After tackling the "opioid crisis" in earlier podcasts and why so many find themselves trying or using hard drugs, I decided to take on the aspects NO ONE talks about. What is it about using hard drugs that keep users stuck or constantly coming back -- things that have NOTHING to do with the drug itself. Controversial at best, I still wish more would talk about this, including therapists with their clients. It's how we understand ourselves and become well.




✧ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rollwthepunches
✧ Quick Disability FAQ:
-I have the trifecta of EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, mostly hypermobile, but with some crossover into vascular) / POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) / MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) 
-I also have Erythromelalgia (aka "Man on Fire"). 
-Wheelchair user 
-I also have many mental health complications from severe childhood trauma, but will mostly focus on medical disability here.

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I'm Kaalyn, chronic illness warrior, wheelchair bamf and certified hellion for the greater good. Fueled by compassion, hungry for education, and always good for a laugh. Here are my thoughts.


TIMESTAMPS FOR EASIER LISTENING! 0:00 -- General Intro 3:00 -- Background on why this topic is important 7:56 -- A light disclaimer on "who an addict is", who I am thinking of in this podcast, and the kinds of addicts I'm NOT trying to humanise here 11:35 -- Generalised summary of why people use heroin and/or why they go back 13:30 -- "Needle Allure" 15:00 -- Regaining bodily autonomy via needles 17:58 -- Completely transforming the relationship to their body 19:53 -- Being blindsided by an unexpected "positive" 20:44 -- Developing accidental self-intimacy, self-care or self-love 24:09 -- Why some continue to inject water 25:15 -- The ritual/routine and/or obsession to it all 33:00 -- Feeling POWERFUL. Invincibility, pride, esteem. 37:10 -- Super important DO NOT DO THIS disclaimer 38:25 -- The thrill factor 42:07 -- Self-fulfilling or self-rejecting prophecies 49:50 -- THE BIGGEST THING: Friends, socialisation, connection, a reason to shower and go outside 1:01:28 -- A bit of a summary/closing statement on why this matters 1:12:00 -- Outro