Early Life and Immigration

• 💡 Tina Dybal was born in Belarus on December 25, 1992, during the Soviet Union era.
• 🎯 Her parents, both linguists, met at a college north of Minsk and were around 22-23 when they had her.
• 🚀 The family immigrated to the United States, initially stopping in Pennsylvania before settling in Warrensburg, Missouri.
• ⚠️ Her father was approached by the KGB before their departure from Belarus, but he declined to join.

Childhood Trauma and Substance Abuse

• 💔 In eighth grade, at 11-12 years old, Tina experienced a traumatic assault at a party.
• 😔 This event, coupled with her parents trusting her like an adult and not being street-smart, contributed to her path toward substance abuse.
• 🌿 She began experimenting with alcohol and weed around age 12, later progressing to harder drugs.
• 💉 By age 16, Tina was using heroin and sharing needles, leading to a Hepatitis C diagnosis.

Rehab and Recovery Journey

• 🏥 At 16, Tina entered an intensive outpatient program in St. Louis, Missouri, after being diagnosed with Hepatitis C.
• 🗓️ She spent approximately three years in various rehab programs, from 2009 to 2012, effectively completing her high school years in treatment.
• 🎭 The rehab program involved group meetings, 'fear missions,' and unusual activities like chanting and, in one instance, defecating in sinks, which she found humor in.
• 🏆 Tina achieved four years of sobriety before relapsing in 2014 with alcohol and weed, later dabbling in cocaine.

Current Life and Perspective

• 🌱 Currently, Tina primarily uses weed to manage anxiety and prefers it over prescription medication.
• ✨ She reflects on her past with a sense of survival and acknowledges that her experiences, though tragic, have shaped her into who she is today.
• 💬 Tina believes in learning from mistakes and hopes to offer a better path for future generations.
• 🎤 She is a comedian and co-hosts the podcast 'Slop City' with Libby Higgins and is currently on tour.