Addicted to Recovery

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.

In this powerful episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Chris and Max sit down with psychotherapist and fellow recovering addict Nick for an honest and deeply relatable conversation about addiction, emotional regulation, and the ongoing work of recovery. Nick shares how daily mindfulness, breathwork, and shifting focus from self-centeredness to service have transformed his life, while the trio discuss how intense emotions, reactive behaviors, and childhood coping mechanisms shape the recovery journey. They explore vulnerability as an act of courage, the importance of honesty in healing, and the role of parenting in teaching emotional balance. Nick also introduces his new venture, The Recovery Cartel, a recovery-themed merchandise brand created to inspire and support the recovery community. Full of practical insights, raw stories, and heartfelt reflection, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking connection, growth, and hope on the path to lasting recovery.🛍️ Explore The Recovery Cartel – A lifestyle brand celebrating life in recovery through clothing, prints, accessories, and more. New designs drop every week, created by people in recovery for the recovery community. 🌐 Website: www.therecoverycartel.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @therecoverycartel 📱 TikTok: @therecoverycartel

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Louise, one of their patrons and a fellow recovering addict, to share a raw and inspiring story of transformation, resilience, and hope.Louise opens up about her turbulent past, marked by childhood trauma, addiction, abusive relationships, and time spent in prison. From stealing as a young girl and seeking validation through destructive behaviors, to falling into substance abuse by age 13 and entering a relationship with a much older man, Louise’s early life was chaotic and painful. Her addiction spiraled from alcohol and cocaine use to crack cocaine, street prostitution, and repeated prison sentences.Despite multiple failed attempts at rehab and fleeting periods of sobriety, Louise’s turning point came after a rapid methadone detox in prison and a placement at a 12-step treatment center. There, hearing another woman share a story that mirrored her own changed everything — sparking the desire to recover and breaking the obsession to use.Louise’s recovery journey hasn’t been easy. She speaks candidly about working the 12 steps, confronting deep-rooted trauma (including sexual abuse by her father), and making amends. She highlights the transformative power of service work — from H&I shares in prisons to sponsoring newcomers — and the importance of community and connection in staying clean.Now over two years and five months clean, Louise is rebuilding her life. She’s completed courses in bookkeeping and accounting, moved to Leicester to be with her supportive partner, and is planning a future full of possibility — including driving lessons and a holiday to Paris. She’s also courageously participating in legal action against a perpetrator to help prevent further harm to others.Louise’s story is a testament to the power of recovery, perseverance, and the life-changing impact of one addict helping another. As Max puts it, “If you can do it, anyone can.”

In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas dive into the theme of freedom in recovery. Fresh from celebrating his 40th birthday in New York, Max shares the profound sense of freedom he felt — being comfortable in his own skin, no longer bound by old habits, secrecy, or shame.The conversation explores:The difference between simply attending meetings and actively working the 12 steps.Why recovery is more than abstinence — it’s about transformation, honesty, and service.Personal stories of past birthdays clouded by addiction versus the joy and authenticity of living clean today.The mental health struggles men face, especially around silence, shame, and suicide — and the importance of talking openly.How milestones like turning 40 highlight the need for reflection, health, and building a future with purpose.With honesty and vulnerability, Christopher and Max remind us that true freedom comes not just from putting down substances, but from doing the deeper work to live fully, without secrets, and in connection with others.

In this raw and deeply moving episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Alex, a fellow recovering addict, to explore his incredible journey from addiction, violence, and prison to love, stability, and a new life in recovery.Alex opens up about growing up in a loving family but feeling different from an early age — plagued by anxiety, intense emotions, and a constant sense of not fitting in. As a teenager, alcohol and drugs quickly became his escape. Drawn to the thrill and sense of belonging in football culture, Alex found himself swept up in a lifestyle of pubs, violence, and chaos. What started as weekend drinking spiraled into daily substance use, destructive relationships, and eventually, serious legal trouble.After a series of arrests, Alex served over two years in prison. While behind bars, he discovered meditation and fitness as temporary anchors, but the deep-rooted issues of addiction remained unresolved. Upon his release, Alex initially tried to rebuild his life, but without a recovery plan, he quickly fell back into old patterns of drinking and using. His turning point came after a devastating arrest outside a prison while visiting a friend — a moment that deeply impacted his fiancée, Leandra, and forced Alex to confront the truth about his addiction.With Leandra’s support, Alex took his first brave steps toward recovery through therapy and a structured program called Aspirations. Eventually, he found fellowship meetings, where he slowly began to open up, connect with others, and take suggestions. It wasn’t easy — early recovery brought anger, resistance, and multiple relapses — but Alex kept coming back.Now, at 18 months clean, Alex shares how service work, accountability, and a new community of friends have transformed his life. From crashing cars and toxic relationships to proposing to the love of his life after a recovery meeting, Alex’s story is a testament to the power of change, resilience, and hope.This episode dives deep into what it really means to let go, rebuild, and find freedom from addiction. Whether you’re on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, Alex’s experience will inspire and remind you that no matter how dark it gets, a new life is always possible.

In this powerful episode of Addicted to Recovery, Christopher and Max sit down with Steve, who is just shy of 18 months clean. Steve shares a deeply personal and moving story of addiction, family struggles, and redemption.The conversation begins with Steve’s early life, growing up in a divided and often chaotic household. His parents’ divorce and a lack of love and stability left him anxious and withdrawn. As a teenager, Steve gravitated toward older friends and environments where alcohol and drugs were normalized, leading to his first experiences with cocaine and, shockingly, smoking crack by the age of 16.Over time, Steve’s substance use spiraled, fueled by unresolved childhood trauma, grief over losing his beloved brother Michael, and the breakdown of his marriage to Michelle. What started as recreational use of cocaine evolved into a destructive addiction, marked by psychosis, self-harm, and total isolation. At his lowest point, Steve was consuming half-ounce quantities of drugs alone while his mental health collapsed.The turning point came after a near-fatal incident driving under the influence and a welfare check that forced him to confront his situation. After reaching out for help, Steve attended his first recovery meeting, where he immediately felt a sense of belonging and hope. He has remained clean since that day.Today, Steve is thriving in recovery. Through working the steps with his sponsor, attending meetings, and giving back to others, he has built a life of peace and purpose. He reflects on the transformation from living in fear, shame, and chaos to finding stability, gratitude, and self-awareness

In this powerful episode, Christopher and Max take listeners on an honest and raw journey through addiction, recovery, and hope. They begin by discussing the stigma surrounding addiction and how even some medical professionals fail to fully understand it, focusing only on the substances rather than the deeper illness.As the conversation unfolds, both hosts open up about their darkest days — the lies, shame, and destruction caused by their addiction. Christopher shares his near-daily struggles during his final two years of using, highlighting the cycle of chaos and the breaking point that finally led him to rehab. Max talks about the fear of losing his family, the moment he realized how far he had fallen, and how that desperation pushed him toward recovery.Listeners will hear deeply personal reflections on:The isolating and exhausting nature of addictionThe transformative power of recovery and spiritual awakeningLearning to sit with emotions without needing to escapeThe importance of honesty, community, and consistent action through meetingsHow family relationships can be rebuilt through trust and changeThe episode closes with a message of hope and practical advice for newcomers or anyone struggling: attend meetings, keep showing up, and don’t give up after just one attempt. Christopher and Max remind us that while addiction is a killer, recovery is possible — and life on the other side can be filled with love, purpose, and freedom.

In this deeply moving episode, Chris and Max sit down with their friend Dean, who opens up about his lifelong battle with addiction, starting with gambling as a child and spiraling into decades of drug use. Dean shares how his life unraveled—from the highs of the rave scene to the devastating lows of losing his family, home, and self-respect.Through the 12-step program and unwavering support from others in recovery, Dean found freedom and a new way of living. Now over ten years clean, Dean reflects on the power of surrender, the importance of service, and his evolving relationship with faith and spirituality.This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that no matter how far gone you feel, recovery is possible—one day at a time.Support the Show: If you’ve been impacted by Addicted to Recovery and want access to bonus episodes, daily affirmations, and more, support us on Patreon at patreon.com/addictedtorecovery.

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.