Life has a way of throwing curveballs... It takes us on unexpected paths and sometimes, it's a struggle just to keep up. In the midst of all this, my grandfather often reminded me, "Control your thoughts and you control your mind." How has that mantra guided me through the upheavals of my personal journey? Tune in and we'll explore together. This episode takes you through my journey between 2004 and 2008, a period marked by loss, love, life lessons, and the haunting shadows of addiction. This episode was tough, recounting the profound impact of losing my grandfather and a close friend in quick succession. I also take you through my relationship with Kaitlin, who played an instrumental role in my life, but was also linked to a period of intense personal turmoil. On this ride, we'll walk the rocky path of my escalating addiction and its toll on my relationships, the pressures of college life in Tucson, and my battles with depression and manic bipolar disorder.As we move towards the end of this episode, I recount the grim realities of my life post-college. I talk about my struggles with a severe OxyContin addiction while living with my parents and working in the pharmacy industry. This journey hasn't been easy, and it's led to some harsh truths, difficult attempts at quitting, and a life-altering stint in rehab. Yet, through it all, the support I've received has been my saving grace. Join me on this journey and perhaps, you'll find reflections of your own challenges, and the strength to face them head on.The Successful Degenerate is produced by Brandon Caldwell and Eric Smith from Abuveground. Make sure to connect and follow on our socials. Rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe and follow on your favorite platforms so you're notified when new episodes go live! https://www.instagram.com/thesuccessfuldegenerate/www.abuveground.com