From Percs to Needles & Prison | How I Recovered

In this episode of Get a Grip Podcast, Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes sit down with Kenny Maupin to talk about how addiction can happen to anyone — even someone who had a good childhood and loving family. Kenny opens up about growing up in a stable home before his parents divorced at a young age, something that quietly affected him more than he realized at the time. What started with marijuana and alcohol eventually progressed into harder drugs and ultimately IV h3r0in use. Kenny shares how addiction slowly took over his life, changing the way he thought, lived, and viewed himself. He talks honestly about the emotional pain, the progression of substance abuse, and how quickly recreational use turned into full-blown dependency. Throughout the conversation, Kenny reflects on the choices he made, the people he hurt, and the moments that forced him to confront the reality of his addiction. But this episode is also about hope, transformation, and purpose. Today, Kenny is sober and dedicating his life to helping other people break free from addiction and rebuild their lives. This is a powerful reminder that addiction does not discriminate. No matter your upbringing, background, or circumstances, anyone can fall into the cycle — and anyone can recover with the right help, honesty, and support. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode offers real insight, encouragement, and proof that recovery is possible. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Title of First Chapter 01:00 – Childhood & Smoking Weed 05:00 – Getting Caught With Weed in 8th Grade 10:00 – Hooked on Prcs & Xnax 18:30 – Life Gets Worse at His Grandparents’ House 20:15 – Trying H3r0in for the First Time 22:45 – First Arrest After a Bar Fight 24:30 – “H3r0in Wax Packs” Era 28:30 – Cutting Out the Middleman 30:30 – Signing Checks Over to the Plug 31:45 – The First Time Using Needles 33:30 – Getting Caught at Walmart 42:00 – “Sneaking & Geeking” Lifestyle 44:00 – Going to Prison Over Half a Xnax Bar 48:20 – Prison Story & Going Home Early 51:00 – Relapsing After 12 Months Clean 53:00 – Wild Xnax Story & Car Theft 59:30 – Public Defender Says “It’s Over” 01:01:30 – Taking the Plea Deal 01:08:00 – Advice for Anyone Struggling With Addiction 01:10:00 – Final Thoughts & Outro 🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience. Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below! Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippod... For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: [email protected] 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglives