Patrick McCartney: From Improv Fame to Addiction and Back
I'm drinking like I'm going into bodegas and wearing trench coats in like The Middle Of The Summer, so I could slip two st ives into my pockets and my stem will break on the street and I'll still use it.
Picture this: you're on stage with comedy legends like Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, living the dream in Chicago's vibrant improv scene. That's where Patrick McCartney found himself in the early '90s. But behind the laughter and applause, a darker story was unfolding. Patrick's early dabbling in drugs and alcohol spiraled into a heroin addiction so severe that he couldn't perform without using.
When heroin wasn't enough, crack took its place, leading him to a lonely, heatless cabin in Wyoming where he hit rock bottom. In this gripping episode of 'The Drunkalogues', Patrick sits down with host Nick Morton to share his raw and unfiltered journey through addiction and recovery. It's a tale of highs and devastating lows, but ultimately one of redemption.
Patrick's recovery journey wasn't just about quitting drugs; it was about rediscovering himself through the spiritual practice of improv and the support of the 12-step program. His story is a powerful reminder that even when it feels like everything is falling apart, there's always a way back. If you've ever wondered how someone can rebuild their life from the ashes of addiction, Patrick's story offers hope and inspiration.