I grew up in the coal fields of WV. Born in Williamson WV. I was one of the fortunate ones. I hate that my people are mostly portrayed as ignorant and addicted when the truth is that there is a large segment of people that prosper in the area. I left at a young age at the encouragement of my mother. She didn't want me to have regrets. I am thankful for her harsh yet thoughtful support. I love your work.
i always thought coke was worse...do a line, do another line, and another, and another, etc. meth - do a line, and you are good to go for the remainder of the night...
As much as mark said it’s hard to get interviews in the Appalachia area, I hope he continues to do it. These interviews are the best. The series before this set of interviews were top notch💯
Being a native from Corbin, Kentucky Manchester only being about a hour away. It’s beautiful out in the country you can get lost in it. But years of drugs flooding into the low income areas around have reap and destroyed a lot of people whose grandparents farmed and lived off of the land as much as possible. Today people get bored and yet poor being unable to do anything about it. I just moved from Corbin Kentucky about a year ago and it will always been home to me but not I visit in small doses. Growing up poor raised by my grandmother an watching adults snort and inject drugs a lot gave me the prospective of what I never wanted to become. Much love lady 🫶 thank you for sharing your story and walk through life. 🙏❤️
You know what I think. I think the government allows those drugs to get into the poor counties and towns because like you mentioned, their g-parents used to live and farm that land and once they passed away, that land would be passed on down to the next generation. And then they started raising the prices for everything where the people couldn’t even afford to farm and they would have to get out and find other jobs to help pay their bills and feed their families. So when the people would get down and out and desperate, they’d turn to the drugs to just help them try to cope with what was going on, leaving them in a bind to where the government could come in and take up their lands and homes and put them on the streets. People may disagree with what I’m saying, but I feel it in my heart and soul that’s what’s really going on. Those people who don’t want to hear it are just afraid that the country they’ve fought and fallen for, is the same country that’s taking everything from them. I know y’all see how the citizens are losing their rights and the immigrants are taking over. What happened to the constitution and the pledge of allegiance to our country?! People are so wrapped up in trying to keep up with everyone else that they don’t even know what’s happening right in front of them. It’s like common sense has went completely out the window. The only thing I can say to those who are listening is to get your houses in order. Keep your houses and your families prayed over constantly because the devil is working overtime and he’s attacking you every chance you slip up. Right now I pray that God will keep each one of you protected from any and all evil in this world and cover you with the blood of Jesus Christ. I pray that no weapon formed against you or your family shall prosper. I pray that God will give you the strength and wisdom you need each day to make it through your trials and tribulations. I pray that He sends you the peace and comfort you need today and everyday. I pray that you can feel Him working in your life and that you can feel His presence and love every second of your lives. And I pray for those who are struggling and suffering with whatever the case may be, that He brings you out of that darkness and into His mighty light. And I pray for those of you who are still lost in this cruel and evil world that you may seek Him, repent and confess your sins to Him and give Him your all. In Jesus’ Almighty name I pray Amen and Amen. God bless you all
She expressed her grief and pain in a way I could feel. She may have spoken as long as she could. And, she may have had no more words. I have yet to see Mark stop anyone from speaking.
I think the interviewee has the power over how long they want to interview. Some for 20 mins, some seem to go over an hour. Probably depends on the person and how much they feel comfortable talking.
The part that struck me was when she repeated that her ex was in prison but she didn't do anything, he threw her out of a moving vehicle...that hurt my heart 🙏🏻
Yes, it was like she wanted the ex to know that she didn't say anything to have him put in prison . She is scared of him but still it's makes me wonder if when he gets out of prison would she go back to him . I hope she isn't thinking like that in the back of her mind .
I live in Appalachia. Betty both breaks my heart and also calms it. She reminds me so much of the older generations of my family and family friends. The way she talks and the sincerity in her voice make me miss all of my great aunts and uncles , mamaws and papaws , they were never on drugs but we had plenty of drinkers , wives getting the hell beat out of em and uncles wrecking car after car in DUI's , bar fights and so on. We also had church suppers, revivals , family reunions , sitting around on the porch while the old folks talked up a storm , and river baptizings It's hard to imagine how anyone could both love and hate a place so much but I mostly love it. As hard as those days were sometimes,it was still better than things are now. One of my favorite memories is 5 year old me sitting on the wheel cover of my papaws tractor , something i would never let my kids do lol but we did so much stuff then that kids today will never experience today and it's kinda sad. Things like hunting for wild strawberries, playing hide and seek and always hiding in the smoke house , catching lightning bugs at night , or watching Dallas on TV at Mawmaws with every light off and every door and window open to let in the cool night air. My uncles telling me ghost stories and crying and telling on them to papaw haha. My uncles and aunts were just a few years older than me so we felt like siblings. I miss those days so much sometimes. It was hard for sure but somehow it was better. Sending love to all my mountain family. Betty, thank you for sharing with us. I pray for you and your family and for a happy easy life for you Hon. ❤❤
Bless her damn heart. I’m from Harlan Co Kentucky!!! I love listening to her. She’s STRAIGHT UP HONEST. I LOVE YOU SWEET LADY!!! I’m glad you’re HERE talking to us Keep it real mama
As an Appalachian, this is the story of so many. My Mom passed away of a drug overdose. She was a victim of the opioid epidemic. The Appalachian mountain range is one of the most beautiful places in the world but yet filled with so much darkness. 💔
Bless you Bettie. I'm 64 and lived thru the 80's Cocaine and Meth, but I managed to keep working and live a normal lifestyle. Can't say that about my husband at the time. He is now dead and I believe if he put in some effort he could have done better. I had to leave with the clothes on my back to escape his insanity, but I got away. The trick is to live for yourself. Be your own support system because nobody else is going to take care of you. Stay Straight / Stay Strong and smile. Good luck Bettie - your story can only get better.
Glad you are doing better. Meth is horrible. Before we were married,my wife was on it but got sober . I had no idea she’d had a drug problem. We had a daughter, and shortly after her birth,she relapsed. I was oblivious. Didn’t know anything about meth. She luckily got help & is sober now. It’s always been just me & my now 12 year old daughter.she is the best thing that ever happened to me..going through some things right now .my truck isn’t running right now,im getting behind a little,but working on getting things straightened out and waiting on a divorce to be finalized. Child support & being legally separated from the financial problems that my wife has created should change things big time.
Good for you & your daughter! Hope your life gets straightened out soon & the rest of your lives together blossom & prosper. Also, I hope your ex can stay clean. Best wishes to you all.
This is such a valuable interview Bettie is so powerful. She’s a thin woman with a soft voice, but don’t let that fool you. She’s all kinds of strength. Thanks for that.
It’s so hard to balance the compassion and the identification of drug addiction. I struggle mightily with these videos. I’ve seen the dark side personally… it’s so tough…
So many Americans are struggling with addiction. It's literally my biggest fear as a mother. My entire family is full of addicts. We've lost many members. The most recent my cousin killed herself last year due to addiction and mental health issues. Everyday I wake up I think about addiction . I'm not even a drug addict. I'm terrified. She is too.
Never used drugs. Don't even drink. But damn I can't even stop eating cashews though they're absolutely bad for me. But then, food's an addiction too. Anything that controls you becomes an addiction
Me too! Live in the Meth Capital of Appalachia. It’s crazy/ridiculous way of life. Beg, borrow or steal is the way of life. Not into it and don’t fit in
I had tears in my eyes the whole interview. 😢 Such a beautiful soul stifled by the people around her. If I could adopt her and bring her to my home, I would make sure the rest of her life was surrounded by love and safety.
I don’t think it’s a wig- I do t think she’d fool with a wig. It’s a hairstyle definitely from the 80’s and can relate - we didn’t fool with wigs then.
This woman here, you can tell when she was younger she was a beautiful woman. Look at those eyes. At one time she had natural beauty. Sad the drugs takes all that away from a person
I grew up in Appalachia West Virginia and lived there until my 30s. When the coal mines left and dried up so many people were left with no hope. Seemed everyone I knew either turned to religion for comfort as my mom did or drugs like poor Betty here. I saw so many just like her. They lived a rough life and used alcohol or drugs or smoking to cope. Such gorgeous land there but so much sadness too.
Poor woman has been theu HELL and bk!! Im a recovering addict....and I feel for her, BUT....I SERIOUSLY AM SO VERY PROUD OF HER FOR BEING STRONG & GETTING CLEAN!!! 💜🙏💕
I’m from West Virginia, she reminds me so much of some of my loved ones I’ve had over 20 friends and family gone from substance abuse mostly fentanyl. my mothers side of the family had six brothers and sisters plus her parents. They are all gone from cancer from living near the coal mines besides my uncle who was beat to death by the West Virginia police. This is every day life for us. No opportunities. Why does life have to be so easy for some people and so hard for others?
My father's family is from this County in KY. I was here as a young child and have fond memories of crawdad chasing in the creek, and not so fond memories of other aspects. I'm glad my path didn't lead me to this County.
Mark it would be neat to ask the people you interview for before drug pictures and show them to us.. this women looks like she was probably beautiful when she was younger and before drugs.
This is what drugs do to your body and mind I wish there was a before and after picture of her when she was younger before the long journey of drugs bet she was the most beautiful baby, girl and woman no one says when they’re 8 years old they want to grow up and be a drug addict nobody Love and light
Betti, You've been through so much in your life, and now you're watching your loved ones going down that same road, I'm so sorry. Please know I've prayed for you. I pray.🙏 HE gives you strength and peace in the days ahead...❤
What a very smart lady. She's one of the rare ones. She realized how bad she was getting and got off the crap she was on. I wish her all the best, as I think she's earned it. Keep the faith, Bettie, and keep strong.❤
Wouldn't change a thing about being born in Appalachia(WV) with people just like this lady, Bettie and moved away when I was 16 with my mom named Betty as well. It was for better work opportunities for her and an education she wanted for me, but the people in that part of the country are the salt of the earth, period ❤️
oh my god .. this poor woman didn't have a chance in life. I can't believe she's only 65. She's right, part of the drug problem in Kentucky is the lack of work. When the politicians moved the work out of the country in 80's-90's they contributed this sad situation. They are NOT doing enough to keep the drugs out of our country and also punish the people who are making here. We also need to provide our people with opportunities to build a life here and Not ship manufacturing and service jobs over seas!
It wasn't the politicians who moved our jobs out of the country, it was billionaires and multinational corporations in pursuit of higher profits. Politicians just do what the capitalists tell them
@@carolseven3802she did make the choice to do it yes. Butttttt you live in a totally different environment. You have no idea what it’s like growing up here in Eastern Kentucky. Lack of jobs and things to do/places to go. It’s party’s and drugs all around. 2-3 hours of driving to have a decent job. When you have nothing, you do things you normally wouldn’t do.
I'm Appalachian myself, born and raised in West Virginia, and loved your comment, it made me tickled because we probably find folks from other regions of the country just as fascinating as they find us! 😂 Lol...think about it, and you'll laugh a little too. Our "normal" is abnormal to you, while your "normal" is abnormal to us. I guess that's where that ol' saying comes from, "that it'd be a pretty dull world if we's all the same." You have a blessed day😊
Poor thing. That's all she knew. No life experiences. No travel experiences. No education. Just drugs and abuse - her whole family. Lord have mercy on her soul.
I live in Eastern kentucky bording West Virginia. I was born and raised here, now 65. This is the worst I have ever seen it here. I sat on the Grand jury for a year and have to say 95% of the cases we had was drug related. Breaking and entry because of needing money to buy drugs. Stealing at Walmart, then selling the items to get money for drugs. Selling drugs to buy more drugs. It's just a vicious cycle and getting worse.
I've met a few "betties" in my life. If you want the straight truth to something I guarantee she's the woman to tell you. I wish this interview would have been longer, for sure she's got some interesting stories and life lessons learned through personal experience and a difficult life.
Good Lord, that's a stark example of hard living. My jaw fell open when she said she is 65. I thought she had to be 10-20 years older than that. Stay away from the drugs, kids. You don't want to experience those things.
Her picture tells a story about her rough life. My folks are from Southeastern Ky. They refused to raise us in Ky. They didn’t want us to relive their hardships but we went to Ky to see family practically every weekend and I spent the summers there. I had very fond memories of Ky and made great friends. Today, the region is swallowed by drugs. The people are losing their culture in exchange for a drug culture, which is sadly being normalized in so many places. Trustworthy people have been replaced by untrustworthy ones. The land is beautiful in a place where things got ugly with its people. We can only hope and pray the lost ones will someday find their way back to having a real life.
Work is so important in your life. It gives one a purpose for living. Idleness is the tool of the devil. I became disabled and struggle with my own self worth. Never turned to drugs but struggle with depression very much. 😊
That's what I do with most all of Mark's interviews. It helps. Especially if a name of a place or a figure of speech isn't clear to me. Helps get a better idea of the story. Peace!✌🏼
I have just started watching your recent interviews , they are showing real people warts & all who unlike many have been dealt the bad cards in life but still wish the best for others , when Bettie said she was 55 years old I realised she has been ravaged by drugs , re people not understanding her , I am from the UK & can understand her , I think the fact she has no teeth maybe makes her mumble ... God bless you Bettie I hope you get some happiness in your life , Subscribed ❤
She's got a deeper voice than I will ever have. 😂🎉 What a lovely smokers voice. You too can have a deep voice, man or woman, if you smoke a pack a day. It's your choice.
My mom’s best friend lives in the hollars near Manchester. Beautiful region, but severely economically depressed. Imagine a feisty Japanese lady from Hiroshima, speaking what my mom (also from Hiroshima) calls “hilly billy” but her r’s aren’t quite there! 😂
It’s so interesting to hear this drug talk from an older Appalachian person. The older Appalachian people I know don’t know anything about drugs and don’t have anything to do with them. I feel for her family.
How can they not know anything about it? It's ruined their entire community. The older people that Mark interviews certainly know all about it maybe not to do it but they know about it.
We know about drugs, but so help me, you could show me meth or cocaine and I wouldn’t know what it was except from TV… I’ve never seen it in person and wouldn’t know where to get it…
Well she is 65. That means during the height of the OxyContin days (roughly 1998-2010) she would have been roughly 35 ish when it started. So not “old” relative to the time.
You can tell by her facial bones that Bettie was a beautiful woman in her youth. She still has her high school hair doo. Cocaine and isolation from greater society is a helluva a drug. Wishing her the best in her later years. Actions have repercussions and ripple through time and space.
@@thematriarchy2075wow as usual you possibly completely misinterpreted that person's comment. I'm sure it won't be the last time you'll do that to someone seeing as though your prolific out in the comments
Why is the volume so damn low mark!?? Lol 😂 I’m in Kentucky, born and raised!! I can understand every word she’s saying, when I can actually hear her Lol 🤷♂️ born and raised in Taylor and Woodford
Bettie, I really liked your story. I appreciate your honesty & truth. @ 9:24 You're 100% correct. We're about the same age. I remember hearing & seeing the old school speed. It was popular amongst the bikers along with Sopors (powder). When I started hearing about this new stuff, I didn't understand what they were talking about especially because of how it was made. It's all bad but from what I've read, it's really, really bad now. It can make a 20 year old look 60 in less than a year. You look good. Betcha you were a real beauty when you were younger. Hey, we all age. I did too. My family is originally from WV/KY (Eastern) but my Grandparents moved North towards Columbus for work. I'm forever grateful they had the ability & want to do that. I can always visit the graves, former homes or any place I want to at any time. Sometimes my DNA longs to run to the hills. I'm now not to far away. Currently, I live in SE Ohio after leaving the Central Ohio area. I love doing Genealogy, etc. There's been a few places in the mountains, that I loved & felt very attached to. I later found out that one or more of my family lived there. It's hard to explain but it's an overall feeling of comfort & familiarity. Makes me wanna go right now. Take care & again thanks for sharing.
I love the Appalachian stories, Mark. One thing I've noticed its that a certain segment of your audience is MUCH kinder to them than they are to the "big city people" , the " Northern people", the non- Christians and anyone who is trans. Some of the Bible Bangers will forgive their own peeps -but are pretty awful to all the other interviewees. Just an observation and doesn't stop me from watching and posting. And if this triggers you? Then THINK about why.
My maternal grandfather worked in the coal mines of Kentucky ( Breathitt County) until age 58. That's when he and my grandmother moved to Indiana and from there, Grandpa worked till age 68 in a canning factory until he retired. At that point, he'd been diagnosed with Black Lung disease. My mom was the youngest of their 10 children. My maternal or paternal grandparents didn't have a lazy bone in their body. Eastern KY wasn't always like it is today. My mom came to Indiana at age 8, my dad came at age 6. My dad's father was killed by a neighbor who shot him from behind over moonshine. So my paternal grandmother lost her husband, her father, a brother, 2 half brothers. and 2 uncles to murder. Her brothers and dad were killed because their 2 families had been fueding and killing each other for 3 decades.She left KY as a young widow with 4 small kids. That's how my dad ended up in Indiana. I still have family in Perry, Breathitt, and Letcher County in Kentucky. I've never lived there but love to visit the mountains. They're so beautiful. I )ove the stories of the old people"s childhood and young adulthood. No opportunity for young people there. Most are just victims of where they were born until they're old enough to leave the mountains. If they choose to drop out of school and pick up the needle, it's on them. Once grown, they have to make good choices
Get off dope and find work. What a story and there you go. If you look for the darkness and dirt anywhere you will find it. Life can be hard, it’s worth fighting to live the best one possible though. Best to this sweet lady!!
When someone says they snorted an ounce, 28 grams, in a day, more than a gram an hour I see a red flag. That is pretty hard to believe. I speak from experience.
I kept thinking what a waste of a cigarette! Only a true smoker thinks like that and I'm ashamed to say that 50 years in that I can't kick the habit! Good thing I didn't do drugs!
She looks like she's got a face on her right knee 😮 I normally watch on my other channel. I'm surprised Betty made it to 65. Good luck, Betty well done for your accomplishments.❤
If you have never tried drugs…Don’t.there is no good that will ever come from it. & with every high there will be a low..Don’t mess with vapes or even drinks with caffeine if you haven’t yet. Nicotine & caffeine aren’t the same as meth but they are most definitely drugs. Stay all natural!
@@aethelwulfwarlord1475 Caffeine is the most consumed psychoactive drug in the world and is in fact addictive. A quick search online will fill you in on the details. However, I won't be giving up my cup or two of coffee a day anytime soon.
@@karenfryberger4260 It's only addictive if you have an addictive personality. I drink two cups of coffee in the morning because I enjoy it. Some days I skip it if I'm in a hurry and go about my day and totally forget that I didn't have it those mornings. I've gone on vacation for a week at a time and didn't have a drop and had no withdraw symptoms whatsoever.
@@jaepcam There is more to addiction than having "an addictive personality". Everyone is different. There are chemical and genetic components. Your experience doesn't negate the fact that caffeine is addictive. Someone who drinks caffeinated drinks all day long for years, or uses good old No-Doz capsules (advertised as 2 cups of coffee per pill) on a regular basis is very likely going to become addicted.
@@karenfryberger4260 Caffeine is addictive for people with addictive personalities as I said. The "chemical and genetic components" which you brought up are the source behind any addiction, not the product itself. I obviously don't have the components since I have used many different substances for recreational purposes more than a few times over my years and have never been addicted to anything. So, it is the "chemical and genetic components" which causes coffee addiction, not caffeine. By the way, why did you delete your original comment which I first replied to?
I have long felt that the people, who are the backbone of the country, have been targeted by drug companies and drug cartels and the powers behind both. It breaks my heart. These are the descendants of the greatest generation and of revolutionary war heroes. Those not affected by the dope plaque still have the love of country and independence.
I grew up in the coal fields of WV. Born in Williamson WV. I was one of the fortunate ones. I hate that my people are mostly portrayed as ignorant and addicted when the truth is that there is a large segment of people that prosper in the area. I left at a young age at the encouragement of my mother. She didn't want me to have regrets. I am thankful for her harsh yet thoughtful support. I love your work.
Its beautiful county up there.
@@Mia-qt4thnowhere in the country like it. That’s what makes it hard to leave.
It's very sad but the reason it's portrayed like that is because it's the majority. That's not an insult, it's a fact.
It would be nice to see a better side of things there.
I ain’t no fortunate one, ain’t no millionaires son
This lady is a real gem. I wish her and her family all the best. I’m a reviving addict as well. Two years June 15 by the grace of god.
When a former addict speaks so casually about coke but then makes sure to tell you that meth is the devil’s work… you better believe ‘em 😢💔
Meth is the worst
Yes Indeed
Well put!
i always thought coke was worse...do a line, do another line, and another, and another, etc. meth - do a line, and you are good to go for the remainder of the night...
Maybe so but at the end meth will take you to hell. It's ruined so many lives and families@@z-z-z-z
As much as mark said it’s hard to get interviews in the Appalachia area, I hope he continues to do it. These interviews are the best. The series before this set of interviews were top notch💯
Some of the best
I agree. My roots are in Appalachia, Russell and Buchanan Counties.
@@KimmyGibson Rowan county
Being a native from Corbin, Kentucky Manchester only being about a hour away. It’s beautiful out in the country you can get lost in it. But years of drugs flooding into the low income areas around have reap and destroyed a lot of people whose grandparents farmed and lived off of the land as much as possible. Today people get bored and yet poor being unable to do anything about it. I just moved from Corbin Kentucky about a year ago and it will always been home to me but not I visit in small doses. Growing up poor raised by my grandmother an watching adults snort and inject drugs a lot gave me the prospective of what I never wanted to become. Much love lady 🫶 thank you for sharing your story and walk through life. 🙏❤️
You know what I think. I think the government allows those drugs to get into the poor counties and towns because like you mentioned, their g-parents used to live and farm that land and once they passed away, that land would be passed on down to the next generation. And then they started raising the prices for everything where the people couldn’t even afford to farm and they would have to get out and find other jobs to help pay their bills and feed their families. So when the people would get down and out and desperate, they’d turn to the drugs to just help them try to cope with what was going on, leaving them in a bind to where the government could come in and take up their lands and homes and put them on the streets. People may disagree with what I’m saying, but I feel it in my heart and soul that’s what’s really going on. Those people who don’t want to hear it are just afraid that the country they’ve fought and fallen for, is the same country that’s taking everything from them. I know y’all see how the citizens are losing their rights and the immigrants are taking over. What happened to the constitution and the pledge of allegiance to our country?! People are so wrapped up in trying to keep up with everyone else that they don’t even know what’s happening right in front of them. It’s like common sense has went completely out the window. The only thing I can say to those who are listening is to get your houses in order. Keep your houses and your families prayed over constantly because the devil is working overtime and he’s attacking you every chance you slip up. Right now I pray that God will keep each one of you protected from any and all evil in this world and cover you with the blood of Jesus Christ. I pray that no weapon formed against you or your family shall prosper. I pray that God will give you the strength and wisdom you need each day to make it through your trials and tribulations. I pray that He sends you the peace and comfort you need today and everyday. I pray that you can feel Him working in your life and that you can feel His presence and love every second of your lives. And I pray for those who are struggling and suffering with whatever the case may be, that He brings you out of that darkness and into His mighty light. And I pray for those of you who are still lost in this cruel and evil world that you may seek Him, repent and confess your sins to Him and give Him your all. In Jesus’ Almighty name I pray Amen and Amen. God bless you all
U can thanks our great govt for the pills and dope that’s our great government!!
Mark, you didn't talk to her long enough, But that photo of her is powerful.
I like listening to her talk. I'm a middle-aged woman and would ask her lots of questions.
Y E S
She expressed her grief and pain in a way I could feel. She may have spoken as long as she could. And, she may have had no more words. I have yet to see Mark stop anyone from speaking.
I think the interviewee has the power over how long they want to interview. Some for 20 mins, some seem to go over an hour. Probably depends on the person and how much they feel comfortable talking.
@@nikirrae8495 Exactly!
The part that struck me was when she repeated that her ex was in prison but she didn't do anything, he threw her out of a moving vehicle...that hurt my heart 🙏🏻
Yes, it was like she wanted the ex to know that she didn't say anything to have him put in prison . She is scared of him but still it's makes me wonder if when he gets out of prison would she go back to him . I hope she isn't thinking like that in the back of her mind .
I live in Appalachia. Betty both breaks my heart and also calms it. She reminds me so much of the older generations of my family and family friends. The way she talks and the sincerity in her voice make me miss all of my great aunts and uncles , mamaws and papaws , they were never on drugs but we had plenty of drinkers , wives getting the hell beat out of em and uncles wrecking car after car in DUI's , bar fights and so on. We also had church suppers, revivals , family reunions , sitting around on the porch while the old folks talked up a storm , and river baptizings
It's hard to imagine how anyone could both love and hate a place so much but I mostly love it. As hard as those days were sometimes,it was still better than things are now. One of my favorite memories is 5 year old me sitting on the wheel cover of my papaws tractor , something i would never let my kids do lol but we did so much stuff then that kids today will never experience today and it's kinda sad. Things like hunting for wild strawberries, playing hide and seek and always hiding in the smoke house , catching lightning bugs at night , or watching Dallas on TV at Mawmaws with every light off and every door and window open to let in the cool night air. My uncles telling me ghost stories and crying and telling on them to papaw haha. My uncles and aunts were just a few years older than me so we felt like siblings. I miss those days so much sometimes. It was hard for sure but somehow it was better. Sending love to all my mountain family. Betty, thank you for sharing with us. I pray for you and your family and for a happy easy life for you Hon. ❤❤
Beautifully said.
I agree with everything you just shared. I understand. Sending love back to you too! I really like what you said in your last sentence to Bettie!
@melodymacken9788 thank you 😊
@whippoorwillholler740 thank you Hon
I wish you all the very best Bettie. It's lovely that you looked after your mum until she passed over. Good on you ❤❤
Bless her damn heart. I’m from Harlan Co Kentucky!!! I love listening to her. She’s STRAIGHT UP HONEST. I LOVE YOU SWEET LADY!!! I’m glad you’re HERE talking to us Keep it real mama
Beautifully said.
I’m from TN and we say bless your heart and we mean it! Now I’m in NY and they say that’s an insult. Breaks my heart because BLESS HER 💜 ❤
As an Appalachian, this is the story of so many. My Mom passed away of a drug overdose. She was a victim of the opioid epidemic.
The Appalachian mountain range is one of the most beautiful places in the world but yet filled with so much darkness. 💔
🙏🏻🙏🏻 I’m sorry for her loss. Beauty shines thru and overcomes the darkness.
@@jaynesegman7847 I believe in a higher power. May God have mercy on us all.
Absolutely that's where I'm from.
So much evil here.💯🙏🏼
Stupidity epidemic
Bless you Bettie. I'm 64 and lived thru the 80's Cocaine and Meth, but I managed to keep working and live a normal lifestyle. Can't say that about my husband at the time. He is now dead and I believe if he put in some effort he could have done better. I had to leave with the clothes on my back to escape his insanity, but I got away. The trick is to live for yourself. Be your own support system because nobody else is going to take care of you. Stay Straight / Stay Strong and smile. Good luck Bettie - your story can only get better.
You are absolutely right...
Live for yourself. That's what I do.
God's blessings to you. x
Glad you are doing better. Meth is horrible. Before we were married,my wife was on it but got sober . I had no idea she’d had a drug problem. We had a daughter, and shortly after her birth,she relapsed. I was oblivious. Didn’t know anything about meth. She luckily got help & is sober now. It’s always been just me & my now 12 year old daughter.she is the best thing that ever happened to me..going through some things right now .my truck isn’t running right now,im getting behind a little,but working on getting things straightened out and waiting on a divorce to be finalized. Child support & being legally separated from the financial problems that my wife has created should change things big time.
yes. glad. drug addiction is horrible. my brother is recovering from it. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
@@jaynesegman7847i wish your brother success in conquering his addiction
Keep at it man you will get it
Good for you & your daughter! Hope your life gets straightened out soon & the rest of your lives together blossom & prosper. Also, I hope your ex can stay clean. Best wishes to you all.
Keep your head up bro. Went thru a very similar situation, kept grinding thru it and have a great woman and good living for me and the kids now.
Mark is one of the most interesting people ever. The way he gives everyone a voice. I love this channel so much. It’s got me through the past 3years ❤
This is such a valuable interview
Bettie is so powerful.
She’s a thin woman with a soft voice, but don’t let that fool you.
She’s all kinds of strength.
Thanks for that.
It’s so hard to balance the compassion and the identification of drug addiction. I struggle mightily with these videos. I’ve seen the dark side personally… it’s so tough…
Bless you
So many Americans are struggling with addiction. It's literally my biggest fear as a mother. My entire family is full of addicts. We've lost many members. The most recent my cousin killed herself last year due to addiction and mental health issues. Everyday I wake up I think about addiction . I'm not even a drug addict. I'm terrified. She is too.
Never used drugs. Don't even drink. But damn I can't even stop eating cashews though they're absolutely bad for me. But then, food's an addiction too. Anything that controls you becomes an addiction
The opioids - legal or illegal - are killing vast numbers of Americans.
Truly tragic! I bet that Bettie was really beautiful when she was young. May God bless and nurture her.🙏🤗
She still is beautiful
@@leahboynton1280 You know what I meant! 🤭😁
Yes, I see the same thing!
I love listing to these country folks story’s. Thanks Mark::)
Tom Petty rocks 🤘✌
I'm from Appalachia she's telling God's truth.The stories I could tell.😢
They give the normal people that live in these places a bad name… most are not like these.
Honest as it gets !
Im from Appalachia.Theres so many drugs around.I dont know a family that hasn't been affected by it in some way.Its just so sad.😢
Me too! Live in the Meth Capital of Appalachia. It’s crazy/ridiculous way of life. Beg, borrow or steal is the way of life. Not into it and don’t fit in
I had tears in my eyes the whole interview. 😢
Such a beautiful soul stifled by the people around her. If I could adopt her and bring her to my home, I would make sure the rest of her life was surrounded by love and safety.
😂
Betty is a tough lady and a survivor.
Bettie has smashing hair. Love it.
All 80s like.
@@k5elevencinc0idk looks like a wig
I don’t think it’s a wig- I do t think she’d fool with a wig. It’s a hairstyle definitely from the 80’s and can relate - we didn’t fool with wigs then.
@@cherrygirl64 Who cares. It's nice.
@@cherrygirl64 Definitely not a wig!
This woman here, you can tell when she was younger she was a beautiful woman. Look at those eyes. At one time she had natural beauty. Sad the drugs takes all that away from a person
what a lovely lady you can see shes been through it wish her all the best from the uk
Si m so glad you are sober Bettie. Keep praying for your family. God hears us. Don’t stop praying!
I grew up in Appalachia West Virginia and lived there until my 30s. When the coal mines left and dried up so many people were left with no hope. Seemed everyone I knew either turned to religion for comfort as my mom did or drugs like poor Betty here. I saw so many just like her. They lived a rough life and used alcohol or drugs or smoking to cope. Such gorgeous land there but so much sadness too.
Why not move and get a job somewhere else?
I did move out of state and some do. But some get stuck in a family cycle of drugs and poverty and never leave.
Poor woman has been theu HELL and bk!! Im a recovering addict....and I feel for her, BUT....I SERIOUSLY AM SO VERY PROUD OF HER FOR BEING STRONG & GETTING CLEAN!!! 💜🙏💕
Same here
68 here. I went through the 80's, 90's era with cocaine. Just happy I made it and have been clean for 28 years.
Great portrait, Mr. Mark ✌️
Bettie, Thank you for your story. I hope it helps others.
Absolutely heart wrenching! I hope this lady has a good rest of her life! Sending many prayers for all the people in that part of the world!
Dear Betty I hope and pray for you and ur family! Bless ur heart!!
Shes honest
I’m from West Virginia, she reminds me so much of some of my loved ones I’ve had over 20 friends and family gone from substance abuse mostly fentanyl. my mothers side of the family had six brothers and sisters plus her parents. They are all gone from cancer from living near the coal mines besides my uncle who was beat to death by the West Virginia police. This is every day life for us. No opportunities. Why does life have to be so easy for some people and so hard for others?
My father's family is from this County in KY. I was here as a young child and have fond memories of crawdad chasing in the creek, and not so fond memories of other aspects. I'm glad my path didn't lead me to this County.
Glad you're doing better Bettie, I hope your life is easier for you now .You have been through a lot in your life. I hope you can find peace. 🙏🙏
What a beautiful honest lady to bare her soul to you like this. Glad she’s getting better.
Mark it would be neat to ask the people you interview for before drug pictures and show them to us.. this women looks like she was probably beautiful when she was younger and before drugs.
Good morning everyone from NYC via southern WV ❤
This is what drugs do to your body and mind I wish there was a before and after picture of her when she was younger before the long journey of drugs bet she was the most beautiful baby, girl and woman no one says when they’re 8 years old they want to grow up and be a drug addict nobody
Love and light
Betti, You've been through so much in your life, and now you're watching your loved ones going down that same road, I'm so sorry. Please know I've prayed for you. I pray.🙏 HE gives you strength and peace in the days ahead...❤
What a very smart lady. She's one of the rare ones. She realized how bad she was getting and got off the crap she was on. I wish her all the best, as I think she's earned it. Keep the faith, Bettie, and keep strong.❤
I think smart would be not getting on it to begin with.
@@hughestodd She thought so too and said so.
Her eyes…….so hauntingly sad……..she has had a very rough, troubled life. Wish her the best❤
Wouldn't change a thing about being born in Appalachia(WV) with people just like this lady, Bettie and moved away when I was 16 with my mom named Betty as well. It was for better work opportunities for her and an education she wanted for me, but the people in that part of the country are the salt of the earth, period ❤️
oh my god .. this poor woman didn't have a chance in life. I can't believe she's only 65. She's right, part of the drug problem in Kentucky is the lack of work. When the politicians moved the work out of the country in 80's-90's they contributed this sad situation. They are NOT doing enough to keep the drugs out of our country and also punish the people who are making here. We also need to provide our people with opportunities to build a life here and Not ship manufacturing and service jobs over seas!
Don't forget about the Sackler family !
It wasn't the politicians who moved our jobs out of the country, it was billionaires and multinational corporations in pursuit of higher profits. Politicians just do what the capitalists tell them
She brought it all on herself.
@@carolseven3802she did make the choice to do it yes. Butttttt you live in a totally different environment. You have no idea what it’s like growing up here in Eastern Kentucky. Lack of jobs and things to do/places to go. It’s party’s and drugs all around. 2-3 hours of driving to have a decent job. When you have nothing, you do things you normally wouldn’t do.
Thank you Betty. You told some great lessons.
I hope she "hearsTell" of our hearing her truth. And respectful gratitude
This poor lady has had a hard life 😢 I wish her nothing but the best 🙏🙏🙏
If there is a lesson to be learned here its time and life is short dont waste it doing drugs.Time is a precious thing.
Ias someone who has never been out to that part of the country, I thank you mark. I find these people fascinating
I'm Appalachian myself, born and raised in West Virginia, and loved your comment, it made me tickled because we probably find folks from other regions of the country just as fascinating as they find us! 😂 Lol...think about it, and you'll laugh a little too. Our "normal" is abnormal to you, while your "normal" is abnormal to us. I guess that's where that ol' saying comes from, "that it'd be a pretty dull world if we's all the same." You have a blessed day😊
Luv your content.this women sends me over the edge.😢from the frozen praire of south dakota peace.
I wish her the best and as well as her family, Hopefully they can get well soon! And find the help they desperately need!
We need more of Betty's story.
Thats the fastest shortest worst story ever told.😮
That’s Kentucky for ya
@@FeralaRainblue grass country is beautiful
Poor thing. That's all she knew. No life experiences. No travel experiences. No education. Just drugs and abuse - her whole family. Lord have mercy on her soul.
I live in Eastern kentucky bording West Virginia. I was born and raised here, now 65. This is the worst I have ever seen it here. I sat on the Grand jury for a year and have to say 95% of the cases we had was drug related. Breaking and entry because of needing money to buy drugs. Stealing at Walmart, then selling the items to get money for drugs. Selling drugs to buy more drugs. It's just a vicious cycle and getting worse.
Why are drugs so prolific in this area
Blessings and good luck for Bettie
She is a gem and I wish her well. I cannot say I can identify since I'm from Canada but live in Michigan. All the best to you Bettie.
I FUCKING LOVE HER - can't understand half of what she's saying, but what I did understand, I loved. God bless her x
Oh my stop shouting. We hear ya
Oh, SOOOOOORRRRYYYYY!!!!!
@@MsTez74 your goofy 😜
Why can't anyone understand what she's saying? I don't get it.
@@RadRedhead222 Some of it, not all of it. Besides, her accent is cool.
Hi Mark
Betty.
Please have an update on this lady.
Redemption.
Finding a way back from hell.
Telling her story.
Glad you have found her❤
Boredom can draw people to drugs…
Abuse helps
So can being a hypergamous ho
You can see she was a real beauty when she was younger! I am surprised with her life style she looks still good for how she has lived.
Damn i know my insomia is bad when im awake for marks posts lol
Man tell me about it.
It’s midnight in Hawaii 😢
Me tooo 😂
Fried
Lol
Damn this shits crazy, i pray this lady finds peace 😐
My husband and I are retired and moving to Manchester to escape the crazy traffic here in Florida. Perhaps I'll run into Betty so I can hug her.
Thanks Mark.
one of your best interviews. thank you Bettie. you are an amazing woman
I've met a few "betties" in my life. If you want the straight truth to something I guarantee she's the woman to tell you. I wish this interview would have been longer, for sure she's got some interesting stories and life lessons learned through personal experience and a difficult life.
Good Lord, that's a stark example of hard living. My jaw fell open when she said she is 65. I thought she had to be 10-20 years older than that. Stay away from the drugs, kids. You don't want to experience those things.
Her picture tells a story about her rough life. My folks are from Southeastern Ky. They refused to raise us in Ky. They didn’t want us to relive their hardships but we went to Ky to see family practically every weekend and I spent the summers there. I had very fond memories of Ky and made great friends. Today, the region is swallowed by drugs. The people are losing their culture in exchange for a drug culture, which is sadly being normalized in so many places. Trustworthy people have been replaced by untrustworthy ones. The land is beautiful in a place where things got ugly with its people. We can only hope and pray the lost ones will someday find their way back to having a real life.
Work is so important in your life. It gives one a purpose for living. Idleness is the tool of the devil. I became disabled and struggle with my own self worth. Never turned to drugs but struggle with depression very much. 😊
Subtitles would have been a good idea. Can’t understand most of what she said!
That's what I do with most all of Mark's interviews. It helps. Especially if a name of a place or a figure of speech isn't clear to me. Helps get a better idea of the story. Peace!✌🏼
I have just started watching your recent interviews , they are showing real people warts & all who unlike many have been dealt the bad cards in life but still wish the best for others , when Bettie said she was 55 years old I realised she has been ravaged by drugs , re people not understanding her , I am from the UK & can understand her , I think the fact she has no teeth maybe makes her mumble ... God bless you Bettie I hope you get some happiness in your life , Subscribed ❤
Ppl should really listen to these stories especially the ones that are struggling with substance abuse!!! It’s never to late change.
She is one of the most interesting women you have interviewed!
I have to put the subtitles on for some of these videos.
Manchester just a few minutes from my house, I’m in next county. Sorry this women had such a rough life. Hope her sons gets help and she stays off it.
What a sweet lady. She’s had such a bad life. I wish I could know her. Bless you.
She's got a deeper voice than I will ever have. 😂🎉 What a lovely smokers voice. You too can have a deep voice, man or woman, if you smoke a pack a day. It's your choice.
Thank You. I watch all of your videos.
My mom’s best friend lives in the hollars near Manchester. Beautiful region, but severely economically depressed.
Imagine a feisty Japanese lady from Hiroshima, speaking what my mom (also from Hiroshima) calls “hilly billy” but her r’s aren’t quite there! 😂
Love it!
They need to play this video in Appalachian schools.
Thank you Betty !
Stay strong! 💪
Alsome testament. We love you! 🧡
very very sad. trauma, poverty, ignorance is a bad combo. hope she heals and the rest of her life is better
It’s so interesting to hear this drug talk from an older Appalachian person. The older Appalachian people I know don’t know anything about drugs and don’t have anything to do with them. I feel for her family.
How can they not know anything about it? It's ruined their entire community. The older people that Mark interviews certainly know all about it maybe not to do it but they know about it.
We know about drugs, but so help me, you could show me meth or cocaine and I wouldn’t know what it was except from TV… I’ve never seen it in person and wouldn’t know where to get it…
@@pamwalker6284ok
@@pamwalker6284Thankfully I am the same. I feel for those tricked by Devil.
Well she is 65. That means during the height of the OxyContin days (roughly 1998-2010) she would have been roughly 35 ish when it started. So not “old” relative to the time.
The law has killed so many innocent people it’s insane
Morning everyone
You can tell by her facial bones that Bettie was a beautiful woman in her youth. She still has her high school hair doo. Cocaine and isolation from greater society is a helluva a drug. Wishing her the best in her later years. Actions have repercussions and ripple through time and space.
Oh, that's good to know, that she was beautiful, because what's her worth without it, right?
@@thematriarchy2075wow as usual you possibly completely misinterpreted that person's comment. I'm sure it won't be the last time you'll do that to someone seeing as though your prolific out in the comments
@@Mr-Angelo0U812 Lol. Have a great day today 🙃
@@thematriarchy2075 yea you also. See you in the comments
@@thematriarchy2075I know what your saying. It vexes me that so many don't understand how these shallow words sound.
Hard to believe she's still alive after she's been through so much
Why is the volume so damn low mark!?? Lol 😂 I’m in Kentucky, born and raised!! I can understand every word she’s saying, when I can actually hear her Lol 🤷♂️ born and raised in Taylor and Woodford
Bettie, I really liked your story. I appreciate your honesty & truth. @ 9:24 You're 100% correct. We're about the same age. I remember hearing & seeing the old school speed. It was popular amongst the bikers along with Sopors (powder). When I started hearing about this new stuff, I didn't understand what they were talking about especially because of how it was made. It's all bad but from what I've read, it's really, really bad now. It can make a 20 year old look 60 in less than a year. You look good. Betcha you were a real beauty when you were younger. Hey, we all age. I did too.
My family is originally from WV/KY (Eastern) but my Grandparents moved North towards Columbus for work. I'm forever grateful they had the ability & want to do that. I can always visit the graves, former homes or any place I want to at any time. Sometimes my DNA longs to run to the hills. I'm now not to far away. Currently, I live in SE Ohio after leaving the Central Ohio area. I love doing Genealogy, etc. There's been a few places in the mountains, that I loved & felt very attached to. I later found out that one or more of my family lived there. It's hard to explain but it's an overall feeling of comfort & familiarity. Makes me wanna go right now. Take care & again thanks for sharing.
I love the Appalachian stories, Mark. One thing I've noticed its that a certain segment of your audience is MUCH kinder to them than they are to the "big city people" , the " Northern people", the non- Christians
and anyone who is trans. Some of the Bible Bangers will forgive their own peeps -but are pretty awful to all the other interviewees. Just an observation and doesn't stop me from watching and posting. And if this triggers you? Then THINK about why.
Atheists/agnostics aren't as judgmental as "Christians". There's no hate like Christian hate.
Not hard.
You insult people by calling them Bible beaters, then tell them if they are offended it is because they are immoral.
I've noticed this too
My maternal grandfather worked in the coal mines of Kentucky ( Breathitt County) until age 58. That's when he and my grandmother moved to Indiana and from there, Grandpa worked till age 68 in a canning factory until he retired. At that point, he'd been diagnosed with Black Lung disease. My mom was the youngest of their 10 children. My maternal or paternal grandparents didn't have a lazy bone in their body. Eastern KY wasn't always like it is today. My mom came to Indiana at age 8, my dad came at age 6. My dad's father was killed by a neighbor who shot him from behind over moonshine. So my paternal grandmother lost her husband, her father, a brother, 2 half brothers. and 2 uncles to murder. Her brothers and dad were killed because their 2 families had been fueding and killing each other for 3 decades.She left KY as a young widow with 4 small kids. That's how my dad ended up in Indiana. I still have family in Perry, Breathitt, and Letcher County in Kentucky. I've never lived there but love to visit the mountains. They're so beautiful. I )ove the stories of the old people"s childhood and young adulthood. No opportunity for young people there. Most are just victims of where they were born until they're old enough to leave the mountains. If they choose to drop out of school and pick up the needle, it's on them. Once grown, they have to make good choices
Get off dope and find work. What a story and there you go. If you look for the darkness and dirt anywhere you will find it. Life can be hard, it’s worth fighting to live the best one possible though. Best to this sweet lady!!
When someone says they snorted an ounce, 28 grams, in a day, more than a gram an hour I see a red flag. That is pretty hard to believe. I speak from experience.
I kept thinking what a waste of a cigarette! Only a true smoker thinks like that and I'm ashamed to say that 50 years in that I can't kick the habit! Good thing I didn't do drugs!
Your a strong woman God bless you and keep you in His care🩵
She looks like she's got a face on her right knee 😮
I normally watch on my other channel.
I'm surprised Betty made it to 65.
Good luck, Betty well done for your accomplishments.❤
If you have never tried drugs…Don’t.there is no good that will ever come from it. & with every high there will be a low..Don’t mess with vapes or even drinks with caffeine if you haven’t yet. Nicotine & caffeine aren’t the same as meth but they are most definitely drugs. Stay all natural!
@@aethelwulfwarlord1475 Caffeine is the most consumed psychoactive drug in the world and is in fact addictive. A quick search online will fill you in on the details. However, I won't be giving up my cup or two of coffee a day anytime soon.
Good advice but people have free will to choose
@@karenfryberger4260 It's only addictive if you have an addictive personality.
I drink two cups of coffee in the morning because I enjoy it. Some days I skip it if I'm in a hurry and go about my day and totally forget that I didn't have it those mornings. I've gone on vacation for a week at a time and didn't have a drop and had no withdraw symptoms whatsoever.
@@jaepcam There is more to addiction than having "an addictive personality". Everyone is different. There are chemical and genetic components. Your experience doesn't negate the fact that caffeine is addictive. Someone who drinks caffeinated drinks all day long for years, or uses good old No-Doz capsules (advertised as 2 cups of coffee per pill) on a regular basis is very likely going to become addicted.
@@karenfryberger4260 Caffeine is addictive for people with addictive personalities as I said. The "chemical and genetic components" which you brought up are the source behind any addiction, not the product itself. I obviously don't have the components since I have used many different substances for recreational purposes more than a few times over my years and have never been addicted to anything.
So, it is the "chemical and genetic components" which causes coffee addiction, not caffeine.
By the way, why did you delete your original comment which I first replied to?
I have long felt that the people, who are the backbone of the country, have been targeted by drug companies and drug cartels and the powers behind both. It breaks my heart. These are the descendants of the greatest generation and of revolutionary war heroes. Those not affected by the dope plaque still have the love of country and independence.
Incredible, loved it!