How I Became an Addict: The Road to Self-Discovery

[@Jay-anti-dad-bod]

You seem like a top bloke mate. Thanks for the pods and help 🙏 22 months sober

[@peternelson8048]

Good on you bro ❤ peace 👊🏻

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

22 months, go on lad, thanks for the kind words

[@truckerd8167]

We are all the same, once we start we can’t stop, we take it to the extreme. In a sense we are extremes. I’m 11 months sober with the help of your pods. Running does it for me now, park runs half marathons. You really do need something els to drive your energy into. Keep up the good work. You are now a true inspiration

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

very very true, I love running, well done on your journey

[@dallas2068]

8 days sober, this time it feels different! Your podcasts are helping out so much, been listening for the last year, keep it up! Loved this episode

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

It's going to be tough mate but when it is remember it aint as bad as it was on it. Well done on the 8 days mate lets goooo

[@feelinsupersonic1606]

Keep going mate it gets easier 👍🏻

[@MyLiam22]

Keep it up mate. One day at a time. I’m on the same journey

[@hugorussell1486]

@@menacetosobrietypodcast

[@DylanDoesBooks]

Long time lurker of this podcast. I am so glad it has returned, I don't often comment but I enjoy the self-reflection and accountability. A mix of episodes with and without guests will keep things fresh.

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Ok noted! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@Sconner87]

I'm 14 months sober thanks to your podcast, Dan. It was the thing to give me the final push to sort my shit out. I've completely turned it around and I still can't believe I was able to do it. Thank you so much for doing these podcasts, the impact you're having is huge.

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Its crazy isn't it, it seems like such an unreal expectation we have on our selfs but we can do it and when we do it shocks us, keep going well done

[@bexmalone3015]

Once we put that first one in we can’t stop. I believe I was born an addict was stealing beer as toddler! That’s not normal behaviour. Thank you for your podcast. Really enjoying it your inspiring am just coming up for 30 days. Look forward to listening every week.

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

epic on the 30 days mate stay strong and thanks for relating to it

[@heloiseprice]

Loved listening to this, our teenage years sound similar too! People who I've worked with who have had problems with drugs and alcohol have spoken about your podcasts, and your podcasts have helped them remain sober 👏 I hope you feel comfortable with who you are and what your doing now because its great work!

[@tobydunne1463]

Yours was the podcast that helped me the most, Dan. Other sober podcasts got me thinking and said a few things that hit home, but they all seemed a bit middle class, like they were meant for other people. You speak for the lads and I love you for it. 100 days clean and sober on Monday. Do the f#*ing ‘trying to use’ dreams ever let up? It’s nearly every night

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

The dreams are mad mate ive no answer for that, I still get them

[@tobydunne1463]

@@menacetosobrietypodcast Thanks for the reply mate. not just me then! I now wake up relieved that it was just a dream rather than frustrated and wanting to use like in the early days. That’s progress I guess. ❤️

[@kayleighsmith4976]

Love the podcasts so glad they are back! You have helped me on my own journey. So nice to have someone relatable and humorous ❤

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

thank you, im glad they can help

[@brewaa]

Love your work Dan. Congrats on your sobriety. I personally gain a lot from your pod casts and appreciate the honesty you give in sharing your experiences.

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

cheers mate, appreciate that

[@hugorussell1486]

Really helpful episode mate. You’ve got a great skill at getting your experience , strength and hope message across. I find it hard to engage with recovery content online but you get my full attention and it is really helping. Identified a-lot with the glamorising of booze from an early age and the ‘right of passage’ to being able to have your first pint in the pub etc. I grew up in pub gardens as a kid waiting for my Dad to finally finish up his pint or closing time being called! Thanks for the great content dude

[@lmenahan]

I started drinking at 15. Through my life it was rarely just a couple. Even recently I was in a cycle of telling myself 2 beers and 8 beers later feeling guilty and unhealthy. At least 4 days a week. I'm very grateful I came across your pod, Dan. 9 days sober today and feeling great.

[@philphil3707]

Everything happens for a reason, mate. Just remember, the comeback is always better than the setback. There's a reason why you lost everything, and this is it. You are much stronger now, your life is better, you have an amazing family, a healthier outlook on life and possibly more working opertunity due to being more presently minded and reliable, your smashing it and the only haters are the people who see the old you in them and don't have the strength or drive to do what you have done! Great work bro 👏

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

thank you appreciate that

[@Joewatkins05]

My using started pretty much the exact same as yours. 14 years of age just out with mates but even at that age just trying to get absolutely smashed. This lead into a life of what felt like harmless partying but at the same time taking me down a dark road of addiction . Like what you said I couldn't really pin point what is was that made me want to be out of this world . Maybe my adhd(I heard some say before have adhd is like being allergic to Boredom) maybe my loss of my dad and all my grandparents and so on at a really young age or I couldn't handle life on life terms .ethier way iv always want to distort my Consciousness .which later in my life was going to become a beast that I couldn't tame . But it's clear to me no what ever it was that made me use substance to substance to finally alcohol being the finally drug to do the most damage at the end , that I was running away from all my emotions and a clear true chance of a happy life . I'm sober now although life or I have thrown challenges my way I'm in alot better place to deal with them. Thanks for the content 🙏

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Its great isn't it, looking back and trying to work it all out, trying to see how it started, makes it make a little more sense, but your comment is exactly why I wanted to do this episode because I wanted to see if people could relate, thanks for commenting

[@Oliver-q3x]

Awesome episode Dan keep up your good work and good luck with your continued sobriety.

[@Liam-us3cq]

Very interesting to hear your journey there , can relate so much in terms of 2 major life events in 2016 nearly finishing me , also could never have a couple when out. It was the same as in it was all or nothing! Defo prefer the podcasts without guests atm!! Hope Kirk's doing good though will never forget his first one on here!

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

thank you

[@jasonhardie3813]

I relate to a lot of this, getting off my face to be someone else especially, I think everyone does that on some level. Great episode mate

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thank you mate appreciate you watching

[@MyLiam22]

Up until the viral dapper part, pretty much same trend as me. Scary Well done for what you do now mate it’s inspiring. I quit booze 5 months back, relapsed for 3 days but got back on the wagon. It’s tough but nowhere near as tough as life as an alcoholic. Keep it up mate 👌🏻

[@jakeworsley2058]

Love the content pal just looking through the comments look how many people your helping you’ve not just got yourself sober but you’ve helped thousands and all there families me being one of them, 663 days sober has transformed my life and everyone close to me the ripple effect your having is unmeasurable. Your family must be so proud brother and I’m sure your dad is looking down smiling

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Awww mate, kind comments, yer my dad wouldn't believe it, thank you mate, really appreciate that

[@fozzyg63]

I'm just over a year without a drink. Listening to your amazing podcasts have really helped me stay off the booze. Well done, and thank you

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thanks for that mate appreciate it

[@sunnydhanjal1562]

Brilliant episode - some gems in there. 161 days

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

wow, love that well done

[@louiseb6459]

Love interviews and just you chatting a mix is good . I was having a great time in late 80’s and nineties going to all the best raves and clubs getting high dancing all night but then in 97 my dad died in an awful way I was 22 at that time . After that it just became an escape to get as high as I could to escape the pain and continued for way too many years than it should have. .it can be triggering to remember but also helpful to see how far I’ve come ❤

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Yer its tough looking aback, but you are right it changed for me when my father died too, esculated hard.

[@louiseb6459]

@@menacetosobrietypodcast thanks for taking time to reply you’re always so good with your listeners/watchers & audience onwards & upwards

[@jedgarthwaite]

You breaking it down like that makes me break down my situation with drink as well. Top bloke dapper

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thats the idea with it, love that thank you

[@JPBoxing97]

So relatable mate. One of your best episodes yet 💪 It was good to really hear your whole story and how it developed. A lot of similarities to mine in there and I'm sure that's the same with a load of other of your viewers. It's great work you're doing 💯🙏

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thanks brother and thank you for taking the Tim to tune in its much appreciated

[@Sinbad-yc7it]

You’re seriously helping a lot of people mate, and after the adversity you’ve had to go through and that this is now what you do is testament to you as a character🎉🎉🎉🎉 eight days sober from a 25 year daily coke and weed addiction…. Thank you ❤

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

8 days!!! Though times right now, just keep thinking, as hard as this is its no where near as hard as it was on it. Thanks for the comment mate

[@Sinbad-yc7it]

@@menacetosobrietypodcast thanks for the reply mate Didn’t expect that, shows you really do care! Hard is one way of putting it🫣but watching you guys for some reason makes me cry like Kirk 😜 going back through your whole catalogue as I started with some of your new stuff and it is crazy how you’ve changed you really are inspirational… Like you guys I’d love to make my Dad proud of me!!!

[@styles-xk8lb]

This was amazing. As a 29 year old Californian woman…I could relate. Well done mate. ❤

[@rub1tan679]

MATE ‼️💯FANTASTIC EPISODE … ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

thank you

[@aloeblack8853]

For me it was sneaky. I didn’t know I even had a problem until it was way too late. Thanks for putting yourself out there mate. Takes a big lot of balls and it helps a lot of ppl

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thank you glad you appreciate it mate

[@Mandy-nw6dv]

Really enjoyed this, Dan. A bit of mixed will be good. Yourself and ur journey as well as having guests. You definitely have jolted a few memories of long-term drinking of myself tbh. I was going to clubs at 14. I looked older than I was. Getting wrecked. Passing out. I'm not proud but gheeeze. Had a family so hardly touched a drop until my divorce years later. Dan, you're doing amazing. You have a lovely wife and family. And you bloody hilarious 😂 thank-you

[@keithyp8427]

I'm on 12 days so far, and so glad I found this podcast. I've been through it all in the past, Liver Transplant the lot. This time I'm back to AA but doing it properly which I've never done before, got myself a sponsor who's a top lad and I'm going to work the steps for the first time. It feels different now, this is something I've chosen to do as opposed to being told to. I'm completely ready but impatient. Fair play to you though mate, amazing!

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Mate I was there at 12 days, feels like yesterday, I promise time will fly if you stick to it! You can't do it alone

[@ThEnO.1cHeF]

These podcasts are so supportive, I’ve been using for 4 years or so but the past year it has become a serious problem. I hope one day I can say Im free

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

You will be able to if you take the leap, its no way to live, come join the movement

[@Spinja1]

Another great podcast. Keep them coming ❤️

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

will do

[@jdon2020]

Thanks for the weekly podcasts they help keep us on track 🎉

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

no drama thanks for watching

[@CommanderBond-g9b]

Great episode again, thanks mate!

[@markshears9352]

Hi Many thanks for sharing and being honest I can relate hugely to most of your story as mine is almost the same apart from being a celebrity I’m over 14 months clean and sober and went into rehab 15 months ago Best thing I ever did Would be cool to meet you one day Stay safe bro One day at a time ❤

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

defo mate get to a live show!!! I try meet as many people as possible,! thanks for the comment

[@joshtingey]

Sounded like you was talking about me mad.! Thanks for sharing mate 🙏

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

so relatable

[@Sean_Giddy]

Mix it up every week Dan we’re all going through what your going through, I don’t think that there is a wrong way to go about these you just let it out we will relate regardless, a lot of our stories are very similar, your doing a brilliant job pal 👍

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thank you for the kind words mate

[@adrianmitchell3230]

Great episode ,everyone’s story seems familiar somehow just different levels,I used to say the only thing worse than no drink is ONE drink , all or nothing.

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Yer so true

[@matty832]

Can relate to a lot about what your saying about always being an addict but it going unnoticed, for me having kids and a serious relationship it really started to show I had a problem

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

yER I ONLY JUST THOGUHT OF IT THIS WAY, ALWAYS HAVING THE BEHAVIOUR BUT IT JUST FITTING IN BEFORE

[@porchmore]

Cheers for the honesty Dan 👍 we have a pandemic of addiction but the tide is slowly turning, raising awareness is vital 💯

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

So true, yer its mad how many people are going through it!

[@darylhunt4235]

Your an inspiration I'm still struggling but il get there one day just hope it's sooner rather then later...thanks mate keep it up please

[@markwhalen4162]

It’s Ridiculous it’s like you are telling everyone my story 😮this is so relatable on so many levels. Keep them coming mate and well done 👏

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thanks mark mate appreciate the comment

[@Lifestartsatforty]

Being 40 years old I did all this with the same drinks, so much fun but obviously some people don’t stop. I feel trauma as a child definitely has an impact.

[@lukeevans-bn4ki]

Back on 4 weeks 💪 these podcasts are really helping me mate can’t thank you enough. ❤

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

My pleasure mate

[@antiperspirant]

great ep lad, got a bit raw and real but loved the honesty

[@benwright1097]

Totally relate to your story it was like listening to my life of addiction, relationships ending , marriage ending , losing jobs etc etc ❤🙏

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thanks for watching mate

[@KramSehguh]

I'm two weeks sober but this time around actually doing the work, + immersing myself in quit-lit and sober podcasts, 1st January 2025 will be my 100 day mark so determined to make it work this time. Been listening to your podcasts all day in work today and just bought tickets to the Liverpool show, hopefully will be able to tell you in person that I made it to day 125 and counting! 💪💪💪🔥

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Wow, yer im going to try meet everyone at the shows if I can, I love that you are getting right into your journey thats powerful well done mate lets aim for that 100 days

[@DianeDoyle-s3d]

Dan , I totally get how , abuse and alcohol in parents / adult cause trauma abuse as child. Then you get on with life, if like me keeping all the plates spinning and still falling back on self medicating. Yet there comes a point where you don’t see it , as your drug of choice becomes more ESSENTIAL each day as rewards/ escape from keeping those plates ( ie career, parent, partner) spinning - you realise that slowly your zest for life is being sucked away. I constantly ask myself where did “oh we have to have DD out with us , she’s life and soul drink ” - whilst holding down job etc - to becoming reclusive from life and just wants anything to give release from day to day life - and then throw in finding a paedophile is your own brother. It’s hard to see the point it went from controlled consumption to cannot function without it. Yet, there’s a saying on my sober wall “ addiction is like having intimate relations with a 6 pound gorilla ! It’s not over till , the gorilla ( or your addiction) says so- that’s working sobriety or death ultimately. It’s true addiction wants you dead. I would not wish addiction on my worst enemy (sober) yet addicted ( I’d wish as a punishment).

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

So so true, you have a way with words, thank you for sharing, very true, hope your well

[@gormorealtalk]

Hi it's Martin. I phoned in once and spoke to Dan and Kirk via voice note via producer John. if there's ever an opportunity to come on and share my story with everyone for the 1st time properly id be honoured. Keep up the great work xx

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

ok mate will keep you in mind - thank you

[@gormorealtalk]

@@menacetosobrietypodcast thank you I appreciated it. hope you guys are well keep up the great work x

[@llaarrggeee]

Nice one, enjoyed the episode. Made me think 👍

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thanks for watching

[@paulbrown5839]

The other thing is, if you “off your head” being inauthentic is received well- then that behaviour is positively reinforced in your mind. You will repeat it because it boosts your self esteem. But it’s fake self esteem. And if you are off your head a lot during formative years, social skills are being learnt while under the influence- which is not real learning, it doesn’t stick, it doesn’t work when your straight.

[@paulgill6059]

My dad used to pop over to France for the day back in the early 90s, and I definitely remember nicking some of those little French dumpy bottles to take to the park!

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

HA HA Bier doors was my fave lol

[@oonaghcleary3645]

Hi Dan I am a great fan of your podcast and I look forward to hearing you every week. Regarding whether you are born an addict yes our genetics play the biggest role in how we function mentally so some people will have a propensity to be addicts with addictive behaviours but stress will pull the trigger if that particular person has a brain that is wired to be an addict Professor Robert Plomin who is professor of behavioural genetics at kings college London and author of blueprint how DNA makes us who we are states that our genetics is the major systematic source making us who we are as individuals I believe this to be the case for myself as I have suffered from an eating disorder and control issues

[@oonaghcleary3645]

Our genetics to be an addict are wired in our brains at conception and then stressful events in our lives will cause us to use addictive behaviours to cope with life's problems

[@oonaghcleary3645]

The same goes for people who don't have the genetics that would make them an alcoholic for example you couldn't make a person be an alcoholic if they were not an alcoholic you have to have certain genetics

[@Joseph-w8c]

I knew I had a drug problem when even before I bought it I felt regret and then once I got it then I would hate it and be to scared to even move or make noise that’s when you know you should not do it anymore

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Yer defo, like your hooked regardless of how you feel

[@tonydunsford1278]

Thankyou for today

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

thank you

[@stevenmcnicoll5302]

We used to get older people to buy us bevvy from the local shop. Then go to some park and get pissed. I got taking home in a shopping trolley one time around 14 years old. I’m 4 weekends no drink no drugs now. Tried gear for the first time at 18 then i think i was hooked straight away.

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

4 weeks is brand new, how exciting, grab this journey by the balls mate and make it real

[@sarahnicleirigh7432]

Great episode

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Thank you!

[@icebathharry]

11 weeks clean today 🥶💪🏼

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

epic - love that

[@MelissaMadigan]

I’m 170 days sober now and feel constantly tired and zero motivation 😢

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

You can't wait for motivation you need to go and get it done, start exercising or see the doc if its really bad, remember it won't be as bad as when you was drinking

[@stuhector3511]

What do you reckon is an acceptable frequency of sesh ? Once every 3 months ? Twice a year ? Or none at all ?

[@PaulHiggins-zt7hl]

Growing up and accepting that that sesh is over is the only acceptable frequency if your an addict. One is 2 many and 10 isn't enough x

[@caseyodonnell9837]

“Failed in its mission three kids later” 🤣

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

lol

[@tomwilkinson4873]

These vids are helping me thank you Dan.. it’s not true what they say about you y’know.. 🥴🤣

[@TheDreamer1980]

I had bad hangovers and comedowns from 18/19 too , i would hit it pretty hard but lads holidays in magaluf and napa around those years i would always be ruined a few days in with bad hangovers where the others all seemed to brush it off , i believe hangovers are as much mental as pysical , heavy boozing brings out demons and insecurities in insecure types , gear aswell , i always woke up feeling a bit of a fraud cause full of gear and drink i seemed confident .... Aint gonna lie my late teens and 20s were great , festivals , gigs , all dayers , the sessions were worth the comedowns but by mid 30s the magic was gone and i staggered on for another 5/6 years actuslly feeling depressed picking up gear cause i knew the outcome already , in my younger days i wouldnt sleep on thurs buzzing with excitment for friday , i would do a couple of pils 10 oclock break washed down with orange lucozade and crack on with work , drop the lads home around 4ish and get straight on it for the whole weekend , god i miss those times but dont miss the raw depression at work monday till thurs after around 30ish .... Great feeling getting up early on a saturday morning clear headed with a zest for life rather than stay in bed hiding away from the world ....

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Yer man, very relatable, I am so glad I don't have to hate the world any more with this hang overs, so so so glad! Well done on making the change, very relatable comment.

[@TheDreamer1980]

@@menacetosobrietypodcast yes mate but let's be grateful we had those times and came out learning something with nobody getting too hurt in the process , im roughly your age so would of been in napa same time, aqua club, remember that place! Pool in an indoor club 🤣, would love to 19 again but in my opinion we lived through the greatest era ever.. 90s. . So thank god we ain't 19 now.... Onwards and upwards

[@louiseb6459]

Dan I dunno about people getting on the sesh occasionally and being ok I have a huge family quite a lot of them 40+ and still getting on it and it really is affecting their lives even if not using regularly it’s causes some issue somewhere . I hadn’t done gear in 5 years thought oh one line won’t hurt (I’m 51) it made me so bloody sick and all I kept thinking was that’s cos of the rat poison which made me feel so disgusted never again 🤦🏼‍♀️ ❤

[@jbow07]

Ano you said you got on a downer after interviewing the guest but would you do the odd 1?

[@ryantravis7923]

Frosty jacks a richmond super kings was my undoing along side the drugs

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

yep I know them

[@liamdoran5889]

When we gonna get another guest

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

Not sure.

[@lewis1717]

I keep relapsing, it’s killing me

[@tobydunne1463]

Stay strong and keep fighting ❤

[@nicklevitt6395]

Chop it up😂

[@toby7785]

How does everyone feel about being sober from alcohol but able to still use cannabis and not fall off the wagon??

[@menacetosobrietypodcast]

not sure I don't think thats sober really if you still get high

[@toby7785]

@@menacetosobrietypodcast they call it California sober in America. I just never make the same mistakes as I do on alcohol. I've never smoked a joint and thought.... Fuck me I fancy a line! 😂

[@patrickhillis7422]

Always a addict

[@youtubeuser7798]

Give it a rest mate ffs 😴 🙄

[@GG22LL-f7m]

My joining ReformUK