I used to think crystal meth was the perfect drug too. I was able to kick Suboxone with zero withdrawals, and ate and had money. But in time, it caught up with me. I was back on heroin and worse than ever. And there’s something about some of these meth users that is scarier than other other drug users. Some of the people I encountered, the mere thought of them still terrifies me. Thankfully, I was able to stop all drugs, and by the grace of God, I have over five years clean and sober. You can get back all the things you think you lost forever. You can make it up to those you have hurt, even if they passed away. They’re still watching from above. Thank you, Mark!
Ronnie isn’t lying about drug addicts being discriminated against by EMS. I’m a paramedic for most of my career I worked in Miami and didn’t see much of that until I went to Connecticut. And there were many paramedics who believed that we either should not treat the people who overdosed or that they should delay treatment. Many of the reasons were for their own political and personal beliefs. I definitely quit as soon as I could. Moral of the story is you guys need to take care of yourselves.
As an ex crack and meth user this story resonates well with me and I feel this dudes pain. I thought meth saved me from crack which is a lie from the enemy! Been clean almost 12 years from everything and I love my life. Meth will eventually take everything from you if not personal things it will take your health. GL to this man!!
Same here. Only a year out. If crack/dope took everything from me, meth took my soul on top of that. I look 30 and I am *not* 30 lol. Etc. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I had to come home and tell my parents that my brother died in a car crash when I was 17, he was 15. Been struggling with addiction for the past 30+ years. So, I feel your pain brother, keep your head up and know that God loves you 🙏🙏🙏.
@James ❤️ 💙....I am SO sorry for your pain & the loss of your brother. May God strengthen and comfort you . May you find complete healing and happiness . FORGIVE YOURSELF ! I an sure your mother has forgiven you.
Just because someone is struggling with addiction doesn’t mean they haven’t gained a lot of wisdom. Both addiction and wisdom are often times the result of severe trauma.
I am a 20 year old meth addict myself… It’s all I can think about most days but I want out so bad…I just don’t know where to start & I dread the idea of going to rehab. It isn’t easy when you use the drug to escape problems temporarily…it’s a pain relief for many including myself. But I’m ready to break the cycle. I wanna be myself again.
Rehab can be a costly waste of time and money, but it does work for a small percentage of people. If you can recreate a rehab for yourself by going to na meetings and finding a doctor who will help. That's how I got clean. Granted I don't really like being sober tbh
I feel for you Ronnie. You seem like a genuinely good person. Stay healthy brother, there's people out here that love ya man, even if you've never met them.
The lesser of Two Evils, I suppose. Us functional addicts are all over the place. This man is brave for having the balls to be open and honest about it with us. Let's not pretend we aren't the same. This man is helping us see an ugly reality of how we structure our society, how we cope with life, and how we try to tell each other what is and isn't okay to do.
One of the best replies, couldn't have summed it up better myself. Thank you for your mind, and your openness too, we are all the same more than most realize, especially in this cynical and uncaring day and age.
Yes! People really don't understand how real it is. They walk among us and it isn't the dramatized, stigmatized image that the media and society likes to portray.
Good dude. Very articulate. I understand him. His parents blamed him for his brother dying. And it caused his mother a lot of pain. His father became angry and abusive and that was his hero. Life is hard and some people are just trying to hold it together one day at a time
Addiction is addiction, doesn't matter if it's street drugs,prescription drugs,alcohol,nicotine, caffeine, food,casinos or whatever. We all have something to deal with. Judge not that you be not judged.
Him talking about letting his mom down really hit me. I don’t want to let my parents down and I feel like that’s all I’ve done. It’s hard sometimes but all we can do is try to fix ourselves so the people we love can be at peace. Have a good week everybody.
we can’t fix ourselves. Jesus is Lord. he is the only way. i was a pot head, drunk, porn addict, been in mental hospitals and God freed me. pulled me out of darkness and now Christ lives through me. Repent and be set free✝️ lean on the word of God
This dude is the truth man what a life story. How open he is . Salute man ! You can be a better person each day ! Keep on keeping on ..Nothing changes if nothing changes
I’m telling you crystal meth is taking a whole new form now, this guy is exactly what I’m talking about. I worked in an office 5 days a week on crystal and literally felt like my best self. Dressed top notch popular with all my co workers. It left me a shell of a human with some of the worst trauma I’ve ever endured. Meth makes you feel like your completely normal, it delusions you to what’s really going on around you until something wakes you up. You can’t realize it’s affecting your inhibitions/ choice center in your brain. It seems like a savior because it got you off your drug of choice but is just going to cause a whole different road of troubles. I went through the exact thing , please reach out if you want to talk
@@xShinobiXx ask away! I was definitely high, but not all meth users look super fidgety, twitchy etc. Im sure they were wondering why I was always so up and happy but it caused horrible attendance issues because id crash or been up for too many days to where I couldn’t function (I was working with numbers) so that job didn’t go or end well. meth use is not always noticeable right away especially in the beginning which is when I was working that job.
I’ve been clean for about 20 years from meth. One thing I’ve noticed on that drug is the world could be on fire around you and it wouldn’t bother me one bit if I were high. That’s what drew me to it, I felt nothing so nothing bothered me…unfortunately those problems didn’t disappear and still existed when I sobered up. Thank the Father almighty I was given the strength to break free from that trap. Love and prayers to those struggling with this scourge.
So sad to see a lifetime of human potential wasted, just like he said, just from being born a certain color, or from a certain situation. This man has had a lifetime of trauma, trouble and addiction, and yet he is still insightful and intelligent. I wish him freedom from addiction and peace.
Born a certain colour is NOT an excuse. Circumstances and upbringing yes. But I'm an immigrant, had to learn English by myself, lived in a caravan, no welfare, had to work for any money. Skin colour is a poor excuse, and perpetuating this only keeps black people down. Plenty of people of different skin colour, that went through hell like me, poverty, war, still do something with themselves! He still can too. But if he falls into the stupid AMERICAN lie that your skin colour is to blame for poor potential, he won't get better. He needs help, but the awful truth is that he needs to help himself! If you as a person don't believe that and blame others, your skin colour, or lack of help, you just won't get better.
Skin colour ?....maybe his brother drowning at a young age in a tragic accident...triggered things. His father was a heavy drinker, used to beat him, then introduced him to crack
Damn, thank you Ronnie for the insight. Quite a lifetime of agony he's lived through, but that last point about seeking out people to give to was heavy. Having a mind for charity even in his situation was profound.
My mother died a speed addict among a huge array of other dangerous and destructive drugs. I remember she started using meth in about 1981. I also remember my father and my mother being hard core drug addicts from LA and San Fran since I was a baby probably before I was born. My father's drug was heroin but he settled for weed and beer most of the time just to keep a job. My mother was into speed or whites or cross-tops as they called them back in the late 60s and 70s. She used all manner of pills and when Coke came around in the 70s that became the thing to do. Weed was ever present as was alcohol she drank Southern Comfort. Both of them really started downhill about 1981 when my father met a biker meth cook fresh out of prison from the 1st wave of DEA arrests made in the late 60s. He was in prison for 25 years and the first thing he did was start cooking dope the minute he was released. My father met him in a local bar and brought him home to the family and that's all she wrote. He parked his VW van in the backyard and a group of satanic weirdos vandalized his van in our backyard by spray painting goat heads and other satanic graffiti on the van. Back then the chemicals to make meth from scratch were easily obtainable from Mexico. They got the stuff they needed for about 10k. I heard they used stuff like Red Phosphorus, Hydrochloric Acid, Anhydrous Acetone, and Ether for that first batch. My father was dealing mexican weed by the 100s of pounds and had some spare cash and was the financier. I don't know if they were aware but I observed all of it and remember a lot of what I saw. That first batch kicked off the meth epidemic in southern California nobody had even heard of it except for legends of biker crank from a generation before meth was unknown before then. That shit completely poisoned our town. Later I heard they ripped my dad off and made 10x what he thought they bought the chemicals for. I remember my best friend had two older brothers and they got mixed up with this biker cook and started learning to make the shit and our town became flooded with meth very quickly and everyone was dumpster diving and tweaking out of control it was crazy. I remember seeing the bag of meth he had it was about 10 pounds and pure white crystalline powder 100% pure. My father and mother were fighting over money and drugs and who would control their new drug dealing operation and friends it was crazy they went completely off the deep end. I remember them fighting with clubs and knives it was insanity. I ended up homeless about 1 year later and they were homeless street druggies with the rest of the town tweakers broke and hooked. Through the years my mother started working the street and my father was in and out of prison every few months for years at a time. They both became hopeless losers. My father was able to live with his mother but wasn't able to get off drugs till he was in his late 50s. My mother never quit and she died an addict still using at 72. It's the saddest thing I've ever witnessed my own mother living in a van down by the river no joke turning tricks out of her van for her habit. This was after she moved to Northern California where meth was destroying another community same as 20 years before. She wrecked her life and blamed everyone around her for not saving her and putting up with her complete psychotic madness. She tortured everyone around her we tried to save her I tried to get her into rehab a couple times me and my sister were going to pay for it but she wasn't having it. Two people that had 3 beautiful children living in an upper class community in Northern San Diego they had a chance at the good life. My father was in the carpenters union we had a nice house but they became two of the sickest people I've ever known and squandered all of it ending us kids on the street and my brother in prison and dead by 26. It took them about 3 years to completely self-destruct. Me and my sister survived and are successful adults somehow we dodged the bullet. There is not one good thing about drugs including weed. I suppose if you can use a little weed for medicinal purposes without making it a habit you might get by without it wrecking your life but if it becomes a problem it's absolutely a gateway and becomes background noise you use it like tobacco or alcohol just to get by and get to your next fix of hard stuff. All drugs are poison and they wreck lives by the millions every day. Just look at our country now.
Well I gotta pushback on that “drugs are all bad” thing. I’m afraid it isn’t that simple. The truth is far more nuanced than that. If your statement were true pharmacies would be obsolete or unnecessary.
@@B166ER- We're clearly talking about illegally produced and distributed and often addictive drugs. Pharmaceutical drugs are a different topic entirely.
@@albin2232 You do realize how arbitrary that is right? Just because our political masters have decreed a substance “verboten” it’s suddenly dangerous and has no medicinal benefits WHATSOEVER?!
I was a meth addict in the 80's and i hate to say this, but it was therapeutic for me. At first, at least. As a child i retreated into a shell from trauma and meth broke me out. I ate, held a job, paid bills. I quit after five years as by that time, i was degenerating into something else. But i get where Ronnie is coming from. Blessings to all who struggle with addiction
I don't want to diagnose someone who I don't know anything about... but his experience with meth sounds like he likely has ADHD. was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and it finally made sense why uppers always levelled me out. I was prescribed Ritalin and it just makes me feel normal. Too bad they stigmatise these kinds of meds so much.
idk bout that one. i’ve been on adderall for 7 years, & it’s been a year since i stopped. I think there’s a lot of truth to those stigmas. it did make me a really good worker, felt as if i was always on queue with everything , i think i became too obsessed of the idea i had the advantage on everybody since they’re not taking the drug but in the end it felt like i had taken a short cut. I feel a hell of a lot healthier since i’ve been off i cannot express that enough to you. only reason i’ll take stimulants again is to snowboard
@@secretPENGUIN69 Ya I am aware that plenty of people can function without it. But as a person who was diagnosed and prescribed meds at 41yrs old, I don't feel any shortcuts. I only feel like I can get through a task to completion. No uppity feeling to the point where I would want to use it for sports. I simply feel "together", more capable of keeping my thoughts in a linear trajectory, and much less impulsive
@@J_Alrighty just a warning from someone who was rigorously diagnosed with ADHD as a child by 3+ specialists. The drugs do that to everyone regardless of adhd or not. Just be careful.
God bless that little boy that witnessed his brother drowning, and then had to deliver that news to his mother. God bless the man, that you are today. You do not have to live with guilt. It was not your fault. We good to yourself in the way that only you can.
Ronnie's whole story made me realize something. I'm an alcoholic. I grew up with a loving family and I've been blessed with a beautiful wife and daughter. I have a son coming in a week. I have been blessed. Ronnie mentioned that he has no kids. He has nothing to lose. I am self aware to the point to know that without my wife and kids, that I would be a mess, to the level that many of the people on this channel are. What I realize is that having something to lose does a lot to help you. I feel like Ronnie doesn't have anything to lose at this point. I'm just basing this on personal experience, I could be way off base. I truly hope Ronnie finds that thing that he doesn't want to lose.
@bom6330 Thank you for sharing this. Realizing that you're an alcoholic is a really good start to changing that fact. I never had children, a spouse, a mortgage or anything else that required my commitment. You, on the other hand, have so much to be sober for. I see that your comment was made 2 weeks ago so congratulations to you and your family on the birth of your son. Wishing you all the best 🙏
Ronnie you will meet your mother again, and it will be a better place . You are a very genuine, honest man just took the wrong road in life, and who can blame you after seeing your older brother died so tragically
I love this guy! He is honest, soft, kind, and true, and as he said a step up, and my hope for Ronnie is that he keeps following that step up and keeps reaching for the stars! Ronnie, thank you for sharing your stories. I hope you can learn to mend your broken heart you have so much love to give, and there is someone out there that has been waiting for you to love you, to appreciate you, and you feel it and love back with trust. you are a good guy really great guy.
@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777he sure did. Addicts are manipulative, even the way they tell their stories is often times done to elicit emotion attachment and identification.
Unlike the vast majority in society, Ronnie has learned what matters in life. His life experiences have taught him humility, unselfishness, and compassion. Ronnie, your circumstances will change. Continue... "To Thine, ownself be true, ALWAYS."
This is an amazing man. To go through so much and being born into an environment which he has very little control over. I just prayed a prayer for this nice man. I hope he would be granted a good life and be able to make the best decisions possible given his circumstances. Most NDE folks (Near Death Experiencers) say we come here from Heaven with a plan to learn things before we even leave there. We come to experience hardship and to learn what love is….what patience is…etc. If that’s true, this man came to learn a LOT in one trip to Earth. I pray he’s successful at learning everything he set out to learn and he makes it back home to be with Father and our Lord and live a blissful eternal life ❤️🙏😊 I’ve felt God’s love several times….I’d give up anything just to have that. You can’t find it here on Earth….only from him❤️😊
Can’t imagine how I’d cope with what he went through with his brother and his father. In some ways I think it’s harder to get clean when you’re older. Sending hope and good vibes for Ronnie.
Well we do know one thing about the brain it does loses plasticity with age. Not impossible but yes harder not to mention any habit that well ingrained it’s gonna be harder to break then a newer habit. Much love❤
I love all your interviews but once in a while there's a special one that for some reason or another completely draws me in or pulls my heart strings. He seems like a good guy. But again there's something extra special about him and I KNOW he can beat that addiction and live an amazing life
Parents are the foundation for most things but at some point we grow up and become adults and make our own choices. You cant blame someones parents when a person gets traumatized outside their supervision which happens a LOT.
Very good interview! So I kicked back, closed my eyes and listened to every word Ronnie said. He's a good person that has learned every lesson the hard way, I can relate to that. He has a lot of insight about a lot of things and I can appreciate that. Thanks for the interview, Ronnie/ Mark 🤟 🙌💜💪❤
Who ever produced this I just want to say thank you and to the person who gave the interview. He is one of the realist people. I’ve never done drugs but grateful to hear his perspective he’s a real one. Thank you everyone involved❤
Rough past, but he has a good future speaking the truth and aiding people in rough situations. Thank you Ronnie, it takes a lot courage to open up like this.
What mark is doing is incredible, he is helping a lot of people and he is great because he listens and pays attention he is an open ear to his guests and asks the right questions I wonder mark will you ever expand your horizons on interviews ? Like interview rappers , singers , actors or other professionals
The goal is to give a platform to those who are in the shadow, and this is a never ending job and the approach itself becomes more and more sophisticated. The need for ressource and safety hopefully gets heard by the right instances. I have a vision: all the Scientology buildings and money, rehab centers being seized by the government and given to homeless and sick people with the right caretakers, that would turn lives around.
Ever look in a strangers eyes and know you love that person even though you never met? That's how I felt. Love you Ronnie! I lost my family to an addiction I was prescribed. My daughter lives 15 minutes away and wants nothing to do with me. Her mother is still an addict. Haven't seen them in years. It came to the point to where I realized that if I love these people I need to get away from them and just let them be. I will never regret that decision.
This gentleman has a unique story. For someone that has been on drugs for 30+ years, he seems very well put together. He was very interesting to listen to. Would like to see a follow-up in the future.
This guy reminds me so much of myself it's like I've discovered a new breed, just these rare, one of a kind misfits. My thing was I was a destined to death drinker and I was heading there hard, fast and nasty. I realised I couldn't stop, it had such a grip on me that even though I was terrified of my grisly end, I couldn't stop the train I was on. I don't recommend what I found next, like Ronnie will tell you he doesn't, but for me, it kept things glued together as to where things are alright, life works, and I'm stable. Alcohol was and will always be that thing I love with an almost ancestral attachment to it, but when I found heroin it provided that glue for the puzzle that alcohol and drugs had left so many gaps in. We are all different, make better choices than me, and like Ronnie says, don't ever try to be one of the cool kids. That's what got me here doing what I have to do in the first place. Just be yourself and even if you don't fuck with it at the time, you will, just wait. There's so much more to a person than how many girls they're courting and how many Gs they have behind them. Cultivate what's inside you and you only, or you will have to find a solution, and that solution might even be as wacky as mine or Ronnie's. We're all different after all. It's amazing just how different we are from one another. When you understand that better you will more easily find what really floats your boat, whatever that may be. Don't start doing drugs if you have the choice, they only leave awkward shaped holes in the puzzle that is you, and be yourself.
@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 He says things in a way that has a melody and if you remix it right with some good sounds and a beat that matches, you can make a song out of some of what he says is what I meant. He has a lot of truths about life that he has learned and that would be cool if it was heard through song as well.
I have to say, for all his chequered history and brushes with the law, Ronnie seems like a pretty good/strong person on the inside. It was inspirational listening to his story and moral anecdotes. All the best to Ronnie, stay on point!
These videos are the reality check a lot of us need, Ronnie seems a decent guy and I wish him and everyone else reading this comment the best of luck in these testing times, count your blessings people.. love in, peace out! 💙
Ronnie, Thank you so much for giving me that profound insight. Who could ever imagine that meth could be seen as a wonder drug, maybe even a blessing because it got you off of crack.. my heart breaks for you, as it breaks for me. I’m a meth addict. I’m 5 years sober and dream of it every day. I wanna feel that “wonder drug” feeling again. I wanna not care what people think. I wanna feel that high that makes the moment so beautiful. But I can’t have that and stay sober. Even though being sober isn’t so good . I’m not happy. Anyway, thank you so much my man. I appreciate you ❤🤗
This man def. did some hard living, but it created a beautiful voice. Hearing him talk you can tell he has tremendous power under his voice, + a great timbre. I'd love to have him sing w/us
This man has done a mountain of Drugs and listen to the knowledge he has, His mind is still there.....His mind is still so full of power even after all the drugs. Drugs interact with some people different, Some people go INSANE permanently just from a few years of Stimulants. Strange world.
Some very insightful answers to questions. Dude is well spoken best explanation of what streets is. At any level that's what life is. Everybody blinded by greed and envy instead of love.
The man's last statement is REAL, and is a testament to his core individualism. You got to give, and f that takes being different then so be it. If you can help someone, tell someone, make someone's life better, even if it may be the most simplistic thing because you made the effort, Don't let that opportunity pass by you. I wish good things for this man in his life. He's paid his share, he's on a even path.
@@omarslim3362 good for you. And you judge and assume all people in the street rape and rob people? I feel for you. If he has done any of those things, that’s on him.
Hey Ronnie. I know you wish you had done more for your mother while she was still on earth. But know she sees you and she gets it. And even though it seems like a small time, those memories she had of you as a baby, toddler, young boy.... im sure she cherished those, and they kept her mind occupied with heartwarming thoughts.
Honest? He is literally only telling the truth about his dishonest and criminality. He steals and sells drugs. There’s nothing honest or trustworthy about him. He simply is telling us how he lives his life, which is not with honesty or integrity. He doesn’t get a pass because he agreed to tell his story.
Ive watched so many SWU eps. This one hit home. Hard. I thought it was perfect too. Ive got ADD and it seemed to help with my focus. There was no high. Just felt normal. The things I found myself doing will give me chills for the rest of my life. The withdrawals were not like opioid or heroine. I thought for sure that I was capable of ending life. Mine or someone else's. Horrible feeling. The amount of hate and anger and the speed at which it hits you is impossible to control. Alot of broken things. Bones. Relationships. My mind
You’re able to accomplish more on stimulants like crystal at first. But trust me, you always have to pay the piper. Maybe not at first, but he will eventually come to collect.
Good interview Mark... This person is the epitome of the lives of many... I felt what he meant when he said that he enjoyed doing time in the hole alone away from the BS... Great interview....
I totally knew what Ron was talking about as I quit cocaine in 2006 after trying meth. He is right; being addicted to meth is way better than being addicted to crack, in every possible way. If you think differently you haven't been addicted to both of these drugs. And I've been an opiate addict as well. However I also know that when I was 100% sober I was the happiest, most peaceful I've ever been... It's a day at a time process that looks different for all of us. I hope he gets to the place in life that he's the most happy. I liked his story. Could have listened to him a couple more hours probably. Cuz he was speaking my language.
When Ronnie said “to me.. Runnin’ away was fun”. I can relate and remember the rush of being out there as a kid and everything was new. But I never had it as tough as Ronnie. The innocence was taken from him too soon. This world can be what you make of it, but everyday you have to be with your mind and personal traumas.. those are the real challenges to success. He’s very sincere about choosing his life the way he did.. he owns it. He’s figured out a way to function in society as an addict in his own way. For better or worse, who are we to say what’s right or wrong for Ronnie.
@@anthonycraig274 OP is pointing to the fact that this fellow has attention deficit syndrome and needs the stimulant as therapeutic. Psychedelic therapy is more applicable to trauma and anxiety and depression.
@@debbiebasche7760And that's why I say the medical establishment is a big saboteur in this illegal drug pandemic. They don't give you what you need but will be quick to blame you if you don't recover.
If you would have had a better dad, you wouldn't have let your mother down. It's not your fault you kept running away. Your mother should have left your father for your sake. I feel so bad for you! Stop blaming your self. You turned out so good. I admire you alot!!
I love this channel. Most of these stories remind me how cruel capitalism is. Happiness to many is getting food, having save shelter, and being connected to their community while not abandoning themselves. American mythology will be corrected with real stories like these
@@frankie2806 this man said he enjoys getting food when he sees something new. He isn't wanting 5 houses or a yacht. He wants a basic dignified life. Nothing fairytale about that, except under American capitalism it seems like a dream because the American dream for the few elites is built off the back of the many who are poor
Robert which socialist communist or monarchist country do you think isn’t affected by alcoholism addiction homelessness institutions poverty and mental illness ?
I used to think crystal meth was the perfect drug too. I was able to kick Suboxone with zero withdrawals, and ate and had money. But in time, it caught up with me. I was back on heroin and worse than ever. And there’s something about some of these meth users that is scarier than other other drug users. Some of the people I encountered, the mere thought of them still terrifies me. Thankfully, I was able to stop all drugs, and by the grace of God, I have over five years clean and sober. You can get back all the things you think you lost forever. You can make it up to those you have hurt, even if they passed away. They’re still watching from above. Thank you, Mark!
🙏🙏🙏☦️
Fantastic
Yes, this is all true
U are absolutely correct about meth users being scarier than other users. Some of the scummiest ppl i've ever met werr during my years of abuse.
Meth makes people angry.
Ronnie isn’t lying about drug addicts being discriminated against by EMS. I’m a paramedic for most of my career I worked in Miami and didn’t see much of that until I went to Connecticut. And there were many paramedics who believed that we either should not treat the people who overdosed or that they should delay treatment. Many of the reasons were for their own political and personal beliefs. I definitely quit as soon as I could. Moral of the story is you guys need to take care of yourselves.
True in many places of the EMT’s attitudes. Unfortunately
Can't fault you for telling your truth.
I wonder if they’ll have those same feelings when addiction hits their family or loved one. It’s gonna happen, only a matter of time.
@mkultraboost it hits everyone’s family. I’m not taking your bait either.
Good reason to not work in EMS or go to CT
As an ex crack and meth user this story resonates well with me and I feel this dudes pain. I thought meth saved me from crack which is a lie from the enemy! Been clean almost 12 years from everything and I love my life. Meth will eventually take everything from you if not personal things it will take your health. GL to this man!!
Congratulations on your sobriety
Congrats Eric!!!
Congrats brotha meth is very hard to get off of.
Same here. Only a year out. If crack/dope took everything from me, meth took my soul on top of that. I look 30 and I am *not* 30 lol. Etc. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Did you make Jesus the Lord of your life?
I had to come home and tell my parents that my brother died in a car crash when I was 17, he was 15. Been struggling with addiction for the past 30+ years. So, I feel your pain brother, keep your head up and know that God loves you 🙏🙏🙏.
I'm so very sorry for your loss!!! I pray you get the help you need!!! 🙏🏻🤗🙏🏻🤗🙏🏻🤗🙏🏻
So sorry for your loss, I pray you get clean and are able to get some kind of peace in your life, you deserve it, much love and respect ❤️💎
Watched my brother get shot in his head point blank. I feel you my brother.
Yeah that's not something any child should go through I'm so sorry for your loss 🙏
@James ❤️ 💙....I am SO sorry for your pain & the loss of your brother. May God strengthen and comfort you . May you find complete healing and happiness .
FORGIVE YOURSELF ! I an sure your mother has forgiven you.
There is something very real about this guy. Integrity and honesty in a life of struggle. Much respect
cuz he reminds you of Freeway Ricky Ross
I rly like him
What a down to earth guy. He has been through the ringer and come out wise.
What a man. Keep on rolling.
Encounter Ministries RUclips channel. (Mark Hemans)
He still does meth, right? Wise? I don’t understand.
Just because someone is struggling with addiction doesn’t mean they haven’t gained a lot of wisdom. Both addiction and wisdom are often times the result of severe trauma.
he’s 55. he’s seen a lot of stuff and been through a lot, he’s gained some wisdom. drugs take your sobriety not your wisdom.
Not so sure about that.
I’m amazed at how good this guy looks and how coherent he is for someone who has been on heavy streetdrugs for almost 40 years!
Functional user
Black Don’t Crack.
Melanin
@@glyph241😂😂😂 dunno bout that bro
@@Laayon19😆
I am a 20 year old meth addict myself…
It’s all I can think about most days but I want out so bad…I just don’t know where to start & I dread the idea of going to rehab. It isn’t easy when you use the drug to escape problems temporarily…it’s a pain relief for many including myself. But I’m ready to break the cycle. I wanna be myself again.
Come back to yourself 🙏
A beautiful life awaits you darling
Hang in there, I’ve been there my self, gotta want to change and let it go, nothing wrong with rehabilitation
Stop thinking about it
I been there 5 years sober by u a big bag of weed and sleep
Rehab can be a costly waste of time and money, but it does work for a small percentage of people. If you can recreate a rehab for yourself by going to na meetings and finding a doctor who will help.
That's how I got clean. Granted I don't really like being sober tbh
I feel for you Ronnie. You seem like a genuinely good person. Stay healthy brother, there's people out here that love ya man, even if you've never met them.
That's bullshit
right? sweetheart!
But he is not a good person.
Yes we all love you
The lesser of Two Evils, I suppose. Us functional addicts are all over the place. This man is brave for having the balls to be open and honest about it with us. Let's not pretend we aren't the same. This man is helping us see an ugly reality of how we structure our society, how we cope with life, and how we try to tell each other what is and isn't okay to do.
This.
One of the best replies, couldn't have summed it up better myself. Thank you for your mind, and your openness too, we are all the same more than most realize, especially in this cynical and uncaring day and age.
Yes! People really don't understand how real it is. They walk among us and it isn't the dramatized, stigmatized image that the media and society likes to portray.
Good dude. Very articulate. I understand him. His parents blamed him for his brother dying. And it caused his mother a lot of pain. His father became angry and abusive and that was his hero. Life is hard and some people are just trying to hold it together one day at a time
@dan_pills...on.iNSTAGRamyou’re the lowest of the low.
Addiction is addiction, doesn't matter if it's street drugs,prescription drugs,alcohol,nicotine, caffeine, food,casinos or whatever. We all have something to deal with. Judge not that you be not judged.
Well said this is so very true
Him talking about letting his mom down really hit me. I don’t want to let my parents down and I feel like that’s all I’ve done. It’s hard sometimes but all we can do is try to fix ourselves so the people we love can be at peace. Have a good week everybody.
❤️
I really hope you get the love you need. 💗
so true ❤️
we can’t fix ourselves. Jesus is Lord. he is the only way. i was a pot head, drunk, porn addict, been in mental hospitals and God freed me. pulled me out of darkness and now Christ lives through me. Repent and be set free✝️ lean on the word of God
You too man. Hope everyone here; continues to have a good rest of your days. :)
I have been off meth for a month and people laugh and mock me about the short time period. I am proud of myself. It's hard
Hell yeah Frank, been 3 months now, you doing alright?
Most people who mock shit like that are actually laughing at themselves for some failure of their own
5months now, u still clean?
Praying for everyone out there that's fighting the good fight 💪 Keep pushin'
@@UsoEmz91 I'm still fighting but have slipped a few times. But I'm still fighting ✊ thanks for the encouragement guys! ❤️
Thanks for being transparent Ronnie; sharing your story was an act of charity!
This dude is the truth man what a life story. How open he is . Salute man ! You can be a better person each day ! Keep on keeping on ..Nothing changes if nothing changes
His voice is very soothing he should be a speaker in schools
I’m telling you crystal meth is taking a whole new form now, this guy is exactly what I’m talking about. I worked in an office 5 days a week on crystal and literally felt like my best self. Dressed top notch popular with all my co workers. It left me a shell of a human with some of the worst trauma I’ve ever endured. Meth makes you feel like your completely normal, it delusions you to what’s really going on around you until something wakes you up. You can’t realize it’s affecting your inhibitions/ choice center in your brain. It seems like a savior because it got you off your drug of choice but is just going to cause a whole different road of troubles. I went through the exact thing , please reach out if you want to talk
Sounds like Adderall
the lack of sleep just kills me, that stuff is pure poison to me, i have two friends that swear by the stuff, not for me.
@@paulinthailand Exactly...
@@Whatishappeningxyz just wondering. How did you do that while doing an office job. Doesn't it still make you feel like you are high on something
@@xShinobiXx ask away! I was definitely high, but not all meth users look super fidgety, twitchy etc. Im sure they were wondering why I was always so up and happy but it caused horrible attendance issues because id crash or been up for too many days to where I couldn’t function (I was working with numbers) so that job didn’t go or end well. meth use is not always noticeable right away especially in the beginning which is when I was working that job.
Interviews like this are so powerful. So raw and real. So simple. Appreciate these so much.
Encounter Ministries RUclips channel. (Mark Hemans)
I’ve been clean for about 20 years from meth. One thing I’ve noticed on that drug is the world could be on fire around you and it wouldn’t bother me one bit if I were high. That’s what drew me to it, I felt nothing so nothing bothered me…unfortunately those problems didn’t disappear and still existed when I sobered up. Thank the Father almighty I was given the strength to break free from that trap. Love and prayers to those struggling with this scourge.
God has strength beyond what is normal and he will give it to you when you have no strength left. He's an incredible person
So sad to see a lifetime of human potential wasted, just like he said, just from being born a certain color, or from a certain situation. This man has had a lifetime of trauma, trouble and addiction, and yet he is still insightful and intelligent. I wish him freedom from addiction and peace.
His potential is not wasted it's never too late to change your ways and do something positive with your life. With age comes wisdom.
No, his potential is not wasted!
Born a certain colour is NOT an excuse. Circumstances and upbringing yes. But I'm an immigrant, had to learn English by myself, lived in a caravan, no welfare, had to work for any money. Skin colour is a poor excuse, and perpetuating this only keeps black people down. Plenty of people of different skin colour, that went through hell like me, poverty, war, still do something with themselves! He still can too. But if he falls into the stupid AMERICAN lie that your skin colour is to blame for poor potential, he won't get better. He needs help, but the awful truth is that he needs to help himself! If you as a person don't believe that and blame others, your skin colour, or lack of help, you just won't get better.
He made a choice to use drugs
Skin colour ?....maybe his brother drowning at a young age in a tragic accident...triggered things. His father was a heavy drinker, used to beat him, then introduced him to crack
Damn, thank you Ronnie for the insight. Quite a lifetime of agony he's lived through, but that last point about seeking out people to give to was heavy. Having a mind for charity even in his situation was profound.
Encounter Ministries RUclips channel. (Mark Hemans)
My mother died a speed addict among a huge array of other dangerous and destructive drugs. I remember she started using meth in about 1981. I also remember my father and my mother being hard core drug addicts from LA and San Fran since I was a baby probably before I was born. My father's drug was heroin but he settled for weed and beer most of the time just to keep a job. My mother was into speed or whites or cross-tops as they called them back in the late 60s and 70s. She used all manner of pills and when Coke came around in the 70s that became the thing to do. Weed was ever present as was alcohol she drank Southern Comfort.
Both of them really started downhill about 1981 when my father met a biker meth cook fresh out of prison from the 1st wave of DEA arrests made in the late 60s. He was in prison for 25 years and the first thing he did was start cooking dope the minute he was released. My father met him in a local bar and brought him home to the family and that's all she wrote. He parked his VW van in the backyard and a group of satanic weirdos vandalized his van in our backyard by spray painting goat heads and other satanic graffiti on the van.
Back then the chemicals to make meth from scratch were easily obtainable from Mexico. They got the stuff they needed for about 10k. I heard they used stuff like Red Phosphorus, Hydrochloric Acid, Anhydrous Acetone, and Ether for that first batch. My father was dealing mexican weed by the 100s of pounds and had some spare cash and was the financier. I don't know if they were aware but I observed all of it and remember a lot of what I saw.
That first batch kicked off the meth epidemic in southern California nobody had even heard of it except for legends of biker crank from a generation before meth was unknown before then. That shit completely poisoned our town. Later I heard they ripped my dad off and made 10x what he thought they bought the chemicals for. I remember my best friend had two older brothers and they got mixed up with this biker cook and started learning to make the shit and our town became flooded with meth very quickly and everyone was dumpster diving and tweaking out of control it was crazy. I remember seeing the bag of meth he had it was about 10 pounds and pure white crystalline powder 100% pure. My father and mother were fighting over money and drugs and who would control their new drug dealing operation and friends it was crazy they went completely off the deep end. I remember them fighting with clubs and knives it was insanity.
I ended up homeless about 1 year later and they were homeless street druggies with the rest of the town tweakers broke and hooked. Through the years my mother started working the street and my father was in and out of prison every few months for years at a time. They both became hopeless losers. My father was able to live with his mother but wasn't able to get off drugs till he was in his late 50s. My mother never quit and she died an addict still using at 72. It's the saddest thing I've ever witnessed my own mother living in a van down by the river no joke turning tricks out of her van for her habit. This was after she moved to Northern California where meth was destroying another community same as 20 years before.
She wrecked her life and blamed everyone around her for not saving her and putting up with her complete psychotic madness. She tortured everyone around her we tried to save her I tried to get her into rehab a couple times me and my sister were going to pay for it but she wasn't having it. Two people that had 3 beautiful children living in an upper class community in Northern San Diego they had a chance at the good life. My father was in the carpenters union we had a nice house but they became two of the sickest people I've ever known and squandered all of it ending us kids on the street and my brother in prison and dead by 26. It took them about 3 years to completely self-destruct. Me and my sister survived and are successful adults somehow we dodged the bullet.
There is not one good thing about drugs including weed. I suppose if you can use a little weed for medicinal purposes without making it a habit you might get by without it wrecking your life but if it becomes a problem it's absolutely a gateway and becomes background noise you use it like tobacco or alcohol just to get by and get to your next fix of hard stuff.
All drugs are poison and they wreck lives by the millions every day.
Just look at our country now.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your story!
Good luck, friend.
Well I gotta pushback on that “drugs are all bad” thing. I’m afraid it isn’t that simple. The truth is far more nuanced than that. If your statement were true pharmacies would be obsolete or unnecessary.
@@B166ER- We're clearly talking about illegally produced and distributed and often addictive drugs. Pharmaceutical drugs are a different topic entirely.
@@albin2232 You do realize how arbitrary that is right? Just because our political masters have decreed a substance “verboten” it’s suddenly dangerous and has no medicinal benefits WHATSOEVER?!
I WAS IN LOCKDOWN FOR TWO YEARS. I so love this perspective, this guy, this channel. Makes me want to figure out how to be of service to more people.
🤗❤️
You keep your dreams alive
Needed to hear this tonight. Helped me released some emotions. God please bless this human and heal his soul.
🙏
God puts this stuff in front of us when we need it. Take it all in. Make a change and love yourself
I was a meth addict in the 80's and i hate to say this, but it was therapeutic for me. At first, at least. As a child i retreated into a shell from trauma and meth broke me out. I ate, held a job, paid bills. I quit after five years as by that time, i was degenerating into something else. But i get where Ronnie is coming from. Blessings to all who struggle with addiction
Try to see someone in mental health and deal with your trauma and take the right prescribed meds is a huge help
@@tambourine36 definitely! Thank you.
I don't want to diagnose someone who I don't know anything about... but his experience with meth sounds like he likely has ADHD. was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and it finally made sense why uppers always levelled me out. I was prescribed Ritalin and it just makes me feel normal. Too bad they stigmatise these kinds of meds so much.
He's beyond worldly descriptions..when possessed by Demons.. you are anything they want you to be. Cheers.
I totally agree, theres actually been experimental research in this as treatment for such.
idk bout that one. i’ve been on adderall for 7 years, & it’s been a year since i stopped. I think there’s a lot of truth to those stigmas. it did make me a really good worker, felt as if i was always on queue with everything , i think i became too obsessed of the idea i had the advantage on everybody since they’re not taking the drug but in the end it felt like i had taken a short cut. I feel a hell of a lot healthier since i’ve been off i cannot express that enough to you. only reason i’ll take stimulants again is to snowboard
@@secretPENGUIN69 Ya I am aware that plenty of people can function without it. But as a person who was diagnosed and prescribed meds at 41yrs old, I don't feel any shortcuts. I only feel like I can get through a task to completion. No uppity feeling to the point where I would want to use it for sports. I simply feel "together", more capable of keeping my thoughts in a linear trajectory, and much less impulsive
@@J_Alrighty just a warning from someone who was rigorously diagnosed with ADHD as a child by 3+ specialists. The drugs do that to everyone regardless of adhd or not. Just be careful.
despite being a drug addict , he is very real and i feel love for him.
Be careful.. he's a true grifter from the streets with spirits attached to him.
@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777excellent comment. Dark passengers.
He is a pretty strong individual and deserves the best after what he's been through poor bloke❤️
Encounter Ministries RUclips channel. (Mark Hemans)/
Hes is a real person with a drug addiction not an addict that's real ❤️
God bless that little boy that witnessed his brother drowning, and then had to deliver that news to his mother.
God bless the man, that you are today. You do not have to live with guilt. It was not your fault. We good to yourself in the way that only you can.
Ronnie's whole story made me realize something.
I'm an alcoholic. I grew up with a loving family and I've been blessed with a beautiful wife and daughter. I have a son coming in a week.
I have been blessed.
Ronnie mentioned that he has no kids.
He has nothing to lose.
I am self aware to the point to know that without my wife and kids, that I would be a mess, to the level that many of the people on this channel are.
What I realize is that having something to lose does a lot to help you.
I feel like Ronnie doesn't have anything to lose at this point.
I'm just basing this on personal experience, I could be way off base. I truly hope Ronnie finds that thing that he doesn't want to lose.
@bom6330 Thank you for sharing this.
Realizing that you're an alcoholic is a really good start to changing that fact.
I never had children, a spouse, a mortgage or anything else that required my commitment.
You, on the other hand, have so much to be sober for.
I see that your comment was made 2 weeks ago so congratulations to you and your family on the birth of your son.
Wishing you all the best 🙏
@@MEL2theJno realizing is half wanting to change is the other half
Ronnie you will meet your mother again, and it will be a better place .
You are a very genuine, honest man just took the wrong road in life, and who can blame you after seeing your older brother died so tragically
his mother is dead.
@@twistedmr i know that, i mean they will meet in the next world
Felt your words were talking to me on this it actuallly helped
@@janelowe4128 Encounter Ministries RUclips channel. (Mark Hemans)**
@@janelowe4128stop lying to him!
I like this dude. Really down to earth and genuine, wish nothing but the best for him
I love this guy! He is honest, soft, kind, and true, and as he said a step up, and my hope for Ronnie is that he keeps following that step up and keeps reaching for the stars! Ronnie, thank you for sharing your stories. I hope you can learn to mend your broken heart you have so much love to give, and there is someone out there that has been waiting for you to love you, to appreciate you, and you feel it and love back with trust. you are a good guy really great guy.
you fell for it.
Kind? Now how would you even know that?
@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777he sure did. Addicts are manipulative, even the way they tell their stories is often times done to elicit emotion attachment and identification.
Unlike the vast majority in society, Ronnie has learned what matters in life. His life experiences have taught him humility, unselfishness, and compassion. Ronnie, your circumstances will change. Continue... "To Thine, ownself be true, ALWAYS."
God knows you feel bad for what you did to your mom and he will forgive in a large way
Love you Ronnie. I’m really pulling for you to keep on keeping on brother.
Don't worry about women who break your heart. There's plenty out there that will treat you good and be loyal to a good man like you
This is an amazing man. To go through so much and being born into an environment which he has very little control over. I just prayed a prayer for this nice man. I hope he would be granted a good life and be able to make the best decisions possible given his circumstances. Most NDE folks (Near Death Experiencers) say we come here from Heaven with a plan to learn things before we even leave there. We come to experience hardship and to learn what love is….what patience is…etc. If that’s true, this man came to learn a LOT in one trip to Earth. I pray he’s successful at learning everything he set out to learn and he makes it back home to be with Father and our Lord and live a blissful eternal life ❤️🙏😊 I’ve felt God’s love several times….I’d give up anything just to have that. You can’t find it here on Earth….only from him❤️😊
You have so much potential Ronnie, and a good heart. You deserve the best. , i hope the journey of life takes you there. Love from London x
Thank you for the interview Ronnie and SWU
Can’t imagine how I’d cope with what he went through with his brother and his father. In some ways I think it’s harder to get clean when you’re older. Sending hope and good vibes for Ronnie.
Well we do know one thing about the brain it does loses plasticity with age. Not impossible but yes harder not to mention any habit that well ingrained it’s gonna be harder to break then a newer habit. Much love❤
@@DetroitFettyghost well said, so true ❤️
Many kids do what they have to do to survive.
@@marcycat Encounter Ministries RUclips channel. (Mark Hemans)
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother at such a young age
Stop hiding the comments RUclips!!! Just fucking stop doing this shit!
I love all your interviews but once in a while there's a special one that for some reason or another completely draws me in or pulls my heart strings. He seems like a good guy. But again there's something extra special about him and I KNOW he can beat that addiction and live an amazing life
You don't "know" his future.
@@ChrisP3000x how about have some Faith for Humanity.
@@35jfg35 I stated a fact.
the part about letting his mother down really hit hard. such a wise man and a great storyteller.
Every issue you have starts with your parents/family. It’s your job as a human to heal from it. Hope everybody pushes through & believes in something.
So true . ❤️ Well spoken. Thank you for the great advice.
In better countries the family always takes care of their own.
Wrong
Way wrong
Parents are the foundation for most things but at some point we grow up and become adults and make our own choices.
You cant blame someones parents when a person gets traumatized outside their supervision which happens a LOT.
Very good interview!
So I kicked back, closed my eyes and listened to every word Ronnie said. He's a good person that has learned every lesson the hard way, I can relate to that. He has a lot of insight about a lot of things and I can appreciate that. Thanks for the interview, Ronnie/ Mark
🤟
🙌💜💪❤
A good person selling meth? What the fuck are you talking about?
I could listen to him forever too one of the best interviews I've heard so far
Mark, I love you dude. You are a special dude doing something great with your channel. This is some of the best content on the internet
I want to hear more stories from this guy in particular . You can tell he’s got a bunch and good ones
Agreed
@janetpratt6931 Did we a reach a new low as a society? Never-seen-before levels of thirst.
Definitely. She wasn't good enough for you. Don't give up on love
Who ever produced this I just want to say thank you and to the person who gave the interview. He is one of the realist people. I’ve never done drugs but grateful to hear his perspective he’s a real one. Thank you everyone involved❤
I agree he needs to keep plugging away one day at a time.
Ronnie you are a very bright person thanks for your story I really appreciated that
We all hurt the ones we love, be kind to yourself is all you can do.❤❤
Mad respect to Ronnie. Loved listening to him, and I really enjoyed his inquisitive ways, intellect, and general outlook. Good man, good story!
Rough past, but he has a good future speaking the truth and aiding people in rough situations. Thank you Ronnie, it takes a lot courage to open up like this.
What mark is doing is incredible, he is helping a lot of people and he is great because he listens and pays attention he is an open ear to his guests and asks the right questions I wonder mark will you ever expand your horizons on interviews ? Like interview rappers , singers , actors or other professionals
The goal is to give a platform to those who are in the shadow, and this is a never ending job and the approach itself becomes more and more sophisticated. The need for ressource and safety hopefully gets heard by the right instances.
I have a vision: all the Scientology buildings and money, rehab centers being seized by the government and given to homeless and sick people with the right caretakers, that would turn lives around.
@@ValouQc Encounter Ministries RUclips channel. (Mark Hemans)**
We like Ronnie love the wisdom…bring him back 🙏🏻
Courageous guy who has gained so much wisdom ❤️
Keep up the fight Ronnie 💪 👏 ❤️💕
@@ronniebattle1310 ??
@@katrinamackenzie8789 Read Mark chapter 16:1-20. Ask yourself this question. Do you believe what it says? These signs will follow those who believe!
Very intelligent and wellspoken man. Seems like this man actually can accomplish anything that he wants to
Except for staying clean and sober.
Ever look in a strangers eyes and know you love that person even though you never met? That's how I felt. Love you Ronnie! I lost my family to an addiction I was prescribed. My daughter lives 15 minutes away and wants nothing to do with me. Her mother is still an addict. Haven't seen them in years. It came to the point to where I realized that if I love these people I need to get away from them and just let them be. I will never regret that decision.
the wonder (in wonderdrug) is, that only after six months my life was a complete wreck
Exactly
This gentleman has a unique story. For someone that has been on drugs for 30+ years, he seems very well put together. He was very interesting to listen to. Would like to see a follow-up in the future.
This guy reminds me so much of myself it's like I've discovered a new breed, just these rare, one of a kind misfits. My thing was I was a destined to death drinker and I was heading there hard, fast and nasty. I realised I couldn't stop, it had such a grip on me that even though I was terrified of my grisly end, I couldn't stop the train I was on. I don't recommend what I found next, like Ronnie will tell you he doesn't, but for me, it kept things glued together as to where things are alright, life works, and I'm stable. Alcohol was and will always be that thing I love with an almost ancestral attachment to it, but when I found heroin it provided that glue for the puzzle that alcohol and drugs had left so many gaps in. We are all different, make better choices than me, and like Ronnie says, don't ever try to be one of the cool kids. That's what got me here doing what I have to do in the first place. Just be yourself and even if you don't fuck with it at the time, you will, just wait. There's so much more to a person than how many girls they're courting and how many Gs they have behind them. Cultivate what's inside you and you only, or you will have to find a solution, and that solution might even be as wacky as mine or Ronnie's. We're all different after all. It's amazing just how different we are from one another. When you understand that better you will more easily find what really floats your boat, whatever that may be. Don't start doing drugs if you have the choice, they only leave awkward shaped holes in the puzzle that is you, and be yourself.
Beautiful sentiment and well said.
I wish i would've had a choice. Yeah i technically did, but i was doomed
He speaks so poetically. Some really wise words worth listening to. He has been around the block! Thanks for the great interview.
what drug did you just take? He sounds ramshackle and confused.
@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 He says things in a way that has a melody and if you remix it right with some good sounds and a beat that matches, you can make a song out of some of what he says is what I meant. He has a lot of truths about life that he has learned and that would be cool if it was heard through song as well.
This is speaking poetically ?
Best one ❤ i have seen! Wisdom of a Real G.
I have to say, for all his chequered history and brushes with the law, Ronnie seems like a pretty good/strong person on the inside. It was inspirational listening to his story and moral anecdotes. All the best to Ronnie, stay on point!
This one was gold I hope to see another with him
All facts bro! Appreciate you sharing your experiences and wish you the best homie! ✊
Great interview thanks for sharing man
These videos are the reality check a lot of us need, Ronnie seems a decent guy and I wish him and everyone else reading this comment the best of luck in these testing times, count your blessings people.. love in, peace out! 💙
Amine yarabi 🤲🏾
@@PBUH-SAW. Encounter Ministries RUclips channel. (Mark Hemans)
His story made me so emotional 😢 ❤, my heart goes out for anyone that grew up with trauma and no sense of direction & self love.
Great advice at the end to give. To go with that first thought when you see someone in need if you can offer something or a word or support.
Ronnie, Thank you so much for giving me that profound insight. Who could ever imagine that meth could be seen as a wonder drug, maybe even a blessing because it got you off of crack.. my heart breaks for you, as it breaks for me. I’m a meth addict. I’m 5 years sober and dream of it every day. I wanna feel that “wonder drug” feeling again. I wanna not care what people think. I wanna feel that high that makes the moment so beautiful. But I can’t have that and stay sober. Even though being sober isn’t so good . I’m not happy. Anyway, thank you so much my man. I appreciate you ❤🤗
To be on drugs so long this guy looks good…I hope for a stable mind and a sober future… you just have to want it
Get your grade 12 and be a counselor
This man def. did some hard living, but it created a beautiful voice. Hearing him talk you can tell he has tremendous power under his voice, + a great timbre. I'd love to have him sing w/us
He's an intelligent man and speaks well. Good luck to him.
Finest kind
This man has done a mountain of Drugs and listen to the knowledge he has, His mind is still there.....His mind is still so full of power even after all the drugs. Drugs interact with some people different, Some people go INSANE permanently just from a few years of Stimulants. Strange world.
i think these people already got it bad, or its from the sleep deprivation and its only as long as they are still up using
It's more from not eating and sleeping than the drug itself. Anybody who doesn't sleep can start to lose grip of reality
Some very insightful answers to questions. Dude is well spoken best explanation of what streets is. At any level that's what life is. Everybody blinded by greed and envy instead of love.
The man's last statement is REAL, and is a testament to his core individualism. You got to give, and f that takes being different then so be it. If you can help someone, tell someone, make someone's life better, even if it may be the most simplistic thing because you made the effort, Don't let that opportunity pass by you. I wish good things for this man in his life. He's paid his share, he's on a even path.
I love this guy. So genuine.
@@omarslim3362 good for you. And you judge and assume all people in the street rape and rob people? I feel for you. If he has done any of those things, that’s on him.
Hey Ronnie. I know you wish you had done more for your mother while she was still on earth. But know she sees you and she gets it. And even though it seems like a small time, those memories she had of you as a baby, toddler, young boy.... im sure she cherished those, and they kept her mind occupied with heartwarming thoughts.
Maybe the mother should've done more for him.
Thanks for sharing, Ronnie. You are a brave man for doing so. There are many folks who benefit from your story being told.
Such an honest man giving an honest interview. Good luck Ronnie.
Honest? He is literally only telling the truth about his dishonest and criminality. He steals and sells drugs. There’s nothing honest or trustworthy about him. He simply is telling us how he lives his life, which is not with honesty or integrity. He doesn’t get a pass because he agreed to tell his story.
@@ells80 Telling the truth implies being honest, does it not??
2 minutes in and I'm already in tears. What a horrific tragedy watching your brother drown 😭
He may have pushed him.
@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 bro what?
@@omarslim3362post a link then…
@@michaelmyers8418 right
Encounter Ministries RUclips channel. (Mark Hemans)\
I admire all of those who have shared their personal life on this platform
I pray that you all overcome your demons …vices
Thank you for sharing ❤️
This man knows things. We need an hour with him minimum.
Yes he needs to come and speak again
There's nobody on this planet I respect more than someone who has been able to kick a drug habit.. 💯 I love you all..
I listen these almost daily only about 20% I could listen too start to finish but this was a good one could’ve gone longer with this guy forsure
Very interesting interview, truth of the streets, only the strong survive.
Get more safe affordable housing for our most vulnerable and provide protection and support
Ive watched so many SWU eps. This one hit home. Hard. I thought it was perfect too. Ive got ADD and it seemed to help with my focus. There was no high. Just felt normal. The things I found myself doing will give me chills for the rest of my life. The withdrawals were not like opioid or heroine. I thought for sure that I was capable of ending life. Mine or someone else's. Horrible feeling. The amount of hate and anger and the speed at which it hits you is impossible to control. Alot of broken things. Bones. Relationships. My mind
Feel the same...I can't find "my place" in this world, not within regular society nor with addicts..just end of the road.
Stay strong brother , doors are always opening you just gotta find them, peace
I wish everyone in the Soft White Underbelly universe a good holiday.
I’m 58 and I’ve never done meth I’m so blessed. God love you and thank you for your experiences. I grew up in a AH home Hugs❤️
What is AH?
Adult Children of Alcoholics meetings are so very helpful if you have any in your area look for online meetings. It will explain alot for you❤
Good on you man, now to get off the crystal....took me a few years. 4 years clean now. It still haunts me
Keep encouraging him
It's possible ❤ I got 3 months 😊
Man get well brother and beat that addiction ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽
His addiction to methamphetamine is a coping strategy.
You’re able to accomplish more on stimulants like crystal at first. But trust me, you always have to pay the piper. Maybe not at first, but he will eventually come to collect.
🎯
that's heavy
Good interview Mark... This person is the epitome of the lives of many... I felt what he meant when he said that he enjoyed doing time in the hole alone away from the BS... Great interview....
The war against drugs does not and never will work. We need to stop putting ppl in prison for drugs and give them access to treatment.
I totally knew what Ron was talking about as I quit cocaine in 2006 after trying meth.
He is right; being addicted to meth is way better than being addicted to crack, in every possible way. If you think differently you haven't been addicted to both of these drugs. And I've been an opiate addict as well. However I also know that when I was 100% sober I was the happiest, most peaceful I've ever been... It's a day at a time process that looks different for all of us. I hope he gets to the place in life that he's the most happy. I liked his story. Could have listened to him a couple more hours probably. Cuz he was speaking my language.
Big time. So powerful. Needs to speak publicly in schools rehab centers he has a bright future ahead
Great Documentary!! God bless him . I hope that he gets clean and life works out for him.
i have so much respect for this man. ZERO sugar coating and what he preaches is the true harsh reality. I really hope everything works for you man.
This is one of the best interviews I've seen on this channel 🔥🔥🔥
When Ronnie said “to me.. Runnin’ away was fun”. I can relate and remember the rush of being out there as a kid and everything was new.
But I never had it as tough as Ronnie. The innocence was taken from him too soon.
This world can be what you make of it, but everyday you have to be with your mind and
personal traumas.. those are the real challenges to success.
He’s very sincere about choosing his life the way he did.. he owns it.
He’s figured out a way to function in society as an addict in his own way.
For better or worse, who are we to say what’s right or wrong for Ronnie.
I'm thinking a prescription stimulant might be a little more manageable than the meth!
Psychedelic therapy is the most promising means of changing addiction behaviour but I don’t think he want to stop.
@@anthonycraig274 OP is pointing to the fact that this fellow has attention deficit syndrome and needs the stimulant as therapeutic. Psychedelic therapy is more applicable to trauma and anxiety and depression.
You're correct but good luck getting a doctor to prescribe it...impossible in my area anyway ..
@@debbiebasche7760 if you have adhd its easy
@@debbiebasche7760And that's why I say the medical establishment is a big saboteur in this illegal drug pandemic. They don't give you what you need but will be quick to blame you if you don't recover.
If you would have had a better dad, you wouldn't have let your mother down. It's not your fault you kept running away. Your mother should have left your father for your sake. I feel so bad for you! Stop blaming your self. You turned out so good. I admire you alot!!
I love this channel. Most of these stories remind me how cruel capitalism is. Happiness to many is getting food, having save shelter, and being connected to their community while not abandoning themselves. American mythology will be corrected with real stories like these
on some real shit, stfu. talking fairytales n such
@@frankie2806 kick rocks and go shine Elon musk boots
@@frankie2806 this man said he enjoys getting food when he sees something new. He isn't wanting 5 houses or a yacht. He wants a basic dignified life. Nothing fairytale about that, except under American capitalism it seems like a dream because the American dream for the few elites is built off the back of the many who are poor
Uhhhh....
You are apparently not the brightest, Bob.
Robert which socialist communist or monarchist country do you think isn’t affected by alcoholism addiction homelessness institutions poverty and mental illness ?