A Conversation About Addiction
In this episode of the EnglishTVLive podcast, I speak with a close friend about his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Curtis and I met through mutual friends when we were in high school. We didn't really become close until much later, and it wasn't until this past summer--when we were both living in Ottawa--that I felt like I truly got to know him.
For much of our early twenties, we lived in different cities. Occasionally, he would fly across Canada to visit Vancouver, where I was living with some of our mutual friends. Whenever this happened, it usually meant that we were going to party hard and do stupid things.
While I was living in Korea, I heard that Curtis had checked himself into rehab. (Rehab, in English, is short for "rehabilitation", which is a course or program for drug/alcohol addiction). He is now over two years sober, and he seems to be doing better than he's ever done before.
I think that Curtis's story is one that's important to hear. As I mentioned, I don't think I really got to know Curtis well until very recently. And now that I know him a little better, I admire his bravery and strength of will most of all. Curtis is very honest and open in this conversation, and I'm excited to be able to share this episode with you. Enjoy!
It was a tremendous conversation,I really enjoyed it my teacher.and thank you very much for sharing it,your friend were a funny guy, and the conversation is great.and I like the way he speak I understand very well to him,
Thank you, Rissa š Glad you enjoyed it! And I agree that he does have a great sense of humor š
Thanks for the interesting conversation you shared. I think it can inspire people not to give up, to struggle to achieve what they want to be and to be patient. People have their ups and downs, it’s normal. I appreciate what Curtis has done.
Glad you enjoyed it, Wendy! Thanks for the comment š
Thank you so much, Jacob, this conversation will help me to deal with my friend whom too is addicted to drinking alcohol.
Amazing. Very happy to hear that Kulwinder Singh. I wish you and your friend all of the best. And I’m happy to hear that this podcast could help in that regard.
I salute you friends courage and honesty. I hope he’ll completely heal and get rid of the ‘disease’. I loved and very much enjoyed listening to both of you. Thanks.
Thank you so much Bilana Dah!
It was long conversation,and difficult challenge to me to understand, I bless this friendship and I happy for your friend that he do not give up and surrender and could be able to withdraw by his strong willing to path of recovery from addction.
Thank you Feda for the kind words! Really happy to hear you enjoyed this conversation even if it was a little challenging š Great work!
Hello, teacher! Very nice this new episode. I’ve felt touched by it because I used to struggle with addiction in my family. My father had problems with alcohol, cigarettes and gambling. He died after a heart attack as consequences of years smoking. He started smoking when he was 12 years old, and he never had much determination to stop it, and with our financial problems, it got worse. Sometimes, when he had drunken, he used to offend my mum and for many times I stopped to talk to him because of his behaviour, and in the next day, he pretended that anything happened. One time, he lost his whole salary because he played. That day was horrible. My mum was very sad, and I was disappointed.
I don’t smoke. I don’t like cigarette’s smell and taste. I don’t play games like these ones, I’m not good at gamblings š , and I just drink occasionally. My reasons for this is obvious, but I believe that I’m scared to be like him, like many people with addiction. It is a serious problem and the person never admit it. You have to be very strong to deal with it. With my father, nothing worked, even with 2 small kids at home and be a good and lovely person. I have been missing him so much, but it was his choice. Thanks again. š
Hey Rafaella š Thank you for the wonderful comment. And thanks for sharing your story. I’m happy that you feel so comfortable to share details about your past. Also happy to hear that the podcast was able to have such a strong effect on you š