At just 16, Matthew Gerwien unknowingly took his first hit of black tar heroin. What followed was a years-long spiral into addiction, arrests, detoxes, and relapses that nearly cost him everything. But this isn’t a story about destruction—it’s a story of resurrection.
In this raw and redemptive episode of The Generational Health Podcast, Matthew shares the unfiltered truth of addiction, recovery, and the journey back to wholeness. We talk about trauma, relapse, family boundaries, and the miracle of a second chance. Now sober for over 16 years, Matthew has dedicated his life to fitness, service, and helping others reclaim their worth—from coaching clients to pursuing nursing and functional medicine.
We also unpack the emotional toll of losing friends to heroin, the spiritual breaking point that changed everything, and what it really means to be resilient in a world that wants to numb pain instead of heal it.
This is a must-listen for anyone navigating addiction, grief, recovery—or simply the question: “Can I really change my life?”
