To watch the accompanying video story, click here. To view the accompanying photo essay, click here. To watch the accompanying documentary, click here.
“Breaking the Cycle” is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of substance abuse and recovery through personal stories and expert insights. Christa Rivera and Gabriel Graham, two distinct individuals with very different but deeply personal encounters with addiction, appear within these episodes. While Gabriel describes his personal battle with substance abuse and ultimate road to recovery, Christa reveals the heartbreaking reality of growing up with an addicted parent. These perspectives shed light on the inner battles of those captivated in addiction as well as the impact of addiction on their loved ones.
Each of their experiences demonstrate that addiction is a complicated problem that impacts both users and those who care about them. Instead of demonizing someone for their addiction it’s important to not strip away their humanity. Getting a better understanding of those struggling with substance abuse creates a greater opportunity to get them the help they truly deserve.
Episode 1
22-year-old Christa Rivera of Costa Rica talks openly about her father’s history of alcohol and cocaine addiction. She battled anxiety, rage, because of growing up in a home where drug use was present. According to her, her father’s addiction caused her family to break apart, leading to a codependent relationship with her mother, and damaged her trust in other people for a long time. Her father has since scaled back on his drug usage, but they still have a strained connection, and she stresses how crucial it is to put one’s own health first when interacting with a loved one who is addicted.
Episode 2
Gabriel Graham offers the viewpoint of someone who has fought addiction firsthand. His personal story recounts how drug use sent him into a downward spiral, the toll it took on his relationships and life, and the challenging path to recovery. In contrast to Christa, who encountered addiction firsthand, Gabriel understands the excuses, the challenges and the journey of recovery that addicts go through. His story emphasizes the possibility of restoration and its significance.
