Addicted to Recovery

In this episode of Addicted to Recovery, the hosts speak with Tony, who shares his powerful life story of addiction, trauma, and ultimately recovery.
Tony grew up on a council estate in East London, raised by hardworking parents alongside his brother and sister. When Tony was young, his sister was tragically run over and lost her leg, an event that deeply impacted the family. Although the trauma was never openly discussed, Tony believes it contributed to his father becoming a heavy drinker and created an emotionally difficult home environment. tony
As a child, Tony found escape and confidence through football, where he excelled and even attracted interest from professional clubs like Arsenal and West Ham. On the pitch he felt confident and valued, but off the pitch he struggled with insecurity and fear, particularly within the challenging environment of the council estate. tony
Tony began experimenting with substances at a young age. What started with cigarettes and cannabis gradually escalated into more serious drug use as he searched for relief from feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Eventually, he discovered heroin, which he describes as providing the first true sense of internal peace and comfort he had ever experienced. tony
However, this relief quickly turned into a decades-long addiction. Tony spent nearly 30 years using Class A drugs, trapped in a cycle of crime, desperation, and daily survival. His addiction caused immense pain to his family, including witnessing the death of his brother at 26, which still wasn’t enough to stop his own addiction at the time. tony
Eventually, after years of despair and failed attempts to quit, Tony reached a point where he internally knew he needed help. Through the criminal justice system, he entered a 12-step rehabilitation program, where he finally found hope. Seeing counselors and other recovering addicts who had transformed their lives inspired him to believe recovery was possible. tony
Tony embraced treatment, completed rehab, and began working the 12-step recovery program. Through this process he developed self-awareness, confronted past trauma, and rebuilt his life.
Today Tony has been clean for over 11 years and now uses his experience to help others struggling with addiction. His story highlights how unresolved trauma, emotional pain, and the search for belonging can lead people into addiction — but also how connection, honesty, and recovery communities can help people rebuild their lives.

DJ Ross Mack joins Addicted to Recovery to share his powerful journey from the heights of the nightlife industry to the depths of addiction — and back again.
From DJing major clubs like Opium Lounge, The Warehouse, Funky Buddha and playing internationally, Ross lived the fast-paced lifestyle of music, money, women and substances. Behind the decks he looked in control — but behind closed doors his addiction was spiralling into isolation, paranoia and darkness.
In this episode, Ross opens up about:
Growing up in Hertfordshire and feeling different from an early age
Being introduced to club culture at 16
The progression from weekend partying to dark, isolated binges
The mental obsession and “phenomenon of craving” before the first line
Why willpower wasn’t enough — even after running marathons and triathlons
Getting sober at 34 and finding freedom through 12-step recovery
Staying clean in an industry where drinking and drugs are normalised
Becoming reliable, consistent and successful in business without substances
Fatherhood, perspective and life with twin daughters

Ross speaks honestly about paranoia, using alone in hotel rooms, chasing the illusion of the “champagne lifestyle,” and how addiction is far more powerful than love or ambition.
This episode is raw, relatable and hopeful — especially for anyone who believes they can’t get sober in the party scene.
🎧 If you’re struggling, know that recovery is possible.
🎙 Subscribe for weekly conversations about addiction, recovery and rebuilding your life.

In this powerful episode of Addicted to Recovery, the hosts welcome Amber, who shares her deeply honest journey through addiction, relapse, mental health struggles, and ultimately finding lasting recovery. Amber
Amber opens up about growing up feeling different and self-conscious, discovering alcohol at a young age, and later developing a dependence on cocaine that quickly escalated from social use into a destructive cycle. She discusses how ADHD, untreated trauma, and the search to feel “normal” fueled her addiction — and how becoming a mother added both love and pressure during her darkest moments. Amber
After hitting emotional rock bottom and seeking help through A&E, Amber entered mental health treatment but struggled because the root issue — addiction — wasn’t fully addressed. Relapses followed, teaching her painful lessons about the difference between simply being abstinent and truly working a recovery program. Amber
Everything changed when she fully committed to meetings, sponsorship, service, and the 12-step process. Through honesty, structure, and community, Amber rebuilt her life — repairing relationships with her daughter, developing confidence, and discovering new ambitions like drama school. Now one year clean, she shares how recovery has given her peace, purpose, and the ability to show up consistently for life. Amber
This episode explores:
The link between ADHD, mental health, and addiction
Why relapse can be part of the journey
The power of service, fellowship, and connection
Medication in recovery and navigating grey areas
How recovery transforms parenting, confidence, and daily life

A heartfelt conversation about hope, resilience, and what’s possible when someone truly puts “two feet” into recovery.

This episode of Addicted to Recovery features Harry, who shares his personal journey through addiction, recovery, and fatherhood. He reflects on growing up in West London, navigating family challenges, and being diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. Despite a childhood filled with love, the absence of a consistent male role model and exposure to a tough “lad culture” shaped his identity and influenced early drinking and drug use. Football became both an outlet and an entry point into environments where alcohol and substances were normalised.
As Harry entered adulthood, his substance use escalated from social drinking to daily reliance on alcohol and cocaine. He describes maintaining work and responsibilities for a time, but eventually falling into patterns of secrecy, financial strain, paranoia, and emotional instability. The pressure of moving house, building a family, and trying to live up to expectations intensified his addiction. Even becoming a father — which he hoped would change everything — wasn’t enough to stop the cycle, and feelings of guilt and shame continued to grow.
The turning point came when Harry reached a severe mental health crisis, feeling overwhelmed and suicidal. He recalls moments of deep despair, including walking alone in a forest and later confronting himself in a mirror, which sparked a powerful realisation that he needed help. This moment led him to attend recovery meetings, where he began the process of rebuilding his life. Through recovery, he learned that sobriety wasn’t just about quitting substances, but about changing his mindset, letting go of ego, and learning healthier ways to connect with others.
Since getting clean, Harry explains how his priorities have shifted towards reliability, honesty, and family life. He talks about becoming a more present partner and father, embracing emotional openness, and redefining what masculinity means to him. Motivated by his own growth, he started a men’s mental-health group called “The Man Cave,” offering a supportive space where men can talk openly about struggles such as anxiety, relationships, work pressures, and identity — not just addiction.
Overall, the episode highlights themes of vulnerability, accountability, and transformation. Harry’s story emphasises that recovery is an ongoing journey of personal change, where learning to drop the mask and ask for help becomes the foundation for a more authentic and meaningful life.

In this episode, Christopher White and Max Thomas speak directly to the newcomer — the person who’s struggling, confused, overwhelmed, or quietly asking for help. Drawing from their own lived experience, they break down what addiction actually feels like, why extreme emotions are common in early recovery, and why no feeling — good or bad — lasts forever.
The conversation moves through mental health, physical wellbeing, gratitude, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. Chris and Max also talk openly about meetings, sponsorship, and 12-step recovery, explaining why simply walking through the door can be one of the bravest decisions a person ever makes.
This episode isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about hope, honesty, and reminding anyone listening that you don’t have to be clean, confident, or certain — you just have to show up.
If you’re new to recovery, thinking about getting help, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you.