Grit and Recovery: Clayton Patterson and Erin Khar Share Their Stories on Dopey
My gateway drug was shame, and that shame came from being sexually abused.
What happens when you mix the gritty streets of 1980s New York with the raw realities of addiction and recovery? You get a gripping episode of Dopey featuring artist and activist Clayton Patterson and author Erin Khar. Hosts Dave and Chris dive into the dark side of addiction, exploring everything from heroin bags on the Lower East Side to the current wave of relapses in the Dopey Nation.
Patterson, known for his vivid documentation of New York's drug culture, paints a vivid picture of the crime-ridden days gone by. He shares tales of police brutality and the harsh realities that shaped the drug scene in Manhattan's Lower East Side. His passion for photography shines through as he discusses capturing these intense moments, offering a unique lens on a tumultuous era.
On the flip side, Erin Khar, author of 'Strung Out', opens up about her own battle with addiction and relapse. She doesn't shy away from discussing her struggles with sex addiction and the pervasive presence of fentanyl in today's drug landscape. Erin emphasizes the importance of therapy in her recovery journey, shedding light on how it has been a crucial tool in maintaining her sobriety. The conversation also delves into deeper emotional terrain, touching on themes of shame and trauma.
Erin candidly shares how experiences of sexual abuse fueled her addiction, highlighting the importance of confronting one's past to move forward. This episode is a raw, unfiltered look at the complexities of addiction and recovery, set against the backdrop of a gritty New York City. If you're seeking an honest, eye-opening discussion that doesn't shy away from tough topics, this episode of Dopey is a must-listen.