Fentanyl Addict interview-Ben (short version)

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  • čas přidán 20. 06. 2023
  • Soft White Underbelly interview and portrait of Ben, a fentanyl addict on Skid Row. The SWU Subscription channel has a longer version of Ben's video including an interview after he was shot on Skid Row just a week after this interview.
    Here's a link to a GoFundMe campaign to help some of the people seen in SWU interviews: gofund.me/9ebad507
    For ad-free, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the Soft White Underbelly subscription channel at softwhiteunderbelly.com. It's $10 a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.
  • Krátké a kreslené filmy

Komentáře • 346

  • @yyutti
    @yyutti Před rokem +151

    I used to be on heroin for a fee years and every since fentanyl came along in florida my life has been fucked, I have been sober for around 4 months now but that drug is horrible Man, the withdrawals is like nothing else I have ever seen, I went to jail at 200 pounds and 4 days later I was 163 pounds 35 pounds of water weight lost, I almost died, the nurse tried to stick me with an iv over 20 times before she got me. Please don't do this shit it will only bring suffering beyond imagining.

    • @The_earth_fairy-6
      @The_earth_fairy-6 Před rokem +7

    • @cannotfindmyshoes3
      @cannotfindmyshoes3 Před rokem

      Yeah well if good old fashioned REAL Heroin was available maybe people wouldnt touch that Fent shit.
      The dealers who mixed in Fentanyl are arseholes and they are just killing off their customers.

    • @Kernoweth
      @Kernoweth Před rokem +14

      Keep fighting that fight brother. It will be worth it when you get to the other side!!!

    • @myeyeswentdeaf6213
      @myeyeswentdeaf6213 Před rokem +1

      War and heroin go hand and hand. The US Government funds warlords, guerrilla armies, militias who also oppose our enemy, etc., with drug money as many of the same groups control the smuggling routes in and out of a country which strategically the US wants control of during the war. Also, the US cannot openly fund many of these groups as many of them are on international terrorist lists. It’s not a coincidence the heroin epidemic exploded immediately after the U.S. invading Afghanistan, and now 20 years later, just when we pull out, there’s no more heroin on the streets in the US. It’s all fentanyl now. There’s not even fentanyl laced heroin anymore. It’s just all fetty or tranq. During the Afghanistan war there were US Military Units whose sole detail was to guard and protect the poppy fields. Statistics also prove heroin availability and use spikes in the US during every war and immediately drop significantly after each war ends. During WWI the US Government struck a deal with Lucky Luciano for him to have the Sicilian mob in Sicily, who controlled the smuggling routes there, to quietly smuggle U.S. military equipment into Sicily without the knowledge of the Italian fascisti government, also clearing the way for the US invasion of Northern Italy through Sicily. Sicily didn’t like the North either. In return the US allowed the Sicilian mob to flood the US with heroin during the war. The US did the same during the Vietnam and Korean wars with anti communist groups. But the thing about this fentanyl though is it seems war time or not has no effect on its ability. It ain’t going nowhere.

    • @sharong8511
      @sharong8511 Před rokem +7

      After the second failed attempt to get the vein my ex-partner said he grabbed the needle and did it for her. Nobody gets to try 20 times!

  • @007janerussell
    @007janerussell Před rokem +36

    He’s so done lying and sugar coating anything. Love his honesty

  • @tinamarie1111
    @tinamarie1111 Před rokem +23

    He sounds so broken , I pray he finds the will power to want to stop .

  • @Dreamweaver215
    @Dreamweaver215 Před rokem +54

    Ben, sir you are worth something to the world. It shows in your interview how intelligent you are. I am praying for you. You touched my heart. ❤

  • @picassobritta
    @picassobritta Před rokem +83

    Ben is very insightful, I hope he goes to VA and gets help. I’m rooting for you man!

  • @user-lc4ul6zb5g
    @user-lc4ul6zb5g Před rokem +48

    Man, I can just feel the utter tiredness that Ben's life has become. Hope you are able to get a job and somehow get off drugs.

  • @Straaker
    @Straaker Před rokem +61

    It’s not easy to get into language school in the army. You have to have an aptitude for it and they test you before they offer it. He should be accessing services at the VA. He’s earned it.

  • @wendyclason8873
    @wendyclason8873 Před rokem +17

    I would love to see what this man could be if he was sober. Incredibly intelligent.

  • @juxxtapoz
    @juxxtapoz Před rokem +44

    He is a very smart guy. Very insightful. I really hope things work out for him.

  • @greatheadflipilillilip8505

    The tragic part of opiate addiction is it seems to make people extremely self aware and empathetic while also absolutely destroying them wish there was a way to separate that

    • @yyutti
      @yyutti Před rokem +3

      If not why get sober, the terrible life of being on opiates depressed every day suicidal etc If I was happy the whole time I would have never gotten clean.

    • @cannotfindmyshoes3
      @cannotfindmyshoes3 Před rokem +11

      I was self aware and tortured by empathy BEFORE I got into Heroin. Heroin helped block out some of those non-stop feelings. Now am "clean" (medically assisted)and it's even harder to deal with the flood of sensations and feelings. If I knew I could get hold of actual Heroin, without any of this other crap like Fent or thé Tranq thing mixed in, I would probably bé back on it.
      Fuck Fent and Tranq. They've ruined everything.

    • @sarahalderman3126
      @sarahalderman3126 Před rokem +9

      I don’t think opiates cause the empathic nature but rather those with an empathic nature are drawn towards opiates. I’ve never used heroin or any illegal substance other than pot and a few times magic mushrooms, as a teen. At 19 and 20 I had to have knee surgery due to patellar sublexation on both knees. At 21 I had seizure and ended up having an AVM requiring brain surgery. During the first two knee surgeries I was exposed to opioids and being that it was around 2000’s it was all the strong stuff. I didn’t realize how much it f’d me up. Anyway I ended up abusing my pain meds, at least until the scripts ran out. Anyway it was the beginning of this life long craving. About 10 years ago I found something called Kratom which helped me wean off the oxy they prescribed after knee surgery. Only problem was that it was also addictive… which I was unaware of. When I tried coming off kratom it was unbearable and I have just stayed on it. Unfortunately this results in a completely hollowed out sort of existence.

    • @morgenmachen2400
      @morgenmachen2400 Před rokem +6

      I'm encouraged that you see a correlation between sensitivity and addiction but more often (speaking as an addict in long term recovery) it's the burden of sensitivity which makes drug use feel like such a relief.

    • @morgenmachen2400
      @morgenmachen2400 Před rokem +3

      ​@sarahalderman3126 I'm so sorry this happened to you . Please keep speaking on what Kratom actually does because so many endorse its use without knowing the outcome. I hope you find your way free.

  • @mariaes623
    @mariaes623 Před rokem +22

    Sad to think that with all the poison fentanyl on the street that any hit could be his last.
    His sadness is so palpable. 😢
    May God protect him and keep him safe.

  • @mc2043
    @mc2043 Před rokem +60

    As weird as this sounds from his story, this dude seems like a genuinely nice guy!

    • @carolfromalbertacanada
      @carolfromalbertacanada Před rokem +9

      He does, he really really does 🤗

    • @InLikeFlynn21
      @InLikeFlynn21 Před rokem

      Do you think all addicts are unintelligent? That’s weird.

    • @tomkeppler3519
      @tomkeppler3519 Před 3 měsíci

      You watch a video and all the sudden you know this person. Lmao

    • @mc2043
      @mc2043 Před 3 měsíci

      Yup i do like i don't even have to see you and i know you're a turd @@tomkeppler3519

  • @jeffstorrier39
    @jeffstorrier39 Před rokem +8

    What a likeable, thoughtful guy. Easy to root for a guy like that and also to see glimpses of ourselves in him.

  • @buckeroonii
    @buckeroonii Před rokem +16

    Wow, such honesty, insight but helpless sadness at the same time. Damn, he knows but does he have the strength?

  • @The_earth_fairy-6
    @The_earth_fairy-6 Před rokem +19

    Best answers ive heard at the end. Man idk why but this guy broke my heart

    • @HiGlowie
      @HiGlowie Před rokem +2

      I think it may be because he has so much potential and he’s incredibly sad.

  • @drivndiscodrivn
    @drivndiscodrivn Před rokem +20

    I'm willing to bet that in all the interviews he's done on this channel the word "respite" has only been used this one time. I hope this guy figures out a way to change his life.

    • @nathansandel6381
      @nathansandel6381 Před rokem +1

      Same with “marred”

    • @HiGlowie
      @HiGlowie Před rokem

      Ben is clearly an intelligent guy. I feel for him and all those who are addicted.

  • @enukjent2550
    @enukjent2550 Před rokem +12

    I liked this guy´s demeanor. Made me feel calm. ...and he´s very upfront and honest. always good

  • @lakid9749
    @lakid9749 Před rokem +36

    I really like this video
    This gentlemen is humble and real. He hasn’t unraveled his brain yet.
    I wish him the best always

  • @a.wanderer5006
    @a.wanderer5006 Před rokem +106

    This guy needs to see a doctor. There is a growth in his neck, probably from shooting up but it looks like it has fluid in it which can get deadly pretty quick. (Was going to make another comment how it's sad he got on the wrong path because we badly need more male teachers....)

    • @judytullos9889
      @judytullos9889 Před rokem +2

      @ 3:45

    • @FLBeautyQueen
      @FLBeautyQueen Před rokem +5

      Lymph nodes… Cancer? Kidney Failure from Hep C?

    • @a.wanderer5006
      @a.wanderer5006 Před rokem +1

      ​@@FLBeautyQueen most likely an infection at an injection site, but MRSA can kill someone pretty quick.

    • @Earleyyourmean
      @Earleyyourmean Před rokem

      Using drugs, intravenously does not cause growths on your neck. It’s really ignorant to blame drugs for every problem somebody has. Especially because they use needles. People who use needles to do their drugs aren’t dirtier than you, dumber than you, less healthy than you, that’s just ignorant bigotry.

    • @kay4725
      @kay4725 Před rokem +2

      @@Earleyyourmean ....unless he shot it in his neck....

  • @chrisbeck5688
    @chrisbeck5688 Před rokem +7

    Wow! He really touched my heart. He's intelligent, functional, thoughtful. I sincerely hope and pray he climbs up out of the hell hole he's in.

  • @paulacrawford5209
    @paulacrawford5209 Před rokem +58

    I hope he wakes up and realizes he could be a fantastic contribution to the human race on many levels🎉

    • @ylieteldatruf6888
      @ylieteldatruf6888 Před rokem +5

      human "species"

    • @paulacrawford5209
      @paulacrawford5209 Před rokem +3

      @@ylieteldatruf6888 Race. Species. Regardless, petty issues aside. If we all behaved as though we could and should strive to build one another up for the good of all humans, especially the children !! We would find a lot less anger, animosity, hate and crime.

    • @conniehanses
      @conniehanses Před rokem +1

      Agree! Thank you

  • @nicolefugere7932
    @nicolefugere7932 Před rokem +11

    I really related to almost all he was saying, my heart sank when he spoke about his children, i understand that pain. I hope he makes the best choices he can, i also hope the VA helps him out with the right resources.

  • @livelauflace
    @livelauflace Před rokem +19

    What Ben said at the end of this video really resonated with me. Thank you Ben, all the best to you. If you want different you have to do different ❤

  • @patrick-scotttopps5399
    @patrick-scotttopps5399 Před rokem +7

    He's 100%... I've never used my mind so much, subconsciously, everyday, working to try & figure out how to keep from getting dope sick... I love Heroin, don't use it anymore but I'll always love it....

  • @sugarfix7280
    @sugarfix7280 Před rokem +8

    I was going to say the same thing. I was going to suggest he please get his thyroid checked out. I know in his addiction this may not be a priority but Ben if you find yourself in front of a doc have them feel for your thyroid. I wish for you peace and hope that you can find your way to recovery

  • @tatan7809
    @tatan7809 Před rokem +19

    Very sad to see. Great potential, he could bring good things in our lives.

  • @a.wanderer5006
    @a.wanderer5006 Před rokem +15

    "The more help you give people, the more stagnant they become. (and eventually entitled)" He got real wise there.

    • @thematriarchy2075
      @thematriarchy2075 Před rokem +6

      And the opposite for sure is wat has created this big problem in the US

    • @a.wanderer5006
      @a.wanderer5006 Před rokem

      @@thematriarchy2075 Last time you commented on my comment you were cheerleading the hooker defecting on people for money, so it seems you support the race to the, erm, bottom.

  • @NosiLLa258
    @NosiLLa258 Před rokem +5

    I really enjoyed this one. Very wise soul. I wish him the escape from his circumstances that he understands is his own responsibility to create. Spoken from someone who used opiates for over 12 years. It is possible to overcome. Sending love.

  • @kennalindsay8198
    @kennalindsay8198 Před rokem +7

    This man I feel his pain I hope he can move on get clean get better chance at life maybe we can get an update on him

  • @cannotfindmyshoes3
    @cannotfindmyshoes3 Před rokem +15

    No wonder he's fucked up, man. I understand why hé is constantly trying to turn off memories and certain feelings.
    Bad parents have got a lot to answer for. Look at all these broken people, they've all had a traumatic childhood.

    • @TEM14411
      @TEM14411 Před rokem +2

      Bingo. The development of the concious and subconscious mind in the formative years is the key to it all. The science behind it is solid. The spiritual truth of it all is undeniable when you look at all the suffering.

  • @rainrabbit9209
    @rainrabbit9209 Před rokem +14

    Ben, you could be a great teacher. - I wish I could magically make it happen for you!

    • @tomkeppler3519
      @tomkeppler3519 Před 3 měsíci

      A teacher with a bunch of felonies lmao ya whatever you say

  • @wockqueefa
    @wockqueefa Před rokem +4

    i know a lot of people come on here to get money to feed their addiction but i still applaud them for being vulnerable in front of a camera & stranger

  • @robinschimka1947
    @robinschimka1947 Před rokem +6

    Plz go to the dr. You need to get that lump on ur neck checked out! Your such a humble n honest man n i sure hope n 🙏 you find ur way❤

  • @gingerbrown9273
    @gingerbrown9273 Před rokem +6

    Ben believe in yourself, you deserve so much more in life. Take your own advice and make the change. Recovery is possible but only you can make it happen. Praying for you. 🙏

    • @tambourine36
      @tambourine36 Před 3 měsíci

      For some reason I can see this guy playing guitar. He has a low voice. Bet he can sing. He sounds alot like Chris Christopherson.

  • @NicksHEAT1995
    @NicksHEAT1995 Před rokem +13

    This guy looks like he's really struggling.

    • @seansullivan7928
      @seansullivan7928 Před rokem

      Well he can off the drugs at least. He aint got nothing to do but sit on the sidewalk

    • @NicksHEAT1995
      @NicksHEAT1995 Před rokem

      @@seansullivan7928 Truth.

  • @Eyem1337
    @Eyem1337 Před rokem +2

    lol the part about meth and seeing construction workers thinking they're FBI agents, I had a friend who was exactly like that every single time.

  • @SarahCombs71
    @SarahCombs71 Před rokem +1

    He is so smart and very likable with his honesty and genuineness. Obviously, a great guy that wound up on a bad path and is now stuck in a horrible place. I pray he can get his life back with the help he needs and deserves. I hope he knows that he has a purpose and matters. He can do such amazing things for so many people.

  • @Lizabethmoore-ow6mw
    @Lizabethmoore-ow6mw Před 8 měsíci +1

    He's still so young. He'd be an amazing recovery professional!!! He has so much wisdom and insight. Only God knows what it's going to take, or if it's ever going to happen, but he's way ahead of the game because he gets it. Super smart guy.

  • @user-gk7lv7rf1e
    @user-gk7lv7rf1e Před rokem +2

    Ben, you are so capable of having a beautiful life ahead of you. The whole interview I felt so connected to you.! You’re special. I hope you can get the help you need to help others cause you’ve got what it takes. ❤️

  • @ebeneezerscrooge2942
    @ebeneezerscrooge2942 Před rokem +1

    Bro. I went to job corps. I was all messed up on heroin and meth. My dad doesn’t talk to me either. Hey man, you can get help. You can turn it around. Your dad might not come around but you can experience joy again brother.

  • @coreywatts5337
    @coreywatts5337 Před rokem +3

    People get so caught up on where they supposed to be,, rather then looking at where they are…. Deep!!!💯🙏🏾

    • @tambourine36
      @tambourine36 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Part of the illness. Stay out of the past. Focus on the present. Don't worry about tomorrow. Just focus on being present for today. Him having to do degrading things for drugs breaks my heart. You can see how it deeply affects him when he talks about it

  • @andrewomar9887
    @andrewomar9887 Před rokem +9

    Ben...
    YOU GOT THIS BRUH!
    YOU GOT THIS
    YOU GOT THIS
    YOU GOT THIS
    YOU GOT THIS
    YOU GOT THIS
    YOU GOT THIS

  • @cornpop5623
    @cornpop5623 Před rokem

    Ben, thank you for being so authentic and honest. I could relate how you never felt like you fit in. The person I use to be identifies with the words you speak. I hope will get the chance to see a different you.

  • @people_watcher
    @people_watcher Před rokem +9

    Good morning Mark and SWU family

  • @derrick8224
    @derrick8224 Před rokem +3

    I promise SWU…I will never use fentanyl. Thank you. Mark probably saved my life

  • @judysteadman799
    @judysteadman799 Před rokem +1

    Ben precious Ben. Sad heartbreaking story. Clear honesty, 🙏 🙏 you make a healthy right choice for you, 🙏 Mark you are a therapist , good grief , folks are so open to talk to you. Sending love from Vancouver Canada 🍁

  • @Happy_Spatula
    @Happy_Spatula Před rokem +3

    I strugge to understand why many commentors here are almost positive about the people being interviewed
    While the interview reveals the soft 'human' beneath the hard people being interviewed I wouldn't trust them at all around my family/money

    • @arturonunez1459
      @arturonunez1459 Před rokem +2

      Yes. You'd be a fool if you did. This guy seems to be staring himself in the face about himself. Not literally but figuratively. Gotta give him that. For whatever it's worth.

    • @tambourine36
      @tambourine36 Před 3 měsíci

      Maybe not in their active addiction but underneath is a human being who was someone's child at one point. Addiction can afflict anyone so we should never ever think that it could never be us or our family. Do some reading in the Al-Anon literature and get some perspective before you judge

    • @Happy_Spatula
      @Happy_Spatula Před 3 měsíci

      Yup every human deserves a chance @tambourine36 , my comment was referring to those in active addiction. As a child of an addict I'm very aware of the human aspect of the dynamic

  • @conniehanses
    @conniehanses Před rokem +6

    I really hope to god he's ok..his truths, hit home. Thank you so very much.💙🙏🌎

  • @baublesanddolls
    @baublesanddolls Před rokem +11

    Sad!! He was definitely on fentanyl or some opiate while doing this interview and seemed to be self reflecting. He definitely chose drugs over his daughters because he knows suboxone works. It's definitely not the same as being on fentanyl!! He'd have a clear mind, no withdrawals, and unlike methadone he wouldn't be able to take any opiates or he'd go into immediate withdrawal. It's far easier to taper off suboxone than fentanyl because it's prescribed, and you're not looking for it on the streets degrading yourself to get your fix. It doesn't seem like he has any plans to be sober and will no doubt spend the rest of his life where he is. Although he seems like a pretty good guy, I think he's the oldest looking 40 year old I've ever seen. Just a sad situation and his upbringing didn't help. I wish him all the best.😢
    Thanks for another great interview, Mark. I love the backdrop colour. 💕

  • @lisalewis3254
    @lisalewis3254 Před rokem +2

    By the way Ben.......YOU ARE A TEACHER

  • @johnlittle3430
    @johnlittle3430 Před rokem +4

    This guy's desperate in a way that other interviewees haven't seemed desperate. Every post drags us further into the abyss. I hope Ben survives.

  • @KarmicPatina
    @KarmicPatina Před rokem +3

    Mad love to you bro. Keep that chin up sir! You are loved.

  • @maisenbrown196
    @maisenbrown196 Před rokem +11

    From appreciation to entitlement! So freaken true

  • @MakeL0v3NotWar
    @MakeL0v3NotWar Před rokem +8

    Ben you have so much potential. You may not feel it or see it but I do! From the ashes you shall rise! 💕

  • @ontime7482
    @ontime7482 Před rokem +4

    Ben, it’s never too late.

  • @ArtMonkey5150
    @ArtMonkey5150 Před rokem +5

    I like his authenticity. He wants a better life. He's on his path and knows how to get where he's going. Keep doing your thing with the I.D. and work. Get off the dope. I did. Been 2years now off meth and cocaine.

  • @CFDBM_TEAM
    @CFDBM_TEAM Před 11 měsíci +2

    As long as your still here .its not too late to make a change ..

  • @HopeandFaithHomesread
    @HopeandFaithHomesread Před rokem +6

    In Arkansas years ago a homeless shelter woman working in one tried to force me into a homeless shelter in Arkansas. I wasn't even homeless.
    What had happened was a teenager had destroyed my car so I had to walk home. Two women gave me a ride saying they were going to help me get back to my apartment. I had a rented apartment and a son at a babysitter. I was told by the women that they were taking me to get a ride home,
    . I was droped off ar a homeless shelter. I went in and the lady working in there tried to force me to sign a paper. I wouldn't do it and she kept threatening me to sign a paper saying that Id stay six months at the
    shelter. The woman had evidence that Id been in a car wreck and that I had proof of my address and she even had my landlords number to prove that I wasn't homeless.
    She continued to threaten me if I didn't sign to get in the homeless shelter. I finally just walked out and sge trued to lock me in the facility with a gate.
    Thank God it was to short because I jumped over it.
    The woman even threatened me with jail if I didn't
    sign that paper and stay in the homeless shelter.
    She sa3" they needed the funds"
    Anyways I left and made it back to my apartment.
    Then my ex husband came back around because he thought I got a huge settlement from the teenager destroying my car.
    I only had liability insurance so it wasn't covered because it was teenagers fault.

    • @letuswrap
      @letuswrap Před rokem +3

      You think perhaps that teenager was in cahoots with the homeless shelter worker?🤔

    • @loveitwhenyoudothat
      @loveitwhenyoudothat Před rokem

      Confused? 🙄

  • @cannotfindmyshoes3
    @cannotfindmyshoes3 Před rokem +5

    I would really "like" to sée the extended version but I can't afford to pay for it. Gutted.

  • @raemerritt
    @raemerritt Před rokem +2

    bro, we all die alone.

  • @brendabrumbley2364
    @brendabrumbley2364 Před rokem +2

    Praying for you Ben I lost my granddaughter to fetnalty and heron shooting up she had just turned 23 she try to stop got out shot up died please live get hopefully set your kids again god be with you

  • @DetroitFettyghost
    @DetroitFettyghost Před rokem +23

    It's really hard for some content creators to get noticed. It's amazing what passes as okay and what doesn on here. I hope everyone has a great day and that it is blessed from beginning to end.

    • @Gram72534
      @Gram72534 Před rokem +3

      Good morning Fetty, have a great day my friend!!!!!!!

    • @DetroitFettyghost
      @DetroitFettyghost Před rokem +2

      ​@@Gram72534what it do NOT GRAM #7..... oh my! I feel like I don't even know you anymore 😂😂😂 just kidding buddy hope you're doing well & you have a great day MUCH LOVE D.Fg. Family style 🙌🏼💪🏽

    • @myeyeswentdeaf6213
      @myeyeswentdeaf6213 Před rokem +1

      @detroitfettyghost Yo! Fetty, Set, Go! Wat up Moneygrip! I hear ya brother, CZcams content is one thing, BUT TikTok though!?😳…🙄

    • @myeyeswentdeaf6213
      @myeyeswentdeaf6213 Před rokem +1

      @gram7932 Yo what up moneyGRAM!🫵🤑 Yo I’m not liking whatever CZcams is doing with people’s names today. Wtf!?

    • @Gram72534
      @Gram72534 Před rokem +2

      ​@@myeyeswentdeaf6213oh, WTF!!! I didn't do that, GD!!! F,YT!!!

  • @amber76OH
    @amber76OH Před rokem +4

    He's lovely. I think I'll have to go watch the full video. He's just a really good guy that took a really fuct path...not his fault, entirely 🥺

  • @Nessa_1990
    @Nessa_1990 Před rokem +3

    I just want to hug him. People are so cruel.

  • @fredflintstone8048
    @fredflintstone8048 Před rokem +5

    I appreciate Bens honesty about his addiction. The addict is always going to be involved in crime because addiction is a cruel master that will make it impossible for them to hold down a job. The addiction is expensive. It only makes sense that they'll steal from each other when the other is passed out on the drug. The smart ones would be wise to hide their possessions and unused drugs somewhere remote to where they get high and pass out, but it's not like they're going to be rational people anymore.

  • @user-wt9lg5lf5d
    @user-wt9lg5lf5d Před rokem +1

    I hope Ben gets the help and treatment to beat his fetanyl addiction. He is intelligent and well spoken. I will be praying for him.
    🙏🙏❤❤

  • @melissamitten5808
    @melissamitten5808 Před rokem +10

    Looks like he may have an abscess in his neck. If that thing ruptures and the bacteria head elsewhere in the skull its gonna be rough.....but this guy is no stranger to rough :/

  • @loveitwhenyoudothat
    @loveitwhenyoudothat Před rokem

    I absolutely love this interview with Ben. Thank you Ben and I send love your way. X

  • @lovetraveler1
    @lovetraveler1 Před rokem +8

    This guy. My heart goes out to him. No anxiety or paranoia. But hooked on Fent. Wreaked him even worse. Please get help.

    • @jensmitty1152
      @jensmitty1152 Před rokem +4

      There’s something about this guy I think it’s his pure honest or the no bullshit. I really hope he finds his way❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥹

  • @michaeljacobs4546
    @michaeljacobs4546 Před rokem +1

    I should not say this, but here goes, was briefly a TAC officer in the NY Army reserve (that sorta like HR), and drugs were rampant.

    • @michaeljacobs4546
      @michaeljacobs4546 Před rokem

      I should mention that was the early to mid 90s, so i am not commenting on the current situation, and do not mean thgis as anti-military this is a societal problrem and the military is just a microcosm of broader society.

  • @mmb1253
    @mmb1253 Před rokem

    Man .. this dude is beat, head up brother you seem strong enough to do it . We will pray for you 🙏

  • @cindywhedbee1713
    @cindywhedbee1713 Před rokem +12

    Help me with the math here. He is 40, she is 20 years younger, and they were together 10 years….

    • @tommybrokas
      @tommybrokas Před rokem +1

      Stop

    • @letuswrap
      @letuswrap Před rokem +4

      Ya others are wondering the same...I didn't catch it though 😂

    • @ceeaitch11
      @ceeaitch11 Před rokem +4

      @@tommybrokas stop what? he's just the messenger, it seems. Edit: I mean she. Her name looks to be Cindy

    • @baker1saautomatic
      @baker1saautomatic Před rokem +4

      I had to rewind to see if I heard that correctly 👀 I'm going with the hopes that he just got the math wrong.

    • @NationOfChaosTube
      @NationOfChaosTube Před 11 měsíci +1

      There’s 2 different women referenced here. The video doesn’t really show that but, considering he’s my brother I know who he’s talking about in both occasions.

  • @vikkivale4979
    @vikkivale4979 Před rokem +3

    Good morning from Las Vegas NV💕 i hope everyone stays in the Gods favors today snd i hope everyone gets lots of love and respect❤

  • @flakeys11
    @flakeys11 Před rokem +2

    Don’t think about going to the VA, RUN TO THE VA HOSPITAL MAN! You are smart and shouldn’t let the past stop you from anything. Prove em wrong. Pray for u

  • @AlpinePreparedness
    @AlpinePreparedness Před rokem +1

    ❤would love to hear more, especially the end wow

  • @007janerussell
    @007janerussell Před rokem +5

    Dying alone is not my fear. After watching my dad die in front of my eyes, I wouldn’t wish that on anybody. Especially my kids.

  • @christuscany4851
    @christuscany4851 Před rokem

    This guy takes accountability honestly nice guy. I wish I could help more but dealing with trauma you can see his point of view and sometimes you don’t get the best deck of cards in life.

  • @nickalexander1288
    @nickalexander1288 Před rokem +2

    Ahhhh shit Ben. I was a so called functioning addict from 18 to 40 years old. My conscience and being tired constantly got to me. I had to get help. I couldn't do it on my own. I got on methadone and told my folks the situ. 2 days later I got a great job with the city. Full med - Kaiser pays for my methadone. It took years for my folks to believe I was clean!! I got my 20 years in and got full retirement in 2015. I'm still on the juice. 27 yrs . 27 yrs of monthly piss tests. Refusals or dirty tests results in loss of takehomes. I've never had either! Thousands of tests!! It helped me stay clean. Meth. is not same as heroin or fenty. It's regulated, legal, pharmaceutical drugs. Please give it a shot Ben. If I can/have / still stay clean anyone can. Bless you my friend and good luck.

    • @tambourine36
      @tambourine36 Před 3 měsíci

      I agree he needs to get on methodone or Suboxone and get on the straight and narrow and a clear head. He wants to work. Would love to see him well and happy ❤

  • @remi6446
    @remi6446 Před rokem +1

    Not sure why but Ben man, you touched me. It's not hard to see the love you've got inside. Please take that hard route, get clean get a direction so you see it yourself. Maybe the VA can help. Wish you could see what I can.

  • @wolfmayner6274
    @wolfmayner6274 Před rokem +8

    At 20:00, I relate to this so much. It took me years to really understand this, but I lost a lot of good friends and found myself hanging out with very selfish, shitty people in highschool, and in college, because I couldn't relate to people who didn't have family problems, didn't do drugs, didn't experience depression and anger. The people you put yourself around is almost like a subconscious choice.

  • @shameronstar7220
    @shameronstar7220 Před rokem +5

    Man, he’s down so bad you prostituted himself for drugs? That’s wild man! God bless him and everyone enslaved ti substance addiction

  • @tblair2277
    @tblair2277 Před rokem +1

    Ben, get help from the VA now. Do not wait!

  • @wedge5896
    @wedge5896 Před rokem +1

    I hope he gets clean and has a relationship with his daughters

  • @dianestearns8194
    @dianestearns8194 Před měsícem

    Mark I felt that you had a very close connection with this gentleman.

  • @Unfluencer
    @Unfluencer Před rokem +3

    funny as this might sound: this guy sober would be a great teacher.

  • @almamorrissey8594
    @almamorrissey8594 Před rokem +4

    Just so sad how one conviction in the awful US criminal justice system can shape the rest of a humans life. We should be rehabilitating people not locking them up like animals. But that’d cost money so not likely to ever happen.

  • @tricktaylor1983
    @tricktaylor1983 Před rokem +2

    Ive been on methadone for 17 years. Every time I feel bad about it I watch a video like this.
    I have my college degree, I went to law school (didn't graduate but that's a different very sad expensive story), and I work. I have stability. A normal life. I was smoking fentanyl patches in 2004 before anyone knew what retinol was. All I knew is it was the only opiate that got me high anymore and the withdrawal was a bitch. I eventually moved on to shooting heroin cuz it was hard to find a steady source of fetynol patches then. But for a good tear, i was rocking on patches. Prior i had done just pills then was snorting oxys. Then one day my guy says i dont got oxy but i got these morphine patches. Im like sure...fuckin a... kids really its that simple. One days you think youre ok tiptoeing down a wire and bang youre addicted like that and your life changes forever. Yes,methadone has given me a aecond chance but dont believe theres not things Ive lost to it and that i haven't stayed on it this long cuz its easy to get off of. Liquid handcuffs? Im trying to leave California but here i have great health care and go to a clinic once every month. I'm scared to death that would change elsewhere... in ny i had to go everyday...

    • @tambourine36
      @tambourine36 Před 3 měsíci

      Liquid handcuffs may be your medicine to stay alive just like insulin is to a diabetic

  • @yorkhongten9633
    @yorkhongten9633 Před rokem

    Man.. that was beautiful brother. You will be fine. Do take good care of yourself

  • @sharonscollard9471
    @sharonscollard9471 Před rokem +3

    Unbearably sad

  • @CFDBM_TEAM
    @CFDBM_TEAM Před 11 měsíci +1

    Every construction worker is a FBI agent ..I can image 😢 the paranoia is off the walls

  • @joannasunday
    @joannasunday Před rokem +2

    I've known many addicts in my lifetime (including myself.) They are smart, loving, and very sensitive people, most of them. (That guy who killed his 5 yr old daughter is pissing me off, but I digress ) So often the world is too hard to handle.

  • @oneononebilliardinstructio5329
    @oneononebilliardinstructio5329 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Drug addicts are the present day Wiseman...
    I've never seen drugs and I am limited in knowledge.
    Ignorance is bliss

    • @tambourine36
      @tambourine36 Před 3 měsíci

      It's an epidemic that is not getting better. It's getting so much worse. Fentanyl cut with xylazine. Tranq. Most brutal thing I've ever seen in my life. Open sores rotting flesh. People trying to walk but can't . Having to have limbs amputated. Streets of Kensington. Look it up. Morals over money. Saddest thing you will ever witness. Whoever decided to put horse tranquilizer into people's drugs is a pure demon. It's not for human consumption. It's like a scene out of Michael Jackson's Thriller video 🙈🙀👀💅🥀

  • @kylieharris6199
    @kylieharris6199 Před rokem +1

    Can anyone share what happens in the extended version if this video please? He is such an intelligent man and I wish him all the best..I'm just not in a position to pay for a subscription and wandered if anyone has seen it?

    • @clairelumiere2901
      @clairelumiere2901 Před rokem +4

      Can’t describe it all as there’s 14 additional minutes to the video containing a lot of additional material since Ben’s jazzed up about being shot. I will say it opens with Ben’s right forearm in a cast with his fingers peeking through while he smokes something on foil, likely fentanyl. Come to find out he was shot basically for no good reason. He was finishing his outreach work and placed his phone down which got swiped. Then he was smoking at a bus top with a gal, and a guy came up yelling at the gal to get off the block which she did. So Ben asked the guy if everything was OK and the guy angrily started swinging at him and told him to leave the block. When Ben came back to retrieve his bag he was on the opposite side of the street from the guy and the guy shot Ben. Ben was wandering around bleeding and trying to get someone to let him use their phone for 2 hours, until he was eventually able to get to a hospital where they said the bullet shattered the bone. Ben is still intending to phase into methadone treatment, but it sounded like Ben’s life might be in danger from the gangs, as he had received a phone message to that effect. There’s more story, details and discussion between him and Mark on some interesting aspects but that gives a brief peek although this isn’t the same as viewing it. I thought it was the best part of the video.

    • @karenfryberger4260
      @karenfryberger4260 Před rokem +3

      @@clairelumiere2901 Thanks for making the effort to sum up the remainder of the interview. I, too, am not in position to take on any recurring expenses. Your reply will be appreciated by many (although I hope you won't get bombarded with requests now that you've revealed your kindness once again!) Always glad to see you here in the comment section. Your username is beautiful and I suspect it is a genuine reflection of you, inside and out.

  • @Leobadido
    @Leobadido Před rokem +1

    If I had just one wish it wouldn’t be for riches it would be for drugs never to have been introduced to anyone! My heart goes out to this young man! Drugs have destroyed my family! We were very close and had wonderful holidays together but no more! Drugs are a big liar! They ALWAYS make you feel good but once they get their teeth in you you can’t go back!

  • @jamesanderson3537
    @jamesanderson3537 Před rokem +7

    That story of the 3 guys did he say he didn't get paid? Which insinuates he was raped?

  • @myeyeswentdeaf6213
    @myeyeswentdeaf6213 Před rokem +10

    Good Morning People Of Earth!🖖👽 or whatever time of day it is for you depending where on this spinning planet you are. Peace and Love from an undisclosed location 🛸 above 6:20am Brooklyn NY🇺🇸 to you and wherever in your world🌍 you are, my SWU fam.

    • @Gram72534
      @Gram72534 Před rokem +1

      Good morning brother eyes, 4:35 a.m. in Denver CO, have a great day my friend!!!!!!!

    • @myeyeswentdeaf6213
      @myeyeswentdeaf6213 Před rokem

      @gram7932 What up Gram #7932!? I mean, wtf right!? What’s going on!? I DON’T LIKE CHANGE! Lol. Enjoy your day brother.

    • @Gram72534
      @Gram72534 Před rokem +1

      I tried to change it back but it didn't work!!! At least there's a 7 in it!!!

    • @myeyeswentdeaf6213
      @myeyeswentdeaf6213 Před rokem +1

      @gram7932 Yeah, you lucked out with that one, but still, who tf is YT to change and/or screw around with our names? New pic for you today too..huh? Too much change for me for one day. Lol.

    • @myearswentblind
      @myearswentblind Před rokem +1

      Hey guys I'm back 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

  • @daenettemcclure8570
    @daenettemcclure8570 Před rokem +4

    Morning Mark

  • @aliciablanchard2500
    @aliciablanchard2500 Před rokem +14

    20:19 Ummmm 20 years younger than you and you were together 10 years. This is the only person he looked up to? She was a child if what he’s saying is accurate

    • @myeyeswentdeaf6213
      @myeyeswentdeaf6213 Před rokem +2

      🤔…..😳. WOW, good catch! I didn’t even think to do the math.

    • @aliciablanchard2500
      @aliciablanchard2500 Před rokem +2

      @@The_earth_fairy-6He said “she was like 20 years younger than me” 21:01

    • @baublesanddolls
      @baublesanddolls Před rokem

      His ex could have been last month, but I doubt he's 40. If he is, he's the oldest looking 40 year old I've ever seen. It seems that most interviewees on here lie about their age.

    • @ceeaitch11
      @ceeaitch11 Před rokem +5

      so he was 30 and she was 10, right? i am absolutely the worst at math, im not even trying to be funny, in case i got the math wrong.
      thats insane tho

    • @vonderloo3184
      @vonderloo3184 Před rokem

      This guy is a loser.

  • @michaelgriggle5601
    @michaelgriggle5601 Před rokem +1

    He would mak a good therapist and help lots of people if he can clean up

  • @egopower2264
    @egopower2264 Před rokem +2

    BEN SEEMS LIKE A GOOD PERSON THAT FELL VICTIM TO A FUCKED UP CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENT