Alice joins us to talk openly about her journey through addiction, from feeling out of place as a child and discovering alcohol and drugs at a young age, through years of chaos, relationships, work and increasingly dangerous substance use.

She talks about trauma, the ways addiction shaped her behaviour and relationships, and the denial that kept her believing she could control it. Despite repeatedly trying to set rules around drinking and using, she kept moving the bar — until eventually those rules stopped working.

This is an honest and sometimes difficult conversation about addiction, survival and what happens when you can no longer convince yourself that everything is under control.

Content warning: This episode discusses addiction, sexual abuse, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and drug use. Please take care while listening and stop if you need to.

In Part Two of our conversation with James, we pick up after his first attempt at rehab — when he knew he was going to drink again — and hear what finally changed.

James talks openly about relapse, finding recovery, and the moment he finally became willing to listen. He shares the power of meeting people who understood what he was going through, and how recovery gradually helped him rebuild his self-respect, relationships, work and family life.

We also talk about identity, sexuality, trauma, living sober, and discovering who you are when addiction is no longer defining your life.

James reflects on his role as a trustee of the Nelson Trust, the ripple effect of recovery, and what it means to become a source of hope for other people.

After nearly losing everything, James describes recovery as giving him something he never thought he'd get back: a life he actually wants to live.

In Part One of our conversation with James, he talks about growing up feeling different, hiding parts of himself, and using alcohol and drugs to change the way he felt.

From childhood and sexuality to a successful career in wine, James shares how addiction gradually took hold despite the appearance that everything was under control. We talk about denial, shame, trauma and the first time he went to rehab.

But as James left, he already knew one thing:

He was going to drink again.

Four years into recovery, Dan and Martin reflect on how their lives have changed since getting sober.

They talk openly about relationships, parenting, co-parenting, financial insecurity, anxiety, OCD, therapy, antidepressants and the difference between recovery and mental health.

Recovery didn't solve everything—but it's given them the foundations to keep rebuilding.

This conversation delves into the personal journey of addiction, exploring Daud's experiences from childhood through adulthood. It highlights the early signs of addiction, the transition into crime, and the role of drugs as a coping mechanism. The discussion also touches on the impact of institutionalisation and the complexities of relationships formed during this tumultuous period. Ultimately, it emphasises the importance of understanding one's past in the journey towards recovery and personal growth, and the impact of relationships on one's life. Daud shares his struggles with substance use, the turning points that led to recovery, and the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining sobriety. Through candid reflections, we explore the complexities of addiction, the importance of support systems, and the transformative power of self-discovery and spirituality.

In this conversation, we delve into the profound impact of fear on addiction and recovery. We explore personal experiences with various fears, including fear of abandonment, failure, and responsibility, and how these fears often lead to self-sabotage. The discussion highlights the role of trauma in addiction, the challenges of navigating relationships, and the process of coping with loss and grief. We emphasise the importance of living in the present, letting go of fears, and recognising that thoughts do not define one's reality. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a testament to the growth that can emerge from painful experiences in recovery.

This conversation explores the journey of addiction and recovery through the personal story of James, who shares his experiences with substance abuse, the impact of early life events, and the path to recovery. The discussion delves into the complexities of addiction, the role of trauma, and the importance of forgiveness in healing. James reflects on his struggles, the moments that led him to seek help, and the ongoing journey of recovery, emphasizing the significance of community and support in overcoming addiction.

In this episode we are joined by Emily Andrew, who shares her story of recovering from a near fatal eating disorder, introduces us to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping as she is a Certified Advanced EFT practitioner, and discusses her decision to live a sober life.

EFT can help with a variety of issues including trauma & PTSD, food issues, anxiety, stress and even travel sickness as Emily explains in this episode.

Emily offers a range of therapies both online and in person.

You can follow Emily on Instagram @wearemindbody https://www.instagram.com/wearemindbody

And you can find out more about the other therapies Emily offers at https://www.wearemindbody.co.uk/

Martin and Dan are joined by their first guest, Sam who shares her experience around alcoholism and how this led to her interest and practicing of conscious connected breathing. Sam has a great story to tell of her alcoholism and recovery, while providing an insight into a therapy that is an alternative to talking therapies.

You can book a session with Sam here

https://www.isbourne.org/events/conscious-connected-breathwork

You can read about the other techniques Sam uses to help people optimise their energy, refine their nervous system and improve their overall wellbeing here

https://sam-merron.com

You can listen to Sam & Al's recovery podcast, “Recovery People Everywhere” here

https://open.spotify.com/show/3zbm5ABrdjjJcRwzPH5LDy?si=kfP8s2nBQk69LHgXyKGuGw

We continue to discuss our experience of early recovery