As I sit here in a lonely dark room watching this documentary and smoking fentanyl after loosing my wife of 14 years to a relapse and overdose after we were both clean ,after seeing sobriety for 6 years I can honestly say it’s not easy but the happiness is worth it, I don’t wish anyone the pain I’m feeling right now and am so proud that you were able to remain sober. All I long for is to be with her again, don’t care about anything else.
Sending you all the love in the world. There’s not much else I can say. Whether or not you believe it, you deserve to feel peace; whatever that may mean or be to you. ❤️
I wish you the best. I've lost an ex girlfriend and my ex-wife to this battle. My best friend, who was there when my brother passed, committed suicide a week ago. Not to mention all of the friends from school and through life that have passed. The struggle is real. Just know that it CAN be different, once you really want it. I will say a prayer for you. Just know that you're loved by someone somewhere. I wish you the best, keep your head up.
@@Tim.M.Johnson Tim, you are a really likeable person. Like, a very good person. Smart and articulate. Loveable 💗 Tough 💪 Handsome 🤭 Hate seeing this happening to you. 😥
Lots of respect for you Tim, you took some hard lessons in life the hard way and for this I am sorry. You have worked hard, humble and respectful. A real u turn - congratulations 👏 x
I know you're not making the money you used to make Mark, but I can assure you the impact your videos make far outweigh any picture you've ever taken (not to diminish your career.) Please keep it up.
@@doopstoop4656 Ofcourse money is part of this. How is he going to be able to create this content without it? He has spent a lot of his own money on this project.
I didn’t want this interview to end. Found him fascinating. He’s been through some serious shit, that would have destroyed a lot of people and has come out the other side. He’s a tough dude, very likeable. I’m sorry that all that happened to you and your family Tim…. Thanks for sharing your story. ❤️
Tim's voice is an example of what it is like for addicts when they are completely off of drugs, he has constant anxiety all the time and just talking to people is not pleasant for him. Long term drug and alcohol abuse damages the prefrontal cortex resulting in anxiety, social anxiety, impaired decision making, bad memory, depression, compulsion. These people suffer from mental health problems that need to be treated with understanding and compassion, not looked at as weaker than or less than, yet there is this stigma that addicts are taking the easy way out being high all day.
You are correct sir. I was definitely nervous telling my story for the first time on camera, especially RUclips. It was definitely easier to keep using, than to face reality. Unfortunately that really only leads to two places, institutions or death. I've got too much to lose, and too much to live for.
Another reason to respect Tim... I don't recall another interviewee who took the time to thank people in the comments. A true gentleman. His family should be proud.
It’s the most uncomfortable, nonstop feeling. I was a Xanax abuser too and I swear it fucks up your nervous system. I think anxiety is the number one reason for relapse. For the ones that truly want to be clean.
Tim, bro we could've easily hung out back in the day! I kept thinking I knew you because your past is that familiar. I'm so glad that you did this interview despite your level of anxiety. I could feel it through the screen but man, props to you for getting your stuff together and living your best life and being able to share your story of hope! Much love and light. ❤
Living with pain is no only physically exhausting it's also incredibly mentally exhausting, good on Tim for taking on the attitude he has when living this journey! Stay strong buddy!!
You’re a good guy, Tim. I find your story fascinating. I’d love to hear more of it if you decide to share more here, again. Mark, thank you for allowing people to come to this safe place to share with all of us. My eyes are wide open come what may. All the best to you, Tim. 💕
@@Tim.M.Johnson wow Tim you’ve lived 100 lives already. 😉 Thankfully you’re thriving and sober after all that. I wish you nothing but peace, love and happiness...to you AND your entire family. I live in Sarasota, was crazy when I heard you say St Pete, very close to home. Lol God Bless and take care.✌️
Hi Tim, I have lived in the Largo/Seminole area my whole life. Drugs are so bad in Pinellas County. I am so happy that you found your way to sobriety. Just from watching stories like yours and others on You tube . I can only imagine the pain and struggles that comes with addiction. Never look back and continue your life sober. Much love , prayer and well wishes from over here in Largo.
So glad you made it through after all these tragedies. So sorry about your brother. Think of the good times to keep his memory alive . It’s great you have your child now. Wishing the best for you and family. God Bless You All! ❤
The strength you have is radiating. Your story brought me to tears for half an hour Tim, and it’s so good to see how high you hold yourself. It’s hard to do that sometimes, even when we are in recovery. Thank you for sharing man, hope you are well.
This is probably one of the strongest guys I’ve ever heard speak. He has beaten a lot of odds and came a long way over a rocky road. Respect for this dude.
Mark as an ex heroin addict I want to thank you for these videos. They remind me of the pain I was in, why i was using, and also show me how far I've come since I decided to get clean. I watch these videos and I feel for these people still stuck in the life. Thank you for giving addicts a voice in a world that is so cruel to us who only wish for us to die, who think we are useless and not able to change, who stick felony records on us almost forcing us away from being able to have any type of normal lives. Our childhoods were rough but the world continuing that abuse us I think is ultimately worse and keeps us in the cycle.
Tim, my brother was in a devastating motorcycle accident as well. Motorists don't allow a car length for people on cycles like they should. His ankle was so shattered that he looked down @ his foot and didn't recognize it as his own b/c it was facing the opposite direction. Doctors told him he would heal, but never run a marathon or anything like that. Three years later, he completed his first marathon. The tenacity of the human spirit, body, & mind cannot be understated. Good luck to you, and thanks for sharing your story.
ya know whats funny though the arrogant fucking few that ride bikes take over the road like they own it splitting lanes of traffic just for the fun of it those bikers get every single thing they deserve. normal one just driving normal on their bikes they're cool to me
Hats off to this guy ! He is one of the few on this channel that takes responsibility for their own actions in life. His drive to improve and staying focused on being a good parent is very honorable. I wish Tim the best.
I mostly agree with what you're saying, but honestly the majority of people accept their decisions as their own and take responsibility for their actions from what I've seen on here and speaking with addicts personally. They just have a disease preventing them from stopping
He’s been through it. It’s inspiring to see him stoic in the face of his circumstances. I’ve been feeling sorry for myself, and compared to him I’m the luckiest guy on earth, perspective.
Tim, there is so much I need to tell you, but for the next few hours tho, I gotta go help take care of my dad. I’ll be back. (unless my frazzled mind forgets until it remembers) You’re a good guy, and worthy of so much respect with what you’ve been through. Don’t let anyone, not even yourself (Sorry, not to presume, I am my own worst malefactor in my existence, and I know how commonplace that is) convince you otherwise!
This was by far the best interview I have seen on SWU. So informative. I have watched them all and this man seems to be the most sincere. No BS. I am sure he will stay sober and this might help many others. We all make mistakes in life. Now you are on the right path. Thanks so much for telling your story.
I super related to Tim. I grew up in Central Florida at the same time and experienced a lot of what Tim described. I wonder if we ever crossed paths. Wishing him the best and grateful we both survived.
May of 2020 my oldest sister accidentally overdosed. I am the baby sister and had to be the one to make the phone call to our parents. It’s a nightmare I relive every single day.
The poor dude is going back to terrifyingly sad and brutal memories, give him a break. I would be a wreck too if I had to condense all my deepest traumas into a 40-minute video.
Such an eye opening, educating interview. Feeling thankful that I could hear his story. So glad Tim is doing so good now after all he has been through. Became a father to be proud of. Best wishes..
Yes, he was such a good person, and I've held onto blame for a very long time. I've slowly had to accept and realize that he made the choice, but I still have guilt for ever allowing myself to let him take part with my friends and I. He was only 18 months younger than me, so he always wanted to hangout with me and my friends. The worst part was he got sober and cleaned up, then would dabble once and a while. What got him was mixing the benzos with opiates, especially with a low tolerance. He was my only sibling. Thanks for your comment.
This is one of the videos that have a huge impact on me. I can't imagine loosing my sibling like that. The guilt, omg, just unbearable! What a strong, amazing person you are! I wish you get a good life, you truly deserve it!
I don't get why doctors keep prescribing opiates for wisdom teeth?! Especially to someone who's had drug problems?! Like I also had mine impacted and had to be surgically taken out. Had two surgeries both only on local anaesthesia, went home by myself after it both times and the only thing I've got was ice and Ibuprofen (advil) for like a week and it was fine?! Don't they realise that giving opiates for such a small surgery is SO dangerous like why
Yup I am a recovering addict and that’s all I got as well for pain. I wasn’t expecting anything else either except antibiotics and Ibuprofen 800mg. I am on Methadone 90mg 1x daily, Gabapentin 800mg 4x daily, and medical cannabis around 0.25g a day of 90% pure cannabis distillate or live resin. Being on Methadone anyways for addiction it did WONDERS for my tooth pain post procedure of tooth extraction and an an infection in my gums. I really didn’t need anything else.
They don't prescribe it anymore. Not in florida anyway. The epidemic had become so bad that there were pain clinics EVERYWHERE. People would come here from out of state just to get pills, until Gov Scott & Pam Bondi finally cracked down. That left a bunch of addicts with no supply. Now we have a bunch of heroin & fentanyl addicts. Very sad. :(
I'm a nurse. If a patient states they have pain a 10/10 or even mention that they are in excruciating pain, then the doctor has no choice but to treat the pain with something stronger like an opiate. Sometimes doctors have no choice. We can't ever assume that a patient is an addict, or addicted to opiates, otherwise we can lose our license or get sued. It's very complicated but we are usually faced with these complex issues every day.
The tone & timbre of his voice - especially added on top of the emotional tremorw - really hit home. My heart goes out to him. Few things devour the soul, leaving behind a sad, hollowed-out husk, like drugs do. It doesn't matter; it eats away at a person, leaving them less than human, in their own eyes & the eyes of the world. Thank you, Sir, for treating these already-damaged people with such respect & dignity.
Thanks for the kind words. Life is much better today, it keeps getting better everyday that I'm sober. I quit smoking cigs, taking any meds(non narcotics), and eating fast food a year ago. I've lost 62lbs in the last year. "The path to enlightenment is not a destination, but a life long commitment to self-improvement." Manly P. Hall
He is about my age and sadly, this is a typical story from our teenage/early adult life. The pill mills and the Oxy’s, all the opiates and Xanax. I graduated high school in 1997 and have about 30 close friends who died due to overdose or use in general. I finally got clean 3 1/2 years ago. It was not easy for us coming up during that time.
Man did he just make it through the whole interview without mentioning the sickness you get when you don't have it? This dudes tough, I am THE first one to mention the horror show sickness when talking about my addiction. He didn't even mention it DAMN!
Yeah what the hell? That’s one of the first things I will mention to people who are curious about how addiction works. I try giving them the analogy of getting food poisoning, having the flu with a 101 degree fever, getting the most severe panic attack that lasts like 4 hours at a time, finding out your family died in a plane crash, feeling like your bones are on fire, can’t fall asleep or stay asleep, impending feelings of terror, finding out your spouse cheated on you with your best friend, finding out your child is not really yours, etc. You get the picture. Pretty much some of the most intense mental and physical torture you will go through, as a result of hijacking your brain and forcing it to be artificially dependent on substances to make it through the days.
@@thesunbehindthesun1574 See you nailed it!, I explain it like that as well. I hate when people say it's like the worst Flu you've ever had......Doesn't even come close to the pain it really hits you with. Indeed very odd of him not to mention it, That's one of the first things I mention too when trying to explain Opiate addiction to people.
@@joski9030 I have been addicted to many things in my life, The two hardest things to come off of was Opiates and Alcohol. I used to drink like a fish and at one point was cracking a bottle of Vodka in the morning....NASTY! One thing I can tell you is you know when they say "It get's better" I never believed it but it does, When you quit drinking it is hell for a few weeks then milder hell for a month then shitty for about 2-3 months THEN nearly nothing! Not kidding, The only issue is making it that long. Good luck man I know exactly how you feel.
Dear Tim, It’s not your fault that your brother died. I promise he doesn’t blame you. I also promise that he wants you to do what he wasn’t able to do. LIVE! live your best life! Let go of the pain and guilt. It’s the only way you can move on❤️🙏🏼
Tim, please keep pushing forward. I hope you attend either AA or NA, not only for your benefit, but you have so much to offer others. Sending you love, light and prayers for your serenity and sobriety.
Tim i gotta tell ya, you are one tough guy. Not only physically. You have had a tough life up to the present time. But somehow you had the intestinal fortitude to get through it. Have you ever considered becoming a counselor of some type? You are right, you have to change for yourself. Period. Life is all about priorities, and you are living proof of it. You should be proud of yourself. I am proud of you and i never met you. Your son has a good old man. Stay straight, stay safe andGod bless you Tim.
I feel his pain. I have a similar story in a lot of ways.. benzodiazepines and opioids are a demon, they will forever try to destroy me.. almost 20 years of abuse but I can honestly say, today I’m winning.. I’ve lost everything just in the past 6 months, EVERYTHING! But, I fight everyday not to fall victim ever again to addiction.
Ty for sharing and i appreciate your honesty. We do recover❤u are such an amazing person.Keep sharing your experiences strengths and hope to us all❤ONE DAY AT A TIME
Thank you for getting back with me , today will be a struggle as meeting up with an old friend whom still use and I don’t need much pushing so wish me luck
@@Tim.M.Johnson No problem!! It’s cool and awesome to actually hear from the guy I JUST watched.😂 Man, I really do hope things are going well for you! You’re been through a lot. I can relate but I won’t get into that. You have a lot to look forward to and I wish you nothing but love and strength! Your a good man. I NEVER comment on RUclips channels. Shit is crazy talking to the actual person. Keep it up bro. Your an inspiration for a lot of people.
@@lillyanp4 Thanks again, just keep taking things one day at a time. I did this to give hope and maybe deter people from traveling down the same path. I've got too much to lose and too much to live for to give up now.
Yes... one day at a time Tim... and, enjoy all those good times with your kids, parents and friends too... congratulations on your sobriety... much love & blessings to you... 😇🙏
It is for sure. Unfortunately it seems like music and "pop culture" glorify the partying lifestyle nowadays. I hope that my story may deter or help someone in a similar position.
@@LuchadorMasque I definitely agree that once drug problems became more visible to mainstream white society, it was harder to ignore. This was very obvious with the opioids crisis which affected everyone. Drug laws often affected people of color far more than whites and that was no coincidence. Look at the sentencing guidelines for people caught with cocaine versus crack.
I agree. Seeing someone who came out on the other side gives everyone out there struggling hope.❤️ there are so many layers to addiction and the complicated web it weaves. This channel will go on forever!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing your story. I could hear your voice shaking in the beginning, I know exactly what that feels like. But as you continued I found myself drawn to listening to you. You have a great voice and a great way of speaking. You came off as intelligent and interesting. I wish you nothing but the best! And thank you Mark.
@@22addict40 I'm doing really well. I finally quit smoking cigarettes and eating fast food over 6 months ago. I'm going to the gym at least 3 days a week. I also have an appointment in two weeks to get my teeth implants done. I'd say I'm very close to living my best life. Thanks for inquiring. God is good and life has been treating me well recently.
God bless this guy. I went through a somewhat similar situation loosing my younger sister. She was my only sister and i lost her to drugs and suicide at 29 yrs old. That has been 17 yrs ago and i was prrgnant with my youngest child. I to had to be the one to break the news of my sisters death to my family. One of thee most tragics events Ive ever endured. My one and only sister, my best friend. God bless.
![Lil Uzi Vert - We Good [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DrSfBULAsek/mqdefault.jpg)
As I sit here in a lonely dark room watching this documentary and smoking fentanyl after loosing my wife of 14 years to a relapse and overdose after we were both clean ,after seeing sobriety for 6 years I can honestly say it’s not easy but the happiness is worth it, I don’t wish anyone the pain I’m feeling right now and am so proud that you were able to remain sober. All I long for is to be with her again, don’t care about anything else.
Sending you all the love in the world. There’s not much else I can say. Whether or not you believe it, you deserve to feel peace; whatever that may mean or be to you. ❤️
I wish you the best. I've lost an ex girlfriend and my ex-wife to this battle. My best friend, who was there when my brother passed, committed suicide a week ago. Not to mention all of the friends from school and through life that have passed. The struggle is real. Just know that it CAN be different, once you really want it. I will say a prayer for you. Just know that you're loved by someone somewhere. I wish you the best, keep your head up.
Don't give up. If you OD you won't see her again. Kick that Evil crap. You know you can.
💚🕊️💚
❤️🩹
I found Tim to be one of the most humble and relatable people you have interviewed.
Thank you, not so long ago pride was my downfall. Being humble is a very important lesson I've learned.
@@Tim.M.Johnson Tim, you are a really likeable person. Like, a very good person. Smart and articulate. Loveable 💗 Tough 💪 Handsome 🤭 Hate seeing this happening to you. 😥
8feet was
@@Tim.M.Johnson please take this as your chance to do what you have dreamed me. You have been thru hell never go back. 🙏
Lots of respect for you Tim, you took some hard lessons in life the hard way and for this I am sorry. You have worked hard, humble and respectful. A real u turn - congratulations 👏 x
I know you're not making the money you used to make Mark, but I can assure you the impact your videos make far outweigh any picture you've ever taken (not to diminish your career.) Please keep it up.
💯❤
It’s not about the money.
@@doopstoop4656 Ofcourse money is part of this. How is he going to be able to create this content without it? He has spent a lot of his own money on this project.
Great Project Mark!!! Found you one day on You Tube and haven't looked back since!
Thank you for this!
I feels bad for people who just live for money all they think about is money they judge people based off money
I didn’t want this interview to end. Found him fascinating. He’s been through some serious shit, that would have destroyed a lot of people and has come out the other side. He’s a tough dude, very likeable. I’m sorry that all that happened to you and your family Tim…. Thanks for sharing your story. ❤️
Tim's voice is an example of what it is like for addicts when they are completely off of drugs, he has constant anxiety all the time and just talking to people is not pleasant for him. Long term drug and alcohol abuse damages the prefrontal cortex resulting in anxiety, social anxiety, impaired decision making, bad memory, depression, compulsion. These people suffer from mental health problems that need to be treated with understanding and compassion, not looked at as weaker than or less than, yet there is this stigma that addicts are taking the easy way out being high all day.
You are correct sir. I was definitely nervous telling my story for the first time on camera, especially RUclips. It was definitely easier to keep using, than to face reality. Unfortunately that really only leads to two places, institutions or death. I've got too much to lose, and too much to live for.
@@Tim.M.Johnson I am A recovering addict as well Tim, and i appreciate you despite not feeling comfortable still following through with the video.
Yuppppp
The stigma is societies biggest and worst epidemic.
Learning to forgive myself and put down the heavy weight of regret was one of the biggest steps in my recovery.
Another reason to respect Tim... I don't recall another interviewee who took the time to thank people in the comments.
A true gentleman. His family should be proud.
I have seen several it is nice
You can just feel the anxiety in this guys voice.
It’s the most uncomfortable, nonstop feeling. I was a Xanax abuser too and I swear it fucks up your nervous system. I think anxiety is the number one reason for relapse. For the ones that truly want to be clean.
I know, it’s really difficult to watch, personally, because I’ve suffered from anxiety my whole life. 😓 I feel bad for him.
I think he’s high
He's suffering because he needs drugs.
What would he gain from lying to us? He can bc on prescription meds or had a few , don’t be so judgmental.
Tim, bro we could've easily hung out back in the day! I kept thinking I knew you because your past is that familiar. I'm so glad that you did this interview despite your level of anxiety. I could feel it through the screen but man, props to you for getting your stuff together and living your best life and being able to share your story of hope! Much love and light. ❤
Can anyone else just picture themselves talking to this dude for HOURS? Best of luck to you Tim!
Living with pain is no only physically exhausting it's also incredibly mentally exhausting, good on Tim for taking on the attitude he has when living this journey! Stay strong buddy!!
He'd be the best high school counselor for boy's ever... Always interesting, thanks.
How so?
@@taxpayer9546 he seems like someone you could easily relate to; there's something so human about him
How is that? Where'd he get that masters from?
@@whichonespink333 probably that he is indeed a human?
@@LuchadorMasque You might want to work on your comprehension skills... Have a great day.
You’re a good guy, Tim. I find your story fascinating. I’d love to hear more of it if you decide to share more here, again.
Mark, thank you for allowing people to come to this safe place to share with all of us. My eyes are wide open come what may.
All the best to you, Tim. 💕
All the best for your journey, Tim! You are such a humble and honest person and you deserve a good life!❤️
Thank you for sharing your experience Tim . I lost my husband in 2016 to opiates . You’re incredibly strong . I wish you the best
Good for him. He's so right " if nothing changes, nothing changes".
I wish Tim all the best. I hope 2021 brings him health, happiness, and peace from his trauma. He’s a sweet soul. 💜
Thank you, so far this has been a good year.
@@Tim.M.Johnson ♡
Tim is highly articulate, intelligent, open , and honest. I really wish him sobriety m.
Thank you
@@Tim.M.Johnson wow Tim you’ve lived 100 lives already. 😉
Thankfully you’re thriving and sober after all that. I wish you nothing but peace, love and happiness...to you AND your entire family.
I live in Sarasota, was crazy when I heard you say St Pete, very close to home. Lol
God Bless and take care.✌️
Hi Tim, I have lived in the Largo/Seminole area my whole life. Drugs are so bad in Pinellas County. I am so happy that you found your way to sobriety. Just from watching stories like yours and others on You tube . I can only imagine the pain and struggles that comes with addiction. Never look back and continue your life sober. Much love , prayer and well wishes from over here in Largo.
@@people_watcher Thank you so much for the support. Yes it's been bad in Pinellas for quite a while.
@@people_watcher I’m not sure, Pasco might have Pinellas beat on crazy and drugs…. The population is just thicker in Pinellas
I could listen to him for hours and would buy the book if he ever wrote 1. Keep pushing through, Tim. You got this!
So glad you made it through after all these tragedies. So sorry about your brother. Think of the good times to keep his memory alive . It’s great you have your child now. Wishing the best for you and family. God Bless You All! ❤
The strength you have is radiating. Your story brought me to tears for half an hour Tim, and it’s so good to see how high you hold yourself. It’s hard to do that sometimes, even when we are in recovery. Thank you for sharing man, hope you are well.
This is probably one of the strongest guys I’ve ever heard speak. He has beaten a lot of odds and came a long way over a rocky road. Respect for this dude.
Tim, I have so much respect for you + the incredible changes you are making. So inspiring.
Mark as an ex heroin addict I want to thank you for these videos. They remind me of the pain I was in, why i was using, and also show me how far I've come since I decided to get clean. I watch these videos and I feel for these people still stuck in the life. Thank you for giving addicts a voice in a world that is so cruel to us who only wish for us to die, who think we are useless and not able to change, who stick felony records on us almost forcing us away from being able to have any type of normal lives. Our childhoods were rough but the world continuing that abuse us I think is ultimately worse and keeps us in the cycle.
You just said what my heart wants to scream from the rafters.
Respect to Tim and the best of wishes! You got this! I am rooting for your continued recovery! What a nice guy!
Thank you, just taking things one day at a time.
He sounds so nervous, on the verge of shaking from nervous energy, cant wait to finish this one.
Wow! He just had the BEST therapy session of his life. Bless you Mark. And best of luck to Tim 😊
Tim, my brother was in a devastating motorcycle accident as well. Motorists don't allow a car length for people on cycles like they should. His ankle was so shattered that he looked down @ his foot and didn't recognize it as his own b/c it was facing the opposite direction. Doctors told him he would heal, but never run a marathon or anything like that. Three years later, he completed his first marathon. The tenacity of the human spirit, body, & mind cannot be understated. Good luck to you, and thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you, and yes you can do just about anything you put your mind to.
@@Tim.M.Johnson 😊👏❤
Amen.
ya know whats funny though the arrogant fucking few that ride bikes take over the road like they own it splitting lanes of traffic just for the fun of it those bikers get every single thing they deserve. normal one just driving normal on their bikes they're cool to me
@@jacketofthe80s13 Whoa! That's harsh. Nobody deserves to be hurt in a motorcycle accident.
Sir, thank you for sharing your story. Sending love and healing your way!
Hats off to this guy ! He is one of the few on this channel that takes responsibility for their own actions in life. His drive to improve and staying focused on being a good parent is very honorable. I wish Tim the best.
I mostly agree with what you're saying, but honestly the majority of people accept their decisions as their own and take responsibility for their actions from what I've seen on here and speaking with addicts personally. They just have a disease preventing them from stopping
Much love to Tim and congratulations to him and his sobriety, wonderful interview
He’s been through it. It’s inspiring to see him stoic in the face of his circumstances. I’ve been feeling sorry for myself, and compared to him I’m the luckiest guy on earth, perspective.
I wish this man very well. It was a blessing to hear his story and I hope he lives a happy life moving forward from his past.
I love his ability to be open and vulnerable
One lesson from this is absolutely always wear full gear and a helmet if you're riding a motorbike!
@@apaaaa that's the best saying that I have ever heard , works for motorcycle riding or drug use I think
Yes!!
Tim, there is so much I need to tell you, but for the next few hours tho, I gotta go help take care of my dad. I’ll be back. (unless my frazzled mind forgets until it remembers) You’re a good guy, and worthy of so much respect with what you’ve been through. Don’t let anyone, not even yourself (Sorry, not to presume, I am my own worst malefactor in my existence, and I know how commonplace that is) convince you otherwise!
Thank you sir.
@@Tim.M.Johnson Blessings to you Tim. You're another example of how this could happen to anyone.
Love from Hillsborough county. :)
@@Parrotgirl-tattoo Thank you, I hope my story can help deter or give someone hope. Gotta always remember things can be worse.
❤❤❤❤❤
This was by far the best interview I have seen on SWU. So informative. I have watched them all and this man seems to be the most sincere. No BS. I am sure he will stay sober and this might help many others. We all make mistakes in life. Now you are on the right path. Thanks so much for telling your story.
I super related to Tim. I grew up in Central Florida at the same time and experienced a lot of what Tim described. I wonder if we ever crossed paths. Wishing him the best and grateful we both survived.
He’s a smart articulate young man. Hopefully he will get the help he needs and deserves.
What a great guy, I'm glad he takes responsibility of is own actions and does something about it. Wish him all the love, he deserves it!
What a good storyteller and I believe he just needed to speak from his heart, and we are listening. Drugs took my dad when I was 14.
They suck.
So sorry for your loss 💜
May of 2020 my oldest sister accidentally overdosed. I am the baby sister and had to be the one to make the phone call to our parents. It’s a nightmare I relive every single day.
Stay strong, it will get easier with time. I'll say a prayer for you.
Rest In Peace 🕊 so sorry for your loss. Even though it’s hard but Keep being strong 💪
So sorry
❤️❤️❤️
I am so very sorry for your loss
The poor dude is going back to terrifyingly sad and brutal memories, give him a break. I would be a wreck too if I had to condense all my deepest traumas into a 40-minute video.
An "Underbelly" top ten for sure... 👍
Such an eye opening, educating interview. Feeling thankful that I could hear his story. So glad Tim is doing so good now after all he has been through. Became a father to be proud of. Best wishes..
Once you hit rock bottom, there's nowhere to go but up. I wish him and his family the best. They deserve it.
Thanks for your story Tim. We should never underestimate the amount of strength and determination people like you possess.
Thank you, I'm trying everyday to remain strong.
Amazing ❤ his voice is so nervous for being so honest. 7 years clean from heroine and 6 months off suboxone!
Tim has been through a lot. In Some ways he reminds me of myself. I grew up in the 90s as well. Really great interview
i'd like tim to have a series of average days, where nothing especially good or bad happens.
Wow this dude been through it all.
Good to hear hes doing well now and takes care of his kid.
Keep pushing Tim. You aren't alone 💖 nothing changes if nothing changes! I love that saying so much. Needed to hear it today
He is so proud of his brother and his brother overdosing was his first heartbreak and you can tell by the way he speaks about it, he still hurts.
Yes, he was such a good person, and I've held onto blame for a very long time. I've slowly had to accept and realize that he made the choice, but I still have guilt for ever allowing myself to let him take part with my friends and I. He was only 18 months younger than me, so he always wanted to hangout with me and my friends. The worst part was he got sober and cleaned up, then would dabble once and a while. What got him was mixing the benzos with opiates, especially with a low tolerance. He was my only sibling. Thanks for your comment.
I live in Clearwater! Tim is telling the real deal here everyone is addicted to pain killers. Wish the best for him.
This is one of the videos that have a huge impact on me.
I can't imagine loosing my sibling like that.
The guilt, omg, just unbearable!
What a strong, amazing person you are!
I wish you get a good life, you truly deserve it!
Bruh what a story & he handled hes speech so well without many questions to ask
I don't get why doctors keep prescribing opiates for wisdom teeth?! Especially to someone who's had drug problems?!
Like I also had mine impacted and had to be surgically taken out. Had two surgeries both only on local anaesthesia, went home by myself after it both times and the only thing I've got was ice and Ibuprofen (advil) for like a week and it was fine?! Don't they realise that giving opiates for such a small surgery is SO dangerous like why
Yup I am a recovering addict and that’s all I got as well for pain. I wasn’t expecting anything else either except antibiotics and Ibuprofen 800mg. I am on Methadone 90mg 1x daily, Gabapentin 800mg 4x daily, and medical cannabis around 0.25g a day of 90% pure cannabis distillate or live resin. Being on Methadone anyways for addiction it did WONDERS for my tooth pain post procedure of tooth extraction and an an infection in my gums. I really didn’t need anything else.
Don't blame the doctor.
They don't prescribe it anymore. Not in florida anyway. The epidemic had become so bad that there were pain clinics EVERYWHERE. People would come here from out of state just to get pills, until Gov Scott & Pam Bondi finally cracked down. That left a bunch of addicts with no supply. Now we have a bunch of heroin & fentanyl addicts. Very sad. :(
@@Parrotgirl-tattoo yeah cutting the supply like that wasn't a smart choice either and left so many people in dispair
I'm a nurse. If a patient states they have pain a 10/10 or even mention that they are in excruciating pain, then the doctor has no choice but to treat the pain with something stronger like an opiate. Sometimes doctors have no choice. We can't ever assume that a patient is an addict, or addicted to opiates, otherwise we can lose our license or get sued. It's very complicated but we are usually faced with these complex issues every day.
The tone & timbre of his voice - especially added on top of the emotional tremorw - really hit home. My heart goes out to him. Few things devour the soul, leaving behind a sad, hollowed-out husk, like drugs do. It doesn't matter; it eats away at a person, leaving them less than human, in their own eyes & the eyes of the world.
Thank you, Sir, for treating these already-damaged people with such respect & dignity.
Just watching your video now in 2024 and sending out positive vibes to you Tim that all is well!
Thanks for the kind words. Life is much better today, it keeps getting better everyday that I'm sober. I quit smoking cigs, taking any meds(non narcotics), and eating fast food a year ago. I've lost 62lbs in the last year. "The path to enlightenment is not a destination, but a life long commitment to self-improvement." Manly P. Hall
Wow, I've gotta hand it to you Tim. Your willpower and inner strength are stronger than steel. And such an outlook. My best wishes to you, my friend.
Very interesting story I enjoyed it immensely. I wish you nothing but happiness and fortune to come your way. Thanks to you and Mark!
one day at a time Tim
seems like your mindset is where it needs to be I'm so happy for you even though i don't know you
He is about my age and sadly, this is a typical story from our teenage/early adult life. The pill mills and the Oxy’s, all the opiates and Xanax. I graduated high school in 1997 and have about 30 close friends who died due to overdose or use in general. I finally got clean 3 1/2 years ago. It was not easy for us coming up during that time.
Thanks, Ms. Meg. You’re inspiring someone today and so many when and where you least expect it.
SAME HERE! CLASS OF 97.. Sometimes I look back at the past 25 years and just think man WTF was that! So glad to still be here. Stay strong! 💪
@@tundrawomansays5067 thank you! That means a lot!❤️
@@ronmexico79 I look back and think the same! And thanks! Same to you!
Tim & I must be around the same age- I remember just about everything he says about the 90's. Wishing him all the best
Man did he just make it through the whole interview without mentioning the sickness you get when you don't have it? This dudes tough, I am THE first one to mention the horror show sickness when talking about my addiction. He didn't even mention it DAMN!
Yeah what the hell? That’s one of the first things I will mention to people who are curious about how addiction works. I try giving them the analogy of getting food poisoning, having the flu with a 101 degree fever, getting the most severe panic attack that lasts like 4 hours at a time, finding out your family died in a plane crash, feeling like your bones are on fire, can’t fall asleep or stay asleep, impending feelings of terror, finding out your spouse cheated on you with your best friend, finding out your child is not really yours, etc. You get the picture. Pretty much some of the most intense mental and physical torture you will go through, as a result of hijacking your brain and forcing it to be artificially dependent on substances to make it through the days.
Hope you pull through man I’m a functional alcoholic unfortunately
Every day is a struggle
@@thesunbehindthesun1574 See you nailed it!, I explain it like that as well. I hate when people say it's like the worst Flu you've ever had......Doesn't even come close to the pain it really hits you with.
Indeed very odd of him not to mention it, That's one of the first things I mention too when trying to explain Opiate addiction to people.
@@joski9030 I have been addicted to many things in my life, The two hardest things to come off of was Opiates and Alcohol.
I used to drink like a fish and at one point was cracking a bottle of Vodka in the morning....NASTY! One thing I can tell you is you know when they say "It get's better"
I never believed it but it does, When you quit drinking it is hell for a few weeks then milder hell for a month then shitty for about 2-3 months THEN nearly nothing!
Not kidding, The only issue is making it that long. Good luck man I know exactly how you feel.
@@koffinkat666..Definitely right about the alcohol...thats exactly how it was for me when I stopped
He is an excellent storyteller and very articulate. He didn't swear. I could listen to him for hours.
Thank you, I've definitely had to curb my language, especially with me raising my son. I'm trying, and will keep pushing forward.
Dope interview!! These videos always gives me a new look on things.
Dear Tim, It’s not your fault that your brother died. I promise he doesn’t blame you. I also promise that he wants you to do what he wasn’t able to do. LIVE! live your best life! Let go of the pain and guilt. It’s the only way you can move on❤️🙏🏼
Tim, please keep pushing forward. I hope you attend either AA or NA, not only for your benefit, but you have so much to offer others. Sending you love, light and prayers for your serenity and sobriety.
This is an incredibly strong person. What an inspiration
Tim, I wish you well. You have been through it. Shows how strong you are. I'm rooting for you! Praying you receive all of what you want in life!
I really enjoyed watching this. Man, he’s been through hell and back. I’m glad to hear an interview of someone who made it out!
Tim i gotta tell ya, you are one tough guy. Not only physically. You have had a tough life up to the present time. But somehow you had the intestinal fortitude to get through it. Have you ever considered becoming a counselor of some type? You are right, you have to change for yourself. Period. Life is all about priorities, and you are living proof of it. You should be proud of yourself. I am proud of you and i never met you. Your son has a good old man. Stay straight, stay safe andGod bless you Tim.
I feel his pain. I have a similar story in a lot of ways.. benzodiazepines and opioids are a demon, they will forever try to destroy me.. almost 20 years of abuse but I can honestly say, today I’m winning.. I’ve lost everything just in the past 6 months, EVERYTHING! But, I fight everyday not to fall victim ever again to addiction.
You are a remarkable man Tim, an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story. And thank you Mark for your amazing work.
Thank you, I hope this can help someone .
I admire so much the way Tim continues to have goals for himself and his health. Way to be, man!
So, so informative- I could cry- information- No One Else- will tell the TRUTH- Like You!!! Thank you Mark!!!
Im glad im still seeing videos being uploaded. I love and appreciate what you do.
Good for you Tim!! I’m in Bradenton and finally clean I hear you ! You’re doing great !
Ty for sharing and i appreciate your honesty. We do recover❤u are such an amazing person.Keep sharing your experiences strengths and hope to us all❤ONE DAY AT A TIME
What a great story of recovery. I am impressed by his stoicism.
Thank you for getting back with me , today will be a struggle as meeting up with an old friend whom still use and I don’t need much pushing so wish me luck
Stay strong and keep your head up.
Great interview! Best wishes for Tim. Seems like a genuinely good guy. I hope everything goes well for him in the future. 👊🏻👊🏻👍🏻✌🏻
Thank you, gotta keep on keeping on.
@@Tim.M.Johnson No problem!! It’s cool and awesome to actually hear from the guy I JUST watched.😂 Man, I really do hope things are going well for you! You’re been through a lot. I can relate but I won’t get into that. You have a lot to look forward to and I wish you nothing but love and strength! Your a good man. I NEVER comment on RUclips channels. Shit is crazy talking to the actual person. Keep it up bro. Your an inspiration for a lot of people.
@@lillyanp4 Thanks again, just keep taking things one day at a time. I did this to give hope and maybe deter people from traveling down the same path. I've got too much to lose and too much to live for to give up now.
@@Tim.M.Johnson 💯💯💯! Just keep grinding man.👊🏻👊🏻✌🏻
Best of luck to you Tim! I’m proud of you for making it happen!
Great Story, He's showing that still hope for people who unfortunately felt into Drugs, IS POSSIBLE TO GET CLEAN
Yes... one day at a time Tim... and, enjoy all those good times with your kids, parents and friends too... congratulations on your sobriety... much love & blessings to you... 😇🙏
This really is such a terrible reflection of the society we’ve created. So many people like him have suffered terribly…thousands and thousands.
It is for sure. Unfortunately it seems like music and "pop culture" glorify the partying lifestyle nowadays. I hope that my story may deter or help someone in a similar position.
This has been going on for decades. Nobody cared until the users were white.
@@LuchadorMasque not so
@@roannfrome1025 example?
@@LuchadorMasque I definitely agree that once drug problems became more visible to mainstream white society, it was harder to ignore. This was very obvious with the opioids crisis which affected everyone. Drug laws often affected people of color far more than whites and that was no coincidence. Look at the sentencing guidelines for people caught with cocaine versus crack.
Tim, Thankyou so for your courage, honesty, and determination.
Give me faith .
Love Australia x
Tim you are a awesome man! That crash story is so intense I’m so sorry that happened.. lots of love to you Tim ❤️ xx
Man he's so articulate and honest. That's impressive. Also It's nice to see a vid on someone who's no longer an addict!
I agree. Seeing someone who came out on the other side gives everyone out there struggling hope.❤️ there are so many layers to addiction and the complicated web it weaves. This channel will go on forever!!!!!!!!!!!
His memory is amazing! I can't even remember what happened yesterday. Enjoyed his story a lot. Good luck.
He's amazing congratulations on your new life....life is so proud of you....much love to you....you brought tears to my eyes....
Love your story, Tim. You're an inspiration my brother. Wishing you the best.
He's been thru some shit.
Wishing him the best, He earned it.
Thanks, just taking it one day at a time.
Thank you for sharing your story. I could hear your voice shaking in the beginning, I know exactly what that feels like. But as you continued I found myself drawn to listening to you. You have a great voice and a great way of speaking. You came off as intelligent and interesting. I wish you nothing but the best! And thank you Mark.
Thanks for your kind words. I was definitely nervous going in front of a camera, to expose my vulnerabilities and issues to the world.
Great interview. Thank you Tim!! You seem like a good guy. Best wishes!
Well done Tim! Keep strong, stay straight... All best wishes from South Africa.
Wow!! What a story, Tim you deserve to be loved beyond measure, hope you know what an incredible human you are.
Thanks, I just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and taking life one day at a time.
@@Tim.M.Johnsonhow are you doing today?
@@22addict40 I'm doing really well. I finally quit smoking cigarettes and eating fast food over 6 months ago. I'm going to the gym at least 3 days a week. I also have an appointment in two weeks to get my teeth implants done. I'd say I'm very close to living my best life. Thanks for inquiring. God is good and life has been treating me well recently.
God bless this guy. I went through a somewhat similar situation loosing my younger sister. She was my only sister and i lost her to drugs and suicide at 29 yrs old. That has been 17 yrs ago and i was prrgnant with my youngest child. I to had to be the one to break the news of my sisters death to my family. One of thee most tragics events Ive ever endured. My one and only sister, my best friend.
God bless.
By far one of my favorite interviews you've ever done!! Best of luck to you, Tim!
Thank you, I'm doing what I can on a day by day basis to become a better man for myself and children.
@@Tim.M.Johnson Good on you, Tim. Wishing you luck and much happiness 👏👍👋🇦🇺
What a story, I loved listening to Tim, I really hope he continues to do well, bravo sir
Good luck to you Tim. I am sorry for your loss of your brother.
Thank you, the good die young, unfortunately.