for whatever period suits them best, then turned back onto the street to get arrested all over again. The U.S. Gov. Does not care about people reentering society. Shit, they barely care if people are alive period.
He’s just not ready. My son never wanted to go to rehab willingly until the last time. He came home clean, sober, himself, with no black holes where his eyes should be, and his bright baby blue eyes shining. He died 2 weeks later in his bedroom of cardiomegely, from his drug and alcohol abuse. His tox screen during autopsy was totally clean. He was 34 and he was my baby. My heart is forever broken.
It is interesting to me how, like just talking about recovery, probably helps people in a way. I think that is one of the really important things that is easily overlooked(about these videos), is like how often do these people(and people in general) like stop and think "what is the first step?" you know. I think that just asking people how they want to change is perhaps really important in a sort of subtle yet profound kind of way.
Stephen if there's a chance you read that please get clean you can do it, you have to do it. You worth it so I'll pray for you. An update would be great on this one.
Please ,as soon as you are ready go get that help you will never regret that my man wishing you success with that i want you to see 30 and start feeling blessed for the little things you will get there,persevere!Stop letting the drug rule you,seek independence before you get hurt!
4 ปีที่แล้ว +14
U can hear him counting the money hes giving him for the interview. Sad it will go to drugs.
I look forward to you interviews with those of us, who have found a way out of all this tragedy. Our stories have a happy ending and need to be heard too eh? Love from London
Yes he’s in his own way so much potential he’s not sacrificing himself nothing is major important low self esteem I pray for his speedy recovery let’s go My Brother Many Blessings awaits you
Stephen is a very handsome young man and seems very sweet and like he is trying. I really believe he knows he deserves better and I hope he gets there.
Well bro you have to put the work in to get sober you have to want the sobriety more than you wanna get high seven classes a day is nothing compared to your lifetime take advantage of them programs man stay focus on recovery it’s NEVER easy but you can do it man
These heroin addict young kids rip my heart out. I just got a call that a cousin who has fought addiction for years lost his battle while in rehab, 27 like this kid. I'm sick to my stomach. When is this grip of heroin going to loosen. There has to be something...
Heather Held no lie this kinda shook me as I am 27 and have a 1 year old he lives with my mom cuz I replaced and when I read this I was like dam this could be me like I assumed you where talking about 18-19 year olds but yea I just turned 27. And that could be me losing my battle next. Holy cow thanks it’s kinda like a wake up like knowing people out there still think 26-27 year olds still have a journey to make and we are no a waste cuz we don’t have a collage degree
Heather Held so sorry for your loss and damn it happened at rehab! I was in 4 different rehabs before I finally got clean I saw others who were definitely high and heard them talking with others the dope was all over in there!
Well starting with improving social security, domestic violence shelters, free legal and medical, free education, free, and highly trained professional mental health support, improvement to community resources like sporting facilities, swimming pools and large swathes of healthy parks...these would be where I would start
This world is so fucked up and unfair. A second ago, I finished watching a video about a guy who spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on a watch without thinking twice, and now I'm watching this poor lad...
I love what you do. Someone might look at people in his situation and think they have no desire to better themselves. After hearing this guys it let’s you see so much more. Of course there are people who are manipulative and make you think they want another life and they really don’t. But this guy makes me believe him.
This guy is right at the cusp of getting help and really getting better. The only one standing in his way is him. I wish him the best.
Yep
this dude would rob you in a heartbeat, you clearly dont know the streets rofl.
Lol 🤣 this guys just on the cusp of being scattered. Is all.
@@hmmmidunno lullllllllllll
@@monicaclinton9680 I know that this dude can think beyond his experiences and articulate it well. Your own mind seems to be locked into the streets Monica. A pity really.
What a clever, charming, and well spoken young man. It’s terribly sad that he’s in this predicament.
Leigh - Sad for the kids he get killed yeah.
He’s still a person.
What a genuine, articulate man. I am praying for his recovery.
n p not funny and fuck you.
@h w damn. That's ignorant AF
He's one of those guys who 'You grew up with as kids, and yeah,you guys used to get Into trouble, But in the end we all moved on.. Hes like that one Good friend we had growing up that never moved on.. That homie in my life passed already, Hope this guy corrects his destination.
Stephen could make it, if he finds the willpower. But heroin and crystal meth are merciless.
It's not really about who decides to grow-up or not...Every person has a different response to these drugs and cannot fight the physical and mental addiction aspect of it. That's why it's just not worth the gamble to 'try' any drug no matter what everyone else around us might be doing.
first last ....and terminal
Rip ma boi
yep i got one of those
I've worked with addicts for years, he is a typical addict that wants to get clean, but has every excuse not to. He's not ready yet. Tragic.
Saying he wants freedom doesn't want 7 groups a day. Wtf he is useless unless he gets clean. Doesn't see he is a slave to drugs
YET. He'll get there!!!!
Yes unfortunately he is not ready yet from the sounds of it.
Stefanie Oilschlager yes that was me for years finally been now for almost 3 years but I waisted so many years that I can’t get back and I hope this young man doesn’t do that you live with a lot of regrets!
Clean 3 years
i love how kind and caring the dude asking the question is, thank you for being kind to these people im a heroin addict too, and trust me it helps.
He is right at the door of recovery. He knows what to do. God help him and give him what he needs.
Ro Fog God is not real
Hope he moves on... I would love to see a video after one year with this guy being successful and supporting other drug addicts on their way to recovery... I see this guy being an angel to others in need.
These homeless druggies don't want a better life.Stoo being emotional over these cin artists
if your god gave a flying shit this dude wouldnt be out on skid road
comfyaer God doesn’t interfere in our free will.
This is a brilliant project. Thank you, Mark, for bringing to light the fragility and strength of the human spirit.
It's not about "the fragility & strength of the human spirit" or other poetic nonsense. It's about the chemical nature of our biological selves. We are chemicals, consciousness is a chemical reaction in the brain. We are subordinate to chemicals, that is what this is about. I do agree it's a good project.
This man still has his head. He is very close to escaping this life, I am rooting for him!
“I have these goals, I know what I want to do in a sense. It’s those first steps I don’t know how to take...”
Dude I felt that in my soul! I know exactly how he feels! 😓
My brother in law is a heroin addict. Has a regular job, a kid and my sister as his wife. Kept clean for many years but every couple years he falls back into it. Must be a terrible demon to deal with.
I grew up with a very close friend, but later in our HS years, we chose one path (drugs, bad kids) and I chose a different path which was more focused on school and sports. We were not that much different and he could have been me and I could have been him. He’s cleaned up completely, but took many many years. Nice that even after 50 years, we still stay in touch.
At least this boy has a good head on his shoulders...... praying he finds help and he gets his life back together 😢🙏🏻
27 years old and addicted to Heroin , so sad to see . Hope he can get off this shit and get his life back .
Grant you rarely see old heroin addicts , they don’t usually make it to old age unless they quit
Well how old do you think you are when YOU BECOME a junkie? Lol.
You usually start doing dope in your teens... sometimes 20-22. Those are the ages it begins for 90% of people.
Leslie Churchwell I started at 18. Got clean at 20
@@cray8on (?)...ok. cool.
@@actuallyNo... your sarcastic response to someone sharing their recovery story makes you look like an awful person.
I hope he gets the help he needs to end his addiction
There is so much to say about this man. He is so handsome and luckily heroin hasn't completely fried his brain. He's very intelligent and he's very aware but uncertainty is holding him back. I hope he can make it to recovery he has genuine potential 💛💛💛
I really hope he get out the dark hole before it sucks him in to deep,there is such harsh struggles going on in that environment😩 such a heartbreaking reality of many places such as skid row! My thought are with him .. good luck and strength.you really need it 💓
He’s a handsome guy not going to lie, hope he gets the help he’s needs...sending prayers
Your really young bro....it’s not easy picturing your life sober in the beginning but everyday you learn how to deal with it more and more....it’s that initial step that’s the toughest but you got this
Steven. You. CAN. do. this. Start fresh someplace else! I'm your age, there's much ahead of us! You have the will, you have all the power!
He’s a smart guy. I hope he gets the help he deserves
HI, Stephen. Thank you for sharing your story. "Half measures or whole steps..." and "who knows if that feeling [improved self-esteem] will last?" You know what you need to do. And, no...that feeling will not last. You are now able to look at the people living on the streets for years, haggard, worn and torn, beaten and broken, and realize you are not there yet. You will be. If you don't make big changes, fast! You can do it Stephen...just do it! Find career training...national shortage of welders...good money, lots jobs, not too academic, fairly short training. Just an example of a possible vocation. Get out of skid row. There are services everywhere. Go now and don't look back. Find good people and support. Change your life...before it is too late.
Just Noell Welding is a good career.
You are a good person. ♥️
27 is young. He still has time to get himself together. I hope he's not 45 or 50 in the same situation.
I'm 38, and I miss being in my 20s!
I look back and realize that there's a HUGE difference between 27 & 37, ya know? ...and it's only a 10 year difference. I wonder what 48 is gonna be like, probably how I spend my time with what I do within that 10 year time frame between. I've learned that was the case between 27 & 37..I look back and there's a lot I would change,but then they're some things I would deffo not change, it's what we do that makes us I guess...sorry for the rambling,lol! It helps me,lol! It's therapeutic I guess!lol!✌
@@wesleyalan9179 Yea I hear ya! I feel the same way. There's a lot I would do diffetent for sure. You think you have lots & lots of time when your in your twenties but 30 creeps up on you kind of quick. The next thing you know your 40! I'm 46yrs old and I have to make changes in my life before I turn 50. Years & time seems to fly by too fast..its like hold up I remember being 33 and not paying much attention to age. I remember 33 because I got divorced and had a ball. I lived with my parents and worked and went back to college. I was busy and lovin life with no kids so I was having a ball. Things change before you know it tho. I tell my nephews that. Have fun while your young and take good care of yourself. Your body can and will turn on you and it has so many components to it that coincide with one another. In other words your body can fall apart so take care of it so it will take care you..😊..Sorry for the rant but when I get on a roll chile..smh..😁😂
@@valenciavasquez8021 hey...thanks for the response! Really nice to hear someone w/some sound and solid advice,thank you!
Rambling on and on to complete strangers in the TH-cam comments section is quite therapeutic for me,lol! Its become my favorite past time(in other words it my favorite way to waste a lil' time ,when I have time to waste that is,lol! But yeah,you're absolutely right about everything you said,time will deffinatly take its time and sneak up on you,sometimes when its allready too late,lol! Well,its a half hr. till midnight here so I'm going to bed,maybe I'll catch up w/ you some other time! Take care!✌😎👌
Stephen, you are sooo much brighter than your current surroundings & situation! It doesnt have to become a permanent lifestyle. Youre young, good looking, well spoken, intelligent; all the right things that will open the doors that YOU want. Dont wait too long, it will only become harder to climb out. Best wishes & good luck! :)
When your ready, you will get sober. I run a street ministry, we will help anyone we can. Maybe 2 out of every 50 asks. Sad part is that so many are not ready, and when they are, its often to late. When you wake up and say I want to be sober more then I ever want to get high again, then you will. We live in self medicating society. One is sober or they are not. There is no middle. We tell them...be weird in todays world and be sober and responsible for your life. Unlike most of the rest. God bless this young man and all in your videos. Gods grace awaits us all, no matter who we are or what we've done.
john sanzone amen to that. It takes what it takes it took me over 20 years and dozens of white chips to finally get it together totally surrender now I have over five years
Thank you
I commend you for your work.. I don’t think I would have the resiliency to help addicts..
Amen. Thank you for sharing that truth.
Amen.
He needs to go to rehab. Then when he gets out get to an NA or AA meeting as soon as he gets out. Ask for help get a sponsor join a group don’t pick up no matter what. This has been working for me for over five years.
Congratulations on your sobriety xx
Great to hear this!
Allan Greenson You’re amazing. Congratulations. 💜
Allan..is that really a pic of you? Man,you are built! Lol! And congratulations on your sobriety! ✌
Leanda D_g thank you
“I want it now” break that thought and trust the treatment you can get clean. You are young. There’s an easier life. It’ll b a bit harder at first but trust every clean person. It’s an easier life clean. I’m 12 years clean.
n p loser
He still thinks he’s in charge of his addiction...clear as day. This isn’t the bottom for him yet
Our words and thoughts to him, and about him, are prayers. I hope the very best to him, for a full recovery and a wonderful life!
He's model material, no question.
Steven, if your reading this, I live in Massachusetts and i know that's a world away from you distance wise, but I have been so close to you in spirit. I used dope for over ten yrs and I got clean 5 yrs ago at 29. I got on the methadone clinic (I know, I know, it's not for everyone) but it helped me and I started community college, got my license, got a vehicle, I also had help with housing from family and having support is super important. Idk why I feel so compelled to reach out, but as I lay here in bed I think of you (and all the others suffering along side u) out there in the street, sick, hungry, cold or worse, dead. People out here are oding left and right it's insane. I do miss the fast life, the freedom but not the loneliness or ugliness of it all. u seem so smart and aware. If nothing at all, your I'm my thoughts tonight across the country, and I hope your okay and u find a reason to change your situation. You are beautiful! U can do this! U got nothing lose. ✌💙🙏
Same here. Helped a ton.!! Just have to find that right dose..
Listen to her Stephen! Xoxoxo 🙏🦋♥️
If you want to reach him, you should email Mark (the guy interviewing, it’s his channel.) Ask Mark if he has any way to reach this man. I’d bet he’s got a Facebook at least or an email. He can get Stephen’s permission to give you his contact info.
I doubt he’d say no. Good luck! Let us know what happens!! 🥰
Please do another interview with him, I wonder what he’s like on a different day.
I actually have hope for this kid, unlike most of your other guests. If think if he can kick heroin, then he's got a lot of potential.
No. That's not how it works. Heroin addiction is permanent and can overcome any bullshitter.
@@johnsmith1474 people can and do recover from opiate addiction. Why are you so resistant to that?
@@meganfielder144 - I'd love it if it were true. But it's not. You know some painkiller abuser who got off the pills? Congrats that's minor screwing around. And at any rate dope addicts are NOT the ethical focus of the dope problem. The ethical focus of heroin problem is to prevent new innocent people from becoming addicts. They become addicts because they have associates who use heroin and they try it. Addicts spread addiction, dealers are murderers.
You don't know one intravenous heroin addict who ever ended that roller coaster without either using Methadone, in which case they are a worthless zombie, or becoming a hardcore alky etc. I've spoken with addicts in NY state prisons who have been clean for a year, they go to bed at night dreaming of a fix and tell me they will buy dope within an hour of being put back on then streets. The data is real and in respect of precision I will agree that perhaps 1%, or one out of 100, heroin addicts every clean up their act. Stories told by people who are trying to get their kids back so they can avoid jail are bullshit. Stories told by people squirming to avoid jail are bullshit, a heroin addict is the most natural liar on planet Earth.
I don't hate people, I think heroin addicts should get prescribed heroin by a doctor, but they must turn in their dealers, who should go to jail for life. But addicts won't do that, they want to be treated, have a clean time vaca, then relapse. They look forward to relapse even it they hate being an addict. Believe me young lady, I know the streets.
@@johnsmith1474 You're wrong.
Have you ever been addicted/dependent on opiates?
Many Blessings to Stephen
I pray for his speedy recovery
I see so much Potential In him
Stephen please find your wings and fly
Do you just have a vendetta against people that have a history with heroin. I can get it if you dislike people currently on heroin, maybe one of your parents shot up in front of you or something, but you need to deal with that yourself instead of laughing.
Instead of urging people who have been clean for 8 years to go back to it, even just on youtube
Instead of wishing death on addicts,
Figure out your own issues and live to find happiness
JZH10000 I want him to find peace and sobriety when he finds his wings and takes flight
@@deanawells4395 that saying is telling him to die and go to the light you know.
The lesson I’m still trying to learn is pleasure does not equal happiness. If an addict can grasp that fact maybe they would be more willing to endure the suck of quitting.
Thank you, that is a great phrase to live by
I have a few people in my life who struggled with addiction and until them it was a foreign situation to me.
But one day while speaking to one of them it hit me; when talking to an active addict you hear they wanna get clean but it's *so* hard. When she said this to me, this thought came to me and I asked her, "Well how easy is *this* life you're choosing to live?" She just stared at me. I was like you've gained a a world of disaster with people so low they'll say and do whatever, this also means you've lost those who care and will fight for you. You're sick when you don't have your drug, you have to worry about someone robbing you, selling you bad crap, ODing, sleeping rough, no money, no belongings, clothes that don't keep you warm, etc.
She didn't get sober that day but she did tell me that when she would think about and then turn away from treatment because it was gonna be "hard" she never thought about how hard life was being an addict. She found out she was pregnant and praise be to God she just stopped. It was HARD and a nightmare but she did it. She has since joined an aa/na group at our church ans has other support systems. She has her baby and to see this woman look at that little guy and love him and care for him the way she does is amazing.
I am happy for you that you are a success story.
Well put. When I recovered, I had to really take a second to think about "It doesn't matter if I don't feel exactly perfectly right in this moment." It's ok to go through lows. Using drugs, we really manipulate when and where we feel good and bad, so we kind of taught our brains that social situations require drugs because people expect you to not be depressed or be weird. Social situations being sober, I just started to deflect people's questions to me back to them and took time to listen to them, and it taught me a bit of humility. A huge, giant, painful horrible experience getting sober but there's light at the end of that tunnel a million times brighter than where you are at now
@@satsh9945 sure is..
Go Steven! Just do it! Rooting for you
Me too!! Go Steven!!
this guy is so normal, seems so nice. Hope he gets it together, he has a lot of potential.
😥My heart goes out for all these people,I used to be one,None if us are exempt.Fuk I wish the world wasn't so cruel.
You're right, no one is exempt. We are all heathens and some how some of us along the way figured they're better than others which couldn't be farther from the truth. We're all equal, some of us just make a few wrong turns, doesn't make anyone less of a person.
Amy Dee you’re speaking true life
I am so glad that you asked the question about relating self worth to drug use as a source of punishment of ones self. I wish you asked everyone that question. It is so interesting to hear the honestly and brutality of these people lives. Thank you for sharing these stories ❤️
Dear young man, you are smart, good looking and worthy of a good life. You deserve a healthy, happy and successful life filled with love. Go to that resource center and find someone to give you a step by step plan. You are still young. You can still have a great life. You deserve so much more than where you are at right now. JUST DO IT!!!!
This is definitely someone that can bounce back from this period of his life, hope he stops doubting himself that he can just get better and get clean.
Opportunity will not fall in your lap! You have the strength to get out !! Do it dude!!
This hurts to watch. He seems kind and like he has potential. I hope he finds his way.
I'm 32 years old been smoking green for anxiety since I was 14 years old my father was a heroin addict and he's the first one to give me a joint and tell me exactly what heroin was like to do when your bathing a forty-year-old grow man because he just s*** on himself cuz he don't have his drugs you don't want to do drugs later in life you just keep smoking your green and that's all you do
I agree except I'll trade the marijuana for my antidepressants. Used to love weed, but nowadays even CBD makes me anxious. But yeah. I agree with the sentiment, stay away from hard drugs while you can. They're such a waste of time; the best high is learning how to cultivate the life you want to have
Addiction is prison... Recovery is freedom... do what it takes to be free...💙❤️💙. 15 year opiate addiction here... 2 1/2 years totally drug free......
He doesn’t want to be clean yet. The time will pass anyways so 6 months or even 12 months it didn’t matter. Get it done
I grew up here in Southern California and have at times volunteered for different programs for the homeless.
I think these videos are a great opportunity for people to learn that these individuals are just regular people.
There’s nothing in your about page about why you began this project and what you are hoping to achieve by it.
Rivka Weiss th-cam.com/video/SbadZrnT9bs/w-d-xo.html
Yes as a los Angeles, ca resident I agree! I promise there are resources you can find to volunteer with, but it usually begins by visiting a shelter in person first. They will provide better linkage to further services like soup kitchens, bathing facilities, and other public services that some unhoused people can come to sit down and recharged for a minute. I would call the Hippie Kitchen in la (they’re really cool) and start there
Soft White Underbelly
Thank you for responding. That link is just taking me back to this video.
If you scroll through his videos mark does make a video on where he comes from and why he is doing what he is doing .....he has tons of videos and he is trying to help and listen one person at a time so pls do your research before you assume that he is doing nothing but just making videos hope this helps answer your question and assumptions.
@@punkyfeathers1639 if you click on his channel, Mark has an intro video explaining his purpose & hope's & reasons for why he is doing this type of work. ✌
I really like this guy, a very honest lad, wishing you all the very best Stephen.✌🦋
I feel like we need a “Free hugs and Love” centre for skid row and alike. These people need Loving Compassion 🙏
He needs the right person in his life and he'll flourish. I wish the best for him. I hope to see a good update for this guy.
He so needs a helping hand. Praying for him.
What a bright, intelligent fella with a clear mind. This guy has potential for sure.... love him!!!
I know it's easier said than done but he needs to go to rehab. Preferably one that is far away from skid row.
One thing I've learned, is you can try and run and get far away, but theres going to be drugs anywhere you go and you have to have the will power to tell yourself no!
He's really cute, articulate, intelligent and he seems to be on the right track! I wish him well :)
I'm just praying for this young man.
Eh Stephen, I SEE YOU!!! You’re a smart, self-aware, good person. You are a lot more than your current situation and your past. Don’t let this be your whole story man, you can get out of there. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us!
Stephen you have so much potential and a great insight I really hope you get the strength and help you need to beat this terrible disease you're in my thoughts ❤️
Stephen please you are worthy,you deserve a great life,reach out. I wish you well. 🦋🦋
He didn't mention why he can't stay with his dad or mother, did he?
It's clear why he can't he's addicted to heroin smfh.
Damn I hope he can get out of that place he just needs to put his mind through it
Person in recovery from the same stuff here.
This guy is fulllll of denial. Bro I wish you the best!! I really hope you get and stay clean. I’m not trying to be mean, just blunt and critical.
YOU ARE WORTH IT!!! Always remember that.
We are all with u brawww you are stronger than that
What a decent guy - I hope he pulls it together. Sounds like he knows what he needs to do so hoping he has a fresh start
You are not too far gone !! Contact me I’ll do what I can
I hope he takes your offer
The Mad Willy
Hahaha
“I wanna be sober, but I want my freedom too,” says Stephen. Well, there goes that. Not gonna get sober then.
Yeah freedom doesn't happen until you get sober and work the program.
Yeah he will wtf you mean by that??? If he truly wants it he can sign up for a intensive outpatient program which requires him to be drug tested 3 times a week and attend NA meetings all while being free no jail no rehabilitation center to be in. He can roam free anywhere he wants as long as he does what's asked of him
What he doesn’t realize yet... he is in prison now... recovery is freedom 💙💙💙
The sooner the better!! The longer you wait the harder it will be!
I feel as if Stephen is on the brink of hope. BigLove Stephen.
Good luck Stephen.. I see so much potential in you to get yourself together and carve out a great future for yourself. I really hope it happens for you and wish you well❤️
He is too handsome to be doing this. I wish he wouldn't keep doing drugs 😪 he seems to have so much potential
I like this kid, but sad that even when the guy says would you like to be in a program, he says yes, BUT I still want my freedom. Hate to be rough, but he needs to get rid of the excuses, suck it up and get into the program regardless of what the program is all about. Get it together man....you got one life to live. Make the first step to REAL freedom.
Oh Steven, you are still young, bright and driven. Go for it and get help. The job will follow. I wish you the best for you so deserve it. You are a beautifully authentic human being with a sweet smile. Don't let your present lifestyle take that from you. That would be a true shame.
When an addict is ready to get into recovery they do not put stipulations on their recovery. They don't care about being tied down or not having freedoms, they just want to get clean. And they will do whatever it takes! I think this young man is almost there but not quite. I wish him all of the luck!!
He’s not ready yet
I hope you take that leap, brother. F*ck not wanting to follow the rehabs program - humble yourself and do it. You’re worth it.
Steven you’re an amazing guy and recovery will be the best thing you’ve ever done for yourself! If you can get into a suboxone Treatment program it would save your life! Washington has amazing Drs here if you ever wanted to get out of there
Good Luck Stephen. I wish you the best. Your real as hell. Straight foward.
I'm praying for you. You got this. You need guidance and pour your heart out to someone. Let someone take you under their wing. Go get it you can do this. I have faith in you. Please do it
One year of suffering and gutting through it might be a gateway to many many years of good life. Just get mentally ready, suffer and get through it. Otherwise, this life of “pleasure” and very limited freedom (because there is actually very little you can do other than sit in a tent or walk down the streets) will never end.
Stephen blessings to you. ❤️🙏🏼
What happened to Chris.... ? I was watching his video and it was removed. I hope you’re well Chris blessings to you. ❤️🙏🏼
he taking responsibility at the end there. thats great to see. hope he is doing well
Soft spoken sensitive young man.
I wish for him someone in his life who would love him but also discipline him.
Hope he finds what he is looking for
Just take that step into rehab..follow through.. you have potential to succeed in life..Good luck mate from Australia..🙏💜
if anyone wants to find out about a better way to treat drug addicts look at the drug policy of portugal. drug users and drug criminals do not get punished with jail. they get help instead and a chance to reintegrate in society. the money portugals safes with not putting people into jails, this country spends instead on all the helping programs. this policy exists since 2001. since then the numbers of drug addicts and all of its horrible side effects went down significantly. hopefully all other countries in the world will follow this more human way imo. i am neither from portugal nor from the usa but whatching from abroad this country is just shocking to me. it seems to be such a cold and unhuman place with its weak members just being dropped and so many people who just don't ever even have or get one single chance. and then this president... it is the 12th richest country in the world. is it so hard for such a rich country to provide proper help? it is just so heartbreaking to listen to all the interviews. i hope everyone will somehow make it!
I agree! I'm europian and many europian countries deal a whole lot better with addicts then the US .
But you're missing the big picture.
The U.S. has a completely different way they formulate inmates, incarceration, and the whole "Justice System". Its one of THE HUGEST money makers in The U S. Why do you think they want everyone arrested?! They dont care about keeping people.in jail, good, bad , or innocent... they just want them fined, arrested, housed for whatever period suits them best, then turned back onto the street to get arrested all over again.
The U.S. Gov. Does not care about people reentering society. Shit, they barely care if people are alive period.
@@thematriarchy2075 , You dont understand the level of corrupt The U.S. is, or why it is. My advice: Dont ever come here, and stay over in Europe.
No one does time for possession of personal amounts of drugs.
He’s just not ready. My son never wanted to go to rehab willingly until the last time. He came home clean, sober, himself, with no black holes where his eyes should be, and his bright baby blue eyes shining. He died 2 weeks later in his bedroom of cardiomegely, from his drug and alcohol abuse. His tox screen during autopsy was totally clean. He was 34 and he was my baby. My heart is forever broken.
It is interesting to me how, like just talking about recovery, probably helps people in a way. I think that is one of the really important things that is easily overlooked(about these videos), is like how often do these people(and people in general) like stop and think "what is the first step?" you know. I think that just asking people how they want to change is perhaps really important in a sort of subtle yet profound kind of way.
this guy has so much potential. hope he gets better
He knew what he needed to do. I hope he did. So young.
he was like "yeah"
then the interviewer was like "yeah.... this is the bottom of the barrel"
and he was like "yeah".
Stephen if there's a chance you read that please get clean you can do it, you have to do it. You worth it so I'll pray for you.
An update would be great on this one.
Please ,as soon as you are ready go get that help you will never regret that my man wishing you success with that i want you to see 30 and start feeling blessed for the little things you will get there,persevere!Stop letting the drug rule you,seek independence before you get hurt!
U can hear him counting the money hes giving him for the interview. Sad it will go to drugs.
He seems to be a really nice guy. I hope his life can turn around and start his future❤️
Marry him
I look forward to you interviews with those of us, who have found a way out of all this tragedy. Our stories have a happy ending and need to be heard too eh? Love from London
This guy is so smart and well spoken
One has to wonder why h w et al bother? There’s more to life than this...h w
Yes he’s in his own way so much potential he’s not sacrificing himself nothing is major important low self esteem I pray for his speedy recovery let’s go My Brother
Many Blessings awaits you
He has an excuse for every solution.
I've no excuses unfortunately, I was born with a small willy. 🙁
@n p y r u watching? Your a miserable ass
Stephen is a very handsome young man and seems very sweet and like he is trying. I really believe he knows he deserves better and I hope he gets there.
Well bro you have to put the work in to get sober you have to want the sobriety more than you wanna get high seven classes a day is nothing compared to your lifetime take advantage of them programs man stay focus on recovery it’s NEVER easy but you can do it man
These heroin addict young kids rip my heart out. I just got a call that a cousin who has fought addiction for years lost his battle while in rehab, 27 like this kid. I'm sick to my stomach. When is this grip of heroin going to loosen. There has to be something...
Heather Held no lie this kinda shook me as I am 27 and have a 1 year old he lives with my mom cuz I replaced and when I read this I was like dam this could be me like I assumed you where talking about 18-19 year olds but yea I just turned 27. And that could be me losing my battle next. Holy cow thanks it’s kinda like a wake up like knowing people out there still think 26-27 year olds still have a journey to make and we are no a waste cuz we don’t have a collage degree
Heather Held i know how this feels. sending you love & light ❤️
@@kkandsims4612 theres always time to get better...always!
Heather Held so sorry for your loss and damn it happened at rehab! I was in 4 different rehabs before I finally got clean I saw others who were definitely high and heard them talking with others the dope was all over in there!
Well starting with improving social security, domestic violence shelters, free legal and medical, free education, free, and highly trained professional mental health support, improvement to community resources like sporting facilities, swimming pools and large swathes of healthy parks...these would be where I would start
This world is so fucked up and unfair. A second ago, I finished watching a video about a guy who spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on a watch without thinking twice, and now I'm watching this poor lad...
I love what you do. Someone might look at people in his situation and think they have no desire to better themselves. After hearing this guys it let’s you see so much more. Of course there are people who are manipulative and make you think they want another life and they really don’t. But this guy makes me believe him.
Michele Hardman Now here’s someone who gets the point..cheers for this