Firefighter Turned Addict – My Battle with Trauma and PTSD

Brandon Smallidge shares how his job as a firefighter led to PTSD, addiction, and the fight to rebuild his life. #FirefighterTrauma #PTSD #AddictionRecovery #FirstResponderStruggles #MentalHealthAwareness #TrueStory #OvercomingDarkness #lifelessons Thank you to DRAFT KINGS for sponsoring today's episode: New players can get FIVE HUNDRED CASINO SPINS ON A FEATURED GAME! Just sign up with code IANBICK and wager a minimum of five dollars to receive FIVE HUNDRED CASINO SPINS ON A FEATURED GAME. Connect with Brandon Smallidge: Facebook:   / brandon.smallidge   Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?h... https://ianbick.com/ Buy Merch: https://convictclothing.net/collectio... Timestamps: 00:00:00 Growing Up in Connecticut: Childhood Reflections and Family Dynamics 00:12:03 Emotional Impact of Adoption and Family Dynamics 00:15:36 Adjusting to a New Family Dynamic 00:23:51 Childhood Dreams of Becoming a Firefighter 00:31:49 Firefighter Training: Beyond the Basics 00:39:14 Firefighting Challenges and Risks 00:47:03 Contractor Bid Rigging Scandals 00:54:52 Dangerous Encounters in Repossession 01:05:00 Struggling with Mental Health: A Personal Story 01:10:18 The Impact of Hearing the Death Rattle 01:18:06 The Cycle of Trauma and Addiction in Firefighters 01:26:42 Emergency Room Delays: The Struggle for Timely Help 01:34:50 Surgery and Recovery 01:42:20 Struggles with Pain Medication Abuse 01:51:57 Discovering Pregnancy After Car Accident 01:58:37 Realization and Responsibility: Becoming a Parent 02:06:48 Sharing Stories for Inspiration and Hope Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co