The Truth About Addiction

Holly overcame her drug addiction during her incarceration. Arrested in Thailand on drug-related charges, she was sentenced to 31 years and served 7 years in the infamous ‘Bangkok Hilton’ Women’s Prison. Holly’s experience in a Thai prison was a profound and harrowing ordeal, unimaginable to most.

‘I was fortunate enough to get back and take advantage of the prison system.’

In this episode, Holly shares her journey, discussing her past, her drug addiction, and her transformative experiences. Today, she is a motivational speaker, mental health advocate and counsellor.

Her book ‘Holly’s Hell’ is an in-depth account of her life and detailed documentation of one of Thailand’s most notorious prisons. Purchase it now on Amazon or through her website: hollydeanejohns.com.au
Instagram @hollydeanejohns

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Thank you for your support. One day at a time. 

Scotty is the founder of Experience Strength, a platform dedicated to sharing his journey and insights to combat the stigma associated with addiction. His sole intention is to inspire and empower others through his personal experiences, resilience, and strength.

Nine months ago, Scotty was in very ‘dark places’. Today, he is not only a business owner but also an executive at a highly successful organisation. In his role, he coaches and mentors a talented team of young women in the AFL.

Scotty's journey is marked by overcoming formidable obstacles, including a cancer diagnosis and a relapse. His perseverance and determination have shaped him into the person he is today.

You can connect with Scotty and Experience Strength through Facebook, Instagram @bellingerscotty or LinkedIn for support, hope and strength. 

If you'd like to connect with me or have any recommendations for my show, please click here:
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www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 
Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Growing up as a bubbly, life-loving person, Ash lost the power of ‘choice’ when her relationship with alcohol intensified. 

In this episode, we discuss the importance of having a sober community. If you find it hard to find connections, if you think you are alone, if you think you don’t have the ability to make better choices… this episode is for you.

Discover how Ash stayed sober after coming out of rehab and the city plunged into the first Covid lockdown, how Ash then transformed herself to emerge as the Makeover Mentor, guiding people through physical, mental and spiritual transformations.

Follow @ashbutterss on Instagram for more information on her personalised coaching, wellness workshops and sensational upcoming retreats!

If you'd like to connect with me or have any recommendations for my show, please click here:
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www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 

Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Adam’s nine years of sobriety have shaped him into the empathetic recovery coach he is today. He has never put as much time and energy into something so rewarding in his whole life. The joy, excitement and sense of purpose he derives from his work are unparalleled. 

Adam’s transformation began with his commitment to the 12-step program, which he describes as the one thing that provided him invaluable ‘resources, abilities, integrity, love, charisma, accountabilities and so much more.’ 

‘It gave me all the things I knew I had in me that I used for the wrong reasons to get high and stay high”.

In this episode, we delve into the teachings of the 12-step program and emphasize the significance of fostering connections and relationships in recovery.

To learn more about Adam’s coaching and sober support program, feel free to reach out to him on Instagram @freedomrecovery_sobercoaching

If you'd like to connect with me or have any recommendations for my show, please click here:
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www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 

Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Kristen tried alcohol for the first time at 14 years old, she did not like it. When she tried again at 16 years of age, she fell in love. Then she found weed, cocaine, ecstasy and mushroom… the addiction escalated quickly.

Kristen highlighted the sad reality of being dependent on alcohol and drugs, where she experienced being raped, robbed, drugged, head-on crash, DUI… but nothing mattered. She didn’t care if she lived or died. 

Today Kristen is the Founder and Host of Remember Your Why Podcast where she engages in meaningful conversations about addiction recovery and mental health stigmas and emphasises the importance of understanding the motivation behind their recovery. 

“Whether you’re just starting out or have been on the healing journey for some time, it’s important to always remember the WHY that brought you here... to this very moment.”

To hear Kristen's inspiring story and gain insight into her healing journey, tune in to the Remember Your Why Podcast. Kristen's experiences and resilience make her a compelling example of survival and hope.

Instagram: remember_your_why18
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083342052454
Website: rememberyourwhy18.org

If you'd like to connect with me or have any recommendations for my show, please click here:www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/      www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

‘We live and we die, but what we do in between that time that really matters’.

Music became a pivotal aspect of his life amidst a series of adversity and trauma. Following the tragic loss of his father to suicide at the young age of 15, he found himself unable to cope, leading him to seek solace in substances to ‘block the tears’.

Verbalize’s recovery journey started when he encountered Dr. Joe Dispenza’s book, which inspired him to rewire his thoughts and catalysed the healing process from within. 

For a glimpse into Verbalize's artistic expression, explore his latest compositions available on YouTube, and engage with his content across various social media platforms including TikTok @verbalizeofficial, Facebook, and Instagram @verbalize_official.

His highly anticipated latest album ‘Through My Eyes’, to be released later this year, promises a deeply personal and emotive music experience.

Jonathan's book, "Life on Life's Terms," swiftly ascended to the bestseller ranks on Amazon following its release last December. This literary work not only chronicles Jonathan's personal journey through profound adversity but also provides a comprehensive explanation of the transformative impact of the 12-step program of Narcotics Anonymous in liberating him from the grips of opioid addiction.

Confronting the tragic loss of his beloved brother to suicide, Jonathan had to forge a path toward a renewed existence defined by recovery and a positive mindset. It was amidst this journey that he penned "Life on Life's Terms" as a poignant tribute to his brother.

For those eager to delve into Jonathan's compelling narrative, "Life on Life's Terms" is available for purchase on Amazon. You can also track his advocacy for mental health awareness by following his journey on Instagram @getlifteddd 

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, click here:
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www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 
Thank you for your support. One day at a time. 

“All I care about is giving back and to put a smile on somebody’s face.”

Ryan Phillips gained notoriety as one of Canada's most prominent marijuana smugglers, earning him the title ”King of Weed." He shared his experiences on Locked Up Abroad with a wide audience on National Geographic.

In his candid accounts, Ryan revealed that criminal activity was somewhat of a family tradition, with even his grandmother having ties to the Russian mafia. With such influences, it's perhaps no surprise that Ryan found himself drawn into a life of crime. As a former professional hockey player, his aspirations were dashed by injuries and bad drinking habits. This eventually led to a struggle with prescription drug addiction during his treatment for anxiety. 

However, Ryan has since turned his life around and become a fervent advocate for mental health awareness. He's embarked on extensive cycling journeys across Asia and Canada, using his platform to raise both funds and awareness for issues such as human trafficking, sex slavery, and mental health.

Keep an eye out for Ryan's upcoming film, "Radical Forgiveness," set to release later this year. It promises to delve deep into his personal journey, transcending his past as the "King of Weed" to explore themes of redemption and forgiveness. 

Find Ryan on Instagram @theryanphillipsofficial 

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, click here:
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www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 
Thank you for your support. One day at a time. 

Char’s first encounter with addiction manifested in the form of an eating disorder. Food binging served as her means of escape.

‘From a very young age, I felt a lot of discomfort with this world.’

At 21, amidst her burgeoning modelling career, Char ventured into cocaine experimentation. As her pursuits in modelling and singing ceased, she started to work in strip club, which also enabled her access to drugs and alcohol without any judgement.

With the passing of her mother, her father and most recently, her sister, all succumbing to the ravages of cancer, Char embarked on a deeply spiritual journey to look for freedom. Not freedom from drugs and alcohol, just ‘freedom’.

Char openly shares her exploration and practices in plant medicine, with a notable emphasis on mushrooms being a huge part of her spiritual journey. 

Find Char and her sacred space on Instagram @heal_with_spirit 

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:
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www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 
Thank you for your support. One day at a time. 

Jake’s story wasn’t the ‘classic’ idea of addiction. He started using drugs at the young age of 14 and stopped when he was almost 20 years old. The decision came after the realisation that while using, he couldn’t find the clarity to make decisions and trust those decisions.  

Fast forward to a decade later, Jake is a Motivational Speaker, Coach, and Mountain Guide who has helped thousands of people around the world transform unwanted patterns and addictions into new, healthy habits.

Jake works with many individuals who have at some point in their journey felt stuck with marijuana or alcohol consumption that doesn’t serve their highest purpose, and utilizes holistic health and mindfulness to help others create a sober life they love. 

Find Jake at @naturalhighsrecovery on Instagram & TikTok and visit www.naturalhighsrecovery.org to learn more. 

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:

www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   

www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 

Thank you for your support. One day at a time.