In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Simon, a long-time listener attending the show for the first time. Simon opens up about growing up in a loving and stable home, yet always feeling different, overly sensitive, and deeply uncomfortable in his own skin. As a child he experienced night terrors, sleepwalking, and early anxiety, eventually seeing a psychiatrist at just seven years old. Those feelings of not fitting in followed him into secondary school, where he struggled with identity, belonging, and self-worth.

Simon shares how he discovered alcohol at thirteen and instantly fell in love with its ability to change how he felt about himself. From there his drug use progressed quickly—first cannabis, then speed, ecstasy and cocaine. By sixteen he was dealing to fund his habit. Although he tried at times to manage his using, especially once he became a father, alcohol remained constant. After his marriage broke down, his drinking and drug use intensified, leading him deeper into addiction.

The turning point came at forty, when a dealer encouraged him to try crack cocaine. What followed was rapid decline: secret using, smoking crack while caring for his children, constant obsession, and repeated attempts to stop that only pushed him further down. Eventually he reached a devastating emotional and spiritual bottom, even attempting to overdose. During a desperate moment in “Dry January,” he reached out to a friend in recovery who took him to his first meeting. Simon describes feeling an immediate sense of safety and connection the moment he walked through the door.

From that day, he has remained clean. Simon threw himself into the 12-step program, finding deep healing through the steps, especially in his moral inventory and amends. He shares powerful moments with his children, ex-wife, and parents—conversations filled with truth, vulnerability, and forgiveness. Today, with over 22 months clean, Simon lives a completely different life. He maintains regular meetings, service commitments, daily gratitude, and prayer. His relationships with his kids are strong, co-parenting is harmonious, his career has progressed, and even his brother has begun changing his own relationship with substances.

This episode highlights the reality of addiction’s progression, the pain it causes families, and the extraordinary transformation recovery can bring. Simon’s story is one of honesty, humility, and real hope.

In this follow-up episode, George returns to share the powerful next chapter of his recovery journey. He talks openly about the family intervention that pushed him toward rehab, calling Grant at The Lighthouse, and entering treatment full of denial, fear, and withdrawal. Inside rehab, honesty, cross-addiction sessions, and the support of others slowly begin breaking through his denial.

After leaving treatment, George dives into meetings and begins feeling moments of hope—only to experience a painful six-day relapse that becomes one of the darkest and most frightening periods of his life. That experience brings true willingness, leading him to commit fully to recovery with two rounds of 90 meetings in 90 days.

George reflects on mental health challenges, including delayed psychosis and later being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and how he balances medication, stability, and recovery. He shares how he builds a personal understanding of a higher power through nature, step work, and daily practice.

The episode explores steps four through seven, character defects, expectations, emotional maturity, and learning to correct behaviours quickly. George also describes making amends to his family—including tender moments with his parents and younger brother—and the ongoing amends he practices through being a present, loving father.

Raw, reflective, and full of hope, George’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is messy, spiritual, practical, and life-changing—one day at a time.

In this powerful first part of George’s story, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with their friend and fellow recovering addict, George — who shares a brutally honest look at his life before recovery.

George recalls how Addicted to Recovery itself helped him through a dark patch when paranoia and self-doubt left him isolated. At two and a half years clean, he nearly relapsed — a stark reminder that no matter how long you’ve been sober, the disease of addiction can still whisper in your ear.

He talks candidly about his early life: a sensitive, anxious child growing up in a loving family, but one marked by confusion and emotional turbulence after a violent incident at his parents’ wedding. Experimentation with drink and drugs began young — alcohol at 12, cannabis at 13, pills at 14, cocaine by 15 — and soon spiraled into chaos.

By 17, George was hospitalized twice with kidney failure, yet denial and ego kept him going. His late teens and early twenties were filled with drug use, risky work environments, toxic relationships, and growing internal conflict. A surprise pregnancy at 19 and becoming a father brought moments of clarity — but also fresh pain, guilt, and fear.

Part One ends as George’s life begins to unravel, setting the stage for his eventual decision to seek help and enter recovery — a story he’ll share in next week’s episode.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Paul Hannaford continues sharing his journey from addiction and crime to redemption and purpose. The conversation opens with Paul leaving the hospital after a long battle with drug abuse and serious leg injuries that nearly cost him his life. He reflects on the moment he chose recovery over returning to drugs — a decision that changed everything.

Paul recounts his early struggles finding a treatment center, the kindness of hospital staff who let him stay five extra days, and the emotional start to his rehab journey at Hope House in Weston-super-Mare. He speaks candidly about crying daily during his first week in treatment, the emotional exhaustion of addiction, and the relief of finding genuine love and hope in recovery.

From there, Paul’s story unfolds as one of rebuilding — gaining his first home, paying his first bills, and trying new opportunities like extra work on TV shows. When acting didn’t take off, he turned his focus toward service and purpose, volunteering to speak with young people about drugs, gangs, and crime. His first talk at a youth club sparked something huge — schools began inviting him to share his story, leading to thousands of talks across the UK.

Paul describes how this new calling gave him “a spiritual experience,” replacing the high he once sought from drugs with the fulfillment of helping others. His talks gained recognition from major organizations like the London Fire Brigade, QPR, Reading FC, and other Premier League clubs, reaching millions of young people nationwide.

The episode also explores Paul’s personal redemption — reconciling with his mother and family, and an emotional reunion with his daughter after 15 years apart. His story comes full circle as he celebrates her 30th birthday, reflecting on the long journey from despair to peace, gratitude, and love.

Throughout, Paul and the hosts discuss the nature of addiction, the power of connection, and the importance of ongoing spiritual growth. Paul’s honesty about relapse, trauma, and perseverance serves as a raw and inspiring message: recovery is possible, and even the most broken lives can find purpose

In this gripping first part of a two-part conversation, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Paul Hannaford, whose story takes listeners from an ordinary East London childhood into the chaotic and heartbreaking world of addiction, crime, and survival.

Paul speaks with raw honesty about his early life growing up in East Ham as the eldest of four boys, his deep love for his father, and the devastating impact of losing him to alcoholism and family breakdown. That loss became the seed of a lifetime of pain and searching — first through friendships with older boys, then through alcohol and cannabis, and later through crime. By just thirteen, Paul was experimenting with LSD and experiencing terrifying hallucinations that landed him in hospital. Within a year, he was in a young offenders’ institution, where violence and humiliation at the hands of guards left him with a lifelong mistrust of authority.

As he grew older, Paul’s need for belonging drew him deeper into gang life. Violence, robbery, and the constant lure of danger became normal. By his late teens, he was drinking heavily, mixing with hardened criminals, and learning how to manipulate and survive on the streets. Then, at twenty-one, came the moment that changed everything: his first taste of heroin. What began as curiosity quickly became dependency. Within months, Paul went from an immaculately dressed young man in London nightclubs to a shadow of himself — homeless, desperate, and enslaved by addiction.

Over the years that followed, Paul’s life spiraled through prison cells, overdoses, and the brutal reality of life as a heroin and crack cocaine addict. He became one of the most prolific thieves in the country, stealing millions of pounds’ worth of goods to feed his habit. His body began to fail him — abscesses, infected veins, and open wounds that would never fully heal. Yet through it all, he continued chasing the same illusion of peace that had hooked him in that first hit.

Part One ends at the darkest point of Paul’s story — near death, spiritually broken, and completely lost. But it’s here that the seeds of change begin to take root, leading into the powerful redemption and recovery that unfold in Part Two.

Raw, emotional, and unflinchingly honest, this episode is a journey through trauma, addiction, and survival — a story that reminds us how far a person can fall, and how incredible it is when they find the strength to rise again.

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