Oct. 4, 2023

Tales of Tattoos and Triumphs in the Recovery Process

Eliza’s INKspirational stories will remind you that even in the darkest of times, there is hope for transformation, healing, and a much brighter future. They are a beacon of hope to all who have experienced addiction or have witnessed its devastating effects on loved ones.

“There’s so much stigma around addiction. How can we look at addiction as the disease it is, and yet still treat folks the way we do?”

Welcome to Episode 12, where our guest, Eliza Foltz, takes us on a journey of personal growth, recovery, and the transformative power of tattoos.

As she approaches her fourth year of sobriety on October 16, Eliza reflects on her arduous journey of being in and out of treatment for opioid addiction, which had plagued her for 15 long years.

Everything began when an unfortunate ice hockey injury led her towards a rapid reliance on OxyContin. Determined to share her experience and use her art to spread awareness and destigmatize addiction, Eliza proudly added body art to her right arm, which serves as a visual representation of her profound journey to recovery.

Eliza’s INKspirational stories will remind you that even in the darkest of times, there is hope for transformation, healing, and a much brighter future.

They are a beacon of hope to all who have experienced addiction or have witnessed its devastating effects on loved ones.

Thank you for tuning in and celebrating Eliza’s recovery and remarkable journey.

A special shoutout to Eliza’s talented tattoo artist, Kae James at Said & Done Tattoo studio.

Learn more about the Hyer Calling Foundation here, and check out Hope for the Flowers book here.

Tap here to connect with Eliza, and be sure to join us on Your Ink Story’s Instagram feed to watch the video reel showcasing Eliza’s many INKspirational tattoos.

Please rate and review this podcast wherever you are tuning in and, if this episode inkspired you, please share it, so we can bring more people together, inspire connection, and ignite conversations that go beyond the surface.

If you or someone you know has an ink story to share on the podcast, please send me an email: ande@yourinkstory.com.

We’d love to know what you think about Eliza’s journey and welcome your thoughts and INKspirations from these conversations in the comment threads wherever you’re tuning in … or over on Instagram @tellmeyourinkstory.

Waving from Boston and wishing you a delicious day, everywhere you glow – cheers!

Ande ♥

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Eliza Foltz Profile Photo

Eliza Foltz

Chief Growth Officer

I was an elite athlete who played at the Division 1 level and on the US National Team until an injury not only sidelined me but also got me deep into OxyContin -- and then heroin addiction. I struggled for 15 years and was in and out of treatment centers. I had multiple overdoses and several attempts to take my own life -- none of which were successful. It wasn't until I became pregnant with my husband that I decided enough was enough and I finally became committed to my recovery to try one last ditch effort to not just save my life but give the little innocent baby that was coming a chance at a normal life. Fortunately, this time was the time that mattered and recovery stuck. Coming from a conservative family, I had gotten a few tattoos during my years of using but once I found recovery I really began to use this art form to tell my story and express my feelings and find healing. It has been tremendously freeing. I work with one artist now who knows my entire story and creates each piece as a custom from the ground up to my specifications, not just to fit with the broader tale that is told on my body but also to reflect my personality and struggles and triumphs. Fortunately, my loving husband, Ryan, is also in recovery and finds freedom and growth in tattoos as well so he is very supportive.

Currently I work to bring innovation and tech to the Substance Use Disorder treatment and behavioral health industry by introducing biometrics and outcome measurement and elevation software to the space. My role is Chief Growth Officer at Pretaa. I live in the Boston,… Read More