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Episode details
Addicted Parent, Childhood Physical Abuse, Childhood Violence, Crack, Most Mentally Compromised Addicts, Season 10

Episode 143: Luke

luke

Luke
Age: 23
Location: San Francisco, California
Addiction: Crack
What’s memorable: Living on the streets with his mother who is willingly homeless just so she can keep an eye on her son. That’s some crazy co-dependency there. The craziness that he spouts when he’s high is disturbing.  The intervention and followup is a tear jerker, very affecting. I hope this family is well now.

Note: Luke is sober and has commented in the comment section.

Official Synopsis: Luke, 23, dreams of a career in photojournalism, but his daily cocktail of drugs has derailed his college plans and left both him and his mother struggling to survive on the streets of San Francisco.

Original Air Date: August 2011

Discussion

35 thoughts on “Episode 143: Luke

  1. 3 years in April baby!

    Posted by Luke | January 24, 2014, 12:42 pm
    • Nice! That’s awesome, well done.

      Posted by Dizzy | January 24, 2014, 12:59 pm
      • I used to watch intervention before being on the show and never imagined to be on it. Then it happened, my life has gotten better, but I couldn’t watch the show anymore. Now they pulled the plug and I’m really upset. It saved my life and I wish it went on to help others. Thank you for what your doing dizzy.

        Posted by Luke | January 25, 2014, 5:28 pm
    • ♡♡♡ God bless, Luke, God bless!

      Posted by lupieliciouslaura | September 2, 2014, 10:11 pm
    • Very Proud Of Luke! That takes lots of strength and very very true believer of intervention.

      Posted by JAXN | September 10, 2014, 8:44 am
      • I want to let everyone know that I have fallen off the path. About a month after celebrating 3 years I relapsed off of marijuana. That elevated into every day use then to social drinking and then to experimenting with designer drugs. Thru this whole time I was in a relationshi, we were engaged, but down some point of time she became different distant and short. Not as affectionate. Then she finally left and I went out hard and went on a two week binge. I started right where I left off and the outcome at end the were heavy. I lost basically everything. Most importantly myself. I hate my life. I don’t want to live like this. I want everything to go back the way it was like last October. I hope lmn can help me like a&e did but this time instead of being forced I’m willing

        Posted by Luke | September 27, 2014, 11:24 pm
      • Luke, please get help any way you can. I lost my 28 year old son to addiction in May and wish I would have done more to save him. Please know that you are loved and there are many in the world who hope for your recovery and well being. Huge hugs to you.

        Posted by Kny | October 29, 2014, 7:45 pm
  2. Absolutely love that Luke cleaned up . Formerly homeless with two toddlers due to abuse from ex . When we got a home I got addicted to painkillers after cancer . 2 years of hell then sober . If I can do it , Luke you WILL do it . I got sober when my kids were 6 and 7 . They are 17 and 18 now and I have held it together with a good support system and turning hobbies I love into a living .
    Its hard but keep on the right path Luke ! Proud of You .

    Posted by marcy lily | April 29, 2014, 7:39 pm
    • Thank you Marcy for the kind words! I just celebrated 3 years at a conference on the 5th. It was moving to see so many people, especially young people, there for the same cause. If we can do it anyone can!! Just gotta be willing and take it one step and the next will get you there.

      Posted by Luke | April 30, 2014, 8:44 am
      • Dear Luke, I went looking for an update about your current life after watching a rerun of your intervention episode. Something about you, your youth, innocence, and love for your father, really touched me. I am sober myself (got sober at age 23, 10 years ago) and I just wanted to reach through the screen and hug you. I am so, so happy to hear of your recent milestone. We can do it together, one day at a time. Your episode and the show are still helping others. God bless you and your family.

        Posted by Anna | July 5, 2014, 9:06 pm
      • Hey Luke ! Just wanted to say hello , let you know I am still and always will be cheering you on and wish you well . Hoping all is going great for you .

        Posted by marcy lily | September 17, 2014, 11:51 pm
  3. That’s fantastic news…good for you, brother! I was very moved by your story and am so happy for you, that you have found a new way. Stay with it, friend…clean/sober living vs. drugs/booze? No comparison, right? CONGRATULATIONS!

    Posted by Gregory Moore | September 17, 2014, 1:10 pm
  4. Hey Luke. I just read that you relapsed. I hope you find the way again. I’m not sure if you go to NA, but it has truly saved my life. It has allowed me to save my own life. If you need someone to talk to, I know Im a complete stranger, but we are all in this together. And there are beautiful, good-hearted recovered addicts that have lots of insight and support to give you. Just remember, first you must surrender! It’s the first step. The fact that you have willingness already is key. All my love and support. You’re stronger than you know!

    Posted by crissi | October 1, 2014, 9:20 am
    • [Dizzy’s note: Luke has posted his phone number but I don’t feel good about publishing it because reasons. If anyone would like to call him to provide relapse and recovery support, please leave a comment here telling me so]

      Posted by Luke | October 1, 2014, 1:30 pm
      • Hi Luke. I truly don’t know how I ended up on this random site, clicking on your post and reading these comments, but here I am. Stay strong and remember there is so much life to live. Remember how amazing it feels when you make that climb instead of letting go. You already know you can overcome anything. Wishing you the best.
        “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.”

        Posted by Megan | October 14, 2014, 9:37 pm
      • First off, I read this blog religiously but this is my first comment on it. I enjoy it so much… Keep up the good work!!!

        Luke,

        You are a sweet, beautiful, and lovely person, and you are truly an inspiration. I read your update about your relapse, and my heart is aching for you. In a lot of ways I can really, really relate to you. At the age of 23, I’ve been sober for 3 years, and know that deep, aching pain of starting from scratch. But as someone stated, the only way for you to go is up!! And that you’ve done it before and will certainly do it again… I’m not sure if this will reach you, or if there is a way that I may contact you, but if there is absolutely anything that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
        Either way, best of luck to you, and I absolutely know that you have it in you to make the positive changes again. You are wonderful.
        Sincerely,
        Samantha

        Posted by Samantha | November 29, 2014, 7:51 pm
      • Samantha and Court,

        Thank you for the support and encouragement, very much needed. I’m still in limbo with my struggle. When they say Addiction escalates and, after doing unneeded research, it really does. started right where I left off as they say. I have my good days as well as my bad. lately with the holidays and constant past memories flooding , has been extra difficult. I want to stop but I’m so used to living this cold lifestyle. No one should go through it.

        Best wishes to all.

        Merry Christmas

        Joao

        Posted by Luke | November 30, 2014, 4:19 pm
      • Take it one day at a time, really build your support system, and most importantly- do not be ashamed. It takes time to heal!! When I first got sober, I met an older man who had gone back out after 20 years. He told me, “If I call it a relapse, I don’t want to come back, I feel I’ve left the road I was on. I prefer to call it a setback, because I’m still on my path.”
        Pick up the pieces and get back on your path- it’s just a setback in your journey. More importantly, it’s a learning experience! The more that you make of it, and the more you beat yourself up, the harder that it is to overcome.
        Keep your head up:)

        Posted by Samantha | December 2, 2014, 8:05 pm
      • Thanks Samantha. That really resonated well

        Posted by Luke | December 2, 2014, 9:07 pm
      • Hi Luke. I am sitting here at 2:30am watching Intervention, searched google for more info, and found this blog. I’m not sure how late I am, but I struggled with addiction for about 3 years. Fortunately I had an opportunity to move away from my home town, and had no access to the drugs I wanted. I know how it is. I am a sponser and I would love to be able to talk to you. Not sure how to go about it. Maybe they’ll email me your number? Please let me know. I am here for you. ❤ ~Kayleigh

        Posted by Kayleigh McKeon | December 12, 2014, 11:40 pm
  5. I’m thinking of you today and sending you love & light. How are you today?

    Posted by Sandra | October 30, 2014, 2:13 pm
    • Luke,
      You have done it before, you can do it again. You are worth it and deserve a life you enjoy. There are so many resources in SF. Find them.
      Melody

      Posted by Melody Royal | November 5, 2014, 2:00 am
  6. Hi Luke!
    I literally just finished watching your episode on tv and it brought me to happy tears! I believe it was how much love you had in your heart for your family. I loved seeing the update on a&e and how well you are doing! Life is tough for me right now and your episode reminded me to never give up. Thank you and remember to keep smiling, it looks good on you!

    Posted by Court | November 29, 2014, 8:28 pm
    • It broke my heart to see Wania and Luke to see them like that as she was a former Co worker of mine. Please if anyone knows how to get in touch with them please contact me via email . I would love to see them both

      Posted by shaton | November 30, 2014, 9:27 pm
  7. Luke ,
    First of all I am begging and hoping with all my heart that you are ok and seeking help. If not we can help you . So please do not ever give up on yourself . Please .
    Remember many recovering addicts do have relapses . It is rare when one does not . The key is recognizing the trigger , getting away from it and seeking help . No shame . What happened to you was very human and it happens very often . For many it is just once and some it is several times before they get it right.
    I have the most sincere faith in the fact that you can and will beat this . You are young , talented and a beautiful person . I am pulling for you and wish I could be there to help you in any way you needed . Again don’t give up . You have a ton of people rooting and cheering for you and they are sincere . Bless you and good luck . Please don’t let any addiction cheat you out of the amazing life you deserve .

    Posted by marcy lily | December 9, 2014, 3:51 am
  8. Luke,

    I happened to see your episode today and felt compelled to search for an update on your progress. Seeing your comments, I see that you’re struggling at the moment. Please don’t be disheartened. You have so many people who genuinely care about you and want you to be happy and healthy and to fulfil your wildest hopes and dreams. Please don’t give up on yourself. I have faith that this relapse is a temporary setback for you and that you will find your way once again. You are stronger than you realise. I will be praying for you, please stay safe and seek help. Sending love from Australia xo

    Posted by Stephanie | December 16, 2014, 2:37 am
    • Luke-
      I am an addict. I tried to end my life but was unsuccessful. In turn spent time in the Icu, mental hospital, and finally rehab. I stayed clean for over a year but relapsed last week.
      I feel for you. Don’t give up.
      If everything was perfect in life then it would be considered heaven. Life is often messy and addicts use in order to cope. The trick is to recognize triggers and change the behavior while coping with the issue at hand.
      Thank you for being open about your struggle because it comes from an honest place. Knowing that others are battling for inner peace through sobriety makes me fight harder. From one addict to another- Keep fighting the good fight. Don’t ever give up

      Posted by Jessica | January 1, 2015, 9:10 am
      • Truuuue! Thank you for writing and addressing the issue. I totally get what said bout triggers etc. Sometimes though its out of nowhere though. In speech that sounds rationalizing, i have cut back, like its not as obsessive but it does take its toll physical ly especially mental emotional. But ive been checkin myself.

        Slowly im coming back together

        Love and Respect

        Luke
        Slowly im coming

        Posted by Luke | January 1, 2015, 9:31 am
  9. Hi Luke and all the kind souls here 🙂 I wish you all the best. I remember being devastated when my brother would relapse, and my amazing therapist said something to me I’ll never forget: “Relapse is part of recovery. It’s not how many times he falls, it’s how many times he gets back up and keeps trying to stay sober. It will get easier each time.” That gave me the strength & knowledge to continue letting go of my fears for him these setbacks as just that- setbacks. Samantha & Marcy shared that same sentiment so eloquently above. My brother is enjoying 1.5 years sober, and truthfully I wasn’t sure he would ever get there and he proved me wrong! I never thought I could release the fear/sadness/desire to fix him or “recover from him”, but Al-Anon saved my life in that respect. Humans are powerful and resilient; we can do anything we set our minds to. You have been clean for 3 years but had a setback. I know you won’t let that hold you hostage from the life and contentment you deserve! Today is the only day we have to concern ourselves with, so let’s all make good decisions knowing we’re not alone in our struggle to do so. One of my biggest obstacles is my anxiety, and after reading this I am inspired to take some action today, so thank you all. Sending a hug, Luke. You got this! And indeed we are no strangers to each other – we are definitely all in this together!

    ~ Mary 🙂

    Posted by Mary | January 2, 2015, 10:08 am
  10. Hi Luke I am recovering addict myself I have seen your invention and had me thinking to change and I have been I was sent prison and found my higher power and to this day I have been sober but I struggle with coping to everyday life but I know that I don’t want to see that old me again im glad that you have done what you need to stay clean I wish you nothing but the best

    Posted by Alexa Morales | January 2, 2015, 3:13 pm
    • Thank you brother,

      I too have been imprisoned by iron. They say it holds back evil sprits. They were throwing a term at me but i held ofl til it was a bullet. After my first time it was my last and my life of crime ended there. Held back at santa rita but i still have an issue that itches sometimes. I was also baptized there. Weird

      Love n Respect
      luke

      Posted by Luke | January 2, 2015, 10:05 pm

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