Donald McDonald
dmcdrecovery
S1/E13: Tracey Helton - Opening Of Your World
S1/E13: Tracey Helton - Opening Of Your World
S1/E13: Tracey Helton - Opening Of Your World
Wednesday 12th January 2022
Tracey Helton talks about her path from addiction to becoming a harm reduction advocate on 'No Thanks But Yes' with Donald McDonald.
26 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Engaging
Thought-provoking
About this podcast
Author:
Donald McDonald
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
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Episodes:
51 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Tracey Helton: From 'Black Tar Heroin' to Harm Reduction Advocate
Recovery is like a whole. But I think being okay with myself and like getting to know myself as a person without having to know myself, or like be afraid of everything and also be able to like learn about the world and navigate the world a new way.
Tracey Helton's story is a powerful testament to resilience and transformation. Featured in the 1999 HBO documentary 'Black Tar Heroin: The Dark End of the Street,' Tracey has navigated the tumultuous waters of addiction and emerged as a passionate advocate for harm reduction and recovery.
In this episode of 'No Thanks But Yes,' host Donald McDonald chats with Tracey about her journey, from her early struggles with addiction to becoming known as San Francisco's 'Naloxone Lady.'
Tracey opens up about the pivotal role of syringe exchanges in her life, which helped her stay safe during her years of drug use. She shares how harm reduction strategies not only kept her alive but also paved the way for her recovery.
Her candid reflections on rediscovering herself and finding new purpose through writing and photography are both moving and inspiring. Listeners will find Tracey's insights on the importance of social contact in recovery particularly poignant. She stresses the need for community and connection, highlighting how being around others who understand your journey can make all the difference. Tracey also touches on the critical need for safe drug use practices, emphasizing the importance of having someone who can administer Narcan nearby.
Donald and Tracey's conversation is filled with moments of humor, honesty, and hope. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in stories of human resilience, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the complexities of addiction and the power of harm reduction.