Mark and Ben kick things off with a proper check-in on where life is at right now, what’s been going well, and what’s been challenging.

They then dive into a recent article that breaks down how addiction actually affects the brain, and why it goes far beyond just “choice” or willpower. It leads into an honest conversation about their own experiences and when things shifted from control to compulsion.

In the second half of the episode, Ben’s mum joins the conversation to share what it was like from a parent’s perspective. From the early signs to the hardest moments, and what recovery has looked like through her eyes.

A real and important episode that looks at addiction from both sides.

Article mentioned in episode:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223211.htm

You can follow us on:

TikTok
Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc
Mark: @markrebuilds
Ben: @stageoversubstance

Instagram
Mark: @markfearo
Ben: @thec0deinediaries

Facebook
Mark: www.facebook.com/markswellness

After a short break since Episode 6, we’re back with a proper check-in and an honest conversation about where things are heading next.

Recovery will always be part of our story, but it’s no longer the whole story. In this episode, we talk about moving forward, what that looks like for us, and what it means for the future of the podcast.

We also dive into a recent Guardian article on exercise addiction and ask a real question. When does something that helped your recovery start to become another problem?

To round things off, we’re joined by Marcus from Mean and Clean. Marcus shares his own experience with addiction and how he’s now helping others through it with his programme.

If you’ve ever questioned what comes after recovery, or where the line is between discipline and obsession, this one’s worth a listen.

You can follow us on:

TikTok
Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc
Mark: @markrebuilds
Ben: @stageoversubstance
Marcus: @meanandcleanuk

Instagram
Mark: @markfearo
Ben: @thec0deinediaries
Marcus: @meanandcleanuk

Facebook
Mark: www.facebook.com/markswellness

Guardian article mentioned in the podcast:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/29/working-out-exercise-addiction-signs

Email
[email protected]

Episode 6 is a different one. No guest, no holding back. Just Mark and Ben going deeper than they ever have before.

From the reality of online dating in recovery to the weight of low self belief, this conversation goes into the places that are usually kept quiet. Mark opens up in a way that might surprise people, and Ben does what Ben does best by asking the questions that matter.

There is also a first for the podcast as Mark takes on the Addiction Recovery Olympic Games. Let’s just say it does not go exactly how he imagined.

The lads also react to an audio clip from a TikTok video Mark came across by @healingwithzach, which sparks a raw and honest discussion around healing, ego, and what recovery really looks like behind closed doors.

This episode is funny in parts, uncomfortable in others, but completely real throughout. If you have ever struggled with confidence, dating, identity, or just figuring out who you are without substances, this one will hit home.

As always, this is recovery over the counter.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markrebuilds

Ben: @stageoversubstance

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

Email

[email protected]

Episode 5 of Over The Counter sees Mark and Ben sitting down for an honest chat about their recovery from codeine, reflecting on where they are now and what has changed since the early days. They are joined by Stevie, who listeners will remember from Season 1, bringing her straight talking perspective and lived experience to the conversation.

The lads listen to an audio clip from Gabor Maté which sparks a deeper discussion around addiction, trauma and the why behind substance use. They also explore fascinating new research from the University of Glasgow, where scientists are studying opioid addiction at a brain circuit level, looking at not just that opioids are addictive, but why. The research suggests it may be possible for the drug to still work for pain while reducing the reward hit that drives addiction, opening up big questions about the future of treatment.

There is plenty of insight, a few uncomfortable truths, and of course Ben throws in a surprise game for Stevie that brings some much needed laughter to balance out the heavier topics. As always, it is real, reflective and unfiltered.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markmyrecovery

Ben: @thecodeinediaries

Stevie: @stevie_marie12

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

Email

[email protected]

Mark and Ben kick things off with a proper weekly check in. Mark opens up about dealing with an injury this week and managing it without using codeine for the first time, while Ben shares about the medication he has recently been prescribed for his restless legs and how that has been affecting him.

They then dive into a fascinating study showing that people who quit smoking cigarettes are significantly more likely to maintain long term recovery from other substance addictions like alcohol or drugs compared to those who continue smoking. It sparks a bigger conversation about habits, identity shifts and what sustained recovery really takes.

We’re then joined by Abby, who opens up about her ketamine addiction, how it escalated, and what recovery has looked like for her. She also talks about why she is now using her platform to raise awareness about the very real dangers of ketamine use.

Real conversations. Real recovery. No filters.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markmyrecovery

Ben: @thecodeinediaries

Abby: @tranquilnottranquilised

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

Email

[email protected]

Mark and Ben kick things off with an update about a milestone Ben reached this week in his recovery journey

We hear a powerful audio clip from Gabor Maté, who talks about always in recovery or is it possible to be recovered?

We’re then joined by James, who shares his story of addiction and what was the real reason behind his recovery.

Real conversations. Real recovery. No filters.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markmyrecovery

Ben: @thecodeinediaries

James: @addictedtopeace

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

James: @james_mccallion_

Email

[email protected]

Mark and Ben kick things off with an honest check in on where they are at in their recovery journeys right now.

We hear a powerful audio clip from Gabor Maté, challenging us to stop asking what’s wrong with addiction and start asking what’s right with it, opening up a deeper understanding of why we use.

We’re then joined by Aish, who shares her recovery from alcohol and what that journey has really looked like behind the scenes.

The episode wraps with a discussion around an article linking good nutrition to stronger recovery outcomes and lower relapse rates, exploring how what we put into our bodies can support what we’re trying to change.

Real conversations. Real recovery. No filters.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markmyrecovery

Ben: @thecodeinediaries

Aish: @kindathrivinaish

Aish's new Podcast: @thesoberseatpod

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

** Aish's new Podcast is called The Sober Seat. Launching soon **

Email

[email protected]

Season 2 is here and Mark and Ben are back checking in honestly on their recovery journeys and where life has taken them since Season 1.

This season opens up the conversation beyond codeine as we welcome Cocaine Shane, who shares his recovery journey from cocaine addiction and how he uses social media to stay accountable and help others feel less alone.

We also dive into a powerful real life story about a man who turned his life around from addiction to running a rehab centre, breaking down what change really looks like and why recovery is possible, even when it feels out of reach.

Real conversations. No filters. Just recovery as it really is.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markmyrecovery

Ben: @thecodeinediaries

Shane: @shanesas86

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

Email

[email protected]

We are back for a Christmas special. Mark and Ben bring us up to date on their Codeine Addiction Recovery journeys. Mark is now 13 months Codeine free, Ben at 8 months.

We also welcome Stevie Marie back to the Podcast for a Christmas Chat. We learn how Stevie is dealing with a rise in the number of Troll comments being directed her way on Social Media!

Ben has a Festive game for us to play too!!

Season 2 will start in the New Year.

If you would like us to talk about a particular part of Codeine recovery please contact us by our socials or email listed below.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markmyrecovery

Ben: @thecodeinediaries

Stevie: @stevie_marie12

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

For Season One's final episode we record the Podcast Live on Tiktok. We chat with past guests and people who have been part of our Recovery Journey over the past year.

We will be back for Season 2 in a little while where we open the Podcast to talk about Addiciton as a whole. While we will still be talking about Codeine we just want to include other addictions people have been battling with.

Thank you for your support for Season One. We have both loved the experience of recording this Podcast!

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @marksrecovery

Ben: @thecodeinediaries

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

Email

[email protected]