Homeless couple speak on drug addiction and hard times

Homeless couple speak on drug addiction and hard times

Introduction and Age

In this section, the interviewer introduces themselves and asks Nina about her age.

  • Nina is going to be 20 in November.
  • The interviewer thanks Nina for sharing her information.

Homelessness and Duration

This section focuses on Nina's experience with homelessness and how long she has been homeless.

  • Nina confirms that she is currently homeless.
  • She has been homeless for approximately three years since she was 16 years old.
  • She clarifies that she was born and raised in Chicago, not Phoenix.

Choice of Homelessness

Here, Nina explains how she ended up being homeless by choice due to her rebellious nature.

  • Nina chose to be homeless because she has always been defiant and rebellious.
  • She never listened to anyone but herself.

Family Background

This section explores Nina's family background and upbringing.

  • Although her mom was present, neither of her parents played a significant role in her life.
  • Her mom wasn't fully there for her either.
  • She did not grow up in a foster home or similar situations.
  • Her childhood was difficult, lacking love and acceptance.
  • Her dad and brother were abusive towards her, while her sister was also abusive.

Current Location of Family Members

Here, the focus is on the current whereabouts of Nina's family members.

  • It is unclear where exactly her siblings are located.
  • Her mom is in Glendale, Arizona. She doesn't have much contact with her mother but mentions that her stepfather sometimes helps them financially.

Safety and Danger on the Streets

This section discusses the level of danger and safety on the streets.

  • Nina confirms that it is dangerous on the streets.
  • The level of danger depends on personal choices, location, and involvement in certain activities.
  • Petty arguments can escalate quickly, leading to violence.

Moving to Arizona and Unique Homelessness Situation

Here, Nina talks about her move to Arizona and how homelessness differs in this state.

  • After graduating, she moved to Arizona to escape probation and a lifestyle she wanted to leave behind.
  • Her mom's side of the family was already in Arizona.
  • She mentions that homelessness in Arizona is different from other places. It seems more prevalent here compared to the East Coast.

Drug Use Among Homeless Individuals

This section focuses on drug use among homeless individuals.

  • Drug use is widespread among homeless people in general.
  • There are manipulative individuals who may appear friendly but can betray others easily.

Loyalty Among Homeless Individuals

Here, loyalty among homeless individuals is discussed.

  • Loyalty exists among some people but can be tested at any point.
  • People who have been loyal for months or years can suddenly switch sides or betray others.
  • A personal example is given where someone they trusted slashed their car tires despite having a good relationship with them previously.

Personal Experience with Car Troubles

This section shares an incident involving car troubles experienced by Nina and her boyfriend Trey.

  • After getting a car for a week and a half, they left it parked in an area where they were well-liked.
  • When they returned, all four tires were slashed.
  • The police were present but didn't intervene.
  • They had to wait until the next morning to get new tires and had to move the car by 7 am as per an agreement with a store where it was parked.

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Issues with Car Registration

The speaker discusses the issues they faced with their car registration and the difficulties in getting their car back.

Problems with Registration

  • The speaker mentions that they were not listed on the car registration, despite being told otherwise.
  • To retrieve their car, they had to contact the person whose name was on the registration, even though that person hadn't owned the car for several years.

Police Involvement

  • The speaker explains that they woke up one morning to find police at their car after borrowing tools from an old man's house.
  • The police discouraged them from trying to get their car back, stating that it would be difficult even if they had all the necessary documents.
  • Unfortunately, they were unable to recover their vehicle.

Sleeping in the Car and Police Discouragement

The speaker talks about sleeping in the car before it was towed and shares their experience with discouraging behavior from the police.

Sleeping in the Car

  • The speaker confirms that they were indeed sleeping in the car before it got towed.
  • They mention how helpful it was to wake up early and borrow tools but returned to find police present.

Police Discouragement

  • The police officers discouraged them from attempting to retrieve their vehicle, expressing doubt about their chances of success.
  • Despite having necessary documents like a bill of sale or title, they were unable to reclaim their car.

Frustration and Difficulties Moving Forward

The speaker expresses frustration over setbacks encountered while trying to move forward after losing their car.

Setbacks and Frustration

  • The speaker reflects on how setbacks often hinder progress after making some headway.
  • They mention having payments for the vehicle but stopped due to being unable to drive down there.
  • The situation has caused tension with the people they were buying the car from, as they stopped making payments.

Methadone and Challenges in Life

The speaker discusses their experience with methadone treatment and expresses a desire to improve their life circumstances.

Methadone Treatment

  • The speaker mentions that they were going to methadone treatment in Buckeye.
  • They observe that many people in the area are not motivated to change their lives or improve their situations.

Desire for Change

  • Despite being young (21 years old), the speaker expresses a strong desire not to remain in their current circumstances.
  • They mention wanting to move away from relying on drugs and seeking a better life for themselves and their partner.

Introduction to Drug Use and Relapse

The speaker shares how they were introduced to drug use, including substances like cocaine, molly, and blues (presumably referring to prescription opioids).

Introduction to Drugs

  • The speaker explains that they started using drugs at a young age, attending an intensive outpatient program after leaving jail or juvenile detention.
  • They met someone who introduced them to various substances, including blues (prescription opioids).
  • Initially, most people in the group only used marijuana except for one other person who also used harder drugs.

Relapse and Consequences

  • After a period of being clean while incarcerated, the speaker relapsed upon release due to certain events.
  • Unfortunately, this led them down a destructive path which resulted in an overdose and waking up in a dumpster.
  • Losing their second car adds further frustration to their already challenging situation.

Police Corruption and Racial Discrimination

The speaker discusses police corruption and experiences racial discrimination while living in the area.

Police Corruption

  • The speaker strongly believes that there is corruption within the local police force, although they never openly admit it.
  • They express frustration with the police and their behavior, perceiving them as corrupt.

Racial Discrimination

  • The speaker recounts an incident where someone made racist comments about them dating a white person.
  • They mention facing racial discrimination frequently during their three-year relationship.

Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Support

The speaker emphasizes the importance of pushing through challenges and seeking support to improve their situation.

Pushing Through Challenges

  • The speaker acknowledges that there will always be obstacles but believes in pushing through regardless.
  • They credit their resilience for being in a better position now, including having a steady income.

Seeking Support

  • The speaker expresses a need for guidance from someone who can help navigate unfamiliar situations.
  • They mention that if viewers want to offer support or donations, they can reach out via Facebook or text message.