School of Rock Bottom

Do you really need to hit rock bottom to get clean and sober, or is that just a myth? Today’s guest is living proof that the story isn’t so simple. At 15 years old, Tihani was already using cocaine, experimenting with ADHD meds from the street, blacking out and carving tattoos into her own skin in drug-fuelled hazes. By her twenties she was on benders, remembering the days of the week by counting how many pills she'd taken since the weekend. Yet despite the chaos, she built a successful creative career, performing on global stages and working with brands like Vogue and Red Bull. But behind the glossy exterior was a dangerous secret: addiction was eating her alive.Eight years cocaine free & no hard alcohol or pills and 2 years completely sober, Tihani reveals the truth about addiction most people never hear. We talk about the illusion of control, the rituals of cocaine use, and why “dry sniffing” was just as destructive as the binges mixed with whiskey. She explains what it felt like to shift that obsessive intensity into wellness, how self-help and trauma therapy saved her, and whether addicts are actually the lucky ones for being forced to confront life’s hardest questions around why we are here and if life has any meaning. This conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about recovery. Do you really have to give up everything at once? What about nicotine? What is the actual root cause of addiction? And when the highs fade away, does life without drugs have any real meaning? For anyone who has ever questioned their relationship with substances, this episode is more than a story — it’s a wake-up call and one of my favourite conversations ever. If conversation can be 'art' then this is it. More on Tihane -She a genre-blending artist, creative director, and storyteller who’s spent her life chasing truth across continents and soundscapes. Her debut album The War on Love blends vintage R&B, tribal rhythms, and cinematic textures into healing anthems that hit deep. She’s performed on global stages from TEDx to SXSW, and led creative work for Vogue Italia, RedBull, and NY Fashion Week and beneath the success is an honest story about pain, shame, healing — and learning to create from who you really are. Huge thanks!Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eTihane recommends this book -https://tinyurl.com/5wn4s8e6Oliver mentions Sober Dave -https://www.soberdave.co.ukThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 4:00 A rock bottom moment 7:30 Is a rock bottom required to get into recovery?10:00 Addiction is on a spectrum!12:15 Using coke at 15 16:00 Street ADHD meds 17:35 Dry sniffing?21:10 "Downers weren't for me!"24:15 Shifting intensity into wellness 26:45 Giving up drugs and alcohol one at a time 30:00 Self help and trauma therapy 34:15 Are addicts lucky?36:30 Does life have purpose and meaning? 43:20 Cocaine was the ultimate permission slip 45:15 Does Tihane miss cocaine? 47:30 Do you have to give up EVERYTHING at once? 50:15 Sponsor51:15 What about nicotine?53:00 What is the root cause of addiction?55:45 First steps to recovery Follow Tihane https://www.instagram.com/tihane___?Follow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsWatch here -YouTube - TBCSpotify - https://spoti.fi/3Z0Pr1rApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #SchoolOfRockBottom

When someone you love is suicidal, what do you say?In this next quick thought, I revisit a conversation with Jon Salmon exploring the truth of reaching the edge — and the power of direct questions that can save a life. Suicide remains one of the hardest subjects to talk about, but silence can be deadly. Here, we uncover how asking the right question at the right time could change everything, and why conversation, therapy, self-awareness and daily check-ins are vital tools in recovery. This moment is about turning pain into understanding, and showing that hope exists even at our lowest point.The discussion takes us inside the experience of suicidal thoughts, the stigma that still lingers around talking about it, and why it is so important to break that silence. We hear how therapy, CBT and medication supported early recovery, and how small daily routines — from making a cup of tea to going for a run — became lifelines. It’s a reminder that support does not always have to come from family, but can be found in friends, colleagues and unexpected places.This clip also shows how self-awareness becomes a form of protection. By learning to check in with ourselves each day and honouring our limits, we can avoid sliding back into the darkness. Hitting rock bottom changes how we see the world, but it also teaches us boundaries, empathy, and how to better support others when we notice they are struggling.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODEYouTube - https://bit.ly/3VSr4FdSpotify - https://bit.ly/3ISQlHlApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQFor anyone looking for further support, Jon recommends -Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.ukShout - Text 'SHOUT' to 85258Samaritans - Call 116123 or email jo@samaritans.orgAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow John -Websitewww.jon-salmon.comSocial Media Accountswww.linkedin.com/in/jcsalmonwww.twitter.com/jonsalmonwww.instagram.com/j0nsalmonwww.youtube.com/@JonSalmonwww.twitter.com/speakerscollectwww.linkedin.com/company/speakers-collective-ukwww.instagram.com/speakers.collectivewww.facebook.com/SpeakersCollectivewww.youtube.com/@speakerscollectiveFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#SuicidePrevention#MentalHealthAwareness#SchoolOfRockBottom

My guest today is someone who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation around addiction and recovery. Today I sit down with Taner Hassan, an actor, psychotherapist, and addiction specialist who is 18 years sober, to explore the darkest and most transformative moments of his life. Taner opens up about terrifying drug-induced psychosis, drinking and using cocaine and weed, and how substance use started as a teenager and spiralled into chaos. He shares what it was like to lose his mind - the fear and confusion of losing touch with reality, and how he eventually got clean and sober at 25.We also discuss the deeper reasons behind addiction: how Taner used substances to fill a void, the impact of fame, validation, and rejection, and why family interventions can sometimes help—or hinder—the recovery process. Taner offers an honest look at recovery, tackling questions like whether addiction is really a choice, the truth about dry drunks, total abstinence, and the best ways to get sober. This episode is raw, honest, and impossible to ignore, full of lessons for anyone struggling with overthinking, addiction, or feeling stuck in life. He’s someone who doesn’t just talk about change — he helps people live it. More on Taner -Taner was pursuing a career within the entertainment industry as a trained actor, presenter & musician including making it to the finals of the TV show Popstars where addiction took hold. He is 18 years sober, and in that time he’s become one of the most respected voices in the field as a psychotherapist, addiction specialist, and currently Head of Service at Rehubs, a pioneering online treatment provider. He’s also a certified sex and porn addiction therapist & performance coach. Over nearly two decades, he has worked across the full spectrum of addiction and mental health services — from NHS units and prison programmes to private clinics and community outreach. But what makes him stand out isn’t just his qualifications — it’s how he brings trauma-informed, person-centred recovery into everything he does.Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 4:35 One of Taner's rock bottom moments 6:35 What is a drug induced psychosis?8:20 Coke, weed & booze11:40 Getting clean and sober at 2512:50 Drinking and using as a kid 14:40 Why Taner was filling the void 21:20 Fame, validation, rejection and addiction 33:20 Do family interventions work?36:35 How Taner got recovery 38:05 What's the best way to get sober?44:50 Is the dry drunk real? 49:25 Sponsor 50:25 Total abstineence?52:35 Is addiction a choice? Follow Taner https://www.instagram.com/tanertherapyThe Recovery Cartel https://www.instagram.com/therecoverycartelFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/3whvvb8dSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/3e5hudu8Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyJourney

What does it really take to walk away from crack cocaine after 15 years? In this next quick thought, I go back to an incredible conversation with Jennifer Joseph - you’ll hear the truth of someone who not only used but was deeply embedded in that world—making it, distributing it, and living in constant danger. And yet, one life-changing choice set them free.WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/5fnsdr7xSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/mw5btxfcApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAt 16, actor Jennifer Joseph was coerced into a life of drug dealing. Quickly she rised to the very top and was known as The General, travelling the world as a generator and importer of narcotics - with connections to all the major players including "The Cocaine Godmother" Giselda Blanco. Jen thought she was invincible, whilst also battling a daily crack addiction and, eventually, was caught at Gatwick airport with hundreds of thousands of pounds of marijuana and was sent to prison at aged 39. About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow JenInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/gemzgirlFollow Nubian Co-heARTshttps://instagram.com/nubiancoheartsFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#AddictionRecovery#SchoolOfRockBottom#SobrietyJourney

What happens when success comes at the cost of your sanity? At 24, Dorothy Herson had achieved the dream: a training contract at one of London’s most elite law firms. But behind the polished exterior was an insecure overachiever battling bipolar disorder, addicted to validation, fuelled by long hours, and quietly self-medicating with Adderall, Xanax, and alcohol. That path led her to a psychiatric hospital and the question: how do you rebuild when everything you worked for collapses?This conversation is not just about addiction. It’s about the hidden cost of ambition, the culture of workaholism, and the courage it takes to move from shame into recovery. Dorothy and I also explore what it really means to be an insecure overachiever, the reality of addiction for young people in high-pressure careers, and how stereotypes about the 12 steps can hold people back from getting help. We talk about the journey of moving beyond shame, why Gen Z are already redefining the way work and stress are managed, and what true sober inclusivity in the workplace could look like.More on Dorothy - Dorothy Herson is a former lawyer turned journalist, mental health advocate, and editor for a Cambridge University Press journal focused on mood disorders. She is the author of The Rag Doll Contract and is about to begin a PhD in Literature and Medicine, where she will explore the intersection of narrative and mental health. Dorothy has written about addiction amd mental in various newspapers around the world. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 4:15 Dorothy's rock bottom moment 6:00 Addiction to work & validation 8:45 Dealing with having neurological episodes as a child 10:15 Adderall was my gateway drug!12:55 Xanax & wine to come down 15:00 Using drugs and alcohol to function 17:40 Prescription drugs & sleeping tablets20:30 WE ARE NOT DOCTORS & FREE LAPSE! 23:30 Finding recovery & healing 26:00 Addiction doesn't discriminate?28:30 Stereotypes of 12 step fellowship & managing bipolar34:15 What is an insecure overachiever?40:15 Gen Z, work and managing stress 43:45 Addiction and young people47:05 Sponsor48:10 Sober inclusivity in the workplace 52:45 The Rag Doll Contract 54:00 Moving on from shame and guilt Follow Dorothy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dorothy_hersonFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - Spotify - Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyJourney

One binge almost cost actor John Pickard everything — his relationship, his child, and his future.WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON Youtube - https://bit.ly/49LHNNOApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQSpotify - https://bit.ly/42S8puBIn this next quick thought, we explore how a single night of heavy drinking and drug use became the turning point. What started as “just a night out” spiralled into a wake-up call that forced him to confront the dangerous patterns he thought he had left behind. We talk openly about the hidden risks of binge drinking and drugging, the shame and guilt that follow, and how quickly old habits can resurface when you’re pulled back into the wrong environments. This clip is about breaking destructive cycles before they destroy the people and the life you love.It’s also a candid look at the reality of addiction that doesn’t fit the stereotypes — the kind that hides behind months of being “fine” before one night derails everything. We discuss the mental and physical crash that follows a binge, the role of daily routines in recovery, and the challenge of redefining what normal looks like when drinking and drug use have been part of your life since childhood.If you’ve ever convinced yourself “it’s just one night” or seen someone you care about repeat the same cycle, this conversation will make you think twice. About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalMore on John -John Pickard is an actor, producer and filmmaker with a career spanning 25 years gracing the screens of many UK TV classics including 2 point 4 Children & Hollyoaks. Not content with just being in front of the camera, he seamlessly transitioned into the role of First Assistant Director, lending his expertise to a variety of films, including two feature productions and Channel 4 soaps.In 2016, he embarked on a new adventure by founding WildStreet, an independent production company that became a temporary home for crafting documentaries for Channel 4, short films for diverse artists, and countless 'proof of concepts' for Commissioners.Adding to his multifaceted repertoire, John recently completed a Screenwriting MA at Goldsmiths and now contributes his creative prowess to BearJam, an independent production company based in the vibrant district of Brixton.Beyond the glitz of the entertainment industry, John Pickard is also a passionate footballer, having graced both the iconic Wembley stadiums—Old and New—for charity matches, earning himself a well-deserved Man of the Match cup. Yet, amidst all these achievements, his most cherished title is that of a father to his nearly five-year-old daughter. Follow John Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/johnpickardLinkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pickard-442a8830/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnnyinapickleFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#bingedrinking#addiction#breakthecycle

Cat thought she was just about managing. The undiagnosed ADHD, the mental load, the drinking. Cat wasn’t drinking in the mornings, she hadn’t lost her job or her kids, so how could she be an alcoholic? But the truth is, the mental gymnastics of planning every drink, hiding the chaos, and pretending to cope led to complete burnout. In this incredible conversation, Cat Sims sits down with me to share the stark truth behind the mask – the trauma, the shame, the moment everything collapsed, and the surprising reasons why she wouldn’t change any of it. Rock bottom is rarely a a single event. This conversation is a layered, painful, and ultimately powerful journey into honesty, acceptance and recovery.Cat opens up about the mental load of motherhood and how the pressure to be perfect masked years of silent suffering. We talk about postnatal depression, the seductive role alcohol played in survival, and the personal cost of avoiding vulnerability. She shares the story of a blackout that led to assault, how she stayed in active addiction for years after, and why she finally made the choice to stop. We explore sobriety not just as abstinence but as a spiritual and psychological boundary – a way of keeping the doors locked in a world that isn’t always safe. We break down the stigma of the word 'alcoholic', why being powerless gives you power, food and phone addiction and why alcoholism isn't about alcohol. If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, felt trapped by perfectionism, or carried the weight of doing everything for everyone, this conversation will speak directly to you. Cat’s honesty is refreshing, very often funny, and deeply moving. Her new book, The Mental Load Diaries, is out now and comes from a place of lived experience, not theory.Buy her brilliant new book here!https://notsosmugnow.komi.ioMore on Cat - Cat sims is a content creator, podcaster and author who is still trying to figure the whole ‘adulting’ thing out.She’s made a living out of documenting her failures and successes as a 40 year old woman, a mother and a wife across various social media platforms.Her mission in life is to make as many women as possible feel ‘seen’ and to make them realise that they are never, ever, ‘the only one.’ She’s honest, wonderfully self-deprecating and willing to say all the things the rest of us hide away and, in doing so, managed to make us all feel a little bit better about our perfectly messy lives. Cat is author of the new book THE MENTAL LOAD DIARIES and is nearly 4 years sober. Huge thanks Cat! Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Support the pod here!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Topics -0:00 Intro 4:00 Cat's rock bottom7:30 Is rock bottom one singular moment? 9:30 Post-natal depression & burnout 14:00 The fetishization of motherhood & managing relationships 20:00 How alcohol and drugs helped and hurt 'the mental load' 24:00 Pick up 1 drink and then...?25:30 Acceptance of darker sides to yourself 26:40 Let's talk relapse29:00 The effects of undiagnosed ADHD34:15 ADHD and addiction 36:20 Food addiction 38:45 Where are you getting your dopamine?41:00 Sponsor 42:00 Why use the word ALCOHOLIC?44:30 What do you say at the bar? 45:30 What does an alcoholic look like? 47:45 Why I wouldn't "cure" my alcoholism & relapse50:00 Why I'm an alcoholic 51:15 Why powerless means power 52:25 Alcoholism isn't about alcohol 53:30 The phone & social media 55:30 ADHD energy helps me be creative 57:00 Why do people go back out?58:50 What do you want written on your gravestone?Follow CatInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/notsosmugnowWATCH ON YOUTUBE - https://tinyurl.com/3zt4pewwLISTEN ON APPLE - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#SobrietyJourney#MentalLoad#ADHDAndAddiction

Your Thoughts Are Not The Truth – How To Stop Believing Every Intrusive ThoughtWATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE - https://tinyurl.com/rudcwcuvSpotify - https://bit.ly/4bxJxMFApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQWhat if the thoughts you fear the most… meant nothing at all? I revisit a conversation with actor Georgina Lock, as we uncover the truth about intrusive thoughts, OCD, and why learning to see your thoughts for what they are could change your life. If you’ve ever felt trapped in your own mind, this short clip will help you understand how to step back, stop over-analysing, and finally breathe again.We talk about why thoughts aren’t facts – and how believing they are keeps us stuck. We explore the “pink elephant” problem and why thought suppression never works. You’ll hear about the power of saying “maybe” when fear takes over and how OCD attacks the things you care about most.This episode also looks at the key shift that helps you become the observer of your thoughts rather than a prisoner of them. If you’ve ever believed your fears defined you, this will be the reminder you need: they don’t.About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. About Georgia -Georgia Lock is an actor and OCD advocate living in London, she began her career on CBBC at the age of 13 and went on to work with Disney channel in various shows. Credits include: Sadie J, The Evermoore Chronicals and the voice of Sadie Sparks with new projects being announed this year. An avid poet, Georgia won a competition in 2019 to have a small collection of her poetry published and is now working on her second collection for the publisher. She also writes music which is often inspired by mental health struggles and has run poetry workshops for OCD UK and was a panelist at the OCD action conference. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!Follow Georgia Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/georgia_nathalieFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#IntrusiveThoughts #OCDRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness

What happens when you hit your lowest point and realise you’re living a life that’s not your own?In this episode, I’m joined by Jack Cotterill — a jazz drummer, creative entrepreneur and performance coach — who once lived the wild rock star life, caught in addiction and self-sabotage, before flipping his story entirely. Jack quit alcohol and cocaine, lost over 10 stone, rebuilt his confidence, and now coaches creatives and entrepreneurs worldwide on how to ditch bad habits, find discipline and turn their creative energy into real success. His journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change your path and truly be yourself.We dig into why alcohol so often leads to cocaine, the psychology behind the infamous “F IT” button that flips once the first drink goes in, and whether counting sober days is actually helpful. Jack opens up about why drinking and drugging is ultimately selfish and how it impacts everyone around you, as well as why being “in debt to life” — recognising what life has given you — and practising self‑compassion are crucial in recovery.We also talk about why moderation is impossible for many of us, and why taking full responsibility for your addiction is the true path to freedom. Jack’s story takes you from chaotic weekends to clarity, with practical insights on building a life you don’t want to escape from.Jack has built multiple businesses from scratch, including Grow Sober — a coaching programme helping creatives and entrepreneurs take control of their lives. Today, he works with ambitious people all over the world, helping them ditch bad habits, build serious discipline and turn their creative energy into real success.Huge thanks to Jack for sharing so openly — this is one you won’t want to miss!Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Intro 3:45 Jack's rock bottom 9:05 What did this moment teach Jack?11:10 The "F IT" button 12:10 Stopping drinking isn't about stopping drinking!16:10 Should you count sober and clean days? 18:10 Alcohol always leads to cocaine 21:10 Dumping booze to dump cocaine?26:05 Go to the pub in early recovery?29:05 0% beer useful?33:30 Sponsor34:30 Why drinking is selfish!38:35 Compassion for your own recovery?40:25 You need to be 'in debt' to life? 42:55 Are you responsible for your addiction?44:10 MODERATION IS IMPOSSIBLE!50:35 How I lost 10 stone!53:15 What do you want written on your gravestone?Follow JackInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jackcotterillFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/yvhp2bd6Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Z0Pr1rApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#AddictionRecovery #CocaineRecovery #AlcoholRecovery

Binge Eating, Shame & Self-Hate | Why We Use Food to Numb with actor Danny Kirrane. WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE - https://bit.ly/3RQ2RvsSpotify - https://bit.ly/3ROsEEhApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQEmotional eating. Body shame. The guilt spiral. If you’ve ever binged on food, hated yourself after, and promised to “be good tomorrow,” this conversation will hit hard. We talk honestly about binge eating as a coping mechanism — how food becomes a way to numb, escape overthinking and silence pain.In this next quick thought, I revisit a conversation with Danny Kirrane and we jump into the link between food and self-worth, masculinity, body image and why men rarely talk about it. If you feel stuck in the eat–shame–repeat cycle, you are not alone — and there is a way through.About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. About Danny -Danny Kirrane is a leading actor in the period drama The Serpent Queen for Starz/Lionsgate co-starring with Samantha Morton and Charles Dance and he has just finished filming the Netflix comedy drama Baby Reindeer. Other lead roles in shows include The Sandman, Wasted, Don’t Forget the Driver & Critical. Other shows include Peterloo, Skins, The Inbetweeners & The Pirates of The Caribbean. Danny has extensive theatre credits including Mark Rylance's West End production of Jerusalem. Danny completed a Physics with Astrophysics Degree at Leeds University before becoming an actor after training with the National Youth Theatre.Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!Follow DannyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/dannykirraneX - https://x.com/DannyKirraneFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#babyreindeer #bingeeating #anxiety

What happens when you’re raised in chaos, start drinking heavily at 13 whilst navigating autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD & PTSD, plus wanting to get sober before you’re legally allowed to drink then stopping at 18?! I sit down with actress, dancer and reiki healer Scarlett Alice, who opens up about growing up with two parents addicted to alcohol and drugs, the trauma that shaped her and the moment she chose sobriety at just 18. Then comes the flip - her parents enter recovery and give her the inspiration to join them on the path to joy and serenity! 12 years later she's still sober and strong. Her story is brave, emotional, and proof that it’s possible to rewrite the script — no matter how it starts. Scarlett shares what it felt like growing up in a household that looked perfect on the outside but was riddled with dysfunction behind closed doors. We talk about being a kid who could sense addiction before she even understood it, and how that shaped her early need for escape and intensity. She shares her earliest drinking memories — from getting drunk on trampolines at 13 to blacking out in nightclubs by 17 — and what finally pushed her to make a decision most people wouldn’t at any age - let alone as a teenager. Scarlett doesn’t glorify addiction — she talks about the coldness, the shame, the emptiness, and why it’s never just about the substance. It’s about the feeling underneath that needs soothing and how hard it is to let go of something that once made you feel safe — even when it’s killing you.We get into how getting sober isn’t the end of fun — it’s actually the beginning. Scarlett shares how she handles awkward questions at parties, how she deals with FOMO and what sober dating really looks like when everyone else is still romanticising chaos. She gives practical advice on coping without numbing, how to spot when a ‘treat’ is actually a trap and why not all recovery paths look the same. Whether it’s the sober-curious movement, microdosing mushrooms or complete abstinence, Scarlett believes recovery should be flexible, honest and rooted in self-awareness. Her advice for young people is honest, unpatronising and grounded in lived experience. Scarlett is warm, funny, unapologetically honest and says the quiet parts out loud. I'm so grateful she made the trip from Brighton to share her story with us!Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Intro 2:40 Scarlett's rock bottom4:10 When did drinking start?10:00 Excuses & last straw moment 11:40 Why did you stop drinking at 1813445 How my parents helped me get sober 17:30 Peer pressure at 18 from friends?20:25 Sober? The fun has just begun!21:55 Dealing with awkward questions at a party 24:10 Did you feel like you were missing out? 25:10 What do you make of being sober curious? 27:30 Unhealthy coping mechanisms 28:45 Microdosing mushrooms? 31:05 Sponsor32:05 Navigating sober dating 35:00 There are many routes to recovery!37:30 Navigating neurodiversity, PTSD and addiction 44:40 Advice for young people struggling with addiction Follow Scarlett https://www.instagram.com/scarlettalicewellnessFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/yvhp2bd6Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Z0Pr1rApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#SoberCurious#AddictionRecovery#MentalHealthAwareness

“I want to fill my soul up, not my void up!”Former Love Island star, speaker, author and all-round amazing human Malin Andersson opens up about the darkest corners of her life — from losing a parent, surviving an abusive relationship, and losing her daughter — to discovering an inner strength that can’t be explained but is undeniably real. We talk about what happens when the distractions & addictions are stripped away, when you're left with the void you've been so desperately trying to fill with addiction and when the only way out is through finding purpose and inner healing. We explore what it means to confront your shadow, to stop running, and to sit still long enough to hear what the pain has to say. There’s something here for anyone who's ever felt broken, stuck, or lost — and wondered if they had what it takes to keep going. Whether you're in recovery, soul-searching, or simply need a reminder that you’re not alone — this is for you. If you're ready to stop filling the void up and start filling your soul up — stay with us!About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!Follow Malin Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/missmalinsaraTikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@malin_sara_anderssonFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsWatch the FULL episode here Spotify - https://bit.ly/3HWiVaBYouTube - https://bit.ly/3SBXSz1Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ#loveisland #bingedrinking #recovery

[TW: sexual violence & child sexual abuse – discussed from the start] I sit down with a survivor of sexual violence Madeleine Black, who shares her extraordinary journey — from the silence she held for years, to the shame that followed her through school and the deep impact it had on her sense of identity. She speaks openly about the PTSD she didn’t know she had, the physical toll it took on her body, and how trauma can remain locked in our cells long after the event.We explore how she began to heal — through therapy and confronting the memories she had once buried. She shares how her body would shake, cry, and throw up during sessions — and how, despite all of it, she found her way through. What’s remarkable is how forgiveness entered her life, not as a decision, but as something she describes as “accidental.” She didn’t seek revenge. Instead, she chose to heal — not for anyone else, but for herself.We also look into the cultural side of this story — the rise in misogyny and violence towards women, the danger of men like Andrew Tate and why we need to talk about how to educate young men. Shows like Netflix’s Adolescence are doing important work in this space, and we unpack how early conversations about consent, boundaries, and empathy can change everything.This episode is a powerful, intelligent and moving looking at what it really takes to heal, why shame is so powerful — and how survival is never simple, but always possible.Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Intro 3:30 Madeleine's rock bottom6:15 Why didn't Madeleine tell anyone? 7:30 Reputation at school 9:00 Do you blame alcohol? 11:30 Are rape survivors more likely to be raped again? 12:30 No one asked me if I was OK 14:00 What caused Madeleine to stop eating and drinking?16:10 100% of rapes are caused by rapist's 17:20 Revenge?19:30 I'm an accidental forgiver 21:30 Forgiving & healing yourself 23:40 I'm from a family of survivors 26:25 Trauma was locked into my cells 29:00 Healing PTSD 30:30 Strength in private moments 35:30 Letting go of shame 36:30 Lessons from Netflix's Adolescence & Andrew Tate 40:20 Sponsor 41:20 How do we educate young people? 42:30 Why young men become incels Follow46:30 Going in to get out! 51:40 What do you want written on your gravestone?Follow Madeleine Website - https://madeleineblack.co.ukBuy her book - https://amzn.eu/d/5j95ilCInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/madblack65Follow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/3tjdsvwaSpotify - https://spoti.fi/3Z0Pr1rApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#PTSDRecovery#SexualAssaultSurvivor#ToxicMasculinity

In this deeply personal thought, I revisit my conversation with Filmmaker Maddie Kitchen as we explore the reality of relapse in recovery — not as a failure, but as something many people experience on the path to long-term sobriety. My personal view is that relapse is part of addiction - not recovery, as it nearly killed me on many occasions. Relapse is not without severe risk and many people die so it's far from a recommendation. However, it was a huge part of my journey and this conversation highlights this perfectly. If it doesn't kill you - it can serve as a great teacher and there is no failure if you keep trying until recovery sticks. Our guest shares their powerful story of being sober for 12 years, following two relapses during the early years of recovery. The first came after a bout of clinical depression; the second lasted two weeks. These moments could have derailed everything. Instead, they became turning points. We talk openly about what relapse means, the fear and shame that often surround it and the stigma people face. We also reflect on the extraordinary strength it takes to stay sober through bereavement, illness and loss — including breast cancer, family illness, and grief. This episode is a reminder that life doesn’t stop being difficult once we get sober — but with the right support, therapy, and community, it becomes possible to face even the hardest challenges without returning to old patterns. We also discuss how early childhood trauma and mental health issues can shape addiction, with insights into the impact of postpartum psychosis and disrupted early bonds. This is an honest conversation that strips away myths around alcoholism and shows the human story behind long-term recovery. Whether you’re sober, struggling, or supporting someone who is, this is a must-listen.About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!Follow Maddie & Sobriety Films Instagram - https://instagram.com/sobriety_filmsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/sobriety.films.uk/Twitter/X - https://x.com/UkSobrietyWebsite - http://www.sobrietyfilms.comFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsWatch the FULL episode here Spotify - https://bit.ly/47Wka4wApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/mw5btxfc#RecoveryStory #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthRecovery

Singer and spoken word artist Jessica Wilde opens up about her journey through addiction, heartbreak and early sobriety — and how connection, creativity and community helped her rebuild from the ground up.From a brief but intense relationship that shattered her sense of self, to finding clarity in nature, yoga studios, and unexpected friendships - Jessica shares her truth of what recovery really looks like — beyond just putting down the drink. Jessica shares the paradox of sobriety and insecurity — and why it’s often just the start of real inner work, how yoga, music and spoken word connected her to a sober community, why every painful relationship reveals a deeper lesson about self-worth and how reconnecting with creativity can rewire your identity in sobriety. This conversation is honest, unfiltered, and full of hard-earned insight. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or alone in your recovery — or if you’re supporting someone who is — this one’s for you. More on Jessica -Jessica Wilde is a South London artist known for raw, soul-searing vocals and sharp-witted spoken word, blending honesty and empowerment in every lyric. Her debut project felt like a diary—covering addiction, toxic relationships, and wild nights—culminating in a powerful journey to self-love and sobriety.Now back with her new album Teach Me How To Love, Jessica explores transformation and connection, earning airplay across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, and 6Music, and press in CLASH, Complex, and more. She’s collaborated with Rudimental, Emeli Sandé, and Todd Terry, and hit major stages like Glastonbury and Soultown Festival. She’s also the founder of PxSSY PWR—spotlighting rising underground women—with a Hootananny residency, fashion collab with Fame Magazine, and festival takeovers to her name.Topics 0:00 Intro3:50 Jessica's rock bottom8:25 Using drinking as a way to mask what you don't like about yourself 10:00 Are people sent to you to teach you something?12:00 Jessica starts drinking at 13 15:05 Drinking escalates 16:45 The power of community 18:40 Intimacy and being sober 19:40 Psychedelics as part of recovery?25:35 Connection is the opposite of addiction 31:15 Sponsor32:17 Rat park experiment34:00 Is Jessica...WILD?!36:00 Partying sober!39:40 Staying sober 41:55 PUSSY POWERFollow Jessica NEW ALBUM 'TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE'https://slinky.to/TMHTLInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamjessicawildewww.instagram.com/itsthatpxssypwrTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjessicawildeYouTube - https://youtube.com/@iamjessicawildeFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/57wav9emSpotify - https://spoti.fi/3Z0Pr1rApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#AddictionRecovery #SoberLiving #MentalHealthAwareness

In this next quick thought, I return to a powerful conversation with Carl Scott as we document the real turning point from heroin addiction to a purpose-driven life. We go through all the tools that helped Carl get clean. From methadone clinics, therapy, SMART, Intuitive Recovery to running recovery programmes, to finding identity in service – this is a story of action over talk, grit over glamour. Whether you’re struggling, supporting someone who is, or just need reminding of the power of community and purpose - this episode will resonate. About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 6PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!Follow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsListen or watch THE FULL EPISODE here (School of Rock Bottom Ep 23)Spotify - https://bit.ly/3SQuJ4KApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/zknk23y9#AddictionRecovery#MentalHealthAwareness#PurposeDrivenLife

Self-Pity, Fear & Anger! Addiction loves these themes to convince us that it's lies are real. Addiction doesn’t just lie—it uses your own voice to do it. And the worst part? It makes you believe it's all your fault and the only way out is a drink or a drug. In this solo episode, I go deeper than the obvious narratives. We break down the three hidden vehicles addiction uses to keep us stuck: self-pity, fear and anger. You’ll learn how to dismantle the belief that you don’t deserve self-forgiveness and recovery, that life has no meaning, that others are better than you, smash the fear of losing what you have or not getting what you want, and reframe anger as a tool—not a trap. It's time to move forward and break free. This is essential listening for anyone in early recovery or you’ve got years under your belt. These aren’t just thoughts—they’re weapons if we don't know how to react to them. It’s time to take them apart.Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Intro 4:00 Self Pity 6:15 You are scum and don't deserve recovery!17:30 Life is shit - what's the point?!26:40 Others are better than you!34:05 Sponsor 35:08 Fear - FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL36:40 You will lose what you have and not get what you want!48:20 Anger & resentment 49:05 People, places and things aren't doing what they should be doing!Follow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/39b2ja9uSpotify - https://spoti.fi/3Z0Pr1rApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible

What if your own mind told you the worst possible things—and then punished you for thinking them? In this quick thought, I revisit my episode with actress Ria Fay who has suffered OCD symptoms since aged 5 and today she provides a poignant and powerful account of what it is like to live with untreated OCD. But what EXACTLY is OCD? We unpack all the elements of OCD and frame it around Ria's experience. This is about losing control of your thoughts, fearing who you are, and doing anything to stop the shame. If you’ve ever questioned your mind or struggled in silence, this episode will speak to you.About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 6PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3eeFollow Ria Instagram - https://instagram.com/riafayFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/Riafay94Twitter/X - https://x.com/RiaFay9Concept Theatre - https://www.concepttheatre.co.ukFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsWatch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 2)YouTube - https://bit.ly/49RrCj1Spotify - https://bit.ly/49SJeeoApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ#OCDAwareness#MentalHealthMatters#IntrusiveThoughts

Today, award winning stand-up comic Molly McBride opens up about her harrowing descent into addiction and the moment she found herself locked in a psychiatric hospital 4 days after having just 'one' glass of wine. She documents a battle with alcohol that spiralled into years of chaos, blackouts, and a never-ending craving for more. Molly also sheds light on the horrors of drinking, how alcohol can quickly take control, and how devastating detox can be, revealing just how physically addictive the substance is and how it can lead to cocaine. But the struggle didn’t end there. Molly speaks about how her addiction led to cravings, relapse, and the challenging role family dynamics and genetic predispositions play in addiction. We also delve into her personal experience with ADHD and autism, exploring how these conditions intersect with addiction.In this episode, we discuss the often-overlooked realities of relying on anxiety medication and benzodiazepines, and the complexities of using substances like weed to self-medicate. Molly also shares her thoughts on the "Cali sober" trend—why it’s often misleading and what’s wrong with relying on certain substances while avoiding alcohol.We explore the unspoken dangers of alcohol, the brutal reality of detox, and why recovery isn’t just about quitting but understanding the deeper, often hidden factors at play. We also have a right laugh along the way! Molly credits meetings, fellowship and the steps to her recovery. Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Intro 2:30 Molly's rock bottom 4:30 The horrors of drinking 7:30 Alcohol grabs Molly fast 10:00 How Molly's relationship to alcohol changed 13:00 Detox & physically addicted 16:00 Understanding cravings & relapse 18:45 The genetic component of addiction21:00 Family dynamics 24:00 How my drinking career was like Scarface?26:15 ADHD is a trick question?27:30 The link between neurodiversity & addiction? 30:30 Is diagnosis a good thing? 33:20 The best people are in recovery!34:25 The healing journey & loving yourself again38:00 Why Cali Sober isn't sober?43:45 Let's talk anxiety meds!46:05 Sponsor47:10 Stand Up Comedy buzz & high!49:45 Working in recovery Follow Molly Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mollymcbridecomedyTik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@molly.mole1Follow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/yc59ftv7Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Z0Pr1rApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#AddictionRecovery #SoberLiving #MentalHealthAwareness

If you feel overwhelmed and confused after reading endless articles and books about addiction - you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down why understanding addiction is actually simple — and how knowing just TWO key parts of your brain could change everything. This isn’t about overcomplicating your recovery. It’s about cutting through the noise, empowering you with real knowledge, and showing you that healing is possible. If you want clarity and hope (not just jargon), this is for you.Today, I’m busting one of the biggest myths about addiction: that it's "too complicated to understand."Here’s the truth — while the reasons people develop addiction can be complex (trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression), what actually happens inside the brain is much simpler than you’ve been led to believe.In this episode, I break it down into two key players: The amygdala, your survival and emotional memory centre. The dopamine reward system, your brain’s way of reinforcing survival behaviours. I explain how these two areas work together, how addiction hijacks them, and why it can feel like your very survival depends on alcohol or drugs.But there’s good news: because the brain is neuroplastic, you can unlearn what’s been learned. Full recovery is possible. Your brain wants to heal — and it can.About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3eeFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsWatch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 22)YouTube - https://bit.ly/3NuVwzUSpotify - https://bit.ly/3RmMvu8Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ#Neuroscience#HumanBehaviour#AddictionRecovery