#178 Ben Owen - Inside the Life of an Addict

Ben Owen's life has been a turbulent journey marked by challenges from early adolescence through adulthood, encompassing addiction, criminal behavior, and a formidable struggle towards recovery and redemption.

Ben's Challenging Childhood: Moves, Substance Abuse, Legal Troubles

Ben Owen's descent into substance abuse and legal troubles began in his teenage years. A gifted student and athlete, Ben's life changed abruptly when his family moved from Jackson to Orange County, California when he was 14. He quickly turned to drugs and alcohol, abusing alcohol, [restricted term], and heroin. Within a month of relocating, he began stealing alcohol, getting drunk, trying [restricted term], coke, and shrooms, and exhibiting signs of substance dependence. At the age of 15, he was locked up against his will in California, marking a downturn in his life.

Despite returning to Alabama around the age of 16, Ben's troubles only deepened with time. His substance abuse led him to a state of homelessness, frequent interactions with law enforcement, and near-death experiences. By the age of 21, Ben was squatting in an apartment he wasn't paying for and fully addicted to [restricted term]. His physical appearance deteriorated due to his addictions, and he engaged in destructive behaviors, earning the moniker of a "piece of shit drunk" in his own reflection.

Throughout his teenage and adult life, Ben faced numerous legal issues, including "breaking like nine bonds" and facing charges for domestic battery and a felony terrorist threat. His continual run-ins with law enforcement and subsequent jail time showcase a persistent pattern of lawlessness exacerbated by his addictions.

Ben's Arduous Journey to Sobriety Involved Relapses, Rehab, and the Justice System

Ben's road to sobriety was fraught with relapses, time in rehabilitation centers, and encounters with the justice system. He reflects on his time in various rehab facilities, his manipulation of diagnoses to obtain prescription drugs, and subsequent legal troubles tied to his erratic behavior. After years of addiction and repeated legal transgressions, Ben encountered a turning point.

Ben Owen was trying to taper off his heroin addiction on his own, making a conscious, albeit unsuccessful, effort to limit his drug use. An arrest with six grams of dope and two silencers brought him multiple felony counts, and he believed his life was over. Around this time, he experienced a significant car crash—another near-death experience that underscored the severity of his condition. These cumulative experiences led him to acknowledge the need for change.

Despite the harrowing escapades of addiction and its consequences, Ben eventually reached a breaking point and made a steadfast commitment to sobriety, choosing life over the death grip of substance abuse. Through his recovery efforts, Ben found a new purpose in service to others, aiding individuals facing simila ...

Ben Owen and Jess have cultivated an impactful approach through their nonprofit "We Fight Monsters," to aid those battling addiction, affected by trafficking, and underserved youth. Their unconventional methods and expansion into crisis zones reflect a dedication to facilitating positive community change and opportunity.

Ben and Jess Tackle Community Addiction, Trafficking, and Opportunity Gaps

Nonprofit "We Fight Monsters" Aids in Housing, Treatment, Job Training, and Resources to Break Addiction and Crime Cycles

Ben and Jess are actively involved in the community through their nonprofit "We Fight Monsters," which aims to create safer living conditions and provide recovery spaces in the US by transforming former drug homes into sobriety assisting environments. Additional efforts include transforming an abandoned nursing home into what could become the largest treatment center in West Tennessee. They also support individuals with job training and economic opportunities, tackling the high likelihood of incarceration and providing alternative paths to education or employment.

Ben and Jess Used Unconventional Methods, Like Building Relationships With Drug Dealers, to Gain Trust and Influence For Facilitating Positive Community Change

Employing unorthodox methods, including building relationships with drug dealers, Ben and Jess have worked effectively within their community. They’ve converted former drug dealers into allies, using a combination of direct action and support to facilitate changes in their lives. This method included networking in trap houses, interacting with the community through events and engagements, and taking discreet methods to navigate legal concerns.

Ben and Jess's Efforts Extend To Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Other Crisis Zones

Ben and Jess's Expertise in Complex Situations Makes Them Valuable in Grassroots Coordination

Their domestic success has parlayed into international efforts, as Ben and Jess have applied their expertise in complex situations like Afghanistan and Ukraine. Using grassroots coordination, they have evacuat ...

In examining the struggles of impoverished urban areas, the effects of drug abuse, trafficking, and the lack of opportunities are well-articulated through the experiences shared by Ben and Jess Owen.

Poverty, Trauma, and Limited Opportunities Maintain Cycles of Addiction, Crime, and Violence in Inner Cities

Ben and Jess Owen provide a glimpse into the dire circumstances that afflict communities, underscoring how these factors perpetuate destructive cycles.

Impact of Generational Drug Dealing and Incarceration On Envisioning Alternative Paths

Ben Owen unveils the realities faced by those in South Memphis, one of the deadliest zip codes in Tennessee, where generational drug dealing and incarceration stifle the ability to envision an alternative life path. He explains that in these neighborhoods, young men are more likely to be dead or incarcerated than employed or in school. Having spent a significant amount of money on drugs, he acknowledges his role in harming the community economically and socially.

Substance Abuse & Trafficking Impact on Families & Community

The impact of substance abuse and trafficking on families and the community is illustrated in both Ben and Jess Owen’s experiences. Jess, who witnessed harmful activities as a child, did not want her children to experience similar events. She struggled with post-surgical pain, an asthma attack, and managing a newborn amid the chaos wrought by substance abuse. Jess's narrative details how substance abuse directly affected their family life and children's well-being. She recalls her drug use with regret, mindful of the harm it could cause to her young child. As violence and trafficking intertwined with drug activity, Ben notes the tragedy it brings upon the community, including the recovery of trafficking victims battling addictions and reluctant to seek help.

Addressing These Issues Requires a Multifaceted, Community-Based Approach Beyond Traditional Models

To address these ingrained issues, the Owens advocate for a strategy rooted in human connection and support.

Building Trust and Relationships to Understand Problems and Develop Solutions

Ben's involvement in his community highlights the importance of building trust through engagement and creating open discussions around childhood trauma, which requires creating spaces for one-on-one conversa ...