#42 - Kirsty: Escaping Abuse, Overcoming Addiction, Building Self-Worth & Paying Her Lived Experience Forward

Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma

WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault including graphic descriptions of violence, trauma & abuse
Matt explores Kirsty's journey through amphetamine addiction and the challenges of navigating complex relationships. Kirsty shares her experiences with substance misuse and how it shaped her life, reflecting on her upbringing and family dynamics.
Kirsty courageously shares the weight of her previous relationships, shedding light on the impact of exploitation and multiple abusive partners who brought her to arrest and then reaching out for help. Kirsty delves into the psychological effects of trauma bonding, vividly illustrated through her first-hand experiences.
Kirsty's narrative is punctuated by victories, including marking her six-year sobriety milestone and embracing her role as a valued DWP Peer Mentor for the UK's leading third sector provider of drug and alcohol services, Change Grow Live.

The Believe in People Podcast explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
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1. Challenges of Substance Misuse and Exploitation (00:00:00)

2. Patterns of Exploitation and Vulnerability (00:11:58)

3. Navigating Relationships and Self-Discovery (00:15:19)

4. Effects of Domestic Abuse and Addiction (00:23:44)

5. Substance Abuse and Trauma Struggles (00:36:23)

6. Escaping an Abusive Relationship (00:40:57)

7. Journey to Sobriety (00:51:59)

8. From Volunteering to Professional Success (01:01:40)

9. Supporting Others Through Personal Experience (01:14:16)

10. Journey to Sobriety and Self-Worth (01:17:32)

11. Exploring Career Goals in Podcast (01:25:25)