Addiction Unmasked

Has this cost you more than money? If the answer is yes, there's a problem.

I talked with @Shig Hayre, Director of SP Bespoke.

He shared his story and ideas on addiction recovery.

Key points:

• Shig struggled with addiction himself.
• He believes in healing the whole person.
• We talked about problems in rehab centres.
• Shig supports personalised treatment plans.

Shig says education and mindset matter. He questions the traditional 12-step program.

We also discussed the need for self-care and dealing with past pains.

Shig's story shows the power of holistic healing.

Access the episode now here.

9 months ago, I wrote a post titled: F**k Rehab Centres.

It was a bold hook...

Looking back, it was successful in creating polarisation.

But if I'm brutally honest, it doesn't align with my core beliefs these days.

After connecting with several leaders of rehab centres, I no longer believe they are all inherently bad.

At the time, I didn't have the same entrepreneurial maturity I do now (a lot can change in 9 months...)

Do I believe they're perfect? No.

BUT... many still rely on an outdated 12-step, one-size-fits-all model.

This is unacceptable and needs to change.

Humans have evolved significantly since the 1930s when the model was first developed, and we must recognise that.

However, it's unfair to tarnish the entire industry with the same brush.

Above all else, I want to acknowledge my admiration for people like Vincent Conlon.

He wasn't one of the 60+ keyboard warriors who felt personally attacked by my post and took to the comments section.

Instead, he sent me a private message saying he respected me for speaking my truth, even though he disagreed with me.

This has led to us connecting, having a long form conversation, and finding a lot of common ground in what we believe to be true.

Behaviours like this will help us forge the most effective path through this complex and nuanced area of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health that we call addiction.

If I can go full existential for a moment, approaching areas of disagreement in this way will do a great deal for healing our collective trauma as a global society.

Love, respect, and honour for one another's views.

This is the way forward.

PS. This is a clip from Vincent and my episode of Addiction Unmasked. You can listen to our full episode on Spotify now (It's a banger)

Thank you Vincent. I appreciate you.

Takeaways

• Motivation and desire are essential for overcoming addiction.
• There is no universal solution to addiction, and diverse approaches are necessary.
• Traditional rehab centres may not be suitable for everyone, and alternative options like halfway houses can provide a bridge between institutional care and returning home.
• Private medical aids in South Africa often only cover 21 days of treatment, leading to a cycle of repeated treatment and relapse.
• Entrepreneurship can be a powerful force in recovery and creating innovative solutions in the addiction treatment field. The rehab industry often falls short by offering short-term programs that may not be sufficient for long-term recovery.
• It is important to find the right approach to addiction treatment that suits each individual's needs and circumstances.
• Rehab centres should focus on providing a holistic and personalised approach to address the underlying issues and support long-term recovery.
• The 12-step program can be helpful for some, but it may not be suitable for everyone and can be rigid in its approach.
• Rehab centres should prioritise the well-being and progress of their clients over financial considerations.
• Building a supportive community and fostering connections with others who have similar experiences can be a powerful aspect of recovery.
• Language and self-identification play a significant role in addiction recovery, and it is important to find empowering and non-destructive ways to define oneself.
• The rehab industry should strive for continuous improvement and collaboration to provide the best possible care for individuals struggling with addiction.

In this episode, I talk with Jack Sexton about his journey through addiction and recovery.

We discuss how important it is to live truthfully and how childhood experiences affect addiction.

Jack shares his experiences with alcohol, cocaine, and work addiction. He talks about the need for honesty and self-awareness to avoid burnout.

The conversation explores addiction, burnout, and chasing money in the recruitment industry.

The episode ends with a talk about the challenges of finding growth and alignment in one’s career.

Takeaways

• Living from a place of truth and seeking authenticity is essential in personal development and overcoming addiction.
• Childhood experiences, such as a lack of emotional connection, can contribute to addiction later in life.
• Substances like alcohol and drugs can provide a temporary escape from emotional pain and facilitate connection with others.
• Work addiction, driven by the pursuit of status and identity, can lead to burnout and negative consequences.
• Overcoming burnout requires honesty, self-awareness, and a willingness to make rational decisions about one's work situation. Money should be viewed as a vehicle to support the lifestyle we want, rather than an end goal in itself.
• Authenticity and alignment with our true selves are crucial for finding purpose and fulfilment in our careers.
• Addressing past traumas and resentments is essential for personal growth and overcoming addiction.
• A strong desire to change is necessary for embarking on the journey of self-improvement and recovery.
• Finding clarity on our goals and motivations can help us avoid burnout and make more meaningful career choices.

Enjoy!

In this raw and unscripted episode of Addiction Unmasked, I share my journey as a digital nomad with my girlfriend, Beth.

We planned to settle in Spain, but visa issues led us to travel through various countries instead.

Running a coaching business on the move is challenging. Adapting to new cultures, managing unexpected events, and maintaining consistency can be tough. There are moments of isolation and homesickness, but it's incredibly rewarding overall.

Takeaways:

• Nomadic life is exciting and rewarding but also challenging.
• Visa issues can disrupt plans, requiring adaptability.
• Cultural differences and isolation can be tough.
• Appreciate the comforts and connections of home.

Here’s a breakdown of what we cover:

00:00 Welcome to Addiction Unmasked

00:26 Personal Insights and Podcast Philosophy

01:09 The Freedom Creator Workshop

01:40 Podcasting Challenges and Authenticity

03:51 Life in Greece

05:09 The Digital Nomad Visa Journey

07:04 Challenges with the Spanish Visa

10:27 Adventures in Albania

13:29 Navigating the Schengen Area

22:51 Settling in Greece

23:29 Reflections on the Nomadic Lifestyle

27:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

28:45 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

On this weeks podcast episode, I talk with my community client Conor Martin.

Conor started drinking young and like myself, used cocaine.

Despite appearing okay, he struggled deeply.

His lowest point was attempting to end his life.

This was his wake-up call...

He went to rehab and joined AA, but still felt unhappy.

Together, we uncovered that his deep sadness came from unresolved childhood trauma.

Conor felt:

- Shame

- Inadequacy

- Low self-worth

Here are the 3 steps we took to Freedom:

Step 1: Uncover and Resolve Trauma

→ We explored his past so he could find peace.

Step 2: Reframe Negative Thoughts

→ He learned he is good enough.

Step 3: Build Confidence

→ Conor became more outgoing and happy.

Conor now shares the importance of therapy and urges others to seek help.

Inspired by our work, he trained as a coach and now helps people with addictions alongside his job in recruitment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Overcoming addiction is ongoing and involves addressing emotional issues.
2. High-functioning addicts can appear okay but struggle internally.
3. Change doesn’t require rock bottom, just dissatisfaction and desire.
4. Shame and guilt are common but crucial to address for healing.
5. Hope is vital as a motivator in overcoming addiction.
6. Therapy and coaching help heal past traumas and gain new perspectives.
7. Self-doubt and low self-worth are common but manageable with therapy.
8. Seeking help is essential for personal growth and overcoming addiction.
9. Helping others can maintain sobriety and be fulfilling.

Charlie used to drink two bottles of wine each day. Now, she's been sober for over six months and is a qualified sober coach with ambitions to help others beat addiction.

What We Talk About This Episode:

• Even though she did everything right, Charlie felt sad and alone.
• When her daughter went to college, Charlie knew she needed to change.
• With help from Dan, she stopped using alcohol to feel better.
• Now, she works better and wants to help people full-time.
• She fought feelings of shame and guilt and now feels good about herself.
• She believes in sharing her healing stories and encourages others to love their journeys.

Key Points:

• Sometimes, people who seem okay are struggling inside.
• Finding what you love to do can change your life.
• It’s important to let go of bad feelings to be happy at work and home.
• Talking to someone who understands can really help.
• When you get better, you might want to help others feel better too.
• Loving who you are helps you enjoy life and do what you love.

Learn More About Charlie:

Charlie's LinkedIn

Listen to her story and see how changing yourself can help change others too.

Have you ever felt trapped by a loved one’s addiction?

Amanda is an addiction relationship coach. She shares her journey of supporting her husband through addiction, highlighting the lack of support she found for herself.

Now, she helps women and families navigate addiction challenges. Amanda emphasises doing your own good work and rebuilding trust with yourself. She encourages compassion and setting boundaries when a loved one relapses. Amanda also highlights reframing beliefs and self-empowerment.

Her advice to partners: focus on your own well-being while supporting your loved ones.

Takeaways:

• Do your own good work.
• Rebuild trust with yourself.
• Respond with compassion.
• Set boundaries during relapses.
• Reframe beliefs.
• Practice self-empowerment.
• Focus on your well-being.
• Live your own life while supporting your loved one.

Chapters:

• 00:00: Introduction and Overview of Amanda's Work
• 09:49: The Struggle of Expecting Truth from Someone in Denial
• 16:01: Reframing Beliefs and Practicing Self-Empowerment
• 38:18: Preventing the House from Burning Down
• 44:04: Prioritising Wellbeing While Supporting a Loved One

Interested in learning more or connecting with Dan?

Website:

https://www.thefreedomsolution.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmartintfs/

Connect with Amanda:

https://www.instagram.com/addictionmakesthree/

Welcome to ‘Addiction Unmasked’ – the podcast where we dig into addiction: the struggle, the stereotypes and of course, the solution.

In this episode, I’d wanted to give you an opportunity to get to know me better! I cover my journey and experience with addiction – and how it led me to where I am today.

I also dive into an important aspect of addiction that is often overlooked, how I intend to address it and why it’s the main focus of this podcast.

Lastly, I go over the format of the show and what you can expect from guests and future episodes!

Jump In Here:

(0:00) - Introduction

(0:28) - Why have I started this podcast?

(1:02) - The concept of high-functioning addiction

(4:14) - High-functioning addiction

(6:28) - My background

(11:56) - My “big step”

(16:26) - Turning lived experiences into tools

(17:45) - What’s coming up next..

(18:16) - Growth

(20:18) - The format of the podcast

(21:30) - Episode wrap-up

About Dan Martin:

Host Dan Martin transitioned from his high-level sales career making  £60k+ a year to become an addiction expert and coach after his own struggles with drugs and alcohol pushed him to take steps towards changing his life.

Learning from his own background and experiences as a “high-functioning” addict led him to a unique blend of cognitive hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming and performance coaching – which he now practices with his own clients.

His approach focuses on high-functioning addicts and is all done in a safe, supportive environment via zoom.

Together, he helps his clients towards a meaningful life that is free of addiction and gives them the tools to evolve towards who they are really meant to be.

Interested in learning more or connecting with Dan?

Website:

https://www.thefreedomsolution.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmartintfs/

Traditional addiction narratives are hopelessly outdated, rarely depicting the messy reality of high-functioning addiction.

Instead, they:

- Characterise addiction as a defect of character

- Overlook the gap between public success and private chaos

- Ignore addiction's reach among high achievers (cough... recruitment)

Here's what 'Addiction Unmasked' stands for:

- Addiction is more than a series of 'negative' actions

- Each struggle with addiction reveals a person in pain

- Beyond 'recovery', there’s a journey of transformation

I struggled with addiction for 7+ years while keeping:

- A ‘normal’ appearance to others

- A 'high-quality' lifestyle

- A substantial income

Yet, inside... I felt alone, lost and broken.

This personal lived experience drives my passion to create a platform for the 1,000's of other 'successful' people who have also been exposed to addiction.

Join me weekly as I share my own experiences, connect with experts, and tell inspiring stories from those who have overcome addiction.