In this deeply moving episode of Addicted to Recovery, hosts Christopher White and Max Thomas sit down with Marie, a recovering addict and founder of a life-changing charity for women involved in street prostitution. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Marie opens up about her personal battles with addiction, the lasting effects of childhood trauma, and how those experiences shaped her path.

Marie shares how clean time has become a cornerstone of her accountability and personal growth, emphasising that staying sober is about more than simply abstaining from substances—it's about healing emotionally and mentally. She reflects on the profound impact of unresolved trauma from her early life, and how it fed into the patterns of her addiction. From a young age, Marie felt different and disconnected, leading her to seek comfort in destructive behaviours, including food and substance abuse.

Her story unfolds with powerful moments of hardship, from early motherhood and turbulent relationships to the devastating consequences of addiction. Yet within that darkness, Marie found a turning point—a moment of clarity that propelled her towards recovery. Through multiple cycles of relapse and surrender, she began building a new life rooted in self-awareness, community, and service.

Marie speaks candidly about the importance of self-soothing and emotional regulation in recovery, and how learning to face discomfort without escape was transformative. She also discusses the healing power of making amends and rebuilding broken relationships, a process that brought deeper understanding and peace into her life.

Today, Marie dedicates her life to supporting women trapped in cycles of street prostitution and addiction, using her own journey as a beacon of hope. Her work through her charity not only helps others, but continues to ground her own recovery, giving her purpose and fulfilment. This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is not a destination—it’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery, connection, and giving back.