The Truth About Addiction

Adam’s nine years of sobriety have shaped him into the empathetic recovery coach he is today. He has never put as much time and energy into something so rewarding in his whole life. The joy, excitement and sense of purpose he derives from his work are unparalleled. Adam’s transformation began with his commitment to the 12-step program, which he describes as the one thing that provided him invaluable ‘resources, abilities, integrity, love, charisma, accountabilities and so much more.’ ‘It gave me all the things I knew I had in me that I used for the wrong reasons to get high and stay high”.In this episode, we delve into the teachings of the 12-step program and emphasize the significance of fostering connections and relationships in recovery.To learn more about Adam’s coaching and sober support program, feel free to reach out to him on Instagram @freedomrecovery_sobercoachingIf you'd like to connect with me or have any recommendations for my show, please click here:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/      www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Kristen tried alcohol for the first time at 14 years old, she did not like it. When she tried again at 16 years of age, she fell in love. Then she found weed, cocaine, ecstasy and mushroom… the addiction escalated quickly.Kristen highlighted the sad reality of being dependent on alcohol and drugs, where she experienced being raped, robbed, drugged, head-on crash, DUI… but nothing mattered. She didn’t care if she lived or died. Today Kristen is the Founder and Host of Remember Your Why Podcast where she engages in meaningful conversations about addiction recovery and mental health stigmas and emphasises the importance of understanding the motivation behind their recovery. “Whether you’re just starting out or have been on the healing journey for some time, it’s important to always remember the WHY that brought you here... to this very moment.”To hear Kristen's inspiring story and gain insight into her healing journey, tune in to the Remember Your Why Podcast. Kristen's experiences and resilience make her a compelling example of survival and hope.Instagram: remember_your_why18 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083342052454Website: rememberyourwhy18.orgIf you'd like to connect with me or have any recommendations for my show, please click here:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/      www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

‘We live and we die, but what we do in between that time that really matters’.Music became a pivotal aspect of his life amidst a series of adversity and trauma. Following the tragic loss of his father to suicide at the young age of 15, he found himself unable to cope, leading him to seek solace in substances to ‘block the tears’.Verbalize’s recovery journey started when he encountered Dr. Joe Dispenza’s book, which inspired him to rewire his thoughts and catalysed the healing process from within. For a glimpse into Verbalize's artistic expression, explore his latest compositions available on YouTube, and engage with his content across various social media platforms including TikTok @verbalizeofficial, Facebook, and Instagram @verbalize_official.His highly anticipated latest album ‘Through My Eyes’, to be released later this year, promises a deeply personal and emotive music experience.

Jonathan's book, "Life on Life's Terms," swiftly ascended to the bestseller ranks on Amazon following its release last December. This literary work not only chronicles Jonathan's personal journey through profound adversity but also provides a comprehensive explanation of the transformative impact of the 12-step program of Narcotics Anonymous in liberating him from the grips of opioid addiction.Confronting the tragic loss of his beloved brother to suicide, Jonathan had to forge a path toward a renewed existence defined by recovery and a positive mindset. It was amidst this journey that he penned "Life on Life's Terms" as a poignant tribute to his brother.For those eager to delve into Jonathan's compelling narrative, "Life on Life's Terms" is available for purchase on Amazon. You can also track his advocacy for mental health awareness by following his journey on Instagram @getlifteddd If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, click here:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/      www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time. 

“All I care about is giving back and to put a smile on somebody’s face.”Ryan Phillips gained notoriety as one of Canada's most prominent marijuana smugglers, earning him the title ”King of Weed." He shared his experiences on Locked Up Abroad with a wide audience on National Geographic.In his candid accounts, Ryan revealed that criminal activity was somewhat of a family tradition, with even his grandmother having ties to the Russian mafia. With such influences, it's perhaps no surprise that Ryan found himself drawn into a life of crime. As a former professional hockey player, his aspirations were dashed by injuries and bad drinking habits. This eventually led to a struggle with prescription drug addiction during his treatment for anxiety. However, Ryan has since turned his life around and become a fervent advocate for mental health awareness. He's embarked on extensive cycling journeys across Asia and Canada, using his platform to raise both funds and awareness for issues such as human trafficking, sex slavery, and mental health.Keep an eye out for Ryan's upcoming film, "Radical Forgiveness," set to release later this year. It promises to delve deep into his personal journey, transcending his past as the "King of Weed" to explore themes of redemption and forgiveness. Find Ryan on Instagram @theryanphillipsofficial If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, click here:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/      www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time. 

Char’s first encounter with addiction manifested in the form of an eating disorder. Food binging served as her means of escape.‘From a very young age, I felt a lot of discomfort with this world.’At 21, amidst her burgeoning modelling career, Char ventured into cocaine experimentation. As her pursuits in modelling and singing ceased, she started to work in strip club, which also enabled her access to drugs and alcohol without any judgement.With the passing of her mother, her father and most recently, her sister, all succumbing to the ravages of cancer, Char embarked on a deeply spiritual journey to look for freedom. Not freedom from drugs and alcohol, just ‘freedom’.Char openly shares her exploration and practices in plant medicine, with a notable emphasis on mushrooms being a huge part of her spiritual journey. Find Char and her sacred space on Instagram @heal_with_spirit If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time. 

Jake’s story wasn’t the ‘classic’ idea of addiction. He started using drugs at the young age of 14 and stopped when he was almost 20 years old. The decision came after the realisation that while using, he couldn’t find the clarity to make decisions and trust those decisions.  Fast forward to a decade later, Jake is a Motivational Speaker, Coach, and Mountain Guide who has helped thousands of people around the world transform unwanted patterns and addictions into new, healthy habits.Jake works with many individuals who have at some point in their journey felt stuck with marijuana or alcohol consumption that doesn’t serve their highest purpose, and utilizes holistic health and mindfulness to help others create a sober life they love. Find Jake at @naturalhighsrecovery on Instagram & TikTok and visit www.naturalhighsrecovery.org to learn more. If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

During the Covid lockdown, Catie had an unexpected transformation in her life. As sobriety gradually became a part of her daily routine, she began to discover a newfound sense of connection with others.Catie's struggles with substance abuse began at a young age, as she started drinking at 13 and using cocaine by the age of 15. To cope with her troubles, she was prescribed antidepressant drugs, which she openly acknowledges have caused her much damage.However, Catie has found solace in her journey to sobriety, which has brought her joy, freedom, and self-love. She now dedicates herself to helping others by openly sharing her story and insights on life through her social media posts.You can follow Catie's inspiring journey and her perspective on life by checking out her Instagram profile @re.covering.me.If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

“People-pleasing was an addiction, just as much as the bottle was for me.” With a massive following of 400K on Instagram, 230K on TikTok, and 130K on Facebook, Nick is undoubtedly making a significant impact.Nick's life was once dedicated to pleasing others at the expense of his own happiness, leading him to rely on alcohol at his lowest point. However, he has since conquered his battle with alcoholism and transformed into a proponent of prioritizing self-care and seeking internal validation.In response to his own experiences, Nick established People Pleaser Bootcamp, tailored for chronic people-pleasers. The program focuses on setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.Discover Nick’s coaching at www.nickpollard.com If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Warning: Discussion of Sexual Abuse Mel is a resilient survivor and passionate advocate for sexual abuse survivors. During her employment at Long Bay Prison and at Downing Center Court, Mel witnessed horrific and extensive details of sexual abuse cases. Mel’s upbringing was marred by generational domestic violence and traumatic experiences. She endured her first instance of sexual abuse at the tender age of 4, followed by similar incidents at 8 and 15 years old. These traumatic events have had a lasting impact on her mental health, leading to long-term depression and suicidal attempts. Mel turned to drugs and partying through her teenage years as a means of escape.Driven by her personal experiences, Mel delves into the world of prisons, child grooming and the glaring inadequacies in government support and legislation surrounding these issues. You can subscribe to Mel’s YouTube and Instagram accounts @Melwatsonofficial to follow her quest on child protection and sexual abuse advocacy. If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Mitch’s journey began in the grips of alcohol obsession during his childhood, evolving into a tumultuous battle with weed and cocaine addiction. His story took a transformative turn, leading him to emerge as Mitch Motivates—a beacon of hope and support for those grappling with similar struggles.At just 19, Mitch bravely entered rehab, marking the inception of his remarkable path to recovery. Now, 15 years sober, he stands tall as the esteemed COO at Neinstein Plastic Surgery and the visionary Founder of Mitch Motivates. His unwavering commitment remains steadfast: to maintain his sobriety and extend a helping hand to all who seek it, embodying his purpose: "Helping anyone I could, anywhere I could."Mitch has recently released his book ‘My Addiction My Superpower’, which can be purchased athttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRVQYQ4G?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_W7QFA919DB4GEE9KJGXY&language=en-US Follow him on his Instagram @mitchmotivates for content surrounding addiction and mental health help.If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Raised amidst the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, Israel, Ori grappled with the challenges of embracing his true self. He sought solace in drugs and alcohol at the tender age of 13.His narrative unfolds a troubled childhood and the arduous attempts at getting clean. Ori shares his experiences, detailing the hardships of attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings held in bomb shelters in Tel Aviv, travelling to Australia, and ultimately attaining the remarkable milestones of eight years of recovery.Listen to Ori’s transformation from the shadows of addiction to become an inspiration for others seeking their own path to recovery.If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Performer, composer and producer Steve Balbi was very much the child prodigy. His first professional debut was with Kevin Borich Express at just 17 years of age in front of an audience of 10000. He later found Australian chart-toppers Noiseworks and Electric Hippies.‘I was born with a gift’. Steve was on a stable diet of alcohol and pot for a decade, travelling the world, drinking and scoring wherever he wanted. But his true first love was heroin. Four multi-platinum award-winning albums and various ARIA Aware Nominations later, Steve is now clean for 25 years. Listen to Steve recount ‘the miracle’ in his recovery journey. He places a significant emphasis on the love and support he received from the community of Narcotics Anonymous. Discover the creative portfolio of Steve Balbi at https://stevebalbi.com/ and gain insights into his inspirational journey by following his Instagram page @stevebalbi If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Shana’s attempt at sobriety spanned over two decades. She went to AA meetings, did the 12-step program, attended treatment centres… But ‘No matter what I did, I just couldn’t get it.’Shana was so good at hiding her drinking habits that even her best friends didn’t know. She recalls the vicious cycles of detoxing, abstinence and relapses. Find out how Shana found her way out and discovered herself today. Amongst all the ‘controlled chaos’, her crazy, fun and spontaneous ADHD self, she still manages to ‘get it together’, not just as a Recovery Coach but as a mother and a strong woman in recovery. Follow Shana on her Instagram @controlledchaoscoaching for more sobriety-related content!If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Braiden’s addiction journey stemmed from his family’s generational struggles with alcoholism and domestic violence. He vividly recalls the destructive encounter with ice, leading to drug dealing and resulting in his incarceration. He describes the period of homelessness as the ‘saddest part of his life’. Today, approaching a commendable two years of recovery, Braiden runs his own podcast/video production show and is a proud father and a devoted husband. He keeps it simple, prioritising his family.“My end goals are to live a long and healthy, loving life with my beautiful family.”Support Braiden’s YouTube Channel athttps://www.youtube.com/@tonksymediaproductions9339Instagram @tonksymediapodcastIf you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au  Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

20th December 2021, Kate picked up the phone and recorded a heartfelt message to herself. She recorded her ‘drunk self’ begging her ‘sober self’ to stop drinking. And her sober self heeded this desperate plea.‘I drank for 360 days a year for 20 years of my life.’Kate started drinking at the early age of 14. Growing up in a Great Gatsby style home, surrounded by renowned authors, daily parties and the constant sight of adults having wine glasses in their hands, Kate continued what she thought was the norm. Society and culture told her it was ok. Her upbringing told her it was ok. Our Kate today is the passionate advocate pushing the message that ‘alcohol is a poison’. She talks about the profound transformation she achieved following the decision to quit. Embracing her current roles as a professional writer and the host of The Sober Effect podcast, Kate is proud to showcase a life brimming with joy sans the influence of alcohol. Follow Kate on her Instagram @walking_the_straight_line If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au  Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

I have a thinking problem long before I had a drinking problem. I was a blackout drinker. I have an ‘allergy’ to drugs and alcohol.But today, I care about other people and I freely share what I have. If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

New York-based Dr. Brooke Scheller is a doctor of nutrition. With 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Scheller uses her knowledge from a science standpoint to explain the connection between nutrition and alcoholism, utilising nutrition to support changing your relationship with alcohol and healing your body from past alcohol damage.Dr. Scheller had a drinking problem since her teenage years. Now at two and a half years sober, she has successfully released her highly anticipated book: ‘How To Eat To Change How You Drink - a revolutionary guide to leverage food and nutrition to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, develop mindfulness, and promote a healthier relationship with alcohol.’Follow Dr. Scheller on her Instagram page @drbrookescheller and order her book here: https://www.functionalsobriety.com/network  If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au  Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

This is not just a story of a woman getting sober, but rather the inspiring journey of a devoted mother who made the decision to quit drinking for the sake of her son. Allow me to introduce Kim Bellas, an extraordinary individual who demonstrated that alcohol was not a prerequisite for having a good time.Kim's youngest son, Matthew, faced the challenges of full epilepsy, rendering alcohol off-limits for him. Witnessing his feelings of exclusion when socializing with friends, Kim made the courageous choice to abstain from drinking. What began as a three-month personal challenge has now transformed into an impressive eleven-year journey of sobriety.Through her unwavering dedication, Kim has not only become an impressive role model for her children but has also trademarked the phrase 'Sober Is The New Cool.' Her overwhelmingly positive energy radiates, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.Follow Kim on her Instagram for more inspirational content on sobriety and mental health @sober.is.the.new.coolIf you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au  Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Wise beyond his 38 years of age, Kohdi Rayne is currently digitally working with 1700 people through his online programs, spreading awareness on addiction recovery via various platforms with over 700K followers.Kohdi’s drinking lasted for over 24 years, starting from the age of 8. At the peak of his alcoholism, he consumed nearly 2 and a half bottles of vodka a day to stay alive, suffering convulsions if he went without a drink.In 2017, Kohdi faced a 'near-death' experience and was given less than a week to live due to Esophageal Varices (the veins in his throat burst, filling his stomach with blood), liver failure, and heart failure. It took him 18 months to recover and learn to walk again. Six years later, Kohdi proudly stands as the founder of Beyond Sober. He is dedicated to helping people save themselves, teaching programs based on his own experiences with an understanding and empathetic approach.www.SoberNotSober.comInstagram and Tiktok @kohdi.rayneIf you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au  Thank you for your support. One day at a time.