Fentanyl Addict interview-Kristen 

She seems like such a genuine person - rooting for her.

Ladies, if a man ever jumps in your car or forces you to drive a car, CRASH INTO SOMETHING! Another vehicle, a building, anything! The injuries you might sustain from that are probably nothing compared to what may happen if he gets you to where he wants too!

Her story makes me so sad. I want to see her get clean, she deserves to be happy. You can tell she has a gentle soul.

Sexual predators do not get enough time. The mandatory minimums are grossly inadequate. We allow monsters to walk among us after they do horrible things to innocent children. We've sent cannabis growers to prison for longer sentences than child rapists and traffickers. Seems like we need to reprioritize what's important. I'm so sorry you were victimized in that way. We can't let those experiences define us. You're better than this. I wish you well.

Some people don’t understand how sexual abuse can destroy someone. 1 in 3 people have been sexually abused/assaulted/etc. it ruins your mind and innocence. I feel for everyone who’s been SA’ed. She’s brave for opening up. 🧡

She's incredibly articulate and a great storyteller, l found her story very tragic but also very compelling. She has a lot of potential if she could stay clean and sober.

KRISTEN, IF YOU ARE READING THIS, GO BACK HOME! Getting a help shouldn't be a shame! Raise your head and try to fight your demons. Your family loves you and wants to help you so badly. You are such a beautiful, intelligent woman and with all my heart I believe that you can still change everything. You have a plenty of time. I am rooting for you. Sending much love from Egypt.

This is the same as my older brother's story. He was a star swimmer, molested from age 6 by the swimming coach. The coach of the "tadpoles" - all the youngest children were targeted. Decades later it was revealed he had at least 30 victims all from the same small town. My brother had his first mental breakdown at age 19 and spent the rest of his life in and out of mental hospitals where he eventually died in his sleep at 63.

You are a kind soul Kristen. Please search more and find the help you need and deserve. You have so much to offer this world. Thank you Mark. It's so gracious of you to interview people in all levels of addiction. If I was to have only heard her voice, I would not think she had a strong addiction. Keep on Rocking this Mark!

As a recovering addict for 14 yrs. Now. The problem isn’t the drugs…it’s mental health.

Such a sweet girl. A long term facility to treat her PTSD from those traumatic events could turn her life around. Hopefully she will let her parents help her

She's such a smart beautiful woman and there's really something special about the way she talks in such an empathetic, witty and gentle way. And even though she suffered such abuse she still is such a beautiful soul with a great sense of humour and a big heart for others. I really feel for her bc. she could have done so different in life. Keep going you're a great woman and nobody was able to break your spirit so far so nobody could and will!

This is pure trauma and PTSD. I wish she would realize that she’s enough reason to stay clean. She could still work with children if she got her sobriety back. Thank you, Mark!

Can I wrap my arms around all her pain? This interview hurt me the most. She’s been through so much 😢 I’m so sorry. My day was horribly empty but how can I EVER complain.

Holy shit... girl... you are strong! I just want to hug you... I'm so sorry you went through so much abuse and insanity. You're a beautiful soul. 🙏❤ 28:29 plus you're funny and sincere... ... please please please don't give up on yourself, we're all cheering you on.

I've watched a lot of Mark's videos but this one hit me so hard. Maybe because you can tell how intelligent, humble, and kind Kristen is. Maybe because Kristen is like so many women out there: talented and having so much potential but is brought down by abuse, drug use, and mental illness.

Her swim coach must have been a master groomer to convince her parents that moving their daughter in with him was a good idea. A sporting or any other type of possible future career should never trump a child's safety. She's a tough cookie. Way too smart for Skid Row. Hope she has a moment of clarity and gets out, she does not belong there.

Wow I’m beyond proud of her for escaping that abduction but I’m so sorry she even had to go through something like that especially after having your childhood dream taken from you by someone she was supposed to trust. Stories like this truly break my heart. I’m sure her life would’ve been so different if she wasn’t taken advantage of like this 🥺💔

It seems to me that sex offenders do more damage to the victims than almost any other crime. This poor girl could have been an Olympian and set for life! And some insecure POS, took all of that away for his disgusting wants. He deserves the same punishment as a murderer! He killed this poor soul!!!

I hope she can heal from all of the hurt and trauma she has endured in life and turn her life around.

The severe trauma upon trauma is jaw-dropping and heartbreaking. I wish her to find sobriety and love. She deserves it, and she doesn’t know it.

The part about going to Compton to find drugs because that’s what rap songs say.. lol! I feel for this gal. She seems like an actually good person. Her demons and past are just a hell of a burden to carry. I hope she can find her way out of the struggle and addiction cycle she’s in and get help.

she is the same age as i am...I was addicted to opiates for 20 years of my life i now have been sober for 8 great years.... prayers for you

A swimmer drowning in a sea of abuse and addiction. Keep your head above water Kristen. Your a likable person and I wish you the best.

What an amazing woman. She has saved countless people from harm! That makes her a hero in my book. I wish her all the very best for her future, she deserves some good luck. Bless her!!!

I knew it! When Kristin said she lived with the swim coach, I knew in my gut she had been molested by him and basically it went all down hill from there. The person she trusted the most broke her trust and her innocence. Poor girl.

Despite her ordeals she still has this likable and bubbly way about her 💗😺

I feel so bad for this lady, she seems so cool person, nice and cute and kind. Wish you all the best girl

My grandpa is the most amazing man I have ever known in my life. He always told me that no matter hard life gets or how hopeless things may seem, "the sun will always come up tomorrow". To me this signifies that change and happiness is possible. The sun still waits for us no matter how difficult life can be. Therefore, happiness still waits for us no matter how difficult or painful life can be sometimes. We all deserve love and happiness. Thank you for sharing.

This man is a beast! I'm just goings to sleep and he's just posting this vid and starting his daily grind. I hope your mother's day yesterday was wonderful, mark! I know your love and admiration for your own mom, who recently passed, has inspired this project. I remember seeing a post-secret card (for mother's day) years and years ago that said over a picture of mom&baby: "I love myself, Because you loved me first."

Pole dancing saved her life. I am at a loss for words. I just can’t imagine what she’s lived through. Sending her good vibes from here on out.

What a story. Blown away by Kristen’s courage in the face of everything she’s been through. She deserves a break and I’m positive she can turn her life around. I’m rooting for you, Kristen!!

Society has utterly failed this poor woman at every turn!

What a sweet, smart lady. I hope she finds a way off the streets and away from the drugs and stealing.

"I was thinking, I know what to do with my body, what is wrong with this dude"? Holy shit, horrific experience. God bless

From someone who came from trauma, survived abuse and is in recovery breaking generational trauma, these videos make me feel seen. Thank you, Mark for these videos. The world needs to see us.

Mark, thank you for these interviews, where else could we ever find out that these lives exists and helps us to put our own difficulties in context. Thank you!

Who TF leaves their kid to stay with a stranger just because he coaches?!?!

Shes so strong! She's been through so much, but yet still resilient. I'm sure she has many more. I'd love to hang out and just sit and listen to her stories.

Great interview, thank you for sharing Kristin and Mark. I’m sorry for all the traumatizing events you have endured.

Far out theres some low lifes in this world , her swimming coach messed up her life , shes a lovely person God bless her and keep her and save her

6 years for murder attempt. seriously someone can call that justice?

After all she's been thru she still has a positive attitude and love in her heart

Wow, she is quite beautiful, and very well spoken! 20yrs of dope use myself and been clean now for a 2yrs, proud of anyone who can break these chains!!!!!

How the parents let her stay with the coach is beyond me.

"I think I was already destroyed from my swim coach." Always interesting, thanks!

Beautiful Kristen, I am prescribed drugs for depression. I have, since age 19, been in therapy - on & off. Mostly on. Saw my therapist today. I’m 76. I don’t have depression. I have PTSD from severe abuse, physical & verbal, from toddler to adult. PTSD has no “cure.” You just learn the truth & hang on. I suspect you too have PTSD from the swim coach betrayal/rape & the kidnap etc. How could you not have it? Street drugs are not any cure; they make it worse. But there IS help. The right combination of prescription meds & a skilled therapist. I also want to say YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG. No blame. No guilt. None. Start there. Good luck.

She doesnt realize she is an empath. The world is a very hard place for us and drugs are a placebo. This is an intelligent woman I pray she finds her place of peace.

I noticed that a huge part of all these peoples' lives is loneliness. They have nobody to encourage and support them. They somehow attract drug dealers and pimps etc. Watching these videos make me want to give a hug to everyone and support as much as I can. Thank you Mark for letting your heros telling their lifestories.

With the right treatment and environment she could rise above this addiction. Her ability to survive is her Grit.

So much pain. I can understand why she became an addict. To make her pain go away. She is broken. I hope she gets the help she needs. No one says when i grow up I want to be an addict

another survival story that not only blows my mind but makes me ask how do kids survive these horrors. life is so savage for so many children. addiction a tragic symptom pointing to some sick abuse. i continue to shake my head at the failures of adults when it comes to the stewardship of children. may all the wounded heard hear find healing, self love, and support in moving forward , away from skid row and addiction. it just kills me that every interviewee has so much worth so much wisdom so much to offer. this is the real pandemic; i pray these interviews lead to a better way for each of these individuals. thank you both. peace

I see how strong you are and believe you will beat this! I hope you will get a safe place to stay and a therapist to speak to. We all need help in some way and none of us is perfect 🙏🏼. There is a light around you 💛

She is so honest and well-spoken. A really wonderful woman.

I’m from Shreveport La & i want to apologize to you beautiful for the evilness that happened before and during your stay here,it’s small,violent & rough in this little town.. i pray nothing but peace,success for you ✨✨✨🥰🥰

Her story is incredibly heartbreaking and so typical of Mark's interviewees. 99 percent of the interviewees live this lifestyle due to childhood sexual abuse (rape)!! WTF is wrong with the justice system?? Can't they see the connection, or don't they care because courts and prisons only have so much room?? Most of these people wouldn't be living the way the are if there were tougher penalties on pedophiles. Honestly, bring back the death penalty because pedophiles are in fact killing their victims. This could have been a totally different story if she hadn't been with her swim coach. We could be listening to an Olympic swimmer. So sad. Stay strong Kristen. Depression sucks, but you deserve a better life, and you will get on track. Don't give up.

Wow! Amazing interview! Thank you for sharing your story Kristen! So much love in your ❤️. The story you shared about the dog (wanting to immediately care for the runt of the litter) - please remember this is PROOF that YOU ARE GOOD. Period. F the shame. Go back home if you want to. Be as kind to yourself as you are to others, even the runts … ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🕊

this women deserves any help you may be getting ready to give her! seems to be very aware of things and have common sense!!

Such a lovely soul. I hope and pray you get healthy and safe resources to help you get free from depression (and drugs). Your kind heart still shines through all the hardships... It's beautiful and inspiring.

Wow you are an amazing woman. So much, too many traumatic events you have been through and look how strong this lady really is. Keep fighting and I pray 🙏 you get off the drugs because you are a beautiful soul. You are wise, strong and intelligent and deserve and can move forward. Good luck x

My heart absolutely breaks for her! She's the most genuine soul I've seen!

I can't get my head around with all the things she's been through... it's more than a lifetime or a movie...WHAT AN INCREDIBLE WOMAN IS THERE? oh my god!!!!!life can be so hard on us and you deserve to be in a safe place for the rest of your life... I really hope you can find help...

It's so true that nothing turns out the way you think. For some reason I can relate to this lady.

I wish I could help Kristen. Thank you for sharing your story. You have been through so much and we are rooting for you.

Kristen, your story reminds me a lot of my grandmother’s. A life full of pain, trauma, and unfairness, but she still had so much kindness and love to give like you do. She passed away a couple days after she agreed to go to therapy and focus on healing the wounds of her childhood and adult trauma. She never got to experience the happiness and the freedom from all of her pain that I wanted her to. It isn’t too late for you and I hope you can turn things around. I wish you all the best, because you deserve it ❤️.

This lady is so strong but still so broken. She speaks openly about horrific experiences but can’t make eye contact while doing so. It speaks volumes of the shame she must still hold. This shame isn’t yours to carry! You didn’t do anything to make these people do these awful things, the shame belongs with them. You are a strong, articulate and open person. You deserve so much more. I hope so very much that you find your way to being whatever it is that makes you happy.

Great interview, thanks guys! 😊

If she had stayed clean she could have been a great foster mother or youth worker. It's such a shame.

I really like this lady. It saddens me that her life could be so different. Glad shes still around after what this poor creature has endured. My best wishes for Kirsten. Wish I could give her a hug

This woman is so talented. I really hope and pray she can kick the drugs.

we’re rooting for you kristen!

I am on my husbands account and I just have to say I am so touched by you and your words. You are such a smart woman. Also a sweet and kind empathic person which is so rare. Even with all of the scorn that has affected your life you continue to have empathy. I hope you can come out of this and change the world because you as a human being are unique and a world changer. You are not defined by your addiction ❤️

Awww…she seems like such a nice person. I hope she gets the help she needs..🙏🏻…

Another great interview

“He molested me..” Me: DUH! Wtf is wrong with her parents!? Leaving their daughter with her swim coach!?

Is there a woman out there that can help her get off the streets? She deserves a break more than just about anyone.

Why on Earth would her parents leave her to live with her coach...? Some things parents do I'll never understand. You can't even trust family members let alone adults who are the head of recreational activities. It doesn't matter who it is, it's VERY rare you can completely, worry-free, trust others around your kids. Sorry but it's the truth.

Kristen that's absolutely horrific what you've been through. I hope you will get through this. You are such a strong lady.

These stories always hit hard but it's always incredible to read these comments and see the love that we have for each other as humans and despite the chaos and division we see all around us, at our core we're loving and kind ❤️

What a strong woman going through all that shit and surviving. She's deserves some happiness and a break in life.

I think you should take your dad up on his offer… I know it’s “embarrassing” but once you get passed that you’ll do so well and become the person people are amazed by. The person who was able to overcome the darkest nights. You’ve already gotten this far and to be honest you’ve been through so much trauma it’s amazing that you’ve lived this long and still have such a beautiful mind and heart. Don’t think about embarrassment… you are the most important person. One step at a time… but having a parent offer some help the way your dad has is probably one of the only ways people get better… Go home sweety…. Go get better and start getting therapy. You are a beautiful soul with a beautiful heart… everything that happened to you is so awful. You remind me of me in so many ways… and my dad was my saving Grace. I have been s3xually assaulted/ r@ped hundreds of times and lots of violent traumatic times… constant. I became a heroin addict for many years. I am now clean and I thank my dad so much. He’s the only one that stepped it up and really tried to help me and change the coarse of my life. I remember being so embarrassed and allowing my pride to hold me back. It’s completely normal… but I can tell you one thing and this is a fact. You have to just put your head down and accept the help. It’s going to change your life and you’ll be amazed on the other side just how happy you’ll become… I literally wake up every day now just grateful that I have a roof over my head and I’ve been clean and I cleared out my warrants… Life is so much easier when you’re not constantly looking over your back. I know withdrawals are terrifying but if you get assisted medical detox it’s not AS HARD … and once you’re on the other side of that tough week… there’s no more physical pain. That’s when you can focus on healing all of the mental pain. You got this! I really wish you so much luck and love! You deserve to give yourself more! I hope you can find a way out of this hard lifestyle… you still have a heart of gold. 🤗 🥰 🖤💫 sending you love ❤️

Kristen, you are an inspiration. You have a disease and it’s hard to kick off. Specially in your shoes. I’m so sorry your life has been so hard. I hope it gets better ❤️

Listening to this woman just boosted my humanity level. I bet a lot of people will feel the same way. She's one strong person. I hope she can get help with the drugs and depression. I'd be depressed too.

The weird answer when asked "Why do you think you are attracting these bad situations, why do you think all this really bad stuff is happening to you?" She answers "I just speak my mind." Wrong answer. But, may be an indicator to the correct answer which is I just can't listen to people who are trying to help me.

Great interview and profoundly sad story. I wish you can get well and enjoy life like you deserve it ❤️

She is so empathetic and intelligent. She deserves so much better. I hope you really helped her out Mark.

I loved this interview. Kristen, your opinionated, outspoken, strong character is what keeps you living today, it is not why various men in your life have hurt you. It has nothing to do with you. I am so sorry you were never able to have the child you dreamed of. You deserve the world. ❤️ Keep your head up.

You are a brave and strong woman. Drugs are not the answer, you are right. Girl, get out of this life...you deserve better...much prayers and love.

This woman is a hero who deserves a medal for putting that horrible person back in prison. What she's gone through in her life is tragic and I hope she gets sober and finds a safe place to lay her head

The title on this video should be Abduction Survivor instead of Fentanyl Addict

She has been through so much. Makes my trauma look like a walk in the park. I pray she can stay safe and finds her peace- whatever that looks like for her.

Honestly this is tragic … and talking about all these terrible things that have happened to her you can hear her voice is just dead from it all. I wish you some peace and recovery and a warm place inside your own home 😕

Lesson to be learned here: Ladies lock your car doors (both sides) when driving.

OMG I can't believe what she went through. It's sick, but she is still alive and here. I don't know why, but there is something important after all this at the end. It's unsolvable how one bad decision cant ruin your whole life. Stay Strong!

the dad acting clueless and disappointed when both of his kids are heroine addicts when he literally cheated with someone near their ages and ruined the family causing the whole town to gossip. Reasonable.

I remember what Jake said, it took 50-60 tries to get off the substances, If you can find help that will be real help, get it, otherwise for the impoverished, we have to become renegade self helpers, start to process the shame and guilt, grieve the loss, Perseverence determination, whatever it takes do not stop fighting for your life, Which i genuinely understand how difficult it can be, as a daddy's girl, when there could have been deep deep misogyny, and there is not one thing that can change being in a woman's body, But also it helps to have some warriors on your side, look at Brook Whipple, she is a lady that is damn near expert at living in the wilderness.

Its amazing how self aware and lucid you are. I hope that you can get clean and get your life back.

Gosh I wish we had an update on her, I'm looking through comments in hopes to see something, she's seems like such a sweet person and genuine

She's such a beautiful human inside and out. Your story breaks my heart. No wonder with what you've been thru collectively throughout the years, no wonder you find different ways to numb the pain. I could see myself relapsing with the situation mentally I'm in with this "relationship". But I've lost my brother to that and can't put my family thru that again. So I self harm instead to numb my head... Always will be praying for you love. I pray you can pull yourself out of this hell and get yourself the life you so deserve!! 🙏 ♥︎ 🫂

Because she was such a great swimmer and loved it seems like she would pursue a career as a swim coach which will also help stop the next children from being abused by coaches which have been going on for decades..