Addicted to Recovery

In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, Chris and Max welcome Rachel, who opens up about her journey from drinking three liters of vodka a day to finding freedom in sobriety. She shares candidly about her struggles with fear, shame, and family, and the turning point that led her to rehab and the 12 steps. Now over 17 months sober, Rachel reflects on parenting in recovery, rebuilding trust, and the importance of service. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the life-changing miracle of recovery.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Luke, whose story of survival through childhood trauma, addiction, crime, and eventual redemption will leave you inspired.Addicted to amphetamines by his own mother at just 13, Luke grew up in a world of drugs, violence, and instability. He opens up about enduring abuse, falling into crime, serving time in prison, and how addiction consumed his life for years.Luke shares the pivotal moments that forced him to confront his destructive path—from a brutal attack by dealers to the devastating loss of a loved one—and how recovery finally gave him the strength to rebuild.Now over ten months clean, Luke reflects on the transformation that has brought him peace, purpose, and hope for the future.This is a raw, honest conversation about pain, resilience, and the power of recovery.

In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas welcome guest Daryl (aka R33DY D), who courageously shares his journey through addiction, childhood struggles, and recovery.Daryl opens up about living with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, which made social situations and school life especially difficult. He recalls feeling uncomfortable in his own skin from an early age, masking insecurities by being the class clown, and later finding escape in raves, ecstasy, speed, and cocaine. Drugs temporarily quieted his restless mind but quickly spiraled into paranoia, toxic relationships, and destructive cycles that cost him family, businesses, and ultimately his sense of self.He speaks candidly about the selfishness of addiction—missing key family moments, naming his son after cocaine, and pawning his late father’s jewelry to fund his habit. These painful memories highlight how unmanageable his life had become.The turning point came in 2019, when he finally walked into a 12-step meeting. Although terrified, he found the fellowship, a sponsor, and the structure of recovery. Today, Daryl has over six years clean, has worked through the steps, and maintains a daily spiritual routine of prayer and gratitude.Now, his passion lies in music and DJing. Sober, he has rediscovered his love for performing, producing, and playing in clubs across London, Spain, and even Ibiza. He describes being behind the decks as his purest form of peace and meditation.This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, honesty, and the transformation possible through recovery. Daryl’s story reminds listeners that while addiction isolates, recovery reconnects us with who we truly are—and with life itself.

In this powerful and raw episode, Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Ben K, a fellow recovering addict who shares his deeply personal journey through two decades of relapse, recovery, and everything in between. Ben opens up about the emotional turbulence of fatherhood, managing Crohn’s disease, and the lifelong impact of addiction—not just on himself, but on those around him.From a spontaneous invitation to the podcast to a moving reflection on his 18 months of solid recovery, Ben’s story highlights how addiction isn't always about substances—it’s about control, fear, shame, and self-worth. Together, the trio dive into the challenges of maintaining emotional sobriety, the danger of spiritual complacency, and the transformative power of surrender.This episode is an honest look at what recovery really looks like: messy, beautiful, and always evolving. Whether you’re new to recovery, a loved one of someone struggling, or just curious about the reality behind addiction, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and hope.🔐 For bonus content, live chats, and exclusive episodes, support us on Patreon.

In this moving and powerful episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher and Max sit down with longtime friend and recurring guest Darren, who is celebrating an incredible milestone—15 years of continuous clean time.The conversation kicks off with Darren reflecting on the deep emotional impact of reaching 15 years clean. He shares feelings of overwhelming gratitude, humility, and astonishment that he's come so far, especially when he once believed sobriety was impossible.Throughout the episode, Darren recounts critical turning points in his recovery, including:A moment of grace when a stranger gave his wife £10 to get him to a drug service—what he calls the “butterfly effect” that started his journey.The internal battles he faced not in using, but in trying to stay clean and confront life without drugs.The profound impact of losing his sponsor and later his mother—and how he stayed clean and present through grief by leaning into the fellowship and continuing to serve others.A major theme of the episode is service. Darren is known for his relentless commitment to sponsoring others, often juggling up to 10 sponsees across the world. He shares his philosophy on working with relapsers, the importance of patience and presence, and why he never gives up on anyone.The episode also dives into Darren’s daily recovery routine:Morning prayer and meditationWeekly Step 10 inventoriesContinuous service and sponsorshipSeeking and offering support through lived experienceDarren and the hosts reflect on the power of connection, the importance of being visible in recovery, and how moments of vulnerability—like Darren sharing openly during his mother’s passing—can become beacons of hope for others.The conversation is filled with warmth, wisdom, and reminders of why clean time, no matter the length, is sacred. Darren’s humility and heart shine as he says: “I’m only doing what was given to me.”Whether you're new to recovery, supporting someone who is, or deep into your journey, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of recovery, fellowship, and love in action.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Gavin, a leader in Believers in Recovery UK, to hear his extraordinary journey through addiction, recovery, and faith. Gavin opens up about his traumatic past—from life on the streets and multiple relapses, to surviving paralysis and spiritual despair. His turning point came not just from 12-step programs but through a life-changing encounter with faith.Listeners will hear raw, unfiltered truths about addiction, the importance of spiritual growth in recovery, and why Gavin believes healing must happen on three levels: with God, yourself, and others. He shares how he went from IV drug use and homelessness to leading a national recovery movement and being asked to become a church leader.This is an episode about hope, purpose, and the transformative power of recovery—wherever you are on your journey.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with their courageous friend Anthea to hear her incredible journey through addiction, loss, recovery, and resilience.Anthea opens up about her early life, the emotional impact of fractured family dynamics, and how trauma shaped her path. She shares harrowing experiences from teenage years marked by substance abuse and unstable living conditions, including the devastating loss of her first child to cot death—a tragedy that became a turning point in her spiral into addiction.With raw honesty and heartfelt emotion, Anthea talks about living on the streets, encounters with the criminal justice system, and ultimately, the moment she knew something had to change. She walks us through her transformative journey into recovery, the miracle of reconnecting with her children, and the strength she’s found through fellowship and support.This episode is a testament to the power of recovery, the beauty of redemption, and the unbreakable human spirit. Whether you're in recovery, know someone who is, or are simply drawn to real stories of hope and transformation—this one will stay with you.🔗 Support the Podcast: Love the show? Access bonus content and support us on Patreon at: patreon.com/addictedtorecoverypodcast

In this deeply moving episode, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas are joined by special guest Stacey—a fellow recovering addict whose story comes full circle in a way that’s nothing short of inspiring.What starts with a brave Instagram message to Christopher becomes a life-changing journey of healing, connection, and service. Stacey opens up with raw honesty about his early struggles, the traumatic experiences that shaped his addiction, and the moment he decided he could no longer run from the truth. From daily drug use and family heartbreak to 447 days clean, Stacey's story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of recovery.The trio explores the emotional weight of childhood trauma, the misconceptions surrounding recovery meetings, and the crucial role of community and vulnerability in healing. With moments of laughter, insight, and real-talk about navigating life clean, this episode is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful.If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation may be the encouragement they need to reach out.Join the community: patreon.com/addictedtorecoverypodcast

In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, Chris and Max sit down—just the two of them—to explore one of the most personal and universal themes in addiction recovery: relationships. With no guests and no filters, the conversation dives deep into the damage caused by addiction to romantic partnerships, family bonds, and friendships, and the long, often painful journey of rebuilding those connections in sobriety.Chris and Max open up with raw honesty. Max reflects on the pain he caused his wife and family during active addiction, and how his recovery journey helped him regain trust and deepen the love that had once been broken. Chris shares how his addiction led him to hurt those closest to him, and how shame, guilt, and the need for change pushed him to finally seek help and start rebuilding his life. They speak candidly about the realities of being absent fathers and broken sons, and how consistency, service, and spiritual growth have helped them become dependable, loving partners, parents, and friends.This episode also explores the emotional toll of manipulation and dishonesty, the importance of walking away from unhealthy relationships, and the joy of forging meaningful connections within sober communities. Chris and Max reflect on the strength of their friendship and the unique bonds formed in recovery, underlining the importance of community, accountability, and mutual support.It’s a moving and relatable conversation that reminds listeners that no relationship is beyond repair. With time, honest action, and a willingness to grow, healing is not only possible—it’s transformative.

In this gripping episode of Addicted to Recovery, Christopher and Max sit down with David — a man whose addiction story defies stereotypes. After decades of casual drug and alcohol use, David’s life was turned upside down at age 50 when he tried ketamine for the first time. What began as curiosity spiraled into daily dependency, health crises, isolation, and ultimately near-death.David shares his brutally honest account of falling in love with the disconnection ketamine offered, the physical and mental toll it took, and the moment he finally surrendered. His story is a powerful reminder that addiction can strike at any age — but so can recovery.

In this powerful and candid episode, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas welcome their friend and fellow recovering addict, Dave — aka Lord David Hogg — to share his remarkable story of addiction and recovery.Dave opens up about his upbringing in a loving but emotionally detached household, his early experiences with drugs, and how his high-octane lifestyle spiraled out of control. From a successful career in the City, rubbing shoulders with the elite and dating royalty, to living in his car while battling crack and heroin addiction, Dave’s story is both gripping and humbling.Listeners will hear about the critical turning points in Dave’s life — including a failed suicide attempt, interventions from loved ones, and his eventual commitment to recovery through the 12-step program. He discusses the transformative power of getting a sponsor, working the steps, and finding real connection in the recovery community.With humour, raw honesty, and heartfelt gratitude, Dave reflects on his 16 months clean and the daily practices that keep him grounded today. This episode is a testament to the miracles that can happen when we surrender and embrace recovery.

In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Addicted to Recovery, we sit down with Charlotte, a courageous woman from Clacton who shares her harrowing and inspiring journey through 23 years of addiction. From her early exposure to drugs at age 11, brushes with the law, and years of using crack and heroin, to experiencing the devastating effects of psychosis and repeated prison sentences—Charlotte opens up with raw honesty about the darkness that once consumed her life.But this episode is about more than suffering—it's about transformation. Charlotte takes us through the moment she found hope through the 12-step program, the daily practices that keep her grounded, and how connection, community, and a higher power have helped her rebuild a life she once thought was beyond saving.Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking inspiration, Charlotte’s story is a must-listen. It’s a testament to the human spirit and the life-saving power of recovery.🎙️ Plus, hear how Zoom meetings, spiritual connection, and showing up every day helped Charlotte turn her pain into purpose.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Chris and Max sit down with their friend Dan, who shares a raw and unflinching account of his journey through addiction and recovery.Dan reflects on a difficult childhood marked by emotional discomfort, parental separation, and a persistent feeling of being on the outside looking in. Even from a young age, he felt fear, rejection, and a lack of belonging.Introduced to ecstasy at just 12 years old while in care, Dan describes the initial relief it brought him — the silence of fear and anxiety — and how this instant escape became his "medication" of choice.He candidly recounts being bounced through children’s homes, a secure unit, and juvenile prisons, gradually adopting a hardened persona that masked his internal pain. The story paints a sobering picture of how institutional settings shaped his identity.Dan talks openly about committing robberies, bullying, manipulating loved ones, and living with overwhelming guilt and shame. One particularly harrowing moment includes self-inflicted injuries to deceive his family for drug money — a stark illustration of addiction’s depths.A moment of clarity comes during a stint in solitary confinement, where Dan breaks down emotionally and begins to accept that he needs help. This turning point, sparked by the echo of a support group’s moment of silence, sets him on the path to recovery.Dan’s journey through rehab, Narcotics Anonymous, and therapy helped him begin rebuilding his life. He shares what it’s like to come out of prison and into recovery, experiencing community, kindness, and eventually giving back through service.Despite periods of clean time — even working in addiction services — Dan experienced multiple relapses, underscoring how fragile recovery can be without consistent effort. He reflects honestly on the mistakes that led him back to using and the lessons those experiences taught him.Now five months clean at the time of recording, Dan emphasises the importance of staying connected, attending meetings, and practising the principles of recovery daily. His story is one of perseverance, self-awareness, and hope.🔔 Special Announcement: Chris and Max also introduce their new Patreon channel, offering bonus content, video episodes, live chats, and shout-outs for supporters. It’s a call to the community to help sustain the podcast and deepen the connection.📍 Join us at: Patreon.com/AddictedToRecoveryPodcast

In this powerful and candid episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas are joined by Kaitlin, a mother and recovering addict, who shares her deeply personal journey to sobriety as she marks an incredible milestone: 1,000 days clean.Kaitlin reflects on a childhood marked by instability, emotional neglect, and early signs of addictive behaviours such as escapism and secretive eating. As a teenager, she turned to alcohol and cannabis to self-soothe, which quickly led to heavier drug use and a progressive addiction that continued into adulthood. Despite becoming a mother, her dependency deepened, culminating in physical and emotional breakdowns, paranoia, and brushes with death. At one stage, she was even told she might never walk again.Her turning point came in the form of a spiritual epiphany — a moment of clarity that led her to seek support through a 12-step fellowship. Kaitlin speaks openly about the initial difficulties of recovery, particularly detaching from cannabis, which she describes as her hardest substance to quit. She also reflects on the grief she experienced in letting go of her old lifestyle and the fear of losing her children, which had long kept her from seeking help.Now 1,000 days sober, Kaitlin has found a sense of peace, stability, and renewed purpose. She is passionate about helping others, especially mothers who may be silently struggling with addiction. Through her social media channel, Sober as a Mother Focused, she shares honest insights, experiences, and support to challenge stigma and offer hope.This episode is a moving reminder of the strength it takes to get clean, the importance of community and honesty in recovery, and the life-changing rewards of staying the course.

In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas speak with Sarah Jane Clark, who shares her powerful story of overcoming food addiction.Sarah explains how ultra-processed foods are designed to be addictive, using combinations of sugar, fat and salt to override the body's natural signals. She draws parallels between food addiction and drug or alcohol dependency—highlighting the shame, secrecy and emotional pain that often drives compulsive behaviours.As a teenager, Sarah was caught in the cycle of dieting and bingeing, influenced by damaging messages from the diet industry. By 25, she weighed nearly 22 stone and was warned by her GP that she might not live to 40. That moment pushed her to make a change, starting with a walk in the dark to avoid being seen.Rather than extreme diets, Sarah focused on sustainable habits—swapping sugary drinks for water, cooking at home, and walking daily. These small steps eventually led to a 12-stone weight loss, improved mental clarity and the return of her overall health.Crucially, Sarah began working on her emotional wellbeing. Through books like You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay, she learned to confront her past, build self-worth, and introduce healthy boundaries. She now helps others through her support group, Step by Step with Sarah Jane, offering guidance rooted in lived experience.The hosts explore shared themes of addiction, stigma, and recovery. They discuss the limitations of NHS support and how social media and marketing create confusion around food and health. Sarah recommends practical tools like the Yucca app and the book Ultra-Processed People by Dr Chris van Tulleken to help people make more informed choices.Sarah’s message is clear: change is possible with consistency, compassion and community. Her story is not just about weight loss, but healing—physically, mentally and emotionally.

In this episode, Nick from Brighton shares his compelling journey through addiction, denial, and eventual recovery. Raised in a supportive yet emotionally reserved family, Nick describes how early struggles with insecurity and a need for approval led to escalating substance use, beginning with alcohol and cannabis and progressing to cocaine and daily use.Working in high-pressure construction roles, Nick’s substance use intensified. Despite multiple attempts to moderate or stop, it was not until a pivotal moment of self-realisation that he chose to seek change. He discusses the limitations of mere abstinence and the significant impact of engaging with a structured recovery program.Nick outlines the transformative role of community, consistency, and spiritual growth in sustaining long-term recovery. He credits service, step work, and regular meetings as key elements of his progress and now dedicates time to helping others.This episode provides a candid account of the realities of addiction and offers clear insight into the practical steps and mindset required for lasting recovery.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas welcome guest Sid, a recovering addict and now a pastor, to share his incredible journey from chaos to redemption. Sid opens up about a loving but challenging childhood, early defiance, school struggles, and the lure of attention-seeking behaviors that led him into a life of crime, addiction, and repeated incarceration.Sid’s story is marked by profound experiences — including the trauma of alopecia at a young age, years lost to heroin addiction, and time spent in both youth and adult prisons. He speaks openly about the insanity and devastation caused by his drug use, relationships that suffered, and the deep shame he carried.However, the turning point came when Sid had a spiritual awakening while serving time. Introduced to faith through a prison chaplain, Sid began to reconnect with the values his parents instilled in him. He shares how this encounter sparked a transformation, eventually leading him to Bible college, a new life with his wife, and a calling to become a pastor.The conversation also touches on the addictive design of modern life — from smartphones to fast food — and the importance of long-term gratification, self-awareness, and community in recovery. Sid’s testimony illustrates that while the road is long and messy, real change is possible with honesty, connection, and spiritual grounding.A moving reminder that recovery isn’t linear — but it is worth it.

In this deeply moving episode of Addicted to Recovery, titled From Civil War to Self-War: Raph's Recovery Story, Raph shares the powerful and unfiltered story of his life—from a childhood marked by abuse and trauma to the grip of addiction and the eventual road to healing. Growing up in Sierra Leone during a brutal civil war, Raph witnessed and experienced extreme hardship that left lasting emotional scars. Upon returning to the UK, he found himself struggling with the familiar environment that reignited past pain and unresolved trauma. With no healthy outlet for coping, he turned to substance use, which quickly spiraled into addiction and drug dealing.Raph’s journey illustrates how deeply family dynamics, childhood experiences, and environmental triggers can shape a person’s path. What started as a way to numb the pain soon became a dangerous lifestyle with serious consequences. His story serves as a reminder that addiction doesn’t discriminate and can escalate faster than expected. It was only after hitting rock bottom—facing the full weight of his decisions and their consequences—that Raph found the strength to begin again.Recovery, as Raph explains, is not a one-time event but a continuous, evolving process. He credits his transformation to the unwavering support of a recovery community, the commitment to personal growth, and the powerful sense of purpose he discovered through serving others. Today, Raph not only lives free from addiction but also helps others who are walking the same path he once did. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of connection, compassion, and change.Throughout the episode, Raph’s raw honesty is captured in unforgettable sound bites such as, “I was getting beats every night,” “I was eating out of dustbins,” and “I promised my nan I'm not gonna smoke no more.” His words resonate deeply, painting a vivid picture of suffering, survival, and ultimately, redemption.

In this powerful episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Chris White and Max Thomas are joined by Shamil, who shares his remarkable story of addiction, rock bottom, and transformation. Shamil speaks openly about growing up in London, his early encounters with alcohol, and how casual substance use developed into a full-blown addiction to cocaine and alcohol by his late twenties.He reflects on the struggles of working in education while secretly battling addiction, repeated hospital admissions, and the painful descent into homelessness, life-threatening health conditions, and profound isolation.However, Shamil’s story is ultimately one of hope and redemption. Through full surrender, deep spiritual work, and complete commitment to the 12-Step programme, he found a new way to live. Now, with over two and a half years' sobriety, Shamil works in the same hospital where he was once a patient, helping others on their journey to recovery.This episode is filled with powerful insights about emotional healing, the importance of honesty, and the ongoing need for consistency, humility, and spiritual maintenance. Shamil’s authenticity and humility shine as he reminds listeners that "everywhere I go, I take God with me" — a moving testament to living a sober life, one day at a time.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with guest Alex, a fellow recovering addict, to explore his lived experience of gambling addiction.The conversation starts with a nostalgic reflection as Alex and Max realise they once attended the same school — both unaware at the time that beneath the surface, they were already battling the early signs of addiction. Alex shares his story openly, tracing the roots of his compulsive gambling back to childhood, shaped by family separation, emotional instability, and early exposure to betting through his father’s habits.Alex’s journey is marked by emotional vulnerability, financial ruin, and the manipulation that so often accompanies addiction. He speaks candidly about his pattern of deception, the toxic cycle of winning and chasing losses, and the crushing shame that kept him isolated for years. His story highlights the often invisible nature of gambling addiction — one that doesn’t always carry the visible signs of other dependencies but is just as destructive.Throughout the conversation, Max and Chris reflect on the shared emotional struggles underlying addiction — the inner void, the hunger for validation, and the disconnect between how they appeared to the world and how they felt inside. Alex recounts the moments where addiction had him trapped, including the extraordinary highs and lows of gambling away over £120,000 in a single weekend, and the devastating impact this had on his relationships, self-worth and mental health.Despite the setbacks, Alex also shares how he has begun rebuilding his life. He talks about finding strength through community, his experiences in rehabilitation, and the importance of peer support. Now four months clean — the longest since his addiction began — Alex has also founded Walking and Talking, a safe and non-judgemental group for those struggling with gambling, offering connection and support through simple conversation and companionship.The episode closes on an uplifting note, with Max and Chris emphasising the importance of fellowship, recovery programmes, self-reflection, and honest conversation. Together, they highlight that addiction is about far more than substances or behaviours — it’s about the internal battles and emotional wounds we try to numb — and that lasting recovery is possible through connection, action, and community.