Walking the Drug Infested Slums of Baltimore 

Help Nick on his mission here -> www.gofundme.com/f/outreach-specialist-funding-nonprofit

I know you probably get this a lot but I really respect and appreciate you covering the problems in our country!

The guy in the purple is completely aware of his situation and not in denial. He was clean once and can do it again. I wish him luck.

"I don't do drugs to get high, I do drugs to feel normal". Valuable insight into this scene.

I’m a doctor. I trained in Baltimore. My worst day in medicine was an ICU shift where I lost 8 patients to overdoses. They all were so young. Apparently, there was a bad batch on the street. I went home with such a heavy heart. Took a few weeks to get over how many families I had to give bad news to that day. I still see the mother’s faces in my head and hear their screams. It’s something that never leaves you.

I was born and raised in this neighborhood for only 15 years. I've seen things that have taken a heavy toll on my mental health - walking to school and seeing people drugged out shook me. I was put in schools where kids would call me weird for knowing how to read. I thought everyone would know how to read at my age, but that's not the case. I am so fortunate to have a family that keeps my head on straight and supports me constantly. The only escape from this environment for me is school and sports. There aren't many kids from here who enjoy going to school anymore; most would rather stay outdoors and do God knows what for the whole day. I haven't been outdoors much since one of my friends was shot in a shooting at the Inner Harbor. Knowing that stuff like that can happen to you at any time really scares me. I hate being outside around here for too long unless I have a reason. I am scared to go outside on my own block sometimes. Honestly I hate living in this city and I have for a long time. However I am hoping to find an escape through athletics and go on to do greater things.

it's crazy to hear Mike talk openly and honestly about his experience with drugs but he's so clear and aware of it and can psychoanalyze himself... sad man, I hope he gets some help

The guy in the purple explained drug addiction and tolerance so well. You eventually lose the euphoria after using so much but you still get that feeling that the high is there and is holding you down. He was talking about heroin which I don't do I just smoke weed lol but it's so true, weed ain't hitting like it did the first few times.

Lived in and gotten high in Baltimore the past 20 years. Started with weed in high school to fit in. With my addictive personality, a broken back in my early 20s, and what went from doctor prescribed relief to me on the streets chasing the next high. I grew up in a large family and both sides of the family were mostly high functioning addicts and alcoholics. Used weed all my life. Did cocaine for 10 years, been addicted to opiates for 13 years. If I could change my past I ABSOLUTELY would. Not only because of the pain I've put everyone around me and myself through. Not because both my children will one day find out some of the wrongs I have done in life. I honestly think one of the hardest things to endure is the constant feeling of not living to my God given potential. The guilt and shame doesn't stop when the using does. The feeling of regret and looking back at the fact that I've wasted so much time and money. On something that doesn't do anything to solve the root issue. But hindsight in 20/20. And I'm being the best human/parent I can be. Through the Grace of God I'm still alive. And that's enough to keep me humble. Thanks for letting me share...

Thank you so much for covering this issue with me tommy. it really means a lot brother.

This man does it all. We should appreciate how much effort and times goes into each and every tommy G video. We love you tommy!!

Born and raised here Thank you Tommy for shedding light on the parts of this city the media will never show and the Mayor ignores

As a Maryland native, I grew up hearing about the gun violence and abandoned buildings that inescapably make up the city of Baltimore. I had a deep seeded fear of the city and in some ways still do but like most major cities, there are pockets of real beauty and wealth that seem to completely counteract what you showed in this video. My eyes have officially been opened more to what the majority of the city is dealing with. Thank you for shining a light on this issue and talking about a major city often forgotten about by most journalists! I just watched your DC homelessness video and had no idea that was even an issue there and I’ve been there dozens of times. Keep up the great work and I hope you continue to tell these difficult stories and educate the public better than mainstream TV media ever could!

Lost my dad about two years ago, I hope the guy at 14:30 gets help. He seems like a truly great guy and was giving solid advice, would hate to see another person like that gone to drugs once again. My birthday wish is that the drug epidemic will end. Anyways, shout-out to my dad for being the best man and father when he was here. Cheers fellas, stay safe out there and if you’re reading this right now and struggling - take this as a sign to stop your habit. It may not seem like it at times trust me I get it, but plenty of people care about you and need you on this earth. Much love ❤

I’m glad to hear that they have treatment centers you can show up with nothing 24/7 and they’ll take you in. Let’s make this happen in other states!

I from Maryland and I go to MSU, pursuing a major in architecture. Through my studies, I've had the opportunity to explore significant topics like Baltimore's food deserts and the issue of vacant homes. The challenges encompassing crime, poverty, inequality, and the state of the education system are matters I'm acutely aware of. On this note, I extend my best wishes to Nicholas Johns and his nonprofit endeavors, as they tackle these pressing issues head-on.

Im glad tommy is shedding light on this, all the people that look around and think know these issues arnt getting any better, and its not something to ignore

As an ex addict I pray everyone gets the help they need. 1 fear they all have is they will be stuck on methadone forever. Thats what someone told me and I was always scared to ask for help. I got in methadone for 14 months and they tapered me down so 16 months total. 10 years active 3 years clean. Once again I wish everyone would seek help and reach out.

Tommy G Is a million times better at reporting and shining light onto real problems this country faces then any news reporter or journalist will ever be. The world needed someone like Tommy seriously may God watch over this man on all his future endeavors🙏

Sorry to tell y’all but Bmore ain’t getting saved anytime soon, been lived here my whole life.

Growing up in this sh!t sucks and it’s hard as hell to get out. I barley did it. Still tryin but eventually I’ll be completely away. Thank you for doing this more people need to know and see this

Thanks for shining a light on the situation as a kid who was born a raise in Baltimore. I've seen many of my classmates and co-workers get addicted to drugs and it just makes me feel so sad

When he was listing everything that Baltimore provides to people who are ready to get help, I got the chills. That is beautiful & made my heart happy.

Thanks Big Dawg for raising awareness and I appreciate your time and effort brother!

Went to donate and noticed how much traffic the site got after you gave it a shoutout….. you’re really doing gods work

as somehow who lived there for many years, its deteriorated more every year, and the city wont try anything to help. hella respect to u man

Thanks for shining a light on the reality of life for many Tommy, we'd love to have you come to Hawaii to see the real side of the Islands that most don't see because the government wants to keep a clean image for the tourists and their profits. The State of Hawaii is one of the most corrupt states in the U.S. The struggles the people have gone through need to be brought to light.

Started watching you 2 days ago. Quickly became one of my fav. uploaders

Dude in purple was open and honest with everything and what got him there, I wish him the best.

Just moved out of Baltimore very recently. I kept recognizing different places as the video played. That was heart breaking. Lost my cousin a few years ago and saw 2 different areas where i had to go pick him up from and get him home. Seeing the inside of the "bandos" he was more than likely frequenting made my heart sink. 😓

I appreciate what u do so much. I personally experienced multi addictions to the farthest degree. I'm still in disbelief that I somehow overcame Heroin addiction & more. NOW I'm 10yrs healed from that chapter of my life. That was in my early 20s. I really appreciate the vibe of your approach to this topic, it's not too.. Idk.. Down, it's just, real, and I appreciate that. ~(The perfect imperfections can convert negative perceptions)~ (idk that randomly just popped out of my head) but really if you go thru any struggle in life, no matter what that may be, & you find a way to transition out of that struggle by utilizing your mindset. Something clicked in my brain one day when I was withdrawing & it was going on forever, it wasn't ending & it really broke me down but then idk what happened but out of no where in that moment of being in one of the darkest places I've been mentally and physically; idk how but my brain just sorta clicked & (i kinda stepped outta myself) like I was in 3rd person perspective. It really felt like a epiphany moment for myself towards learning on teaching my inner mindset to approach and handle struggles differently. It really sunk in what the power of perspective is, if used right and how therapeutic it can be. It literally can be harnessed as a tool to find ways to convert negatives into fuel for creativity, or expression, growth. I started seeing clear that Life can't be this made up fairytale of only positivity, that's not realistic, Life will always have moments of struggles and it's uncomfortable and wears us out but it's possible to gain something from nearly any failure or struggle in Life. Like think back to being a kid... Remember what it took to get good at certain things? Tons of failure, but it's okay, the key is how your mindset perceives failure, if you find ways to have yourself continue anyways and still make the best of the moment regardless.. then you are succeeding. Once I got to that point, i really did not take the little things for granted or overlooked, I really realized that those little things are what makes the entire thing the experience that it really is. That place of healing feels like getting a 2nd shot after nearly losing everything. I've said this before to my friends and family but I have weird moments where I daydream about that I actually died from my drug use and the reality I'm experiencing right now, is of, after overcoming my addictions and getting to realize all the shit I took for granted in my life, but then I obviously realize, no this is real, I really did overcome IV heroin use, it's not a daydream. It's so strange. In a way it's kind of symbolic for this sorta metamorphosis I've went through which got me to here today and honestly I wouldn't change a thing, imperfections and all, because it's helped shape me into the person I am today and now it feels like I can see the world in different ways, unique ways. And I put so much energy In letting those around me know that I care about them deeply, and how thankful I am for them and helping other people is one of the things I live the most because being able to be in a healthy place and lend a hand when I can not just helps the other person, I realized that's one of my favorite things in life is to lend a hand to those in my life. But also even when we grow up we gotta realize to as well put importance on finding ways on keeping that inner childlike wonder & curiosity alive and sort of just let my curiosity guide me some days. It feels so therapeutic to walk in the woods with my 2 dogs and find mushrooms and bugs and moss and trees and take pictures for fun. I love exploring and getting to observe nature's natural occurrences cause it's directly connected to the health and behavior of our life's and even tho a lot of new science has been learned, new things can always be further learned because nature has so much depth and complexity and detail to it's structure yet it does it effortlessly, because, Nature is fu*king awesome, you just have to look at it the right way and you might discover something no one else has noticed or seen or thought about in that manner. You never know? There's so much potential to learn and find out about the inner workings of our universe and how nature behaves that really it could be endless motivation to keep curiosity alive and well in all of us. So stay curious. (Sorry for the long comment, your song obviously stirred up emotions in me but in a good way. Thank you for creating this.)

watched a few of this guys videos and he really just wants to educate everyone, its wild that this man doesn't have more subs. I am interested to see what he posts in the future, and I am subbed. keep it up tommy

TommyG I never regret the day I subbed when you were doing pranks. I have always enjoyed this side of your channel and I am glad you chose to do these types of vids. You found your niche, keep on truckin' brotha. You deserve that milly button that's coming!

12:12 he made a good decision for the childs to live a peacefully and normal life, i have so much respect for him and im gonna take the advice about never put a needle on my body

Tommy you're blowing up! Well deserved for your hard work, stay safe boss!

Omg this is wild! I soooo wish I knew you were here! I would of given you the BEST interview!!!

I live in baltimore.one of the biggest problems is lack of trust in the police. Also the Snitches get stitches attitude.people fear retaliation from drug gangs for good reasons.

I did my end of year project on the opioid epidemic years ago. The problem has only gotten worse. Tommy- thank you for not cowering and covering important topics. Much respect. I had to order a shirt and shorts from your store. Repping your brand will be dope.💯

Keep up the raw investigative street journalism. Stories directly from the streets thru the eyes of someone not from that type of environment is very interesting and gives a different perspective to both sides. Dope content, come to Louisvilles West End!

So very sad- I’m originally from Baltimore. My family roots run deep and long in Charm City. I love Baltimore but breaks my heart to see what it has become and I rarely visit it anymore. I pray some day it can be returned to the beautiful place it once was.

I went to graduate school in Baltimore for social work. They begged most of us to stay and work at local substance abuse clinics. It was too scary and sad and the city has so many issues the drugs seemed just be a side effect.

Wow man you really do shine a light on the darkest parts of the world , the media seems to silence a lot of the stuff you cover and it’s honestly extremely refreshing too have you boots on the ground getting this coverage

Thanks for this brother, appreciate the hard work👍🏼

Well being from east Baltimore born and raised. I appreciate yall covering the topic respectfully and with purpose. NICK! be ups and mad respect for doing the work. It's not easy I'm sure.

What a beautiful soul Brandon is. Keep it up brother you are a true inspiration to be a better person. Much love.

I love how you went from wrestling people in their backyard to doing documentaries on serious topics, what a journey it's been being a subscriber. God bless big dog keep eatin.

Thank you for exposing the despair in this country, be safe Tommy!!!❤

Beautiful couple towards the very end of the video. Well spoken, very aware of whats happening. I really hope they make it out.

I think you finally found your niche Tommy. I met you while you were doing rap pranks a couple years ago at a gas station in Milwaukee. I know back then videos weren't getting the plays your getting now. It's amazing how the kia boy documentary right here in your own neighborhood made you get your major foothold in RU-vid. Many people chose to ignore it but knew of the issues here and you bringing light to it and following up with more documentary type films has made you now a household name. Congratulations 🎉

Tommy G, you are my hero. You make what you do look so perfectly natural, and you are truly at home with anyone. Your endowments have not made you haughty. You seem to minister with people, and you bless them with the light of your awareness. Your journey to Washington made me laugh! Keep up the good vibes. You are one hell of a witness. -Eddie

I like how Brandon picks up the Dave and Buster's card not knowing what it was used for 😂 I bet his heart was racing a little extra fast

You two the best gotta keep collaborating

The poetry was perfect love the work man

Tommy really out here reporting what the old media forgot about!! KEEP IT UP G!

Damn wish I could have met you man, live in W Baltimore rn, you've been doing a great help giving people a platform to share their stories and get help. Keep doin what you're doing g

Thouroughly, objectively and respectfully covered. 👍👍 Love to see you treating these people like people. Not even slipping into being condescending, which even a lot of decent people with good intentions can do easily. You saw that the dude wrote poetry and made that our first impression of him. Easy to miss how "out of the mould" that decision was, as most would be more interested in finding the most zoned out person who looked like they were tryin to play Twister against themself. And the dude in red out there turning lives around. Genuine hero. I'm currently homeless in a country that is not my own. 4 years in and consider myself pretty thick skinned at this point. Not easily rattled. But I would be on my toes heading into some of those buildings as an unknown outsider! That is very ballsy for anyone, and he's certainly aware of the potential danger.

keep brandon around , been following him forever, stand up dude willing to do what needs to be done for our enjoyment

You should check out "East Hastings" in Vancouver, Canada. We've got streets where there are literally thousands of people on a street; you can't walk straight and not step on 10 people...

I appreciate your work man, keep it up!

The diversity in your videos is really well done. Hanging out with rappers and then showing the inner workings of cities like this. Nick really is about helping ppl and his passion and drive shows. Awesome job all around

That guys poetry at the end really hit. I hope him and his girlfriend get out that situation soon ❤️

That last girl saying she does drugs makes her feel normal like everyone else. Man I can relate, I have sever anxiety and it’s just so hard to cope in normal life sometimes but occasionally I’ll do drugs and I’m able to have a conversation and a laugh and be more productive and happy with myself. Just feel comfortable living my daily life in society. I wish there was a natural anxiety medication that did that.

Thank you for doing this man. Ppl need to know this is going on. Your right in my old stomping grounds, I made it out about a yr n a half ago. Almost lost my arms to tranq , it's gonna be way worse of an epidemic in this country then the fetty. Thank you for spreading awareness

The girl talking about not being able to grab milk without having a panic attack is so relatable to me. I literally used to be the biggest social butterfly you would ever come across but after Covid happened and I relapsed and came across fentanyl laced with xylazine and went through some very scary health scares and life and death circumstances. I for some reason picked up this weird panic disorder and now I barely go out of the house don’t socialize with anyone. It takes everything in my being to even go to the store to buy anything because as soon as I step out the door I immediately have a panic attack. My heart starts racing uncontrollably I’m sweating shaking and I can’t breathe. I’ve never experienced anything like this because I’ve always been mentally healthy and stable so having this panic disorder came as like a surprise to me some thing that just came out of nowhere. To be honest for the longest time I thought that there was some thing like wrong with me healthwise and that maybe I had some kind of heart condition or something like that but after seeing multitude of doctors and they told me that I’m fine with my health I eventually went to see a psychiatrist who told me that it was a panic disorder. It sucks because it feels like it is a constant gray cloud over my head every single day but I’ve been working on it and it gets a tiny bit easier each time to try and force myself to go outside and be normal. So in a way I kind of relate to what she was saying but at the same time I don’t think I would ever go back to using drugs to help me feel more comfortable with my anxiety because in my opinion drugs would probably make the situation worse. I was even offered to be put on medication for the anxiety but I refused to because I don’t want to be on any medication I want to try to solve this a different way. I hope eventually I’ll be able to go outside and communicate with people and go back to being that beautiful outgoing girl that I was before I hit 30 and my life just completely went downhill lol.

So glad to be able to say that I’m 4 years clean from pills and 3 years off of subs. (Aside from the occasional times I do have to have pills because of pain from lupus) I can’t be any more happy than to know I feel normal WITHOUT “assistance” 🙏🏼 praise the lord!

This man does it all. We should appreciate how much effort and times goes into each and every tommy G video. We love you tommy!! ❣❣❣

This young man is putting out some of the best and most important content on the internet. Nice job young man, keep up the good work

For those wondering xylazine is a an adrenergic horse sedative my family owned horses and I grew up with them and actually experimented with xylazine and ketamine as a mischievous kid. At the time the only “recreational use” was in Puerto Rico where they diverted the medicine from veterinarians to out in the local heroin supply. On its own xylazine is not fun or recreational at all but mixed with strong opiates it’ll cause the drug to feel more sedating and will cause you to nod off much more but doesn’t make it more “fun” or euphoric but does cause it to be much more dangerous. I’m surprised this is a problem in the U.S. at all. And that guy was right the vast majority of fentanyl and it’s precursor are produced in china and sent overseas to Mexico or the U.S. directly Love, your friendly neighborhood psychopharmacologist

Appreciate you Tommy for showing Baltimore. We're always portrayed as the worst but there's still good people and those who just need a push/guidance down the right avenues

Tommy is a g. Tap you out like a Gracie in his gee. Never stepping out of line, repping like the Diaz bros in the 209. $100 take down challenge if you choose, he'll launch in the air like Kyle Dake he refuses to lose. His voice is loud like a microphone, he'll record and interview doing blow like his name is Johnny 'bones' Jones. He'll never give up even if his mind has the cramps he's like Ilia Toporia the feather weight fn champ. Tommy G you are the man. I absolutely love the path you are taking. Never stop what your doing

The guy at 16:00 has the right attitude. It’s nice to see someone that doesn’t point the finger at the drugs but accepts and realizes that addiction is due to a bigger problem. And the drugs become the symptom. “I started using drugs cause I liked to get high. “ that’s the only justification or excuse you need or should have. Take accountability. Props to that guy. That’s what we need more of . God bless

Nick looks like he’s been through some shit stepped back over and rolled in it again. Can’t mistake it in his eyes. I’m glad he’s become the positive change for whatever part of all of this story resounds with him or mirrors with his past. I remember visiting Baltimore for a Yankees game like 15 years ago and to see it’s only looking worse is sad. I’m sure this goes so much heavier than addiction and crime, because something can’t continue to get worse if there also isn’t corruption higher up letting it all happen.

man when she said i do drugs to feel what everyone else considers normal I really felt that, so glad I got clean 6 years and counting

Awesome to this guy in Bmore helping change the city..Hat's off brotha.

thank yall for covering this. i grew up in maryland, from what ive learned is all the other counties get people hooked, then they run off to baltimore. my whole family has done this at one point. its a big issue but the government is focusing on the gangs, which is fine but theyve been doing this for YEARS and have basically ignored the drug problems besides the raids and over once and a while theyll get a small time dealer

Another amazing upload from Tommy G always with the truth and nothing but the truth.

Something needs to be done about this drug epidemic

That's good to hear about the rehabs in Baltimore, how the out reach worker described it is the same as Hogar Crea, in P.A. n N.J. their program is 18 months long and very intense but extremely well structured. God bless you guys!

I hope you all find the courage and push to get better. It’s all love.

I don't often donate, but this video made me feel the need to. I don't know if your covering this for content or whatever, but its great that you are bringingthe underrepresented problems in America to awareness. we need more youtubers like you, more people like you in general, keep it up.

I’ve grown up in Pasadena my whole life visiting Baltimore for the National Aquarium and other fun times in the inner harbor, orioles and ravens games, and it breaks my heart that whenever I wanted to see more of the city my family always told me “too dangerous”. I really hope one day this city can live up to the name “Charm City”

The most run-down abandoned neighborhoods that I've ever seen were just a few blocks away from John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. The second was in Gary, Indiana.

thanks for this dude, video just kept me from relapsing

"Do not try this at home" Ight man, I'll not do this in the baltimore in my backyard

Keep up the good work 🔥

Much love Tommy G!

Hay this is the first time watching your documentarys. I don't know how you do this without getting into some serious issues, but I have to hand it to you young man, you have a social gift. I have a lot of respect for you & the debth of each documentary titles of guns, drugs, prostitution, homelessness,really sad situations this country is in. I would have to agree with a lot of American citizens that we have a lot of work to do to help these people some suitability healthier responsibilities of a positive lifestyle. It hurts to think that our country has given up on these people. I know that there are a lot of programs that do provide such for these people in need. I was just wondering about the statistics in American people in these crisis of life. Blessings to you and others that are out there trying to make a difference for these lost souls.❤❤❤

Tommy, your work rate lately has been amazing bro. Take care of yourself.

Loving this guy Nick, hes really "Boots on the ground" & done been through the trenches. Going through Fent addiction right now & have a OUD doc appointment friday. Wish me luck...

I'm glad i watched. its much better than i thought it was gonna be.

Just two days ago me and some people saved a woman who od while driving and crashed into a tree with her kids in the back. We gave narcan and helped her until help got there. This would explain why she was somewhat convulsing. The tranq mixed with her dope/fet. This is about 15 mins outside of Baltimore. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the two girls in the back crying saying “mommy’s dead”. I just hope she gets help and makes better choices. She needs to be held accountable but she also needs help. God bless those little girls ❤

Man I appreciate the dude in the purple YCMA shirt .. he has a good head on his shoulders he just needs god to guide him in the right direction . I see hope for him still . Seeing him say what he said is definitely gonna help me get sober n I think he’d be happy to hear that !

I survived the streets of Atlanta before moving to Amsterdam. I just want to say thanks for taking the time to make the video and make people aware that these are still human and deserve saving. Seems like a lot of people wanna just pretend this isn't going on in every major city in America. God bless your journey.

Really deep good documentary. So sad though all these people on this downward spiral, most are intelligent and able to self reflect, hope they'll reach out to the treatment and stay healthy and sober.

Nick is a literal life saver! If I had someone who cared like him when I was getting high I would’ve gotten cleaner sooner. Im still lucky enough to be clean since 8/1/2012. I am before the fentanyl epidemic, I did heroin. It’s still scary and has gotten continually worse since iv gotten clean. We need more people like Nick!

WHEN I GET INTO OFFICE I PROMISE THAT ALL HOMELESS PEOPLE WILL GET THE HELP THEY NEED OR THEY WILL GO TO JAIL IF THEY DONT WANT IT. WE NEED TO STOP FUNDING POINTLESS WARS AND WE NEED TO USE OUR MILITARY TO DEFEND OUT SICK AND OUR POOR.

This video was tough, I was addicted to benzos for a long time but luckily I had some good people around me to get me back on track, hope everyone in the video finds their way.

I respect that he talks to the drug users instead of ignores or bully’s them, it really allows you to see their point of view and see most didnt want that lifestyle, most dont want to stay there. 💕

Thank you for going out there and talking to real people!

We have the elite anti terriorist operators in our armed forces saving Americans abroad I consider this man for what he is doing just as heroic and of service to our country for rescuing our fellow Americans from the hell and dispair of addiction! I salute you Sir and thank you for your service. 🙏