From Baseball Dreams to Addiction: Stacy Eakman's Story
Ultimately, I feel like you've got to treat everybody the same as you would treat anybody...
Why do teens keep using drugs and alcohol even when it’s tearing their lives apart? This episode of 'Hopestream' dives deep into this question with guest Stacy Eakman, CEO of Eakman Construction. Stacy, once an all-American baseball star with dreams of going pro, opens up about his harrowing journey through addiction. He went from aspiring to play Major League Baseball to battling heroin and cocaine addiction, ultimately stealing from his own parents to feed his habit.
Host Brenda Zane, a certified health and wellness coach, guides the conversation with empathy and insight. Stacy doesn’t hold back as he shares the painful realities of his addiction, offering a raw and honest look at what drives teens to make such destructive choices. Parents will find his story both heartbreaking and enlightening, as Stacy explains the internal struggles that kept him hooked despite the obvious consequences.
The episode also tackles tough questions that many parents face: Should you keep helping your child financially if they’re addicted? Will cutting them off make them think you don’t love them? Brenda and Stacy discuss practical strategies for parents, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries while maintaining open lines of communication. They explore how to balance tough love with unconditional support, a delicate dance that can make all the difference in a child's recovery journey.
Stacy’s story is not just one of struggle but also of hope and redemption. He talks about his path to recovery and the steps he took to rebuild his life, offering valuable advice for families navigating similar challenges. This episode is a must-listen for any parent grappling with a child’s substance misuse. It’s filled with heartfelt moments, practical advice, and a strong message of hope.
Tune in to understand better why teens do what they do and how you can support them through their darkest times.