Ron Isherwood

The Truth About Addiction

Ron Isherwood

  • Ep78. Lesley Z, from alcoholism and heavy drugs to getting to the top of the fashion industry

Ep78. Lesley Z, from alcoholism and heavy drugs to getting to the top of the fashion industry

Friday 6th October 2023

Lesley Z shares her journey from addiction to success in fashion, highlighting the transformative power of recovery and the support found in AA.
Explicit
40 minutes
Hopeful
Inspiring
Resilient
Transformative
Supportive

About this podcast

The Truth About Addiction
Author:
Ron Isherwood
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Empowering Recovery Journeys
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Lesley's Path: From Addiction to Fashion Industry Success

Episode Overview

  • Leslie Z shares her 42-year journey of sobriety, from early struggles to finding resilience
  • Ron Isherwood reflects on his experiences as a former criminal and heroin addict, highlighting the transformative power of recovery
  • The impact of Alcoholics Anonymous in Leslie's early sobriety and her successful career in the fashion industry
  • Open, candid discussion about the challenges, triumphs, and continuous healing process in recovery
  • Emphasis on the role of gratitude, acceptance, and supporting others in the journey of sobriety
I'm still doing healing work to this day. I feel like now I'm doing more healing work than I ever did because I have so much to heal. And it just keeps, the layers keep coming off and off and off until I guess I'll reach 100 years old and that'll be that.
Imagine feeling a profound emptiness from a young age, trying to fill that void with anything you could get your hands on. That’s the story of Lesley Z, who shares her incredible journey in this episode of 'The Truth About Addiction'. Lesley, now 42 years sober, opens up about her early struggles with alcohol and heavy drugs.
She recounts how she drank herself into oblivion at just 13 and soon found herself entangled in various addictions, from food to money to clothes. It was a relentless pursuit to 'fill up' that empty space inside her. Lesley's turning point came after a six-month stint in rehab and the discovery of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where she found genuine love and support.
Her story takes an inspiring turn when she lands a job at Saks Fifth Avenue, eventually becoming their top sales representative. While her career soared, Lesley’s heart remained deeply connected to the fellowship of AA, which played a crucial role in her recovery. Host Ron Isherwood, who has his own history of addiction and recovery, joins Lesley in reflecting on the significance of gratitude, acceptance, and continuous healing.
Their heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of sharing recovery stories and supporting each other through the journey. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or know someone who is, this episode offers a powerful testament to the resilience and transformation that recovery can bring.