In these important episodes of Mormon Stories, we interview Thomas to understand his journey in overcoming opiate addiction. As opiate use reaches epidemic proportions in the United States and numerous other places in the world, many of our listeners have been impacted by the epidemic in some way. There are multiple facets to this story we cover including:
- How childhood sexual abuse had a direct effect on Thomas’ later drug use
- How the LDS Church’s messaging on sexuality played a major role in negatively shaping his self-identity
- Learning to use drugs as a tool to avoid feeling
- What it was like living a life addicted to drugs
- How family, friends, and church authority/members can better help struggling addicts
- The impact his crisis of faith has on his life now, and his vision for the future
We thank Thomas for bravely sharing his story, and know it will impact many, many lives for good.
Click here for an interactive map to locate substance abuse services in your county (Utah-based)
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2 Responses
Thank you Thomas for helping me understand the thinking that addicts deal with…especially when having been in rehab and why it won’t work without getting to the root of WHY.
I had a 28-year old grandson that was killed when he was trying to buy prescription drugs. We all thought he was clean …again….and couldn’t understand why he needed the pain pills. I have a better understanding now.
I wish you success in your efforts to stay clean….not only for you but for your family. My grandson left his daughter without a father.
Beautiful interview! It was so raw, candid and vulnerable–not an easy thing to do. Thanks for helping me develop more compassion. Best wishes to you, Thomas.