I Was A Heroin Addict and A Pimp | Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja - Episode 59 | Season 2

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  • Опубликовано: 21 окт 2024
  • A guest shares how she's changed from being a herion addict and a pimp, to healing and building a stable career.
    Studio Guests: Merlene Williams
    #UnpackedWithRelebogile
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    Feel free to suggest the topics that you'd like for us to unpack using our community server in discord: / discord
    linktr.ee/Unpa...

Комментарии • 271

  • @nondumisondaba9904
    @nondumisondaba9904 3 года назад +161

    I know what she's talking about when she refers to suicide Tuesday " I've been there 11 years ago. I ended up preferring ecstacy over alcohol. But God's grace I pulled out of that dark place. Changed friends and got Baptised accepted Christ in my life. Since then I've never taken any sort of substance

    • @thipimotsoare4228
      @thipimotsoare4228 3 года назад +2

      I am so happy for you sis God bless you ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

    • @The_People_Who_Know_Their_God
      @The_People_Who_Know_Their_God 3 года назад +1

      God bless and keep you. 2 Thes 3:3

    • @lelomakhohlisa2593
      @lelomakhohlisa2593 Год назад

      @@The_People_Who_Know_Their_God zzz;m vv ,,, , zzz c' , vs 🤐😮🤐😮👯👯👯😮👩‍👩‍👦

  • @nkule2493
    @nkule2493 3 года назад +194

    I literally rejoiced when she said she's been clean for 15 years. I'm proud of her 🎉🌹

    • @thipimotsoare4228
      @thipimotsoare4228 3 года назад +4

      I thought she was talking about something that happened like two years ago

    • @kenosi7345
      @kenosi7345 3 года назад

      Me too I literally screamed out loud my neighbors heard me rejoice

  • @lebohanglekoa9852
    @lebohanglekoa9852 3 года назад +230

    Wow 5 years addicted and been sober for 15 years... She doesn't look a day over 30 ❤️

    • @kholofelomagongoa6791
      @kholofelomagongoa6791 3 года назад +13

      She has good genes yoh😭❤️

    • @sinovuyoKalako
      @sinovuyoKalako 3 года назад +28

      I was also shook😩😍💣I was busy calculating that she started substance abuse at the age of 23, she was addicted for 5 years and she's 15 years sober🤔so that means she's 43/44 years? Or I understood it wrong?

    • @kholofelomagongoa6791
      @kholofelomagongoa6791 3 года назад +6

      @@sinovuyoKalako you are right

    • @amilakenosi
      @amilakenosi 3 года назад +6

      @@kholofelomagongoa6791 i want those genes😭

    • @kholofelomagongoa6791
      @kholofelomagongoa6791 3 года назад +1

      @@amilakenosi me too hey

  • @donnadavis8685
    @donnadavis8685 3 года назад +247

    Very accurate account of heroin addiction..I was heavily addicted and this October I will celebrate 2 years sobriety! This girl told a very sad and accurate story of being addicted to heroin and I related to all of it! The only difference is I snorted the drug! I was involved in a very bad car accident that almost took my life and I decided to get sober from all drugs. THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INTERVIEW! I love this channel and look forward to hearing all your interviews!

    • @sihleqengqeleka7125
      @sihleqengqeleka7125 3 года назад +12

      Very well done to you... God gave you a second chance in life and you ran with it and never looked back... Keep it that way 👏

    • @cebisa93
      @cebisa93 3 года назад +8

      Congratulations.

    • @donnadavis8685
      @donnadavis8685 3 года назад +14

      Thankyou! I will continue..The bad car accident happened on the way to meet the drug dealer. I was in Full Withdrawal and very sick. Wasn't paying attention and crashed my Van..I suffered a fractured kneck, back , Ribs, left knee cap and blood clots in both legs Doctors also found bleeding on my brain.. not wearing my seat belt ..I had hit my head against Dash board...I was in critical condition..I was in the hospital for all most 2 months . I was left homeless and I knew it was my Rock Bottom..with no where to go....my family was against me because of the drugs...decided at 58 yrs old to go to a Rehab center..Where I was able to get the help I needed... God spared me that Day and I had an epiphany to change my ways...like the interviewer said.. you have to want to change... noone can make you change...you Just have to want a better life and I chose BETTER LIFE FOR MYSELF!!

    • @bongim9141
      @bongim9141 3 года назад +2

      May God see you through.😇

    • @nombasamnisi1179
      @nombasamnisi1179 3 года назад +2

      Congratulations on your sobriety. 🤍

  • @khwezimadlala6172
    @khwezimadlala6172 3 года назад +124

    One thing about Merlene, she treats everybody around her like royalty. So proud of you Ma’am!👸🏽❤️✨

  • @nqobilemahlangu6777
    @nqobilemahlangu6777 3 года назад +164

    I like how she articulates herself .a good storyteller as well .well done

  • @pointa2b388
    @pointa2b388 3 года назад +145

    😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 mare she is such a story teller, she will make you like the drug, then hate it, then feel like you are in the womb of your mother, how does it feel like to be in the womb😂😂

  • @mahlatsemasha2308
    @mahlatsemasha2308 3 года назад +54

    She is absolutely beautiful 🥺 So proud of her for choosing a better life for herself.

  • @lindelwamhlanga9735
    @lindelwamhlanga9735 3 года назад +27

    The best way is to never start. What an incredible story.

  • @manotshimotloung8124
    @manotshimotloung8124 3 года назад +79

    The guest , the interviewer, the studio setup, outfits everything 💯. Keep up the amazing work Relebogile.. God bless❤️

  • @neosjournal_
    @neosjournal_ 3 года назад +33

    she’s such a great narrator, she left no stone unturned 🙌🏽 and she unapologetically lives her truth

  • @missdatjha5513
    @missdatjha5513 3 года назад +57

    I'm sorry but when she said 'you feel like you are in the womb of your mother' I LOST IT🤣🤣🤣🤣 very, very informative.

    • @nomvulairene4177
      @nomvulairene4177 3 года назад +14

      U become unborn child who is in peace no stress nothing 🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @ntsikaymakay8
      @ntsikaymakay8 3 года назад

      🤣🤣😂😂😂

  • @TJ-my9nh
    @TJ-my9nh 3 года назад +47

    This lady has just made me realise to never give up on myself. Thank you my sister and God bless you.

  • @Tshegomlp
    @Tshegomlp 3 года назад +41

    This sounds so intense, I'm just so glad that grace found her and she's now helping others. God is great

  • @itumelengselepe7254
    @itumelengselepe7254 3 года назад +26

    I have never done drugs but she just made me hate and scared of them. She needs a sponsored tour around the country to tell this story a 1000 times please

  • @mphahleleboitumelo4366
    @mphahleleboitumelo4366 2 года назад +1

    She tells the story very well. I know her, I am the Accountant for her company called Golden Marlene. She is a great Make-up artist. Well-done girl, super proud and humbled by your story.

  • @stellamooibedi9027
    @stellamooibedi9027 3 года назад +45

    Grandmothers are the best I'm a product of one..
    May her soul rest in peace I will not be the person I'm if it wasn't for the foundation she's instilled in me.Forever Gratefu..

    • @madodomatshele8008
      @madodomatshele8008 3 года назад +1

      Me too my granny was the best norms values stability

  • @stellamooibedi9027
    @stellamooibedi9027 3 года назад +51

    "Hope is all a person need when experience trauma "I so believe what she is saying...

    • @missdatjha5513
      @missdatjha5513 3 года назад +3

      One thing about uStella she'll comment. Here for it💯🤍

  • @tshiamomoahloli9991
    @tshiamomoahloli9991 3 года назад +20

    Relebogile is such an objective interviewer , she knows how to ask follow up questions and not absorb the guest’s emotions. Great interview 💯💯 Merlene is such a great story teller, thoroughly enjoyed this interview ❤️

  • @magrethesterhuizen9430
    @magrethesterhuizen9430 3 года назад +39

    She's a good story teller. Made everything very clear, the imagination taking me on the road of understanding how drugs work. Wow 👏 God bless you.

  • @veronicalizekamemani8673
    @veronicalizekamemani8673 3 года назад +28

    I like your answer, " I have tools now" I meditate I gym do a whole lot of things ( positive). I think the greatest to mental status is by keeping active, join gym, jog pray. The irony of it these are the most difficult things to do even when you know and aware that there is definately something wrong with you. I know that personally. Thank you once again Lebo

  • @mmathapelominniemahlangu
    @mmathapelominniemahlangu 3 года назад +31

    Literally my favorite interview…I can relate to what she’s saying “your first high is your best high “

  • @thembisaodendaal
    @thembisaodendaal 3 года назад +28

    Omg I love the way she does the story telling. she'll never go back she is so present and was present for all of it ..she must educate the kids she's brilliant

  • @missdatjha5513
    @missdatjha5513 3 года назад +31

    She's so pretty! Glad she found herself again.❤️🌺

  • @mpoimakhetha9345
    @mpoimakhetha9345 3 года назад +12

    Those of us who have never been exposed to drugs must be grateful for our lives, because maybe we would not be able to come out of this. Its such a painful account of life, the moment she swept the streets for a stash, I have never been sadder. I applaud her for her recovery

  • @BatsiraiMusuka
    @BatsiraiMusuka 3 года назад +19

    This is why it’s important to treat people well…..ALWAYS. The lives we destroy. 😔

  • @davidmitchkilanie9085
    @davidmitchkilanie9085 2 года назад +1

    I love her explanation of how she felt, the experience of the effects of each drug. As people we stereotype how a drug addict looks like but its the person right next to you.

  • @pumzamlondi8538
    @pumzamlondi8538 3 года назад +13

    When she said: "you are the co-creator of your life". I felt that.

  • @samanthadutoit1247
    @samanthadutoit1247 3 года назад +10

    I am impressed by her getting off Heroin without medical assistance wow!

  • @mmabathodlamini6235
    @mmabathodlamini6235 3 года назад +31

    Merlene is such an amazing lady , she is an inspiration to many of us. A lady with a beautiful heart. I love her❤️. Thank you Relebogile ❤️

    • @mmabathodlamini6235
      @mmabathodlamini6235 3 года назад

      Thank you Merlene for sharing your journey with us❤️

  • @nomafrikatjatji6727
    @nomafrikatjatji6727 3 года назад +23

    Well done! This show reminded of Felicia Mabuza Show days, beautiful Guest and an awesome story teller, what a ride 👏 👏👏👏

  • @nonkululekomasilela1980
    @nonkululekomasilela1980 3 года назад +9

    I don't know Merlene but im so proud of her!!

  • @putumaproductionstiso535
    @putumaproductionstiso535 3 года назад +26

    I know this lady, she's one of the best make up artist in the industry. Very humble and forever smiling.. We thank God for her recovery ♥️♥️@LEBO MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SIS YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB

    • @lindagroening536
      @lindagroening536 3 года назад

      I love your music. Thank you for bringing me closer to God each and every single day of my life through worship sis. I overcame demons, battles and struggles through your voice. Salvation indeed is glamorous when the holy spirit inside of you is activated daily

    • @tshegetsotshegetso998
      @tshegetsotshegetso998 3 года назад +1

      She's beautiful..i think she looks a bit like Pearl Thusi

  • @ZenandeNozibele
    @ZenandeNozibele 3 года назад +14

    Very powerful, strong lady. She's well articulated. I enjoyed this episode so much.

  • @Palesa-Amanda
    @Palesa-Amanda 3 года назад +4

    She could be a motivational speaker😭🙌 I really appreciate how present she was, she's so inspiring she's a living testimony of its never too late

  • @corbinjeffries6870
    @corbinjeffries6870 3 года назад +14

    I like when she said you need to have a little grain of hope .

  • @hildadavids217
    @hildadavids217 3 года назад +6

    I am so proud of you girl, it is not easy to open up yourself to the public. I know you and you are the most decent young woman ever knew. Having graduated from Wits with my niece you have made me so proud. Even if you save a single soul, you will have done a great deed. Thank you so much for this.

  • @bonganimiza6253
    @bonganimiza6253 3 года назад +26

    She is such a good teacher of this drug. I am glad she found peace within herself to realise her principles are more important than the drug that displaced her mission of life. May our youth and other people hooked on any kind of drug learn. Thank you again Relebogile and the rest of the #UNPACKED TEAM

  • @thandiwengqwebo574
    @thandiwengqwebo574 3 года назад +32

    We needed you Rele… thank you ❤️

  • @Anonymous-db2hn
    @Anonymous-db2hn 3 года назад +14

    She looks like Janet Jackson 😄 Beautiful.

  • @mzwandile221
    @mzwandile221 3 года назад +6

    If you've ever used that drug then you've seen the devil face to face! I thank God for delivering me from that addiction 👏

  • @340Ayah
    @340Ayah 2 года назад +1

    The shortest 48 minutes of my life. I was literally glued to the screen by her story-telling, I could listen to her forever and how she overcame her addiction. Thanks for sharing your story with us and thanks to Lebo for having her as a guest.

  • @Naughtorious
    @Naughtorious 3 года назад +6

    Yoh😭😭😭😭😩😩😩😩😩
    She recovered so beautifully though, I mean wow 🥺🥺🥺

  • @sihleqengqeleka7125
    @sihleqengqeleka7125 3 года назад +15

    At some point, you made me want to smoke yaz, like, the way you described the feeling, living on the edge, selling and buying back your stuff, waiting for 00:00 to withdraw money nge payday 🤣🤣🤣... It all sounded so cool... But, the withdrawals, sweeping the streets looking for your gold chain with a cross 🤣🤣... Andizi!!!
    Thanks for a great story... I experienced all sorts of emotions 🥰🥰

    • @zimkhitha.h
      @zimkhitha.h 3 года назад +2

      Lol I get what you mean 😂😂

    • @swazi4769
      @swazi4769 3 года назад +2

      Yazi... Same here. The way she explains it yhoooo. 😆

  • @owamizuma7565
    @owamizuma7565 3 года назад +25

    😓I can totally relate to her story.

  • @calinbooysen6949
    @calinbooysen6949 Год назад +1

    So proud of her,love you,we grew up together,God bless you in abundance

  • @EuniceKeis
    @EuniceKeis 3 года назад +22

    She’s an amazing story teller…

  • @tshepihlasa6572
    @tshepihlasa6572 3 года назад +10

    What a blessing it is for her to be present to tell her story. ♥️

  • @mrubaby
    @mrubaby 3 года назад +4

    She's so well-articulated in explaining the feeling of drug use. Thoroughly enjoyed this interview

  • @missfauxyfauxyvegan2224
    @missfauxyfauxyvegan2224 3 года назад +5

    Looking at this beautiful lady, nice skin, hair and teeth after all that drug use shes one lucky lady! She's blessed!

  • @psychologistannandiaye5586
    @psychologistannandiaye5586 2 года назад +1

    This show gives me a different perspective of life. People go thru so much, I pray myself and my loved ones never have to do drugs!

  • @lesegoyv
    @lesegoyv 3 года назад +11

    Shes amazing and beautiful, they say no one can ever make fun of you or your situation until you yourself acknowledges it, and take steps to change.

  • @janetm6092
    @janetm6092 2 года назад +1

    The host looks totally amazing. You always do... I like that this story ends well for the guest

  • @noreenm5018
    @noreenm5018 3 года назад +11

    I was offered drugs in Hillbrow during the day, in a salon. I was so chocked, I screamed, the guys just left peacefully. I was so scared they were going to follow and kill me. That's was the last time, I put my foot or drive pass Hillbrow. ( This was in 2014).

  • @magadigaoagwe4725
    @magadigaoagwe4725 5 месяцев назад +1

    She started using when she was 23,used for 5years and has been sober for 15years. 23 +5+15 she's 43 years old yet she looks atleast 28😍

  • @sheilandebele7651
    @sheilandebele7651 6 месяцев назад

    Thank you so much Merlene & Lebo. ❤❤❤

  • @patriciadejesus1256
    @patriciadejesus1256 2 года назад +2

    Your program is excellent. I always know I am going to learn something new. I love the respect you give to each person you interview. Thank you

  • @refiloekose2236
    @refiloekose2236 3 года назад +3

    Such an inspiring story. Well done for over coming. I love how she explains the "trips" & lastly she is beautiful

  • @Ladynilow
    @Ladynilow 2 года назад +3

    I tried ecstasy once, it was cool but the after effects were hell- never tried it again and I thank god for that

  • @corbinjeffries6870
    @corbinjeffries6870 3 года назад +12

    Thanks to God she's alive and doing good and in a better place. Most people that are addicted don't survive.❤️✌️

  • @NomD05MZ
    @NomD05MZ 2 года назад +1

    She's so honest and I wish all the people who are addicted can learn and get out of the drugs.

    • @fjhkerwoiero00
      @fjhkerwoiero00 Год назад

      People are never addicted the same, with the same drugs & same chemical reaction! Many even commit suicide!

  • @stellamooibedi9027
    @stellamooibedi9027 3 года назад +21

    Unpacking time,!today anxiety has the best of me,I pushed through work today, still have to study later 😭😭 preparing dinner now.

    • @luyandachirenje3581
      @luyandachirenje3581 3 года назад +2

      Yhooo don't mention it sis. It's tough outhere.

    • @stellamooibedi9027
      @stellamooibedi9027 3 года назад +2

      @@luyandachirenje3581 it is hey!Let's push through it.

    • @TheSmileycece
      @TheSmileycece 3 года назад +3

      We can do it girl! I'm sorry you've been anxious today, I feel you. I gotta do the same, let's take it easy on ourselves. I hope this show is helping you take your mind off things like it is for me🌻

    • @stellamooibedi9027
      @stellamooibedi9027 3 года назад +2

      @@TheSmileycece thank you and love and light

    • @mdungethulile
      @mdungethulile 3 года назад +1

      Boo, you not alone some days are better than others. You pushed through work that alone is something you should be proud of. You can do this. Often than not I would jog twice a day because some days my anxiety would be through the roof.

  • @kopanomsiza345
    @kopanomsiza345 3 года назад +17

    I enjoyed this interview, im happy it reinforced that we can get back on our personal road. We all struggle with something and it had a hold on you. Thank you so much.

  • @tererayimapfumo1356
    @tererayimapfumo1356 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for this interview, it is my prayer as a parent that my sons dont resort to drugs, please God make them stronger than the pressures of this world

  • @stellamooibedi9027
    @stellamooibedi9027 3 года назад +22

    I love her,she seems like a lovely woman.

  • @pawsation7719
    @pawsation7719 Год назад

    This was the most helpful, heartbreaking, educational and hopefull interview I ever watched, both the ladies were brilliant. Just one thing that came to mind is the fact that antidepressants give you the same affects, the highs and lows and in between. This makes a person think.

  • @stellamooibedi9027
    @stellamooibedi9027 3 года назад +15

    I love how she's telling her story 🤣😂

  • @yolandawhite51
    @yolandawhite51 2 года назад +1

    I just found you and I've been up all night watching your channel....thanks for posting

  • @mariettemckay9950
    @mariettemckay9950 3 года назад +3

    Amazing I was so captivated by Merlenes rawness and her ability to dig deep and interpret the emotion, stunning🤗🤗🤗🤗.

  • @damariszuckschwert9489
    @damariszuckschwert9489 3 года назад +4

    Drugs addiction stories always scares me.,never get used to this kind of stories.
    May God guards our young generation so they can make a right choice.

  • @kms708
    @kms708 3 года назад +11

    The way I love this show, even the music played for the intro makes me so happy ❤❤❤❤

  • @csmattera
    @csmattera 2 года назад +1

    Wow this is very eye opening. Thank you for sharing. I’m pleased that you are recovering for 15+years

  • @wespeakthetruthhere7413
    @wespeakthetruthhere7413 3 года назад +7

    She’s so beautiful ♥️

  • @jerrychetty2524
    @jerrychetty2524 3 года назад +1

    This is a very special strong young lady and I have a great respect for you, Merlene you are a inspiration to to many people I hope

  • @dikolizaskk5847
    @dikolizaskk5847 2 года назад +1

    I love this woman..and proud of her

  • @naomijung5647
    @naomijung5647 3 года назад +4

    I salute you 4 ur courage. I salute ur parents 4 being so understanding and stood by u. What a great inspiring story. I pray that u will never go back, as u said, ONLY LOOKING FORWARD. U are beautiful inside and out. God bless you richly

  • @zamobubu912
    @zamobubu912 3 года назад +3

    I enjoyed listening to her. Thank you for clarifying drug addiction and process to healing Marlene...

  • @nthomengmajara8575
    @nthomengmajara8575 3 года назад +4

    I needed to watch this. She is inspirational.

    • @moosampofu622
      @moosampofu622 3 года назад

      I'm with you,,I was thinking to go buy a bottle of wine whilst I drank over the weekend,, so watching this made me to just stop...& Learn to function without

  • @gracenovie
    @gracenovie 3 года назад +5

    Yoh she’s a fantastic storyteller. Thank you for sharing Merlene 🌼🌼

  • @sallyjambo5316
    @sallyjambo5316 3 года назад +3

    I love this gal plus the host. This is one of the best hosts ever. Her questions r great. She never intimidates her guests. She’s just the best.

  • @thandiwengqwebo574
    @thandiwengqwebo574 3 года назад +33

    “Yeah guys, you can’t be high before you do the procedure “😂😂😂😂😂

    • @nkule2493
      @nkule2493 3 года назад +1

      Cracked me up 😂🤣

  • @thuliendlovu719
    @thuliendlovu719 2 года назад +1

    It’s an interesting story. I understand what functional addiction is and can look like. Thank you for sharing this important story. Addiction is hard to talk about, hard to accept but something that affects more people than you know.

  • @puseletsoish
    @puseletsoish 2 года назад +1

    This was an amazing interview, wow.

  • @naumiyomi15
    @naumiyomi15 3 года назад +9

    Love you Sis. You are a true blessing and inspiration. Thanks for sharing your story to encourage and for being so courageous. Super proud of you my love 💓

  • @thuliendlovu719
    @thuliendlovu719 2 года назад +1

    Very true. We speak of addiction from a sensationalised point of view but sheeesh there are so many dangers and traps in it.

  • @tankisokgomonyane5033
    @tankisokgomonyane5033 3 года назад +3

    Amazing story❤️so proud of you❤️

  • @Zinhle1951
    @Zinhle1951 3 года назад +2

    Speaking of addicts hey I'm so addicted to this show.... lalela I dont have TV but everyday I make sure ngila big ups Ausi Lebo

  • @eugeniamanana9424
    @eugeniamanana9424 3 года назад

    Strong young woman, a real fighter and dreamer. I salute her for her journey and honesty

  • @nthabbym8676
    @nthabbym8676 3 года назад +3

    So informative ❤️. So insightful. She told the story so well.
    Never say never!!!

  • @FifiOnthenet2
    @FifiOnthenet2 3 года назад +2

    What an interview!

  • @michellemartin2330
    @michellemartin2330 3 года назад +5

    She elaborated what being a drug addicted very well. 😯. “Hope!”

  • @corbinjeffries6870
    @corbinjeffries6870 3 года назад +27

    Life is hard , complicated, complex, difficult .

  • @bayyinahjefferson4558
    @bayyinahjefferson4558 3 года назад +2

    Wow what an incredible story

  • @louisawambui4475
    @louisawambui4475 3 года назад +2

    Awesome interview. She is such a good story teller.

  • @stellamooibedi9027
    @stellamooibedi9027 3 года назад +19

    I love her dress.

  • @davidsonchuene3782
    @davidsonchuene3782 2 года назад

    thank you for the uplifting guests you bring on to your show, their stories bring self-introspection to some of us and we appreciate it

  • @sontomashabana2250
    @sontomashabana2250 2 года назад

    What a powerful woman! Powerful story indeed, God certainly loves u…👏🏾

  • @emmamudau9472
    @emmamudau9472 3 года назад +7

    This was incredible unpacking 👏 A lot of insights ♥️

  • @sifisoshezi7514
    @sifisoshezi7514 3 года назад +3

    This is really motivational I must say.... Nd I love how this interview is conducted... I love your show so much.. Keep up the good work. 💯😍

  • @beaureenwebb8782
    @beaureenwebb8782 3 года назад +2

    Your confidence and will power and the journey you have overcome is so empowering....I love the tools and how you said you managed what was in your control,beautiful story🙂more people need to hear your story💓🧡🤗sending love #everything you aspire to be is valid🤌