Drug Addicted Couple-Amanda and Cody

Quick Overview

The drug-addicted couple, Amanda and Cody, discuss their struggles with addiction, including how Amanda's father's alcoholism and drug use set a precedent, leading to Amanda losing custody of her son two years prior to the interview due to using fentanyl in front of him, and how Cody's addiction is also impacting his life and relationships.

Key Points: Amanda and Cody met on Facebook dating and are both from Ohio (Amanda from Toledo/Delta, Cody from Dayton). Amanda's father was an alcoholic who smoked crack, and his addiction was far worse than her own, setting a difficult precedent for her life. Amanda lost custody of her son two years before the interview after she was caught using fentanyl in front of him. Cody states he has been in drug programs on and off for years, primarily struggling with methamphetamine and fentanyl use. Cody admits his drug use has ruined his entire life, including relationships, and he fears dying from fentanyl. The couple currently lives on Skid Row in Los Angeles and relies on Naloxone injections for withdrawal symptoms during their first three days of sobriety. Amanda regrets not spending more time with her father before he passed away at age 20, stating she never thought his addiction would affect her life so much.

Context: This video is an interview segment from Mark Laita's 'Soft White Underbelly' project, which documents the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness, primarily focusing on Skid Row in Los Angeles. The interview features Amanda and Cody, a couple who openly discuss their backgrounds, their relationship with drugs (specifically fentanyl and methamphetamine), the loss of Amanda's parental rights, and the impact of addiction on their families and personal well-being.

Detailed Analysis

Amanda and Cody, a couple living on Skid Row in Los Angeles, recount their experiences with drug addiction. Amanda reveals that her father was an alcoholic who used crack, setting a negative precedent where she felt she had to numb herself to cope; she states she never thought her addiction would impact her kids until she lost custody of her son two years prior after being caught using fentanyl in front of him. Cody confirms that he has been in and out of drug programs for years, primarily using methamphetamine and fentanyl, admitting that his addiction has ruined his entire life and relationships. He expresses the fear of dying from fentanyl and acknowledges that the shame associated with their lifestyle keeps them stuck. Amanda also shares regret over not spending more time with her father before he passed away at age 20, noting his addiction was worse than hers. They mentioned receiving help from the USC Street Med Team, including 3-day methadone programs and Naloxone injections to manage withdrawal symptoms, but they acknowledge that recovery is a constant struggle, especially when they struggle to secure stable housing or jobs due to societal judgment against addicts.