From Trauma to Triumph: A Survivor’s Journey Through Addiction, Jail, and Recovery

Episode Summary:

In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense, host Kevin Rosenquist and criminal defense attorney William Pernik are joined by Adina, a former client whose journey defies every stereotype about addiction and crime.

William shares his pioneering approach to criminal defense, targeted solution advocacy, and explains why trauma-informed representation is essential for breaking the cycle of incarceration. Together, they explore Adina’s powerful life story: from a strict religious upbringing and childhood abuse to heroin addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and, ultimately, sobriety, redemption, and professional success.

This episode challenges assumptions about who becomes addicted, how recovery works, and what the justice system gets wrong. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we treat the human being behind the case.

Key Timestamps:

• 00:06 – Introduction to the podcast
• 00:45 – William Pernik’s background and philosophy of targeted solution advocacy
• 03:20 – Why traditional defense misses the mark
• 05:27 – How Adina’s story sparked this episode
• 06:33 – Adina joins the show and shares her perspective on addiction and stigma
• 09:03 – The role of trauma in addiction and criminal charges
• 09:53 – Growing up in an ultra-Orthodox home
• 11:52 – Unspoken abuse and early emotional trauma
• 14:01 – How childhood silence led to isolation and risk
• 17:45 – First experiences with drugs and the power of heroin
• 20:37 – Full list of substances used and their effects
• 23:00 – Addiction, shame, and the vicious cycle of self-worth
• 24:30 – Surviving on the streets, thriving in dysfunction
• 28:40 – Why people have a hard time understanding addicts
• 32:33 – How fentanyl changed everything
• 35:02 – The truth about access to drugs in jail
• 39:58 – Why Adina left treatment after just one night
• 41:08 – Adina’s turning point
• 42:55 – Adina’s perspective on whether or not people really find recovery in a pattern of three
• 44:49 – The role of trauma therapy in Adina’s recovery
• 48:38 – Adina’s life today: two years sober, a licensed professional, and a house manager helping other women

About the Show:

Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense explores criminal justice through a trauma-informed lens. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring attorney William Pernik, the show challenges punitive norms and lifts up real stories of advocacy, recovery, and healing. Each episode reveals how compassionate defense can rewrite futures and how the system must evolve to truly serve justice.