I Was Shot Twice During a Meth Robbery, Survived Fentanyl & Lived in Bando’s for Years. | Ep 218

<p>In this episode of <strong>Get a Grip Podcast</strong>, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with James Polley for a raw, intense, and eye-opening conversation about growing up gay, meth addiction, homelessness, violence, overdose, and finding a path to recovery.</p><p>James opens up about his childhood and the challenges he faced while growing up gay. As he got older, he was introduced to meth, setting off a chain of events that would dramatically change the course of his life.</p><p>One of the most shocking moments in James's story involves a meth-related robbery that ended with him being shot. But even after recovering from his gunshot wound, James went right back to using drugs. His addiction continued to spiral, and he experienced another devastating moment when he found his friend dead in his apartment after a night of drug use.</p><p>Eventually, James lost his apartment and began moving into abandoned houses, spending years living in what are known as bandos. He describes what life was like during that period, how much meth he was using every day, and the dangerous situations that became part of his routine.</p><p>In another terrifying moment, James went to a casino believing he was using meth, only to discover the substance contained fentanyl. He overdosed and was given Narcan three times, coming dangerously close to being pronounced dead.</p><p>As his addiction continued, James found himself facing felony charges and additional legal trouble after being caught with a gun and drugs. Those experiences became a turning point, forcing him to reconsider where his life was headed.</p><p>James eventually began his recovery journey and shares how treatment helped change his direction. He also discusses how he went from struggling with addiction himself to working in the treatment field and helping others who are facing similar battles.</p><p>This is a powerful conversation about meth addiction, homelessness, surviving violence and overdose, the consequences of addiction, and the possibility of turning your life around. James's story is a reminder that even after years of chaos and devastating setbacks, recovery and a new purpose are possible.</p><p><strong>If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Recovery is possible.</strong></p><p>🔔 <strong>Like, comment, and subscribe</strong> for more powerful stories about addiction, recovery, resilience, and redemption.</p><p><strong>Get a Grip Podcast Social Media:</strong><br>TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio & more:</p><p><a href="https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast">https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast</a></p><p>📩 <strong>Collaboration & Business Inquiries:</strong><br><a href="mailto:getagrippodcast614@gmail.com">getagrippodcast614@gmail.com</a></p><p>👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.</p><p>#GetAGripPodcast #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryJourney #CrackAddiction #Addiction #SoberLife #WeDoRecover #MentalHealth #Recovery #Relapse #Sobriety #DrugAddiction #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionAwareness #RedemptionStory #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryStory #Hope #Resilience #Healing #addictiontreatment</p>