In Listen UP Episode 18, 20-year recovery advocate and prevention worker James Docherty shares the biological reality behind every failed attempt to cut down or stop, highlighting why detox must come before any psychological work can land, and how the 12-step programme removes the obsession — so you stop thinking about drinking, not just resist it.

James Docherty reveals the single biological fact that explains every failed attempt at control, transforming the shame of "why can't I just stop?" into a clear, actionable picture of what recovery actually requires:

- Why switching from spirits to beer, quitting briefly, or white-knuckling it is wired to fail — and it has nothing to do with willpower

- The petrol tank explanation that made 20 years of confusion click in one sentence

- Feel the difference between being stopped and being free, and why only one of them keeps you safe long-term

- The real reason most relapses happen (and what ACTUALLY helps to prevent relapse...)

...and reveals what a man who went through every system imaginable discovered that no professional had ever put into words for him.

- This Episode  - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/listenup/episodes/episode-18-james-docherty/
- All Listen UP Episodes - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/listenup/episodes/
- Listen UP Podcast - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/listenup/

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Listen UP Episode 17, senior addiction worker at Glasgow ADRS, and Humanizing Healthcare co-lead, Allan Houston shares his recovery journey and what two decades on the frontline of Scotland's drug crisis actually looks like. 

Allan lays bare the uncomfortable truth about addiction services that nobody says out loud, and maps the exact route from chaos to 33 years clean — starting with one meeting:

- The one sentence a stranger said that gave Allan his first real glimpse of hope

- One thing 99% of medical students say they wished they'd known five years earlier

- How Glasgow's MAT standards mean you can go from crisis to prescription in under an hour today

- One overlooked reason why most people don't reach out for help — and what actually gets them through the door

...and reveals counterintuitive insights throughout.

- This Episode  - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/listenup/episodes/episode-17-allan-houston/
- All Listen UP Episodes - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/listenup/episodes/
- Listen UP Podcast - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/listenup/

#addictionrecovery #glasgowrecovery #drugdeaths #sobrietystories #livedexperience #substanceuserecovery #recoverysupport #humanizinghealthcare #recoveryispossible #recoveryjourney

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Episode 16, CEO of the Scottish Recovery Consortium and 30-year sector veteran Tracey McFall shares what Scotland's drug and alcohol crisis actually looks like from the inside, highlighting why treatment alone isn't enough to keep people in recovery, and why the thousands of unpaid volunteers across Scotland are quietly saving lives every day:

-The five-part CHIME framework that shifts how you see yourself — and why that shift changes everything

-The one thing that makes someone more likely to say "I relapsed yesterday" — and actually get help

-The "kaleidoscope effect": why women get harmed faster — and need a different way out

-One right every person in addiction has — that almost nobody tells them about

...and reveals what Scotland's new 10-year drug and alcohol strategy gets right — and where improvements can be made throughout.

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Listen UP Episode 15, creative lead Kate Black of In Cahootz and participant Paul Byrne share a clear path from anxiety to action, highlighting simple entry points with no referral, and steady peer support that keeps you showing up:

- Structure your week with consistent creative activities to replace isolation with accountability
- Rediscover talents addiction buried to rebuild confidence and purpose in recovery
- Volunteer your time to give back to others on their journey
- Invest in creative hobbies to create self worth long-term

...and reveal field‑tested recovery insights throughout.

#addictionrecovery, #recoverycommunity, #creativearts, #drama, #music, #wellbeing, #aftercare, #ukrecovery, #abbeycare, #healingjourney

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Listen UP Episode 14, Scottish Drugs Forum CEO Kirsten Horsburgh shares frontline, human-first insights - highlighting how showing people their lives matter can shift everything, and why meeting people without judgement becomes the starting point for real change.

Kirsten reveals how a simple 15-minute naloxone conversation led to a life being saved within days - transforming harm reduction from theory into something immediate, and deeply human:

- Choose non-judgemental spaces to reduce shame and keep showing up
- How to spot when support options don’t fit your situation
- Build small safety habits that can protect you day-to-day
- One overlooked barrier stopping people accessing life-saving treatment

...and reveals practical, real-world harm reduction insights throughout.

LISTEN NOW: lk2.app/luep14

ALL LISTEN UP EPISODES: lk2.app/lueps

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Listen UP Episode 13, recovery advocate May Riddell shares a straight‑talk roadmap for early abstinence, highlighting the daily structure that cuts through fear, and honest group work that turns shame into relief:

- Phone the helpline, take the first meeting offered, and sit down front
- Stack one meeting nightly for 90 nights, to keep momentum when motivation dips
- Sit near people who look well and copy what they do
- Replace isolation with one honest share that unlocks honesty round the whole room

...and shares field‑tested recovery habits throughout.

#addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #soberjourney #sobrietyjourney #womeninrecovery #sobrietytoolkit

- This Episode  - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/listenup/episodes/episode-13-may-riddell/

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Episode 12 of Listen UP, Harbour Service Manager Eddie Gorman reveals how practical strategies on the ground turn addiction recovery into real, measurable change:

-The most effective way to tackle cravings when motivation fades
-Why “going it alone” always holds you back — and the fix
-What every family member needs to know before trying to help
-How a single group meeting flips shame into immediate support

...All shared with with Eddie's straight-talking, down-to-earth approach that hits home.

Listen to Episode 12 now: lk2.app/luep12

All Listen UP episodes: lk2.app/lueps

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Listen UP Episode 11, former professional footballer Andy McLaren shares how a public setback became the turning point, highlighting how to turn shame into momentum, and how to rebuild fast when everyone is watching:

- From the pitch to the personal battle: Former Scottish footballer Andy McLaren openly shares his struggles with addiction.

- Andy's sobriety journey: Credits his transformation to confronting his demons head-on and embracing sobriety.

- Inspiration in action: Shows that change is possible, no matter how public or private the struggle.

- How to break stigma: Advocates for mental health awareness and support systems in football and beyond.

#ListenUP, #recovery, #alcoholrecovery, #sobrietytools, #ukrehab, #CBT

- This Episode  - lk2.app/luep11

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Listen UP Ep 10, former professional footballer and ex-PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle shares boundary rules that protect sobriety, highlighting how to stop digital pile‑ons at the door, and how one daily script steadies mood swings:

- Keep one sentence ready for invites: “Not tonight, early start” — no debate, no guilt

- Phone in another room after 9pm: alarm on a cheap clock; messages wait till morning

- Pre‑prepare a 3‑name call list: if you're struggling, call the first name on the list — don’t wait for the “right” words

- Make routines effortless with the “same day” rule: same dinner, same bedtime, same check‑in — a bad day doesn’t cancel self-care

...and shares one number that predicts relapse more than motivation.

This episode: lk2.app/luep10

IMPORTANT - CONTENT WARNING: contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation.

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...

In Listen UP Episode 9, Gayle Brannigan of The St Mirren Charitable Foundation shares the simple anchors that keep recovery on track, highlighting a morning reset that steadies emotions, and the power of hearing lived experience weekly.

Gayle unveils a stadium‑based hub plus weekly speakers that transforms isolation into steady, face‑to‑face support:

--Use a 60‑second “just for today” check to stop spiralling and choose the next right step

--How two pocket‑sized readings cool anger, lift gratitude, and steady choices

--Turn high‑risk calendar dates into safe days with one planned meeting and one backup

--Convert festive triggers into support by planning one meeting you will not miss

...and reveals one crucial boundary that protects the first 7 days after detox.

#recovery, #mutualaid, #wellbeing, #StMirren, #soberliving, #ListenUPPodcast

 Why Listen UP matters:

- Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none
- Learn personal insights and approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip
- Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible
- Hear from experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction

Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment.

Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey.

Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward.

Connect with Abbeycare:
Website: ...