There is a lot of shame in addiction. Amber Valletta is doing the right thing by being brave, exposing herself, and helping people talk openly about addiction. I'm predisposed to addiction. It's painful and isolating. She's awesome for shedding light on this disease- that kills people. Be kind to addicts: Whether they are homeless or supermodels.
I am so grateful for this - I had not a clue of her struggles - Me as a person who has had an experiences with coping with myself and being outside of myself - I think that the stigma of addiction and making it So underground and making a seed grow from it’s horrible environment -- I love that she is being so honest and open . And even having humor with it - I really respect that as a human and as a person with done dark experience- humility & humour -
Addiction sucks. It robs you of your autonomy and turns you into a slave. I'm sober for 119 days today and while it gets easier, every day is a struggle. I have to constantly remind myself of what I almost lost, what I could lose so easily and I have now because I remain sober. I've made a great number of friends in recovery, people who truly care about my well being and who are there to help me remain sober. They constantly remind me of what I need to do to keep from using and to make sure I continue down the path of freedom and to never look back at the bondage that gripped me so tightly for over s quarter of a century. Being able to spend quality time with my beautiful children, something I was denied as a slave to narcotics, is worth more than I can possibly verbalize. I didn't know what I was missing until it was nearly taken from me and the way I felt when I thought I would lose them is a feeling so horrific that I lose sleep at the very thought of it becoming a reality. So I continue to take things one day at a time. It's all I can do. But it's also everything. One day at a time I will slowly earn back those things I lost. I no longer need to be a slave. No one need be.
@@brianjay9811 Thanks for asking. My clean date is 2/6/2018 so I now have 1549 days clean just for today. I couldn't have scripted a better life for myself if I had a Hollywood screenwriter's imagination.
@@EdGloss I am saluting you and sending a high five! Fantastic, Ed! I know of too many who just aren't making it through this, so I cheer when I see proof that one can survive the nightmare. God bless...
I knew there was a reason why I’ve always liked her, regardless of her model “status”. And let me add just one thing that I feel needs to be said: that this wonderful speech that she’s given does also apply to any kind of addiction, not only drugs.
AMBER VALETTA! You are much more than a pretty face‼ Thank you for the courage and compassion it took to heal yourself, and then helping others‼ You are a wise and beautiful person on the inside too‼ Wishing you much love and joy💟
such a beautiful person, when she says i cant do this alone, and how do you live? i relate because its my own words, and im sure that beyond what she says there is a lot more that cannot be expressed with words
I'm sorry I just don't agree with the idea that we are helpless over addiction. I was a full-blown addict, and AA and that 12-Step bullshit just keeps you locked in that same disempowered, "I'm an addict" mentality. I disagree that will power doesn't work with addiction. It doesn't take will power alone. It takes will power, shitty consequences, and perseverance. One must try over and over again. All it is is behavior re-modification. I did it. Anyone can do it. Take your power back.
She spoke really well, is she an aquarian? She has insight into herself which is step 1 to healing. It's so important not to see yourself as a victim and take accountability. Not to focus on the past and live in the present.
Ms Valletta, maybe you found your calling. Maybe start a charity and network with the best processes of reprogramming the brain; do well and the benefactors increase as well as the alumni of those your charity will have helped
I applaud you Amber. Beautiful words full of hope and encouragement. Just wanted to share that God says in bible the King James version: Jeremiah 30:17 - "For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,' says the LORD... So Amber and everyone out there.....there is a God that wants to have a relationship with you and that is willing to heal all sickness and addiction out of your life so that you will never desire to do those things that bring shame and guilt. Remember time flies by....and one day we will give an account to God for all of our actions. Hopefully everyone reading this will be touched and will want to change their life. John 3:16 says: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Accept Jesus Christ and pray that he comes in your heart and ask him to forgive you of all of your sins. Then ask God to guide your steps, in prayer. And you will be amazed of the great things God will do in your life and through you. You will have abundance of peace...even in the storms of life.
Baku Matsumoto She didn't say she's been clean and sober for 16 CONSISTENT or CONTINUOUS years. The fellowship of recovery is based on the honor system. As a addict in recovery, Baku, relapse is part of recovery. So, it isn't DESPITE all, it is a miracle she's clean one more day, and today.
+Baku Matsumoto How do you know she's not sober today? Have you witnessed her drinking but water, tea, coffee, soda, natural juices, are one of her drinking buddies? Why can't people just accept what's been shared and not look to discredit the woman, or anyone for that matter. She has been revealing and honest about past, her addiction. Enough already with the cynical comments.
Currently we have 2 legal drugs and in some places 3: alcohol, tobacco and recreational marijuana; people weren't happy just having the first two. I should go - legally - in the alcohol, tobacco and weed business and make money out of people's foolishness and stupidity.