

#178 Ben Owen - Inside the Life of an Addict
33 snips Mar 3, 2025
Ben Owen, an Army veteran and father of eight, shares his incredible journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming a beacon of hope for others. He discusses his battles with addiction, the transformative power of mentorship, and the importance of community service. Owen highlights the establishment of sober living facilities aimed at helping veterans. He also touches on the challenges of reconciling his past while building a future and advocates for compassion and connection in the fight against addiction.
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Childhood and Turning Point
- Ben Owen had an idyllic childhood, engaging in Boy Scouts, outdoor activities, and raising reptiles.
- Moving to California at 14 caused a drastic shift, leading to experimentation with drugs and alcohol.
Precocious Medical Research
- At 13, Ben led a clinical study at the University of Mississippi, published in the Journal of Neurology.
- He aimed to impress his father, a Pfizer regional manager who respected doctors.
Clinical Study Details
- Ben's theory about nerve conduction delays in neurological diseases was proven true.
- His father leveraged connections with a neurologist, likely using grants, for the study.