Kristen Harootunian: Turning Pain into Purpose
The first step, like we talked about, why, in the beginning, is that honesty? And a lot of it is just like maybe somebody else knows something that you don't.
Picture this: a teenager battling addiction, haunted by trauma, yet finding a way to turn her life around. That's the story of Kristen Harootunian. In this episode of 'The Payoff with Pete', Kristen shares her powerful journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope and advocacy. She opens up about the harrowing impact of sexual abuse on her life and how it fueled her addiction.
By the age of 17, Kristen was already in treatment, and it was there that her recovery began to take flight. Today, she radiates recovery and carries her message as an advocate, inspiring others with her story. Kristen's candid conversation with host Pete Sousa touches on the significant role trauma plays in addiction and the often overwhelming challenges of maintaining sobriety.
She emphasizes the importance of honesty in the recovery process, sharing how being truthful with herself and others was a crucial step in her healing journey. Kristen also highlights the benefits of recovery programs and resources, shedding light on how organizations like Minding Your Mind and Bridgeway School have been instrumental in her advocacy work. Listeners will find Kristen's story both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
Her transformation from a full-blown addict to a passionate advocate underscores the power of resilience and the hope that can be found in recovery. Kristen's journey is a testament to the idea that even in our darkest moments, there's a way forward. Tune in to hear her inspiring tale and discover the profound impact of sharing personal stories in the fight against addiction.