Addicted to Recovery

In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, the hosts speak with Tony, who shares his powerful life story of addiction, trauma, and ultimately recovery.Tony grew up on a council estate in East London, raised by hardworking parents alongside his brother and sister. When Tony was young, his sister was tragically run over and lost her leg, an event that deeply impacted the family. Although the trauma was never openly discussed, Tony believes it contributed to his father becoming a heavy drinker and created an emotionally difficult home environment. tonyAs a child, Tony found escape and confidence through football, where he excelled and even attracted interest from professional clubs like Arsenal and West Ham. On the pitch he felt confident and valued, but off the pitch he struggled with insecurity and fear, particularly within the challenging environment of the council estate. tonyTony began experimenting with substances at a young age. What started with cigarettes and cannabis gradually escalated into more serious drug use as he searched for relief from feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Eventually, he discovered heroin, which he describes as providing the first true sense of internal peace and comfort he had ever experienced. tonyHowever, this relief quickly turned into a decades-long addiction. Tony spent nearly 30 years using Class A drugs, trapped in a cycle of crime, desperation, and daily survival. His addiction caused immense pain to his family, including witnessing the death of his brother at 26, which still wasn’t enough to stop his own addiction at the time. tonyEventually, after years of despair and failed attempts to quit, Tony reached a point where he internally knew he needed help. Through the criminal justice system, he entered a 12-step rehabilitation program, where he finally found hope. Seeing counselors and other recovering addicts who had transformed their lives inspired him to believe recovery was possible. tonyTony embraced treatment, completed rehab, and began working the 12-step recovery program. Through this process he developed self-awareness, confronted past trauma, and rebuilt his life.Today Tony has been clean for over 11 years and now uses his experience to help others struggling with addiction. His story highlights how unresolved trauma, emotional pain, and the search for belonging can lead people into addiction — but also how connection, honesty, and recovery communities can help people rebuild their lives.

DJ Ross Mack joins Addicted to Recovery to share his powerful journey from the heights of the nightlife industry to the depths of addiction — and back again.From DJing major clubs like Opium Lounge, The Warehouse, Funky Buddha and playing internationally, Ross lived the fast-paced lifestyle of music, money, women and substances. Behind the decks he looked in control — but behind closed doors his addiction was spiralling into isolation, paranoia and darkness.In this episode, Ross opens up about:Growing up in Hertfordshire and feeling different from an early ageBeing introduced to club culture at 16The progression from weekend partying to dark, isolated bingesThe mental obsession and “phenomenon of craving” before the first lineWhy willpower wasn’t enough — even after running marathons and triathlonsGetting sober at 34 and finding freedom through 12-step recoveryStaying clean in an industry where drinking and drugs are normalisedBecoming reliable, consistent and successful in business without substancesFatherhood, perspective and life with twin daughtersRoss speaks honestly about paranoia, using alone in hotel rooms, chasing the illusion of the “champagne lifestyle,” and how addiction is far more powerful than love or ambition.This episode is raw, relatable and hopeful — especially for anyone who believes they can’t get sober in the party scene.🎧 If you’re struggling, know that recovery is possible. 🎙 Subscribe for weekly conversations about addiction, recovery and rebuilding your life.

In this powerful episode of Addicted to Recovery, the hosts welcome Amber, who shares her deeply honest journey through addiction, relapse, mental health struggles, and ultimately finding lasting recovery. AmberAmber opens up about growing up feeling different and self-conscious, discovering alcohol at a young age, and later developing a dependence on cocaine that quickly escalated from social use into a destructive cycle. She discusses how ADHD, untreated trauma, and the search to feel “normal” fueled her addiction — and how becoming a mother added both love and pressure during her darkest moments. AmberAfter hitting emotional rock bottom and seeking help through A&E, Amber entered mental health treatment but struggled because the root issue — addiction — wasn’t fully addressed. Relapses followed, teaching her painful lessons about the difference between simply being abstinent and truly working a recovery program. AmberEverything changed when she fully committed to meetings, sponsorship, service, and the 12-step process. Through honesty, structure, and community, Amber rebuilt her life — repairing relationships with her daughter, developing confidence, and discovering new ambitions like drama school. Now one year clean, she shares how recovery has given her peace, purpose, and the ability to show up consistently for life. AmberThis episode explores:The link between ADHD, mental health, and addictionWhy relapse can be part of the journeyThe power of service, fellowship, and connectionMedication in recovery and navigating grey areasHow recovery transforms parenting, confidence, and daily lifeA heartfelt conversation about hope, resilience, and what’s possible when someone truly puts “two feet” into recovery.

This episode of Addicted to Recovery features Harry, who shares his personal journey through addiction, recovery, and fatherhood. He reflects on growing up in West London, navigating family challenges, and being diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. Despite a childhood filled with love, the absence of a consistent male role model and exposure to a tough “lad culture” shaped his identity and influenced early drinking and drug use. Football became both an outlet and an entry point into environments where alcohol and substances were normalised. As Harry entered adulthood, his substance use escalated from social drinking to daily reliance on alcohol and cocaine. He describes maintaining work and responsibilities for a time, but eventually falling into patterns of secrecy, financial strain, paranoia, and emotional instability. The pressure of moving house, building a family, and trying to live up to expectations intensified his addiction. Even becoming a father — which he hoped would change everything — wasn’t enough to stop the cycle, and feelings of guilt and shame continued to grow.The turning point came when Harry reached a severe mental health crisis, feeling overwhelmed and suicidal. He recalls moments of deep despair, including walking alone in a forest and later confronting himself in a mirror, which sparked a powerful realisation that he needed help. This moment led him to attend recovery meetings, where he began the process of rebuilding his life. Through recovery, he learned that sobriety wasn’t just about quitting substances, but about changing his mindset, letting go of ego, and learning healthier ways to connect with others.Since getting clean, Harry explains how his priorities have shifted towards reliability, honesty, and family life. He talks about becoming a more present partner and father, embracing emotional openness, and redefining what masculinity means to him. Motivated by his own growth, he started a men’s mental-health group called “The Man Cave,” offering a supportive space where men can talk openly about struggles such as anxiety, relationships, work pressures, and identity — not just addiction.Overall, the episode highlights themes of vulnerability, accountability, and transformation. Harry’s story emphasises that recovery is an ongoing journey of personal change, where learning to drop the mask and ask for help becomes the foundation for a more authentic and meaningful life.

In this episode, Christopher White and Max Thomas speak directly to the newcomer — the person who’s struggling, confused, overwhelmed, or quietly asking for help. Drawing from their own lived experience, they break down what addiction actually feels like, why extreme emotions are common in early recovery, and why no feeling — good or bad — lasts forever.The conversation moves through mental health, physical wellbeing, gratitude, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. Chris and Max also talk openly about meetings, sponsorship, and 12-step recovery, explaining why simply walking through the door can be one of the bravest decisions a person ever makes.This episode isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about hope, honesty, and reminding anyone listening that you don’t have to be clean, confident, or certain — you just have to show up.If you’re new to recovery, thinking about getting help, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, the hosts sit down with Mike, a Patreon supporter and recovering addict, for a raw and deeply personal conversation about addiction, identity, mental health, and what it really means to rebuild a life from the ground up. Mike shares how, despite growing up in a loving and financially stable home, he struggled internally from a young age with bullying, low self-worth, and a constant feeling of not fitting in. As an adult, he was diagnosed with autism, which helped him understand years of masking, people-pleasing, and difficulty regulating emotions — all of which fed into his addiction. Mike I got clean on the screenMike’s substance use began socially with alcohol and escalated when cocaine entered the picture during nights out and London work culture. What started as confidence and connection gradually became compulsion, secrecy, and isolation. He describes the shift from “fun” to needing drugs just to feel normal, using alone, lying about money, and living a double life that eventually led to the breakdown of his marriage. At his lowest point, overwhelmed by shame and consequences, Mike believed suicide was his only way out — a crisis that ultimately forced him to admit the truth and ask for help. Mike I got clean on the screenHe entered recovery during COVID through Zoom meetings, throwing himself into the program with willingness, service, and connection. But his journey wasn’t linear. Mike speaks openly about multiple relapses, including one he hid for two years while continuing to claim clean time. The emotional weight of that dishonesty led to anger, relationship damage, and mental instability. When the truth finally came out, he reset his clean date and describes the relief of honesty as a turning point in his recovery. Mike I got clean on the screenThe episode also explores Mike’s mental health struggles. After a suicide attempt involving medication, he was hospitalized and later diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) alongside autism. With treatment, medication, and a deeper understanding of his emotional patterns, he now recognizes how mental health and addiction intertwine — and how recovery requires addressing both. Mike I got clean on the screenNow one year into an honest stretch of recovery, Mike explains what’s different this time: in-person meetings, active step work, full transparency with his sponsor, a small but strong support network, and a willingness to prioritize healing over relationships and comfort. He talks about finding joy in ordinary life — home, routine, connection, and helping newcomers — rather than chaos and nightlife. Recovery, for him, feels like being “born again,” not in a religious sense, but as a complete reset and chance to live with integrity instead of performance. Mike I got clean on the screenThis episode is a powerful reminder that addiction is about far more than substances. It’s about identity, shame, mental health, and the courage to tell the truth. Mike’s story shows that relapse doesn’t have to be the end — but secrets will keep people stuck. With honesty, community, and willingness, change is possible.

In this powerful episode, Chris and Max sit down with their friend Dean, who shares an unfiltered look at addiction, recovery, and the emotional struggles that don’t magically disappear with sobriety. Nearly nine years clean, Dean explains how his addiction didn’t vanish — it shifted. His intense dedication to the gym and his physique became a new outlet, a kind of “armor,” masking deep self-hatred, body image issues, and a lifelong discomfort in his own skin. Despite looking disciplined and put-together on the outside, he reveals he has never truly liked himself and still feels lost internally.Dean traces these feelings back to childhood, describing a loving but emotionally limited upbringing where he constantly sought validation, especially from his father. That need to be liked and approved of carried into adulthood and fed into his cocaine use, which he says calmed his mind, made him feel normal, and gave him a sense of belonging. What started as social use turned into a 20-year addiction marked by functioning on the outside while feeling powerless within. A defining trauma came when Dean found his father after he died by suicide at a job they were working on together — an event that still haunts him and intensified his using, alongside deep guilt about not being present for his family during that time.After losing his business, stability, and sense of self, Dean reached breaking point and was taken to his first meeting through an intervention. Though frightened and disconnected at first, he has remained clean ever since, something he is proud of. But he’s clear that recovery hasn’t been a fairytale: he still battles self-obsession, emotional overwhelm, relationship pain, and the lasting impact his addiction had on his children, especially his eldest son who once saw him as a hero. He admits he’s less connected to meetings and fellowship than he once was and feels the difference, warning others not to follow his example of only “dipping a toe in.” The episode is a raw reminder that being clean and being emotionally well aren’t the same — and that honesty, connection, and helping others remain vital parts of the ongoing work of recovery.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas are joined by their close friend Nick, who shares his raw, unfiltered journey through addiction, mental health struggles, and recovery.Nick opens up about living with relentless anxiety, low self-worth, and an overwhelming internal dialogue that shaped his life from childhood. Despite appearing confident on the outside, he describes years of people-pleasing, overthinking, and emotional exhaustion that ultimately fuelled his substance use. What began with alcohol as a way to “feel normal” gradually escalated into a destructive cycle involving drugs, work obsession, and deteriorating mental health.The conversation traces Nick’s life from a chaotic childhood and early escape into the high-pressure world of professional kitchens, through the culture of long hours, perfectionism, and substance use that often accompanies the hospitality industry. Although outwardly successful, Nick explains how his addiction and untreated mental health issues led to breakdowns, damaged relationships, and profound shame.A major turning point comes when Nick speaks candidly about being sectioned, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and finally confronting the reality that substances were never the solution—but a way of coping with pain he didn’t yet understand. With honesty and humility, he reflects on the impact his illness had on his family, particularly his ex-wife and children, and the process of taking responsibility without drowning in self-blame.The episode also explores themes of recovery, accountability, compassion, and growth. Nick shares how finding recovery later in life helped him gain clarity, self-awareness, and a sense of peace he never thought possible. Through humour, vulnerability, and shared understanding, the hosts and Nick highlight an essential truth: recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning to live, feel, and show up honestly.This episode is a moving reminder that behind addiction is often unaddressed pain, and that healing is possible at any stage of life.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas explore one of the most confronting questions in recovery: “Am I an addict?” Drawing from personal experience, lived recovery, and official fellowship literature, they walk listeners through the Am I an Addict? questionnaire—a tool designed to help individuals reflect honestly on their relationship with drugs, alcohol, and behaviour.Rather than focusing solely on substances, the episode highlights addiction as a disease of thinking, feeling, and living, showing how it affects every area of life: relationships, finances, mental health, self-worth, and identity. Christopher and Max openly compare their very different patterns of use—daily use versus binge use—to demonstrate that how often or how much someone uses is far less important than the loss of control and the consequences.Throughout the episode, they share raw stories of secrecy, shame, manipulation, broken trust, physical and emotional exhaustion, and the relentless mental obsession that fuels addiction. They also challenge common misconceptions, such as “I wasn’t that bad” or “I can handle it on my own,” and explain the crucial difference between having a drug problem and being an addict.Importantly, the episode isn’t about labelling or diagnosing—it’s about self-honesty. The hosts stress that no one else can decide if you’re an addict; only you can. If the questions provoke discomfort, emotion, or recognition, that reaction itself may be meaningful.The episode closes with a message of hope: recovery is possible, help is available, and life on the other side of addiction is calmer, freer, and more authentic. Whether you’re questioning your own use, worried about someone you love, or already on a recovery journey, Am I an Addict? offers insight, compassion, and a powerful starting point for change.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas explore one of the most challenging and universal themes in recovery: self-obsession.Using real-life examples from their own relationships, parenting, road rage, social anxiety, and everyday interactions, Chris and Max unpack how self-obsession quietly drives emotional pain, conflict, and addictive thinking. The conversation is grounded in recovery literature, particularly the concept of The Triangle of Self Obsession—made up of resentment (the past), anger (the present), and fear (the future).The episode highlights how addiction can arrest emotional growth, leaving many addicts stuck in a childlike state where validation, control, and external approval are desperately sought. Chris reads and reflects on recovery literature that explains how most people naturally mature out of this phase, while addicts often medicate discomfort instead—delaying emotional maturity and reinforcing self-centered thinking.Throughout the episode, the hosts show how self-obsession plays out subtly: overthinking text messages, craving approval from strangers, feeling under-appreciated, reacting defensively, or assuming everything is a personal attack. They also emphasize that this isn’t about shame—but awareness, responsibility, and action.Importantly, the episode offers hope and practical solutions. Chris and Max discuss how recovery tools—such as inventory, making amends, reaching out, acceptance, love, faith, and service to others—allow them to step out of the triangle. They stress that progress doesn’t mean perfection, but rather increasing the space between emotional blow-ups and responding more like an adult than a child.The central message is clear and uncompromising: to break free from addiction and emotional suffering, we must break the triangle of self-obsession. We must grow up—or the disease will eventually destroy us.A raw, relatable, and compassionate episode that reminds listeners they are not alone—and that there is a solution.

In this honest, reflective episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down for an unfiltered conversation with no guest, using the space to openly process the emotional impact of the Christmas period in recovery.The episode explores how breaking routine over the holidays can deeply affect addicts in recovery, triggering emotional sensitivity, irritability, overthinking, and a return to old thought patterns such as blame, control, people-pleasing, and self-criticism. Both hosts discuss struggles with family dynamics, overstimulation, and the pressure of multiple personalities coming together during Christmas.They reflect on the importance of structure, routine, and daily recovery practices, highlighting how even a few days disconnected from meetings, sponsors, or recovery messages can leave them feeling unsettled. Themes of self-awareness versus self-obsession run throughout, as the hosts acknowledge that awareness can be both a gift and a curse.Food, body image, and control around diet and exercise are discussed candidly, with both men recognising long-standing struggles with obsession, self-worth, and aligning physical health with mental and spiritual wellbeing. The conversation also touches on injury, fear of failure, and the addictive mindset looking for excuses to step away from discipline.The episode moves into reflections on gratitude, connection, and service, contrasting their family-filled Christmas experiences with those who face loneliness or homelessness during the holidays. They acknowledge the vital role of fellowship, outreach events, and simple acts of connection—such as phone calls, messages, or small moments of kindness—in sustaining recovery.Spirituality features strongly, with discussions around church, prayer, meditation, Step 11, and the need to “fill the spiritual tank,” especially when life becomes busy or emotionally charged. Both hosts identify judgmental thinking as a warning sign that their recovery needs attention.Looking ahead to 2026, Chris and Max talk openly about growth areas: improving balance, deepening spiritual practice, embracing change in work and routine, seeking counselling, meditation, and continuing to give back through sponsorship and the podcast.The episode closes with powerful moments of gratitude, remembrance, and emotional reflection, reinforcing a central message: recovery is a daily practice, connection is essential, and growth comes from getting out of self and staying spiritually grounded.

Episode 100 of Addicted to Recovery is a big one. Christopher White and Max Thomas mark the milestone by sitting down with comedian and podcaster Dapper Laughs for a raw, honest, and at times emotional conversation about addiction, recovery, and what it really takes to turn your life around. Episode 100 - Dapper LaughsDapper Laughs opens up about his early relationship with drink and drugs, growing up around chaos, violence, and addiction, and using humour as a way to cope and fit in. What started as partying and bravado slowly turned into heavy cocaine use, emotional comedowns, and living life in extremes — highs followed by some very dark lows.He talks openly about being cancelled at the height of his career, losing work, public backlash, and how the death of his dad pushed him even further into addiction. Things reached a breaking point when he found himself suicidal and alone, leading to a late-night call to the Samaritans that would become a huge turning point in his life.The episode digs into how addiction doesn’t always look the same for everyone — from binge users to daily users — and how mixing drink and drugs can seriously mess with your head. There’s also a big focus on men’s mental health, loneliness, and why so many men struggle to speak up before things spiral.Recovery hasn’t been perfect or straightforward. Dapper Laughs talks honestly about detox, early sobriety driven by ego, struggling with meetings, and how easy it is to neglect recovery when life gets busy with work, kids, and success. He also shares why he set up the Facebook group Men and Their Emotions, giving lads a safe place to talk openly and support each other.Christopher and Max bring their own lived experience into the conversation, reinforcing powerful recovery truths: connection matters, ego can hold you back, and if you don’t put recovery first, you risk losing everything else anyway.This episode is real, relatable, and full of hope — a reminder that no matter how messy things get, change is possible and you don’t have to do it on your own.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with their friend Matt to explore his journey through addiction, loss, and recovery.Matt shares how his struggles began long before substances entered the picture. Growing up feeling unseen, failing the 11+ exam, craving his father’s approval, and later feeling physically and emotionally “behind” his peers all contributed to a deep sense of inadequacy. Football became his first escape, followed by cannabis in his early teens, which quickly developed into a daily habit that numbed his thoughts and emotions.As Matt moved into adulthood, his substance use escalated. Alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis became daily necessities rather than choices. What began as social use turned into years of chaotic, exhausting routines—using before work, drinking to cope, lying to loved ones, and living with constant shame and fear. Despite holding down a job in the building trade and appearing “functional,” Matt describes an inner life marked by isolation, dishonesty, and despair.Attempts to control or moderate his use only deepened the pain. After meeting a partner who challenged him to confront his addiction, Matt managed long periods of abstinence without support—white-knuckling sobriety while remaining mentally obsessed with alcohol. This period culminated in profound emotional turmoil, made even more devastating by the suicide of his brother.A turning point came when Matt was introduced to recovery literature and, soon after, attended his first NA meeting. For the first time, he saw himself clearly as an addict and recognised that “treats” and moderation were simply relapses in disguise. Although early recovery was uncomfortable and fear-filled, Matt stayed, listened, and slowly followed suggestions—getting a sponsor, working the steps, and learning how to be honest.Now approaching three years clean, Matt reflects on the freedom he’s found through recovery: emotional peace, genuine friendships, integrity, and the ability to live life without constant self-medication. He speaks openly about the life-changing impact of Step Four, the importance of honesty, and how recovery has transformed not just his substance use, but his relationships and sense of self.This episode is a raw, relatable reminder that recovery is possible—even after decades of addiction—and that real change often happens slowly, subtly, and through connection with others who understand.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Addicted to Recovery, Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with international fashion icon and long-term recovering addict Paul Sculfor. Paul opens up about his extraordinary journey — from the heights of the 1990s global fashion scene, elite parties, and international success, to the depths of addiction, burnout, and emotional collapse. With raw vulnerability, he shares how alcohol, cocaine, and compulsive behaviours slowly took control, despite outward success and discipline in his professional life.Paul reflects on childhood anxiety, fear, and the generational impact of trauma, and how those early experiences shaped his addiction. He takes us inside the moment when life finally became unmanageable — leading him to rehab, surrender, and a life-changing decision to step away from his career to focus solely on recovery. Now over 21 years clean, Paul speaks candidly about the 12-step program, trauma therapy, spiritual awakening, and what it truly means to live at ease with yourself. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in recovery, considering recovery, or seeking hope, honesty, and proof that real transformation is possible.

In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Steve, a long-time member of Gamblers Anonymous who has been in recovery for almost ten years. Steve offers a raw and honest insight into how his gambling addiction began, how it spiralled out of control, and how recovery has transformed his life.Steve describes growing up in a stable, loving household, with no obvious signs that addiction would ever be part of his life. Gambling entered harmlessly—small bets during family outings to the dog tracks, or casual football accumulators. However, in his early twenties, after taking a job in London, gambling shifted from occasional fun to a daily compulsion. Lunchtime visits to the bookies became a regular ritual; soon he was timing his breaks around race schedules, placing as many bets as possible, and craving the buzz and adrenaline that came with it. He explains how he would literally push past people in betting shops just to get a bet on, because being “in action” felt essential.As the addiction deepened, Steve’s life became dominated by secrecy, debt, and anxiety. He began taking out loans, extending overdrafts multiple times in a week, and fabricating stories to hide the truth from his wife. He recounts a painful memory of promising to pay for a birthday dinner for both families. Although he briefly won enough money to cover the evening, he lost it all again on the way home, leading to desperate lies and shame. This incident was one of many that left him feeling trapped, exhausted, and sick with worry. Stress from gambling even led to chest pains so severe he ended up in hospital, although he admits he returned to gambling the very next day.By early 2016, the addiction had reached a breaking point. His wife discovered new loans and knew instantly that the gambling had returned. Steve describes this moment as the day his world collapsed—but also the day recovery truly began. His last bet was on 19 February 2016. A week later, once his family had dealt with an unrelated medical emergency, he attended his first Gamblers Anonymous meeting. He immediately felt a weight lift from his shoulders. For the first time, he was in a room full of people who understood exactly what he’d been through.Steve explains the power of GA: the unity, structure, honesty, and sense of belonging. Meetings helped him realise he could not recover alone. He embraced the practical safeguards too, handing full control of finances to his wife to avoid temptation. He continues to attend regularly and even chairs many meetings, sharing both his gambling history and the challenges of everyday life. He’s learned to listen to others, accept guidance, and lean on the group whenever he feels vulnerable.Recovery has transformed Steve’s daily life. He describes the relief of waking up without shame, hiding nothing from his wife, and being fully present for his children. He talks emotionally about watching his son play football or attending parents’ evenings—moments he used to miss or experience through a fog of anxiety. Sobriety has brought his emotions back in a powerful way; sometimes overwhelming, but ultimately grounding and fulfilling.Towards the end of the episode, Steve offers advice to anyone still struggling. He urges them to walk into a meeting, even if it feels intimidating, and to take things one day at a time. Recovery, he explains, brings back not just stability, but time, honesty, connection, and a sense of self that addiction destroys. He emphasises that life will never be perfect, but the tools he’s gained through GA allow him to handle challenges without turning back to gambling.The conversation closes with Steve reflecting on his gratitude for the life he has today—a life built on honesty, accountability, unity, and the daily choice to stay in recovery.

In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Simon, a long-time listener attending the show for the first time. Simon opens up about growing up in a loving and stable home, yet always feeling different, overly sensitive, and deeply uncomfortable in his own skin. As a child he experienced night terrors, sleepwalking, and early anxiety, eventually seeing a psychiatrist at just seven years old. Those feelings of not fitting in followed him into secondary school, where he struggled with identity, belonging, and self-worth.Simon shares how he discovered alcohol at thirteen and instantly fell in love with its ability to change how he felt about himself. From there his drug use progressed quickly—first cannabis, then speed, ecstasy and cocaine. By sixteen he was dealing to fund his habit. Although he tried at times to manage his using, especially once he became a father, alcohol remained constant. After his marriage broke down, his drinking and drug use intensified, leading him deeper into addiction.The turning point came at forty, when a dealer encouraged him to try crack cocaine. What followed was rapid decline: secret using, smoking crack while caring for his children, constant obsession, and repeated attempts to stop that only pushed him further down. Eventually he reached a devastating emotional and spiritual bottom, even attempting to overdose. During a desperate moment in “Dry January,” he reached out to a friend in recovery who took him to his first meeting. Simon describes feeling an immediate sense of safety and connection the moment he walked through the door.From that day, he has remained clean. Simon threw himself into the 12-step program, finding deep healing through the steps, especially in his moral inventory and amends. He shares powerful moments with his children, ex-wife, and parents—conversations filled with truth, vulnerability, and forgiveness. Today, with over 22 months clean, Simon lives a completely different life. He maintains regular meetings, service commitments, daily gratitude, and prayer. His relationships with his kids are strong, co-parenting is harmonious, his career has progressed, and even his brother has begun changing his own relationship with substances.This episode highlights the reality of addiction’s progression, the pain it causes families, and the extraordinary transformation recovery can bring. Simon’s story is one of honesty, humility, and real hope.

In this follow-up episode, George returns to share the powerful next chapter of his recovery journey. He talks openly about the family intervention that pushed him toward rehab, calling Grant at The Lighthouse, and entering treatment full of denial, fear, and withdrawal. Inside rehab, honesty, cross-addiction sessions, and the support of others slowly begin breaking through his denial.After leaving treatment, George dives into meetings and begins feeling moments of hope—only to experience a painful six-day relapse that becomes one of the darkest and most frightening periods of his life. That experience brings true willingness, leading him to commit fully to recovery with two rounds of 90 meetings in 90 days.George reflects on mental health challenges, including delayed psychosis and later being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and how he balances medication, stability, and recovery. He shares how he builds a personal understanding of a higher power through nature, step work, and daily practice.The episode explores steps four through seven, character defects, expectations, emotional maturity, and learning to correct behaviours quickly. George also describes making amends to his family—including tender moments with his parents and younger brother—and the ongoing amends he practices through being a present, loving father.Raw, reflective, and full of hope, George’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is messy, spiritual, practical, and life-changing—one day at a time.

In this powerful first part of George’s story, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with their friend and fellow recovering addict, George — who shares a brutally honest look at his life before recovery.George recalls how Addicted to Recovery itself helped him through a dark patch when paranoia and self-doubt left him isolated. At two and a half years clean, he nearly relapsed — a stark reminder that no matter how long you’ve been sober, the disease of addiction can still whisper in your ear.He talks candidly about his early life: a sensitive, anxious child growing up in a loving family, but one marked by confusion and emotional turbulence after a violent incident at his parents’ wedding. Experimentation with drink and drugs began young — alcohol at 12, cannabis at 13, pills at 14, cocaine by 15 — and soon spiraled into chaos.By 17, George was hospitalized twice with kidney failure, yet denial and ego kept him going. His late teens and early twenties were filled with drug use, risky work environments, toxic relationships, and growing internal conflict. A surprise pregnancy at 19 and becoming a father brought moments of clarity — but also fresh pain, guilt, and fear.Part One ends as George’s life begins to unravel, setting the stage for his eventual decision to seek help and enter recovery — a story he’ll share in next week’s episode.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Paul Hannaford continues sharing his journey from addiction and crime to redemption and purpose. The conversation opens with Paul leaving the hospital after a long battle with drug abuse and serious leg injuries that nearly cost him his life. He reflects on the moment he chose recovery over returning to drugs — a decision that changed everything.Paul recounts his early struggles finding a treatment center, the kindness of hospital staff who let him stay five extra days, and the emotional start to his rehab journey at Hope House in Weston-super-Mare. He speaks candidly about crying daily during his first week in treatment, the emotional exhaustion of addiction, and the relief of finding genuine love and hope in recovery.From there, Paul’s story unfolds as one of rebuilding — gaining his first home, paying his first bills, and trying new opportunities like extra work on TV shows. When acting didn’t take off, he turned his focus toward service and purpose, volunteering to speak with young people about drugs, gangs, and crime. His first talk at a youth club sparked something huge — schools began inviting him to share his story, leading to thousands of talks across the UK.Paul describes how this new calling gave him “a spiritual experience,” replacing the high he once sought from drugs with the fulfillment of helping others. His talks gained recognition from major organizations like the London Fire Brigade, QPR, Reading FC, and other Premier League clubs, reaching millions of young people nationwide.The episode also explores Paul’s personal redemption — reconciling with his mother and family, and an emotional reunion with his daughter after 15 years apart. His story comes full circle as he celebrates her 30th birthday, reflecting on the long journey from despair to peace, gratitude, and love.Throughout, Paul and the hosts discuss the nature of addiction, the power of connection, and the importance of ongoing spiritual growth. Paul’s honesty about relapse, trauma, and perseverance serves as a raw and inspiring message: recovery is possible, and even the most broken lives can find purpose

In this gripping first part of a two-part conversation, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Paul Hannaford, whose story takes listeners from an ordinary East London childhood into the chaotic and heartbreaking world of addiction, crime, and survival.Paul speaks with raw honesty about his early life growing up in East Ham as the eldest of four boys, his deep love for his father, and the devastating impact of losing him to alcoholism and family breakdown. That loss became the seed of a lifetime of pain and searching — first through friendships with older boys, then through alcohol and cannabis, and later through crime. By just thirteen, Paul was experimenting with LSD and experiencing terrifying hallucinations that landed him in hospital. Within a year, he was in a young offenders’ institution, where violence and humiliation at the hands of guards left him with a lifelong mistrust of authority.As he grew older, Paul’s need for belonging drew him deeper into gang life. Violence, robbery, and the constant lure of danger became normal. By his late teens, he was drinking heavily, mixing with hardened criminals, and learning how to manipulate and survive on the streets. Then, at twenty-one, came the moment that changed everything: his first taste of heroin. What began as curiosity quickly became dependency. Within months, Paul went from an immaculately dressed young man in London nightclubs to a shadow of himself — homeless, desperate, and enslaved by addiction.Over the years that followed, Paul’s life spiraled through prison cells, overdoses, and the brutal reality of life as a heroin and crack cocaine addict. He became one of the most prolific thieves in the country, stealing millions of pounds’ worth of goods to feed his habit. His body began to fail him — abscesses, infected veins, and open wounds that would never fully heal. Yet through it all, he continued chasing the same illusion of peace that had hooked him in that first hit.Part One ends at the darkest point of Paul’s story — near death, spiritually broken, and completely lost. But it’s here that the seeds of change begin to take root, leading into the powerful redemption and recovery that unfold in Part Two.Raw, emotional, and unflinchingly honest, this episode is a journey through trauma, addiction, and survival — a story that reminds us how far a person can fall, and how incredible it is when they find the strength to rise again.