Shawn Ryan Show
#178 Ben Owen - Inside the Life of an Addict
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Ben Owen shares his inspiring journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming a leader in veteran support and community recovery.
- The podcast highlights the critical role of community support in helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.
- Understanding the trauma-addiction connection is crucial for effective treatment and recovery strategies in mental health and addiction fields.
- Discussions reveal the harsh realities of living in trap houses, emphasizing the systemic issues contributing to addiction and violence.
- Challenging stigmas surrounding addiction is vital for fostering empathy, understanding, and encouraging individuals to seek the help they need.
- The resilience of those in recovery is highlighted, showcasing triumphs and setbacks while emphasizing that each recovery journey is unique.
Deep dives
The Importance of Live Betting
Live betting on NBA games offers fans the opportunity to engage more fully with the game, enhancing their viewing experience. The podcast discusses how platforms like FanDuel provide users with real-time betting options, allowing them to place bets as the game unfolds. This dynamic approach to betting makes each moment of the game feel more thrilling and allows users to leverage their understanding of the game's ebb and flow. Such betting practices can significantly increase both the fun and the potential rewards for avid sports fans.
Transition from Addiction to Advocacy
The speaker shares their personal journey from deep addiction to establishing initiatives aimed at combating human and narcotics trafficking. Struggling with substance abuse from a young age, their experiences motivated them to transform their pain into a force for good. This transition emphasizes the importance of using past challenges to help others who are still battling similar demons, emphasizing that recovery is possible and it can lead to impactful community engagement. The narrative illustrates the speaker's dedication to making a difference in the lives of others affected by addiction.
The Reality of Living in Trap Houses
The podcast discusses the harsh realities of living in trap houses, portraying them as environments rife with danger and violence. Trap houses serve as hubs for drug abuse and trafficking, where addiction and exploitation are commonplace. The speaker recounts their experiences in these settings and highlights the chaos that ensues, shedding light on the dehumanizing aspects of such a lifestyle. Such vivid descriptions serve as a stark reminder of the systemic issues contributing to these circumstances.
The Cycle of Addiction and Violence
Addiction often perpetuates a cycle of violence, particularly in impoverished neighborhoods. The conversation explores how individuals caught in this cycle can become desensitized to violence due to their environments, normalizing harmful behaviors. This normalization can hinder efforts to escape such circumstances, as individuals may feel trapped by their circumstances. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding this cycle in order to address the underlying issues and provide pathways out of this lifestyle.
The Role of Community in Recovery
Community support plays a critical role in the recovery process for individuals struggling with addiction. The speaker articulates the importance of surrounding oneself with a community that promotes sobriety and provides emotional and practical support. Whether through formal programs or informal social networks, having a solid support system can significantly bolster recovery efforts. Additionally, rebuilding relationships and connections can foster a sense of belonging that helps individuals resist the temptations of their past.
Finding Purpose Through Helping Others
One of the key themes of the podcast is the transformative power of helping others in recovery. The speaker describes how their own recovery journey became deeply intertwined with a desire to help others battling similar issues. This sense of purpose not only aids in their own sobriety but also encourages others to strive for change in their lives. Engaging in altruistic behavior can create a positive feedback loop that benefits both the helper and those receiving aid, reinforcing the importance of community and service.
The Impact of Trauma on Addiction
The podcast delves into the connection between trauma and addiction, noting that many individuals coping with substance abuse have traumatic histories. The discussion highlights how traumatic experiences can lead individuals to seek out drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. By addressing and healing from trauma, individuals can reduce their reliance on substances and start on the path to recovery. Understanding this link is vital for anyone working in the fields of addiction and mental health.
Battling Stigma in the Recovery Process
Stigmas surrounding addiction can create barriers for those seeking help and support. The speaker discusses the societal perceptions that often label individuals with substance abuse issues as moral failures or criminals, further isolating them from support systems. Challenging these stigmas is essential for fostering a more compassionate and understanding environment where individuals feel safe seeking help. By sharing their own stories and advocating for awareness, the speaker aims to reduce judgment and increase empathy for those grappling with addiction.
The Journey to Rebuilding Relationships
Rebuilding relationships following addiction can be a challenging yet rewarding process. The podcast illustrates how the speaker's journey involved not only seeking forgiveness from loved ones but also learning to forgive oneself. The healing of familial bonds, especially with children, requires consistency, honesty, and time. The speaker emphasizes that while trust may take time to rebuild, many of these connections can ultimately emerge stronger than before.
Escaping the Cycle of Violence in Communities
Addressing violence in communities requires a multi-faceted approach, intertwining efforts from law enforcement, community organizations, and individuals. The podcast emphasizes that simply arresting drug dealers does not solve the underlying issues that spur violence. A more holistic approach involving community outreach, education, and opportunity can help dismantle these cycles of violence. Creating safe havens and providing alternatives to drug economies can contribute to long-lasting change in affected neighborhoods.
The Role of Nonprofits in Healing Communities
Nonprofit organizations can play a pivotal role in transforming communities affected by addiction and violence. The speaker describes initiatives aimed at providing resources and support for both individuals in recovery and families affected by addiction. By organizing community engagement events and offering practical assistance, nonprofits can foster hope and empowerment. These efforts not only address immediate needs but also work toward systemic change in the long term.
Resilience of Individuals in Recovery
The podcast underscores the incredible resilience exhibited by individuals in recovery, showcasing stories of triumph and redemption. The journey is often fraught with setbacks, but countless people find the strength to keep pushing forward despite their challenges. The speaker emphasizes that recovery is a deeply personal journey that can take many forms—each person’s path is unique. Celebrating these successes and learning from setbacks can create a supportive environment for those on the path to recovery.
The Power of Shared Experiences
Shared experiences can serve as a powerful catalyst for connection and understanding among individuals in recovery. The podcast highlights how individuals can bond over their struggles, fostering empathy and support. By openly discussing their journeys, individuals create spaces for others to share their own stories, breaking down barriers and reducing shame. These connections can pave the way for lasting friendships and support networks that make recovery more attainable.
Creating Lasting Change in Memphis
The conversation wraps up with a focus on the broader implications of recovery efforts in Memphis and beyond. The speaker discusses initiatives aimed at tackling addiction and violence on a community level, looking toward sustainable solutions. By fostering partnerships, engaging with community members, and addressing underlying issues, lasting change can be achieved. The hope is that efforts in Memphis can serve as a model for similar initiatives in other cities, helping to combat addiction and create healthier communities.
Ben Owen is an Army Infantry veteran, a father to eight children, graduate of the University of Alabama, and American Patriot. From startups to Fortune 500 companies, Ben has excelled in leadership, strategy, raising brand awareness and sales. He is the President of digital media and data intel company Black Rifle Co, co-founder of We Fight Monsters, and CEO of Flanders Fields, where his mission is to stand up as many Flanders owned clean living facilities as possible to get veterans clean and off the streets through volunteer missions in the United States and around the world.
As a previously homeless and addicted veteran, Ben has seen some of the worst the world has to offer. In this episode, he shares his story of rising above the extraordinary hardships he’s faced in order to bring hope and help to as many people as he can.
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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self.
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Ben Owen Links:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/therealbenowen/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealbenowen
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Ben-Owen-100077606762984/
Black Rifle Co - https://www.blackrifle.company/
Flanders Fields - https://flandersfields.org/
We Fight Monsters - https://wefightmonsters.org/
Once American - https://onceamerican.com/
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