# “The Drugs Stopped Working… But He Couldn’t Stop.” | Addiction Nearly Killed Him

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nothing-s-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero-7335205/the-drugs-stopped-working-but-he-couldn-t-stop-addiction-nearly-killed-him
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/nothing-s-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero-7335205/the-drugs-stopped-working-but-he-couldn-t-stop-addiction-nearly-killed-him.md
Podcast: [Nothing’s Off the Table with Louis Ruggiero](https://stenobird.com/podcast/nothing-s-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero-7335205)
Published: 2026-05-14T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/AKTBA2741677314.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/AKTBA2741677314.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/nothing-s-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero-7335205/episodes/the-drugs-stopped-working-but-he-couldn-t-stop-addiction-nearly-killed-him
Duration seconds: 2789

## Resource

Ben W thought he had everything under control. The partying. The cocaine. The drinking. The New York City lifestyle. Until addiction completely took over. In this raw conversation, Ben shares the brutal reality of addiction, relapse, detox, rehab, and what finally helped him get sober after years of chaos. From hitting rock bottom to rebuilding his life through recovery and 12-step programs, this episode shows what addiction REALLY looks like behind closed doors. Today, Ben is over 3.5 years sober and helping others escape the same darkness he lived in. In this episode we discuss: * Cocaine addiction in NYC * Alcoholism and relapse * Detox and rehab experiences * The mental obsession of addiction * Early sobriety struggles * 30/60/90 days sober * 12-step recovery programs * Building a life after addiction If you’re struggling — or love someone who is — this conversation could change your life. Recovery is possible. 🔔 Real stories. Raw comebacks. Nothing’s off the table. I sit down with people who’ve faced it all: addiction, loss, redemption and came out stronger. These are unfiltered conversations about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose again. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) About the Show Hosted by Louis Ruggiero, a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and advocate for recovery, Nothing’s Off The Table is where real people share their real stories. From battling addiction to overcoming life’s toughest challenges, Louis and his guests uncover the moments that spark change and fuel unstoppable comebacks. Expect raw honesty…

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## Transcript

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