#028 11 Years Sober | The Beverly Vance Aikins Story

Living on Incline | Beverly Vance Aikins

Sep 1, 2026

Long before she became a central figure in Vice President JD Vance's bestselling memoir and Netflix film Hillbilly Elegy, Beverly Vance Aikins was a registered nurse trapped in a 15-year battle with prescription opioid addiction, heroin, and devastating rock bottoms.

In this unvarnished long-form interview, Beverly Vance confronts her darkest chapters—from stealing painkillers as a hospital healthcare worker to the harrowing night she prayed not to wake up—and reveals the turning point that ultimately saved her life.

Now 11 years sober, Beverly reflects on overcoming substance abuse, repairing broken family relationships with her children—including her son JD Vance—earning her college degree at age 65, and devoting her career to addiction recovery counseling and mental health advocacy.

Watch as Beverly Vance shares her complete, untold journey of opiate addiction recovery, family reconciliation, hope, and lasting faith.