She survived 20 years of heroin addiction, multiple overdoses, prison, and parole. Then she picked up a barbell — and everything changed.

Chrissoula D'Orsogna went from injecting heroin at 14 after a high-speed police chase left her with a fractured pelvis, to becoming a certified personal trainer empowering women to build strong, sober lives.

In this raw and deeply moving episode of Slaying Sober, Chrissoula opens up about:

The car accident that sparked her 20-year heroin addiction
Surviving multiple overdoses and years in and out of prison
The moment in rehab when strength training saved her life
How she built a thriving fitness career — 10+ years clean
Why moving your body is the #1 cure for depression and anxiety
Her message to women in their 40s who think it's too late to start

This is not just a recovery story. This is proof that anything is possible — no matter how far you've fallen.

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Trigger Warning: This episode contains honest discussion of drug use, overdose, incarceration, and suicide. Please listen only if it's safe for you to do so.

CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction: Chrissoula's Story

01:50 – How to Support Slaying Sober

02:19 – Trigger Warning

02:38 – Interview Begins

03:29 – What Chrissoula Does Now as a Personal Trainer 04:42 – The Mind-Body Connection in Recovery

05:39 – 10+ Years Clean & Sober

06:44 – Growing Up Lonely on a Farm

07:38 – First Experiences with Drugs

09:32 – The Car Accident That Changed Everything

37:43 – What's Next for Chrissoula

41:38 – Message to Her Younger Self

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