#178 Ben Owen - Veteran’s Escape from Addiction & Survival in America’s Most Violent Streets

Ben Owen's life narrative is one of turbulence and redemption, marked by struggles with substance abuse and crime linked to his challenging childhood, as well as the hard-earned journey to sobriety.

Ben Links Struggles With Substance Abuse and Crime To Childhood, Including Moving, ADHD, and Trying to Impress His Father

Ben Owen traces the origins of his personal difficulties to his childhood. Describing his upbringing as idyllic, he recalls the stress and anxiety that came with moving from Jackson to Orange County, California at the age of 14. His attempt to impress his father, who worked for Pfizer and respected doctors, led to his manipulation of a psychiatrist for a higher dose of [restricted term] despite being diagnosed with ADHD, which only resulted in significant anxiety. Further moves negatively affected Ben's brother's acting aspirations and put a strain on the entire family. Ben's effort to impress his father continued into adulthood and influenced his decision to join the infantry, where he sought redemption for past "fuck-ups."

Ben's Journey: From Gifted Yet Troubled Child to Addiction and Incarceration

Despite early academic successes, including a clinical study published and his recognition as a prodigy, Ben's path took a dangerous turn as substance abuse took hold. Newly moved to California, Ben began experimenting with drugs like [restricted term], cocaine, and shrooms. His involvement with substances only intensified after he left his parents' roof, eventually leading to an addiction that contributed to crime and incarceration. Ben recognizes his struggle with impulsivity and his quest for paternal approval, which often led him to make harsh decisions, including lying about his drug history to enlist in the military.

Ben's Addiction to Alcohol, Prescription Drugs, and Heroin Cost Him Jobs, Relationships, and Self-Worth

Ben’s addiction spiraled out of control with a reliance on alcohol, prescription drugs, and heroin, costing him jobs and relationships and eroding his self-worth. At his lowest, Ben's behavior included manipulating accommodations for his diagnosed bipolar disorder to facilitate his heavy drinking and medication abuse. His dependency on alcohol became so severe that he would drink two cases a day and suffer from consequences like pancreatitis. This escalation via prescriptions led to a $600-a-day heroin habit, which brought about near-death experiences and legal troubles. Ben's substance abuse reached a nadir with relap ...

Ben and Jess Owen's difficult journey through substance abuse embodies a narrative of love, turmoil, and a grueling climb to sobriety. Their tumultuous relationship faced infidelity, violence, and exhausting cycles of recovery.

Ben and Jess's Tumultuous Relationship: Infidelity, Violence, Recovery Cycles

Ben Owen met Jess at an NA home group, and after becoming inseparable following a hike at Shelby Forest with Jess's daughter, they decided to follow each other wherever life took them. Ben was on the verge of homelessness, suffering from [restricted term] addiction and alcoholism, when he met Jess. Jess, meanwhile, was pregnant with Ben's child, which prompted Ben to move to Charlotte to be with her, stopping his [restricted term] use and alcohol consumption. He nearly died from drinking-related pancreatitis, a result of his addictions.

During Ben's incarceration, Jess had an affair, a transgression he discovered when they reunited, yet Ben used this knowledge as leverage to return home, mainly out of need. Infidelity caused deep emotional pain for Jess, and when Ben was jailed following a relapse, she learned he'd been unfaithful with several women. Despite their violent episodes—including a knife slashing and a near-choking incident—Jess stayed with Ben, driven by her determination to make their relationship work for their impending family.

Jess Discusses Her Trauma and Addiction, Including Her Crack-Addicted Mother, Contributing To Her Codependent Relationship With Ben

Jess's initial response to Ben's infidelity was anger and resentment, particularly as she suffered while pregnant and alone. She resorted to substance abuse out of betrayal and consumed Nyquil in desperation. This relapse came as a deep emotional response to their strained relationship. As Jess navigated the infidelity, she disclosed her past experiences with a crack-addicted mother, an alcoholic parent, and her manipulation tendencies influenced by her upbringing. Despite witnessing her parents' overcoming challenges, Jess was distraught, seeing similarities between her relationship with Ben and her parents' tumultuous history.

Jess's love and forgiveness for Ben were crucial for their family's healing journey. After moving to Georgia, she reached a point where she knew forgiveness was necessary for them to progress, and they managed to face their problems together.

Rock Bottom: A Journey Through Homelessness, Crime, and Near-Death to Sobriety

Their substance abuse led them to a point where they nearly lost everything. Despite making significant money at one point, they became heavily involved in heroin, leading to eviction and financial ruin. They even experienced ...

Ben Owen and his wife Jess, after returning to Memphis, felt a call to action to help those they had left behind. Their efforts have evolved into a multi-faceted initiative that provides tangible aid to those struggling with addiction, trafficking, and poverty.

Sober and Giving Back: Ben and Jess Launch Non-profit, Flanders Fields

Couple Provides Housing, Treatment, Jobs For Addiction and Trafficking Survivors

Ben Owen narrates that he and Jess founded the non-profit organization Flanders Fields with the goal of combating opiate and [restricted term] addiction, as well as sex trafficking in Memphis. The name, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," connects back to World War I and opium poppies, reflecting their focus on veterans struggling with opiate addiction. Ben shares their success in offering housing and treatment to those in need, transforming places that once harbored illegal activities into spaces of recovery and hope. For instance, a house riddled with bullet holes is now a home where a woman and her children have celebrated Christmas.

Ben and Jess Developed Strategies to Steer Drug Dealers and Gang Members Towards Positive Paths

Building Trust and Alternatives, Ben and Jess Shut Down Drug Houses, Redirecting Individuals To Rehabilitation and Lawful Livelihoods

Their initiative goes beyond just housing; they also undertake efforts to break the cycle of crime and desperation. Their approach includes a mixture of trust-building and providing real alternatives. For example, by engaging drug dealers and showing the benefits of shifting towards legal businesses, Ben and Jess have been able to close drug houses and reduce violent crime in the affected areas. They have also put in place programs, like the woodworking shop, that teach valuable skills to help those involved in illicit activities transition to legal and constructive livelihoods.

Ben and Jess's Work now Spans International Rescue and Humanitarian Efforts, Highlighting Their Impact

Couple's Nonprofit Opens Addiction Treatment in Underserved Memphis

The couple's efforts have ...