“The Fifth Vital” is a memoir written by Mike Majlak, co-written by Riley J. Ford. It explores the author’s journey through drug addiction and recovery, as well as his experiences working in social media and the entertainment industry. The book also delves into his personal relationships, including his friendship with YouTuber Logan Paul. Throughout the story, Majlak reflects on the importance of mental health, the power of self-discovery, and the value of seeking help when needed.
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The Fifth Vital
- Narrated by: Mike Majlak
Mike Majlak was a 17-year-old from a loving middle-class family in Milford, Connecticut, when he got caught up in the opioid epidemic that swept the nation. For close to a decade thereafter, his life was a wasteland of darkness and despair. While his peers were graduating from college, buying homes, getting married, having kids, and leading normal lives, Mike was snorting Oxycontin, climbing out of cars at gunpoint, and burying his childhood friends.
Unable to break free from his addiction, he eventually loses the trust and support of all those who once loved him. Alone, with nothing but medicine to keep him company, darkness enveloped him and the light within him – the last glimmer of hope – began to dim. His dreams, potential and future are all swallowed up by a nagging addiction too strong to resist.
Despair filled him as he realized he wasn’t going to survive. Somehow, he did. He not only survived, he thrived. Now, he’s a social media personality with millions of followers and an entrepreneur, marketer, podcaster, YouTuber, and author who hopes to use his voice to shine a light for those whose own lights have grown dim. This is his story.
I am a house keeper, but was once a child who was abused by her addictive parents. So hard to listen to without absolutely balling my eyes out. Such a compelling story that unfortunately a lot of us completely understand. If you’re an addict, or love someone who is/was. Very much recommend
