"My Last Drink Was the Saddest Drink” | From Heroin at 17 to 18 Years Sober

February 17
49 mins

Episode Description

At 12 years old, she blacked out on gin. At 17, she was introduced to heroin. By 18, she had abandoned film school in Manhattan and was fully consumed by addiction. And then one day, she says: “I finally connected the drink with the feeling.” In this powerful episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, I sit down with Maggie F., National Director of Strategic Development at Banyan Treatment Centers and a woman with 18 years of sobriety. We talk about: * Growing up in rural Vermont with early exposure to alcohol * Blacking out the very first time she drank * Being introduced to heroin before graduating high school * The obsession of addiction and waking up every day just to figure out how to get high * Why your “bottom” doesn’t have to be catastrophic to get sober * The truth about the treatment industry — the good, the bad, and the misunderstood * What it’s like to grow up in sobriety * Being a parent in recovery * And what to say to someone who’s afraid to go to treatment This episode is about more than drugs and alcohol. It’s about the emptiness so many of us try to fill. It’s about connection. It’s about evolution. It’s about hope. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, alcoholism, or substance abuse — this conversation could change everything. Because recovery isn’t about how far you fell. It’s about the moment you finally connect the drink with the feeling… and decide you’re done. 🔔 Real stories. Raw comebacks. Nothing’s off the table. I sit down with people who’ve faced it all: addiction, loss, redemption and came out stronger. These are unfiltered conversations about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose again. If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery, reach out to Banyan Treatment Centers — the team I personally believe in. They’ve helped thousands of people rebuild their lives. 👉 Call: [(855) 773-1502] 🌐 Visit: (https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com/?utm_source=louis_podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=banyan_partnership&utm_content=episode_read) 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/banyantreatmentcenters) About the Show Hosted by Louis Ruggiero, a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and advocate for recovery, Nothing’s Off The Table is where real people share their real stories. From battling addiction to overcoming life’s toughest challenges, Louis and his guests uncover the moments that spark change and fuel unstoppable comebacks. Expect raw honesty, deep insights, and stories that hit home. Meet Louis Louis Ruggiero turned his life around after years of struggling with addiction, gambling, and substance abuse. Now, he’s on a mission to amplify voices — from celebrities to everyday survivors — sharing their journeys of grit, growth, and healing. #AddictionRecovery #WeDoRecover #NothingsofftheTable #LouisRuggiero #RecoverOutLoud #ComebackStories #BanyanTreatmentCenters #BanyanxLouis #BanyanRecovery #BanyanPodcastPartner #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity --- Disclaimer: The stories and views shared on Nothing’s Off The Table are personal experiences and not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance on personal matters. Copyright: © Nothing’s Off The Table with Louis Ruggiero. All rights reserved. Feel free to share or embed episodes with proper credit and a link to our official pages.

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