RAW INTERVIEW: A former cocaine addict describes how he got clean

Cocaine deaths are on the rise - both around the country, and here in Wisconsin. Lauren Linder spoke with one man who kicked the habit years ago, and he has tips for others who want to follow in his footsteps.

[Greeny]

As an alcoholic and drug abuser I can absolutely admit that alcohol is the gateway, you have one to many drinks and suddenly a bag of white sounds like the idea of a lifetime. Drink only on special occasions and surround yourself with people who care for you. Don't let substances destroy your life like it did mine. Anybody who suffers through similar things, I believe in you. You can do this!

[marcuszereshki]

Damn this man just opened his heart and said something we dont hear often....the truth. Thank you sir!

[yply.o.]

I spent 8 long years smoking crack. I’m 2 1/2 years sober now and often find myself angry or depressed at how slow and boring my life can be at times now but when I really think hard, I realize I’m blessed and better off now.

[sethxmm]

if your thinking about relapsing rn pls dont, this is a sign. get to a meeting, call someone, tell someone, anyone. pls dont throw away your sobriety

[miguelalvarez]

DRUGS STOPPED WORKING, listen to this man

[iconfreddy]

can relate, I’m stuck in this cycle of addiction I’m 20 and just beginning my life but I feel as if my life is over already, I’m trying to find a purpose but each day I feel lonelier, I have no friends, I have a couple family members that I can call for ‘support’ but I’ve done so much damage already I don’t want to seek the support from them anymore because I feel a burden, I have multiple court cases weighing over me, dragging me down, I’ve lost everything due to cocaine and only have a little left, I’m trying to find a purpose to keep myself alive, if my parents were dead I would be too, I’m part of the fellowship, some great people and stories and trying to stay part of it while relapsing, anyway if anyone is reading this far I thank you.

[DaemonTargaryen]

It starts with a line or 2 on the weekends. Then you start buying your own sacks. Then once you drink you automatically crave it. Then you start doing some during the weekdays. Then you catch yourself doing it everyday. I know many people that just tried it a couple of times and are good but the majority end up down this path and it’s the worst

[Jeroenhermanjan]

It doesnt fix your problems, it will mask them at the time. But eventually make them worse

[Ldn]

I’m 34 next month been doing cocaine a few times a week since I was 17. Iv lost the love of my life and numerous jobs and spent silly amounts of money. I’m 1 week clean now I’m determined to stay this way as I can’t carry on as I was before. Hope anyone else in my position finds the strength to turn their lives around. I’m not sure if it’s too late now and the damage has been done but I need to try going sober before it’s too late and I wasted my whole life

[BlueArmeh]

Did it for 2 years 8 months after a break up. I am 35. One day dealer told me how much he hates his job and ruining peoples lives. I went on a 3 day bender had first panic attack though I was dying. Scared shit out me! That day I stopped cold turkey, said in prayers wouldnt touch it again, ever. 8 years later clean wouldn't even dream of being near anyone that does it. Its vile. Since I stopped my career has flown, had a gf for 7 years solid, spend time with my family, enjoy the basics of life, nature. How to do it is go 1 week without it, then do another week, then get to 1 month. After that 1st month you feel better and better, stronger, clear thinking.

[christianjackson]

Honest testimony from an honest guy. Such self awareness, I wish him well..🤟

[brianduff]

Drugs suck because it becomes worse than what you wanted to hide from

[anthonyeke]

Prayers to everyone out there 🙏🏽 never give up!!!

[guzmanponcedeleon]

I have a problem. Every time I have a beer, I start thinking about cocaine, and I can't stop thinking about buying a gram. When I tried it for the first time, I never imagined that I was going to be conditioned for the rest of my life like I am. I wish people would acknowledge this 'sickness' and avoid it.

[michaeldelguidice]

I started with alcohol. I did them all. Sober for over 10 years. But had a few slips in the beginning. But I kept trying until I got it. I'm lucky to be alive

[JayHaram]

My addiction started innocently enough—just a weekend thing, a party drug with friends. But soon, I was buying it for myself, using it alone. I stopped going out, not because I didn’t want to party, but because I didn’t want to share. Slowly, I began neglecting everything that mattered—my relationships, my responsibilities, my life. When my cousin passed away, instead of facing the grief, I drowned in cocaine. I spiraled out of control, and eventually and understandably, my girl dumped me. What followed was a two-year bender that consumed everything—my time, my money, my friendships. I was stuck in a cycle of destruction, unaware of how much I was losing with each passing day. Then one morning, I woke up and realized: two years of my life were gone, spent chasing a high that gave me nothing but emptiness in return. The damage was done. But today, I stand here, one year clean—rebuilding, healing, and finally learning how to live again.

[GB-nfdu]

never do coke. try it once and realize it's about as fun as jumping off a cliff without realizing you're jumping off a cliff. anybody have any details on this guy? like, how long he took it for? anyway, if you do coke, quit, eat fruits and vegetables, improve your relationships, and eclxercise every day

[mixuz]

It's interesting that the former addict speaks a lot better than the interviewer.

[LuisGarcia-uynb]

Had an addiction before covid hit, I would slam an 8 ball in two days. I stopped because I starting having sharp pains in my heart. I had a 1 year old daughter. Just have to want better for yourself....

[branscombe_]

cocaine is like winning the lottery then losing the ticket