The Mindset of a Fentanyl Addict-Robert

Quick Overview

The subject, Robert, a fentanyl addict from Skid Row, Los Angeles, recounts a terrifying incident where he was severely beaten by a dealer whose drugs he was allegedly trying to steal, resulting in a broken spleen that required emergency surgery and five days in a coma, illustrating the harsh realities and physical dangers associated with his addiction.

Key Points: Robert, a fentanyl addict from Skid Row, Los Angeles, was severely beaten by a drug dealer about 10.5 months prior to the interview. The beating, which Robert believes was because the dealer thought he was stealing, resulted in a shattered spleen. Robert was in a coma for five days due to the internal bleeding from the spleen injury. He describes the physical pain from the broken ribs as 'excruciating' and 'inhumane'. The incident occurred while waiting for a train at MacArthur Park, where he saw the dealer. Robert mentions that he was clean from fentanyl for a period of 3.5 years, but the relapse led to this violent encounter. He reflects that despite his intelligence, addiction made him unable to stop destructive behavior, like trying to get drugs from someone who might retaliate.

Context: This video is an interview segment from Mark Laita's 'Soft White Underbelly' project, which documents portraits and personal stories of individuals often living on the margins of society, in this case, focusing on Robert, a fentanyl addict residing in Skid Row, Los Angeles. The narrative centers on a recent, violent altercation Robert experienced due to his addiction.

Detailed Analysis

Robert, a 50-year-old fentanyl addict from Skid Row, Los Angeles, recounts a violent incident that occurred approximately 10.5 months before the interview. While waiting for a train at MacArthur Park, he encountered a dealer and believes the dealer assumed he was stealing, leading to a severe beating that broke his ribs and shattered his spleen. The resulting internal bleeding was so severe that he required emergency surgery and spent five days in a coma. He describes the pain as 'excruciating' and 'inhumane.' Robert notes that he had been clean from fentanyl for three and a half years prior to this relapse. He expresses regret not for the choices that led to his addiction, but for not being able to maintain his sobriety and protect his life, especially considering his children. He states he has two sons, an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old, who live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their mother and stepfather. He admits that despite being an intelligent person, addiction overrides good sense, leading him to take risks like trying to steal from a dealer. He concludes by saying that he has come to accept responsibility for his situation, even though the physical and emotional pain is immense.