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.