186: Recovering Loudly - Allyssa

Allyssa’s Rock Bottom: Foster Care Trauma, Relapse, and Finding Purpose at 21 | Rock Bottom with Ryan

 

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, Allyssa, 21, from Texarkana, Texas, shares her path into addiction and recovery after growing up around widespread meth use, family bullying, poverty, and her mother blaming her for a suicide attempt. She describes early exposure to alcohol, heavy drinking and daily marijuana use during depression in the COVID era, and trauma including sexual assault in foster care and time in a mental hospital. Allyssa entered rehab initially for housing, stayed 45 days, relapsed in sober living, and later completed a second 40-day program. After getting her own apartment, she attempted suicide by overdosing on pills and self-harming, then chose to live, sought medical help, and recommitted to sobriety through faith, medication, and rebuilding her life. She discusses goals to start a podcast, pursue LVN/LPN nursing, and stay sober for her growing family.

 

00:00 Depression and Drinking 01:40 Show Intro and Sponsor 02:45 Meet Alyssa and Sobriety Date 05:16 Family Addiction and Childhood 08:00 Early Drinking and Escapes 10:41 School Struggles and ADHD 14:16 Weed and Patterns Repeat 17:25 Treatment Decision and Rehab 22:40 Sober Living and Relapse 25:57 Temptation and Secrets 26:33 Republic Square Relapse 27:59 Drug Test Fallout 28:42 Second Chance from Bob 29:26 Gummies and Paranoia 32:42 Holiday Loneliness Breaks 34:30 Back to Rehab Reset 35:35 Apartment and Overdose 39:59 God Says Live 42:52 Six Months Sober Now 46:22 New Goals and Nursing 49:32 Advice and Farewell