This episode of Evolutionary.org features a candid interview with ‘Lpinned,’ a man who has navigated a life of severe addiction and personal turmoil, only to emerge stronger and healthier. His journey from the depths of despair to a place of self-improvement and resilience offers a powerful message of hope and the possibility of a complete turnaround.
Key Takeaways
- Addiction’s Grip: Lpinned’s story highlights the devastating impact of drug and alcohol addiction, detailing how it can derail a life, leading to financial ruin and broken relationships.
- The Power of Hitting Bottom: For Lpinned, reaching rock bottom wasn’t the end, but a turning point that forced him to confront his issues and seek a better path.
- Transformation Through Discipline: His comeback is a testament to the power of discipline, particularly through intense physical training and a strict diet, which provided structure and purpose.
- Community and Support: The Evolutionary forums and its members played a significant role in his recovery, offering a supportive community and a platform to share his experiences.
- A Message of Hope: Lpinned’s transformation proves that a comeback is possible, no matter how dark the past, and encourages others to believe in their own potential for change.
The Descent into Addiction
Lpinned’s struggles began early. Dropping out of school at 15, he found work as a mechanic, specializing in custom cars. This environment, however, exposed him to drug dealers, and by 18, he was deeply involved with meth and alcohol. He explains that he couldn’t use meth without drinking due to anxiety, and the two addictions went hand-in-hand, escalating over time. This lifestyle led to significant financial loss, with estimates suggesting he lost over $50,000 in just one year due to trading work for drugs or spending money on his habits.
The conversation also touched upon the manipulative nature of drug dealing, where payment in kind, like meth, keeps individuals hooked and dependent, rather than providing them with cash they could use to build a life. Lpinned shared that the initial high quickly faded, and soon he was using just to function, to get out of bed and go to work. This dependency turned him into a perpetual customer, trapped in a cycle.
Underlying Causes and Early Life
When asked about the root causes of his addiction, Lpinned revealed a complex personal history. He was diagnosed with ADHD and borderline personality disorder. Crucially, he never had a father figure, as his dad left when he was very young. This was compounded by a traumatic childhood experience where a neighbor would spit on him and his brothers because his father was gay. This lack of a stable male role model and the social stigma he faced contributed to his confusion and struggles throughout his teenage years.
A Double Life and a False Pregnancy
In his twenties, Lpinned bought a house at 27 with his partner. He managed to hide his severe drug use from her, maintaining a facade of normalcy while functioning on very little sleep. He would work all day, force down food, spend time with her, and then retreat to the garage or lie awake staring at the ceiling, waiting for her to fall asleep before indulging his addiction. His partner knew he dabbled, but not the extent of his constant use.
The situation took a dramatic turn when they discovered his partner was unable to get pregnant. While exploring options like IVF, which they couldn’t afford, she became pregnant. Lpinned was overjoyed, believing he had overcome his fertility issues. He poured energy into preparing for the baby, renovating a room and buying gear. However, just before the birth, a friend revealed the baby wasn’t his. His partner eventually confessed that the father was a friend, and she had lied about his involvement. Despite the betrayal and the emotional turmoil, Lpinned stayed for the birth and the first two years, trying to be a father figure. He eventually stepped away when it became too difficult, realizing the situation was unsustainable.
A Chaotic Second Relationship and Prison
Lpinned’s next relationship was equally tumultuous. He was in the throes of his addiction, even selling meth. His partner was also a meth addict, and their two-and-a-half-year relationship was described as chaotic, marked by infidelity and financial strain. He was struggling to pay his mortgage due to funding both their habits. After discovering his partner lying about going to the bank and instead finding her using drugs, he kicked her out. However, he later let her back, only for her to sneak out again. Breaching his ankle bracelet curfew, he went to find her and discovered her with another man, a drug dealer. In a fit of rage, he kicked down the door, threw alcohol at her, and threatened the other man with a knife.
This incident led to his arrest and a prison sentence. Inside, he faced severe alcohol withdrawal and subsisted on minimal food. However, he found a new discipline in exercise, starting with push-ups and eventually doing thousands a day. This intense physical training, combined with a strict carnivore diet and fasting, became his focus. He credits the length of his sentence as a blessing, giving him the time needed to reset and rebuild himself.
The Comeback and a New Path
Upon release, Lpinned was hooked on training and a keto-based diet, which provided much-needed discipline. He discovered the benefits of fasting, initially through necessity in prison, and later researched its advantages. He found that this structured approach, along with testosterone replacement therapy, made him feel amazing, transforming his energy levels and outlook.
He is now focused on self-improvement, distancing himself from negative influences and past environments. He has sold his house and moved, changing his phone number and deleting social media to focus on his own well-being. His current goals include transitioning from walking to running, aiming to complete a 10K with his brother. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, nutrition, and training, even when results aren’t immediately visible. The support from the Evolutionary forums and individuals like ‘Vanlife’ has been instrumental in keeping him motivated and accountable.
Lpinned’s story is a powerful reminder that even after hitting the lowest points, a comeback is possible. His journey from addiction and despair to a disciplined and healthier life serves as an inspiration, proving that change, while difficult, is achievable with dedication and the right support system.