Dopey 570: Kevin McEnroe (Son of John): $5,000-a-Week Oxy to Heroin Spiral, Mom Tatum O'Neal's Overdose Coma, Coke Bust on the Post Cover, Pancreatitis Hell, Codependency, Writing! Recovery!! PLUS A Listener Flushes a Ton of Heroin Whilst on Acid!
Digest
This podcast episode delves into addiction, recovery, and personal narratives, featuring author Kevin McEnroe, son of John McEnroe and Tatum O'Neill. McEnroe shares his experiences growing up with famous parents, his family's history of addiction, and his own struggles with substance abuse, including opiates and heroin. The conversation highlights the intergenerational impact of addiction, codependency, and the challenges of forming identity amidst fame. The episode also includes listener stories, sponsor segments for various recovery centers, and discussions on harm reduction, creative writing as an outlet, and the complexities of public versus private personas in show business. The speaker recounts their own journey through addiction, hitting rock bottom, and finding a path to recovery through service and supporting their mother's health crisis. The episode concludes with a shared passion for the New York Knicks and future podcast topic suggestions.
Outlines
Introduction to Dopey Podcast and Sponsor Spotlights
The podcast "Dopey" is introduced, focusing on recovery, humor, and personal stories related to addiction. Early segments highlight the show's unique blend of dark humor and genuine support. Sponsors like Oro Recovery, Mountainside Treatment Center, Orchard on the Brazos, and Recovery Unplugged are featured, each offering different approaches to addiction treatment and rehabilitation.
Friday the 13th, Guest Introduction, and Listener Engagement
The host discusses the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th and introduces the week's guest, novelist Kevin McEnroe. Listener shoutouts, birthday wishes, and announcements about Patreon benefits and a new Spotify comments feature are shared. Listener stories about recovery retreats, movies, sobriety milestones, and personal anecdotes are also highlighted.
Harm Reduction, Contests, and Comedy Show Announcement
The podcast offers free Fentanyl test strips and Narcan to listeners. A sticker contest is announced, encouraging listener designs. An upcoming comedy show in Dopeywood, California, is promoted.
Listener Stories: Kratom, Heroin, and Early Life Experiences
Listener Dustin shares an update on his experience with Kratom after a slip in sobriety, detailing withdrawal challenges and the deceptive nature of the substance. Leroy recounts his first and last experience with heroin.
Kevin McEnroe: Early Life, Fame, and Family Addiction
Kevin McEnroe discusses his childhood, the challenges of growing up with famous parents (John McEnroe and Tatum O'Neill), and his early experiences with anonymity. He shares stories about his grandmother's and mother's struggles with addiction, highlighting genetic predispositions and the family's "toxic vibe."
Kevin McEnroe: Writing, Substack, and Mother's Addiction
Kevin discusses his Substack, "Serenity Side Down," and its connection to his novel "Our Town," explaining his writing process. He further details his mother Tatum O'Neill's ongoing struggles with addiction, career setbacks due to substance abuse, and the concept of being a "world-class junkie."
Kevin McEnroe: Identity, Parental Fame, and Early Drug Use
Kevin discusses the challenge of forming his own identity amidst his parents' fame and how accepting his background has been liberating after getting sober. He details his first experience with painkillers (Tramadol) in college, seeking comfort from internal anxieties.
Kevin McEnroe: Childhood with an Addicted Mother and Parental Control
Kevin reflects on growing up with a severely addicted mother, noting his delayed start with substance use. He discusses his father's strictness regarding his drinking, possibly to prevent him from repeating family addiction patterns.
Kevin McEnroe: Cycles of Sobriety, Relapse, and Childhood in the Spotlight
Kevin describes his mother's pattern of getting clean for drug tests and relapsing, a pattern he relates to his own methadone use. He discusses the constant documentation of his life due to his famous parents and the unique pressures of growing up in the public eye.
Kevin McEnroe: Mother as a "Guidebook," Codependency, and Family Trauma
Kevin explains how his mother's addiction served as a "guidebook" for him, motivating him to avoid similar paths. He explores codependency in relation to his mother's addiction and the feeling of responsibility he carried for her well-being.
Kevin McEnroe: Mother's Crack Addiction and Public Shame
Kevin recounts the intense period when his mother's crack addiction became public, causing him significant distress and shame during his first year of college. He shares a difficult experience where his mother threatened suicide, and how he eventually accepted he couldn't control her choices.
Kevin McEnroe: Finding Freedom Through Honesty and Childhood Secrecy
Kevin discusses how writing allowed him to express emotional honesty about his family's struggles, providing catharsis. He describes the childhood secrecy surrounding his mother's addiction and how a professor's assignment became a turning point for him.
Kevin McEnroe: Wealth, Fame, Vulnerability, and Understanding Addiction
Kevin reflects on growing up with privilege and fame, the difficulty of expressing vulnerability, and the pressure to maintain an image. He expresses empathy for his mother's addiction, understanding the drive to use can override all other considerations.
Kevin McEnroe: Addiction as a Catalyst and Finding Peace
Kevin theorizes that his severe addiction may have been a catalyst for him to rebuild his life more honestly. He shares how overcoming his near-fatal addiction has allowed him to find peace and enjoy simple moments, free from past anxieties.
Kevin McEnroe: Childhood Memories and NYC Culture of Avoidance
Kevin recounts childhood memories of his mother's addiction, including his and his siblings' coping mechanisms. He compares his experiences to a neighbor's situation, highlighting a New York City culture of avoiding difficult realities.
Kevin McEnroe: Shared Experiences and Early Sobriety
Kevin finds solace in hearing stories about parental addiction, realizing he's not alone. He discusses his high school years, moderate drinking, and avoiding the intense New York City drug scene until college, finding his first experience of happiness in a relationship.
Speaker's Personal Journey: Paranoia, Public Persona, and Childhood Trauma
The speaker recounts a moment of intense paranoia, mistaking their father's voice for his presence, leading to a panic attack. They discuss the pressure on public figures to maintain a curated persona and share a poignant story about early emotional suppression due to unaddressed home issues.
Speaker's Journey: College Writing, Creative Fuel, and Parental Fame
The speaker found a life-saving outlet in college writing, initially a party-focused student. They reflect on how substances initially fueled creativity but later created dependency. The complex position of being known but not respected due to a famous parent is also discussed.
Speaker's Journey: Lifestyle, Substance Escalation, and Academic Pursuits
The speaker recounts working at Shillers, embracing a counterculture lifestyle, and the progression of substance use from social drinking to needing cocaine to function. Despite a chaotic lifestyle, they pursued a Master's in Creative Writing.
Speaker's Journey: Book Deal, Opiate Turning Point, and Addiction's Grip
The speaker's thesis became a novel, securing an agent and a book deal, coinciding with the introduction of oxycodone, which profoundly altered their life and addiction. They detail the rapid escalation of their oxycodone addiction and the financial strain.
Speaker's Journey: Hope Amidst Despair, Confrontation, and Jail
Despite addiction struggles and the book's initial lack of success, the speaker receives news of their book being sold, offering fragile hope. A tense dinner with their father is followed by a drug bust, leading to jail and a New York Post cover story.
Speaker's Journey: Hiding Addiction, Parental Concern, and Entering Treatment
The speaker discusses hiding their addiction from parents while a girlfriend takes the heat. They are sent to Betty Ford for treatment, realizing their opiate appetite is strong and grappling with the shame of their addiction.
Speaker's Journey: Confronting Pill Problem, Resistance to Treatment, and First Opiate Experience
The speaker confronts their "pill problem," distinguishing it from their mother's addiction, and finds self-acceptance in treatment. They describe resistance to treatment, focusing on playing the part to get out quickly. The allure of the first opiate experience, offering self and peace, is reflected upon.
Speaker's Journey: Post-Treatment Relapse, Unwillingness for Sobriety, and Book Success
After treatment, the speaker immediately relapses into drinking, driven by a desire to avoid pills. They candidly admit they weren't truly ready for sobriety until they achieved it. While in treatment, their book is sold, leading to a feeling of success amidst continued struggle.
Speaker's Journey: Faking It, Parental Worry, and Memoirs' Impact
The speaker recounts doing press for their book while actively drinking, mirroring their mother's public facade and causing concern. They discuss Nick Schief's memoirs and express concern for his well-being.
Speaker's Journey: Lies, Self-Hatred, Pancreatitis, and Intervention
The speaker reflects on the dishonesty of their actions during addiction, the physical toll, and self-loathing while promoting their book. A severe bout of pancreatitis leads to hospitalization and a brother's intervention, resulting in another stint in treatment.
Speaker's Journey: Fear of Sharing, Relapse, and Alcohol's Spell
After 87 days sober, the speaker is too afraid to share their story and leaves treatment, only to relapse. They recount getting heavily intoxicated in a gay bar, highlighting the disorienting power of alcohol.
Speaker's Journey: Illness, Father's Love, and Heroin Switch
The speaker relapses, becomes increasingly ill, and their father's visit offers a profound moment of realization. After running out of painkillers, the speaker switches to heroin, marking a significant escalation in their addiction and a realization of hitting rock bottom.
Speaker's Journey: Mother's Survival, Son's Descent, Sister's Sobriety, Mother's Coma
The speaker contrasts their mother's survival tactics with their own rapid decline. Hearing of their sister's sobriety and facing their mother's overdose and coma spurs the speaker towards a final, life-saving treatment.
Speaker's Journey: Hospitalization, Liver Issues, and Guidance to Treatment
The speaker is hospitalized with severe liver issues, requiring a potential transplant, and is guided towards a crucial treatment program. They find a path to genuine willingness for recovery through service and caring for others during their mother's critical illness.
Speaker's Journey: Uncertainty, Humility, and Embracing Help
The speaker realizes they don't have all the answers, leading to an openness to receive help and a new way of listening, moving beyond a misconception of open-mindedness.
Speaker's Mother's Fight for Life and Recovery Glimmers
Doctors ask if they want to "pull the plug" on the speaker's mother. The speaker's decision to say "I don't know" and then "let's try" marks a turning point. A speech therapist's innovative approach using music offers a powerful sign of her presence and potential for recovery.
Mother's Spirit, Personal Growth Through Caregiving, and Finding Purpose
The mother's attempt to escape and subsequent actions demonstrate her enduring spirit. Helping his mother navigate recovery becomes a catalyst for the speaker's own personal growth, fostering a willingness to listen and embrace change. He finds fulfillment in teaching tennis as service work, allowing time to write and maintain sobriety.
Overcoming Stigma, Pursuing Passions, and Addressing Past
Facing the stigma of being a "Googleable drug addict," the speaker starts a Substack to showcase recovery and creative work, hoping to teach writing despite initial rejections.
Shared Fandom: Obsession with the Knicks and Future Topics
The conversation shifts to a shared passion for the New York Knicks, discussing game experiences and intense fandom. Future discussion topics are suggested, including "Deck the Halls with Mom's Suboxone."
Keywords
Recovery
The process of regaining health and strength after illness or addiction, involving support groups, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Addiction
A chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences, affecting individuals and families.
Kevin McEnroe
Author, novelist, and son of John McEnroe and Tatum O'Neill, sharing experiences with addiction, recovery, and family history.
Family Trauma
Deep emotional distress experienced due to disturbing events or environments, impacting psychological well-being and relationships.
Substance Abuse
The harmful pattern of using psychoactive substances, leading to significant impairment or distress, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications.
Creative Writing
Writing that aims to entertain or express original ideas and emotions, emphasizing artistic expression and imagination.
Opiates
Drugs derived from the opium poppy or synthetically produced, used for pain relief but carrying a high risk of addiction.
Humility
The quality of having a modest or low view of one's own importance, leading to openness to receive help and guidance.
Service Work
Performing tasks or duties for the benefit of others or a community, finding value and health in supporting personal growth and sobriety.
Stigma
A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person, which the speaker addresses through his writing and online presence.
Q&A
What is the "Dopey" podcast about?
The "Dopey" podcast focuses on addiction, recovery, and personal stories, often incorporating dark humor and raw honesty to provide support and a platform for sharing experiences.
Who is Kevin McEnroe and what does he discuss on the podcast?
Kevin McEnroe, novelist and son of John McEnroe and Tatum O'Neill, discusses his experiences with addiction, his family's history of substance abuse, growing up with famous parents, and his recovery journey.
What are some of the listener stories shared on the podcast?
Listeners share stories about sobriety milestones, experiences with substances like Kratom and heroin, recovery journeys, and personal anecdotes related to addiction and family.
What is Oro Recovery?
Oro Recovery is a rehabilitation center in Southern California emphasizing compassion and connection, offering various therapies and treating co-occurring mental health issues.
What is Mountainside Treatment Center?
Mountainside Treatment Center provides a full continuum of care for addiction, including detox, a 28-day program, aftercare, and coaching, focusing on building a supportive community.
What is Recovery Unplugged?
Recovery Unplugged combines music with evidence-based care for addiction and mental health treatment, boasting higher-than-average long-term recovery rates.
How did Kevin McEnroe's mother's addiction impact his childhood?
His mother's severe addiction created a childhood filled with secrecy, worry, and a sense of responsibility for her well-being, with Kevin using her struggles as a "guidebook" to avoid similar paths.
What role did writing play in the speaker's recovery?
Writing provided a crucial outlet for self-expression, allowing the speaker to process experiences and emotions, which was vital for their mental health and recovery.
What was the turning point in the speaker's opiate addiction?
The turning point was the introduction of oxycodone (Oxy 30), which provided an intense sense of presence and well-being, leading to a rapid escalation of their addiction.
What realization did the speaker have during treatment that shifted his perspective?
The speaker realized they didn't have all the answers and didn't know what to do, a moment of humility that opened them up to receiving help and listening in a new way.
Show Notes
00:00 – 02:20 : Intro + Dopey theme song lyrics/recap, sponsor spot (Oro Recovery – Bob Forrest's Malibu/West LA facility, compassion-based treatment, amenities like surfing/equine therapy).
02:20 – 05:40 : Dave's Friday the 13th ramble (superstition origins, Thelonious Monk reference), listener shoutouts/birthday wishes (Daniel Griggs' 40th), mom listener appreciation, new Patreon sign-up excitement, SMART Recovery/Bricsadi (Buvidal) mentions.
05:40 – 10:25 : Spotify comments from Amanda Crossley episode (fan reactions, tough love praise, Drugstore Cowboy nods, recovery retreat shoutout).
10:25 – 14:53 : More comments, band EP tease, free Narcan/fentanyl test strips offer, new Dopey sticker contest, Dopeywood comedy show announcement (April 12 at Comedy Store: Zach No Towers, Darrell Hammond, Margaret Cho, Bobby Lee, Marc Maron + more).
14:53 – 17:00 : Mountainside sponsor spot (continuum of care, call John Jones).
17:00 – 21:52 : Dustin's voicemail (Kratom/7-OH relapse after sobriety slips, cold turkey hell, Dopey as lifeline, warning to nation).
21:52 – 24:16 : Orchard on the Brazos sponsor spot (independence-focused, private rooms, chef meals, fishing pond/gym).
24:16 – 28:52 : Leroy's wild story (found heroin bag on acid trip, flushed most but sniffed residue, got sick, NA meeting high).
28:52 – 31:13 : Recovery Unplugged sponsor spot (music-based treatment, higher recovery rates, touring musician program), intro to Kevin McEnroe.
31:13 – 35:43 : Kevin intro, fame proximity struggles, anonymity in bars, teaching tennis as service/acceptance, Substack "Serenity Side Down" origins (grandmother's story, novel title nod).
35:43 – 42:38 : Grandmother's Hollywood/addiction arc (diet pills, Elvis stories, journals), empathy in writing, mom's self-sabotage (Rescue Me set relapse), codependency patterns.
42:38 – 47:11 : Kevin's first highs (high school drinking, college tramadol), mom's custody/test clean periods, codependency guilt (felt responsible for her safety).
47:11 – 53:34 : College mom crack arrest fallout, co-dependency ("shouldn't live my own life"), mom's threats post-stroke, boundary-setting breakthrough.
53:34 – 58:12 : Writing as outlet (child's perspective piece), pairing opiates with creativity (fearlessness), bougie-to-burn-it-down theory.
58:12 – 01:02:57 : Childhood avoidance of mom's drug scenes (mattresses in corner, closed doors), embarrassment stories (camp drop-off), terminal uniqueness shattering.
01:02:57 – 01:07:21 : High school/college restraint, girlfriend normalcy, post-college LoweEast scene (Schiller's bar life, coke culture).
01:07:21 – 01:11:38 : Schiller's escalation (shift drinking to coke-at-work), paranoia stories (dad's voice hallucination).
01:11:38 – 01:16:13 : Public vs. private personas, mom's interviews, writing class outlet, Columbia grad school.
01:16:13 – 01:20:58 : Oxy 30s turning point (presence, listening), rapid progression, book deal excitement amid using.
01:20:58 – 01:25:33 : Book sale, dad dinner disaster (high, cops, Post cover "McEnroe Kid Drug Bust").
01:25:33 – 01:30:06 : Betty Ford treatment (resistant, planning Day 121 drink), Anthony Bourdain fantasy.
01:30:06 – 01:34:41 : Post-treatment drinking explosion, pancreatitis, more treatment.
01:34:41 – 01:39:24 : Relapse cycle, gay bar epiphany, pancreatitis again, heroin switch.
01:39:24 – 01:43:58 : Darkest phase (suicide notes, agoraphobia, liver failure fear), sister's sobriety influence, hospital month (Mount Sinai).
01:43:58 – 01:48:32 : Mom's overdose/coma during treatment, plug-pulling decision, willingness breakthrough.
01:48:32 – 01:53:03 : Mom's recovery signs (singing Personal Jesus), escape attempt, chair-throwing visit.
01:53:03 – 01:58:01 : Full willingness, meetings, tennis teaching as service, Substack for transparency.
01:58:01 – 02:02:43 : Dad's hug/visit, current life (writing novel, Knicks obsession).
02:02:43 – 02:07:12 : Wrap-up, thanks to AJ Delario/Small Bow, final thoughts.
02:07:12 – end: Banjo cover of Dopey theme song by listener Jake (with extra verse), outro plugs.
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