Blackouts, Cocaine & Alcohol: I Started Drinking at 11 & Couldn't Get Sober Until 39 | Ep 223
Summary
Colleen shares her journey from a conditional, anxiety-filled Catholic upbringing in Dayton, Ohio, to severe addiction fueled by trauma, bullying, and early exposure to alcohol. She recounts surviving two DUIs, a hysterectomy-induced depression, and a relationship built on shared drinking before finally seeking help in January 2024. The episode explores her path to sobriety through art, spiritual growth, and the unwavering support of her uncle, a 44-year recovering addict, as she navigates amends and self-forgiveness.
Topics discussed
Intro: DUI arrest and jail pickup
Morning after DUI and second offense
Background: Catholic Irish family and childhood
Parental relationship and difficult childhood
Spirituality, art, and school struggles
Bullying and conditional love in youth
High school anxiety and early substance use
Tragic neighborhood events and gun violence
Death of friend Phillip and early drinking
Death of friend Lindsay in car accident
Comfort in men and reluctance to attend college
University of Rio Grande and flunking out
Siblings dynamics and moving to Columbus
Art school success and financial struggles
Hitting rock bottom and first sobriety attempt
Returning to Dayton and post-graduation fear
Blackout incident and AA recommendation
Vomiting incident and first AA meeting
Relapse after probation and postpartum depression
Meeting boyfriend and falling in love
Social media attacks and resentment
Childhood trauma and art therapy
2024 crisis and choosing sobriety
12 steps, higher power, and Eminem's influence
Book project and hiding addiction from partner
2023 hospitalization and withdrawal symptoms
Suicide attempt and choosing life
Finding real friends in recovery
Relationship dynamics and family boundaries
Gratitude for current life and foxhole prayers
Losing voice and peanut allergy incident
Jail talks and reconnecting with arresting officer
Advice for recovery and harm reduction
Conclusion: Show, book, and final thoughts
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