In this powerful episode of Addicted to Recovery, we sit down with Dean to discuss the complexities and transformative journey of recovery. Together, we explore how recovery is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment that thrives with the support of fellowship.Dean sheds light on how addiction often roots itself in family dynamics and the absence of nurturing environments. By understanding the science behind addiction, individuals can gain valuable insights that help shape their recovery journey.One of the key takeaways is the necessity of surrendering to the process—accepting help and trusting the path to healing. Dean also draws attention to the often-overlooked struggle of food addiction, highlighting its parallels to substance addiction.Throughout the conversation, we emphasise the vital role of a strong fellowship. From personal growth that emerges through adversity to the fellowship that offers belonging and shared understanding, fellowship stands as a cornerstone of recovery.Dean reflects on how examining past experiences provides clarity for current behaviours, fostering self-awareness and growth. Ultimately, the episode concludes with an inspiring message: love and connection are not just crucial for recovery—they are essential for building a fulfilling and meaningful life.Tune in to Episode 47 for an honest, heartfelt, and enlightening discussion about what it takes to reclaim your life and thrive in recovery.
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Chris and Max sit down with Darren, a fellow recovering addict, for an open and moving conversation about his journey. Darren reflects on his path through addiction, the turning points that led him to seek help, and the transformative power of vulnerability and honesty in the recovery process.The discussion touches on formative childhood experiences, his early encounters with substances, and the challenges of staying sober. Darren also opens up about coping with loss and grief, including the profound impact of losing his parents, and how recovery has equipped him to face these emotions.This episode highlights the critical role of fellowship, spirituality, and personal growth in sustaining recovery. Through Darren’s story, the podcast underscores the strength and hope found in shared experiences, offering inspiration for anyone on the journey of healing.
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, Chris and Max delve into Step 12 of the recovery process, sharing personal stories and insights that bring this crucial step to life. They explore the transformative experience of spiritual awakening, the responsibility of carrying the message to others, and the challenges of applying recovery principles in everyday situations. The discussion underscores the importance of fellowship, personal growth, and the ongoing journey of recovery.
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Chris and Max have a heartfelt conversation with Irene, who courageously shares her journey through addiction, trauma, and recovery. Irene opens up about her early life shaped by abuse, her struggles with substance use, and the defining moments that inspired her to seek help. The discussion underscores the vital role of fellowship, support, and personal growth in the recovery process, along with the life-changing impact of finding a sponsor and building connections with others who have faced similar challenges. Irene's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the ability to rebuild a life after hardship.
In this episode, we celebrate Chris's remarkable achievement of four years clean, a powerful milestone in his recovery journey. The discussion highlights how recovery extends its positive impact beyond the individual, fostering healing and growth among families and friends.We explore the strength found in emotional vulnerability, which deepens connections and supports healing. The critical role of family support is emphasised, as it offers love and understanding during tough times. Childhood experiences are examined as a window into early signs of addiction, underscoring the importance of awareness and prevention.The conversation delves into the emotional voids, loss, and grief that often lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, emphasising the necessity of emotional processing. They also discuss how substance use can escalate, affecting every area of life, and the transformative power of seeking help as a turning point in recovery.Finally, the episode celebrates the profound changes that come with building a new life in recovery—embracing transformation, finding purpose, and forming meaningful community connections. This heartfelt episode shines a light on resilience, connection, and the life-changing potential of recovery.
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, Sean recounts his turbulent journey from a troubled childhood shadowed by family struggles and substance abuse to discovering purpose in fitness and DJing. He opens up about his time in the military, the relentless grip of addiction, and how the COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment in his life. Sean highlights the power of vulnerability, connection, and discipline in overcoming addiction—a path that eventually led him to create Willers Fitness, where he now helps others reclaim their lives from addiction.
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Chris White and Max Thomas sit down with Vanessa, who recently celebrated 20 years of sobriety, for a powerful discussion on addiction, recovery, and resilience. Vanessa opens up about her personal journey, sharing insights into her early struggles with alcohol, the influence of family dynamics, and the critical turning points that led her to seek help. Together, they explore how community and support systems have been vital in her path to sobriety.Vanessa also reflects on her ongoing experiences, offering a candid look into the challenges and triumphs of recovery. She highlights the value of support programs, the transformative role of mentorship, and the importance of celebrating milestones. With themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and gratitude, this episode provides a heartfelt message about embracing the journey of recovery and finding strength in every step.
In this episode, we explore Jack's journey from a childhood filled with love but lacking emotional connection, to the struggles and transformations that came with his battle against addiction. We dive into how substance use often starts as a search for acceptance and belonging, only to evolve into various forms of addiction that carry emotional and physical pain. Jack’s story brings attention to ketamine addiction, a lesser-known but powerful substance that can have devastating effects.Through Jack’s recovery journey, we see that healing is ongoing and requires consistent support and action. Vulnerability plays a central role, not only in his personal healing but also in his ability to connect with and support others facing similar struggles. This episode emphasizes the importance of addressing the deeper issues that fuel addiction and shines a light on how finding purpose in recovery can inspire a path to helping others. Jack’s experience serves as a reminder of the complexities of addiction and the power of awareness, connection, and purpose in the journey toward recovery.
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher and Max delve into the challenges and rewards of addiction recovery, emphasising the crucial roles of family, structure, and community. They explore the highs and lows of parenting, maintaining balance, and the value of mindfulness practices. Chris shares personal stories about living with ADHD, managing physical health, and the profound impact of prayer and meditation on his recovery. They both reflect on the importance of daily rituals, the strength found in connecting with a higher power, and the ripple effects of addiction, including the tragic story of Liam Payne. Throughout, they highlight the ongoing journey of self-improvement and the need for self-compassion.
In this episode, hosts Chris and Max sit down with Brendon Parry, an Ironman athlete and recovering addict who is approaching five years of sobriety. Together, they explore the deeply personal journey of recovery, discussing everything from the lasting impact of childhood trauma to the crucial role of exercise and community support in maintaining sobriety.Brendon shares his powerful story, opening up about his battle with addiction, the turning points that led him to seek help, and the ongoing challenges he continues to face. He reflects on his rediscovery during lockdown, when a boxing gym became a key part of his healing process. By following the steps of recovery and addressing the obsession and allergy linked to addiction, Brendon found his way forward.The conversation highlights the importance of physical health in recovery, with diet and exercise playing major roles. They also discuss the significance of building supportive relationships and setting meaningful goals. Reflecting on their journeys, Brendon and the hosts emphasise the critical role of community and connection in overcoming addiction, fostering personal growth, self-acceptance, and long-term sobriety.Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, healing, and the transformative power of recovery.
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas engage in a heartfelt conversation with Shireen, a recovering addict.They explore Shireen's journey from addiction to recovery, discussing the pivotal moments that led her to seek help, the struggles she faced, and the cultural influences that shaped her experiences.The conversation delves into the importance of making amends, the ongoing challenges of managing recovery, and the profound changes that come with sobriety. Shireen shares her insights on finding joy in life beyond substances and the support she has received from her community.This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of transformation through recovery.
In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Max Thomas and Christopher White sit down with their friend JD for an insightful discussion on the complex path of addiction and recovery. Together, they delve into the role of friendship, the vital connection between faith and action in the recovery process, and how childhood experiences can shape addiction. JD opens up about his personal battle with addiction, his time living on the streets, and the profound changes that recovery has brought to his life. The episode highlights the importance of support systems, making amends, and the continual journey of healing and self-improvement.
In Episode 35, hosts Chris and Max are joined by special guest Chris for an open and heartfelt conversation about the journey through addiction and recovery. They share personal stories of struggle, reflecting on how recovery has transformed their lives, relationships, and family dynamics. The discussion highlights the role of emotions in addiction and the importance of connection, support, and being present for loved ones. Tune in for an inspiring and honest exploration of healing, growth, and the life-changing power of recovery.
In this episode, we had an incredible, honest conversation with Jason, who opened up about his powerful journey through addiction and recovery. From starting substance use at a young age to how family relationships shaped his path, Jason didn’t hold back. We also got into how humor played a role in his healing, the ups and downs of relapse, and why sponsorship is so important in recovery.This is a real, raw discussion about the ongoing challenges of recovery, the importance of honesty, and finding hope in the darkest moments. We’re proud to share Jason’s story — trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
This week, Chris and Max dive into the topic of connection, exploring how it plays a crucial role in breaking free from the prison of addiction. They discuss the famous 'Rat Park' study, which illustrates how a supportive social environment can overcome the grip of drugs.In honor of 'Recovery Month,' they share personal stories highlighting the transformative power of spreading the message of recovery and the profound impact it can have on someone's life.To wrap up the episode, they tackle listeners' questions, which take a humorous turn as they find themselves laughing about Bill Wilson’s bush!Enjoy!
Joining Chris and Max this week is Danny, who sits down with the boys for a candid, light-hearted chat about addiction and recovery. They explore Danny’s personal journey, touching on his challenging upbringing, early run-ins with crime, and battles with addiction.The conversation dives into themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of dropping ego in the recovery process. Danny also reflects on the toughness of previous generations versus today’s, sharing insights on his experiences with various substances and the positive changes in his life, including a recent holiday.Tune in for an honest and inspiring discussion that’s not to be missed!
In this episode, Max and Chris dive deep into the essentials of a successful recovery program and how it lays the foundation for long-term sobriety. They explore daily commitments, spiritual principles, and the power of morning routines, including insights from the "Just For Today" book and the value of gratitude lists.Join them as they share personal stories that highlight the importance of taking recovery one day at a time, staying connected through morning texts, and the vital role of meetings and finding your home group. They also discuss how to handle cravings and triggers, and the transformative impact of service in the recovery journey.This conversation is all about building consistency, fostering personal growth, and embracing each day with purpose. Don’t miss out on this insightful and inspiring discussion!
In this episode, we sit down with Matt, a model agent, to hear his powerful story of addiction and recovery in the fashion industry. 💪 He opens up about how drugs and alcohol once gave him a false sense of confidence and escape, but over time, the negative consequences started to take over. Matt realised he had to make a change when his substance abuse began affecting his relationships. Now, he's been sober since January and is sharing his journey with us.Tune in as Matt talks about the challenges of early sobriety, the importance of having a strong support network, and how being alone in his flat triggered his commitment to staying sober. He also dives into the motivation behind his sobriety and the pride he feels in his accomplishments.This conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding addiction and why we need to have more open and honest discussions about it. Plus, Matt gives us a sneak peek into his podcast, where he’s creating a safe space for others to share their stories.Don’t miss this inspiring episode! 🎧✨
Max and Chris get real about their journeys through Step 10 of recovery. They dive deep into the daily ritual of checking in with themselves—keeping tabs on their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and owning up when they slip.Chris drops some wisdom on the art of surrendering control to a higher power. He talks about how breaking things down into small moments of surrender throughout the day has been a game-changer. When he messes up, he’s quick to make amends, and that shift in mindset—powered by gratitude—brings him back to a place of humility and appreciation.Their convo is a reminder that staying on top of your game in recovery isn’t just important—it’s transformational.
In this episode, Soul shares his powerful journey growing up in East London, feeling different, and experiencing racism. He opens up about his early involvement in crime, introduction to drugs, and the struggles with addiction that led him to prison.Soul talks about the moment he realised he needed to change and his path to recovery. From rehab to aftercare, and overcoming resistance to Narcotics Anonymous (NA), his story is one of hope and transformation.Tune in to hear about the challenges of rebuilding relationships, the impact of addiction on his family, and the importance of meetings, sponsorship, and service in maintaining sobriety. Soul’s story is a testament to personal growth, spiritual connection, and the power of giving back.Listen now and be inspired by Soul's journey of recovery and redemption. Don't miss his touching story about his second sponsor and the importance of reaching out to those still struggling.