Menace to Sobriety

Dan hands the reins over to addiction specialist Elliot Ward in this episode. They delve into the changes in Dan's social circle, his mental resilience strategies like boxing, and how Dan's trust had to be rebuilt with his wife Shelley. Elliot administers an impulsivity test to Dan, scoring him at a sky-high 92! They also discuss why addiction is a form of "escapism," the importance of remembering your worst moments, and how to view compulsion versus repulsion.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• At 303 days sober, Dan has had to stop spending time with a lot of his older friends, focusing just on his wife Shelley and kids.
• Dan finds boxing and cold water dips build mental resilience against addiction's "impulsivity."
• To rebuild broken trust, Dan advises addicts to tell spouses: "I want to help to battle this." It took his wife 6-7 months to begin to trust him again.
• Remembering your worst moments via photos/videos creates a "repulsion" against the "compulsion" to use again.
• Dan needs affirmations, like follower comments, to stay motivated, but tries to avoid self-absorption. His life can’t only be about him.
• Group meetings offer accountability and realisation: "I'm not that different" from other addicts.
• Dan dismisses cruel trolls, focusing instead on helping others, which gives him more satisfaction than when he was a household name on TV.

BEST MOMENTS

"When you add a fucking massive mortgage and kids into the mix...you will find out very quickly whether you're an addict or not."

"I feel like I've got a sense of imposter syndrome...I'm waiting for impending doom."

"If once you pop, you can't stop...you've got a problem, whether it's once a year or every day."

"Life's good now. Why do I want to escape?...To get rid of your problem, you've got to stop wanting to escape."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Jesse Itzler's book Living With a Seal

www.hypnosis.expert.com (Elliot Ward's website)

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Dan chats with Stewart Lee, author of "Me and My Addiction," about his journey with alcoholism and sobriety. Stewart shares his relatable story, from trying to fit in as an awkward teenager to hitting rock bottom and attempting suicide. He discusses getting and staying sober, including stints in rehab, relapsing at big life events, and finally committing to recovery. Stuart offers insights into addiction psychology and talks about finding purpose through new hobbies like boxing and dance. This raw, honest interview provides many teachable moments about addiction that will resonate with those struggling with their own addiction or that of a loved one.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Addiction manifests in teenagers trying to fit in, using substances to find confidence and escape anxiety. The desire can start very young.
• Hitting rock bottom, like a suicide attempt or threat of violence, may motivate you to get sober but isn't a cure-all. Relapse is common.
• Major life events like having a baby are often excuses to drink, not opportunities for sobriety. Addiction distorts priorities.
• Getting sober requires finding new challenges and purposes in life to obsess over, not just avoiding substances.
• Sobriety gives you priceless memories and relationships that active addiction robs you of.
• The first thought that comes to an addict’s mind when using is often how to keep using, not regret.
• People who use moderately can still have unhealthy relationships with substances without realising it

BEST MOMENTS

"I woke up and my first thought was 'Oh shit, I haven't succeeded,' when I survived my suicide attempt."

"I hoped my newborn daughter would stay in the hospital overnight so I could keep drinking and 'wet the baby's head.'"

"Doing a dance competition in front of 400 people was scarier than boxing."

"The best highs require the most effort, which is why relapse is so tempting."

"Sobriety gives you priceless memories and relationships that money can't buy."

"When the addiction takes hold, all I think about is how to keep drinking, not what I'm missing."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Me-My-Addiction-Stewart-Lee-ebook/dp/B0C3K9YR25

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Dan chats with personal trainer Adam 'Lubbs' Lubbock about taking a stand against the fitness industry's silence on alcohol. Adam shares why he feels compelled to speak out, even if it means losing clients and followers. He provides insight into sobriety, discipline and the connections between mental and physical health. Listen as Adam inspires people in the fitness realm and beyond to have the courage to address society's unhealthy relationship with alcohol and prioritise true well-being, from physical health to mental strength.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The fitness industry stays silent on alcohol to retain popularity and relatability, despite the harm this causes. True health/fitness ambassadors must speak out.
• Sobriety requires internal discipline fuelled by self-respect. It translates to success in other areas like fitness.
• Helping people grapple with sobriety issues has an immeasurable positive impact. Silence perpetuates harm.
• Alcohol numbs pain rather than addressing root causes. Sobriety brings clarity to elevate health and happiness.
• The fitness industry should promote sobriety as foundational to well-being, not enable unhealthy drinking habits.

BEST MOMENTS

"I have such a moral obligation and responsibility to the world to just do what I can to even up a little bit because, you know, we don't have too many things on our job description list as a personal trainer."

"How you do anything is how you do everything right? I promise I didn't read a book of quotes on the way."

"When you stop drinking, one of the things I noticed quite quickly was I gained an almost obnoxious level of self-respect."

"Discipline is hard but it's fucking way easier than being ill-disciplined. That's really hard."

"If your discipline goes from going, 'Oh, I'll have a few drinks,' then that discipline is gone to eating, sniffing a bag of gear, cheating, fucking whatever."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.facebook.com/groups/menandtheiremotions/

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram - @sobrietyrocksuk
Instagram - @stewart_lee_author
Facebook - facebook.com/sobriety_rocks_uk

www.amberweb.org

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Dan chats with inspirational speaker Lewis Raymond Taylor, who shares his unbelievable story of transforming from a violent criminal and diagnosed psychopath to a successful entrepreneur and life coach. They dive into Lewis' traumatic childhood, descent into alcoholism and addiction, multiple stints in jail, and eventual road to recovery. Lewis explains how rehab and self-development changed his life trajectory, leading him to build a massively successful coaching business. He offers honest insights into living with psychopathic traits and provides hope for anyone seeking major life changes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Lewis endured childhood trauma like an alcoholic father and sexual abuse, leading to violent outbursts and addictions. Jail time only worsened his mental state.
• A singular traumatic rejection triggered Lewis' shocking suicide attempt, slitting his own throat. He constantly sought attention and significance through violence.
• In rehab, Lewis realised he was the root of his problems and needed to change. He became "addicted" to personal growth and helping others change their lives.
• Lewis leveraged his troubled history and rehab learnings to quickly build a multi-million-dollar coaching business, The Coaching Masters.
• He admits to still having psychopathic traits but channels them productively into business strategy, detached from destructive emotions.
• Voids like lack of parental love drove Lewis' harmful addictions. Constructively filling voids with service led him to significance and success.
• Despite immense childhood setbacks, Lewis' story proves with self-awareness anyone can transform their trajectory at any time.

BEST MOMENTS

"I started punching myself in the head as hard as I could because I was so angry at myself for being this bad kid."

"When I hit him, he hit his head on the ground, and I looked over him, and there was this slow, dark trickle of blood coming out of his head, and I thought, I'd killed him."

"Your best thinking, your absolute best thinking, has put you into prison, and now into rehab. Maybe your brain needs a good wash."

"The moment I realised that was the problem, I was like, fuck, I'm also the solution."

"If you can change your mind...you spiral into control. And that's not an expression you hear often. My life spiralled into control."

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

This episode will challenge the way many of us think about drink, cocaine and the comedown.

Dan is joined by Nicola Abraham to talk all about Cocaethylene and its role in suicide.

They discuss the rise in male suicide, the lack of knowledge about this side effect of using and Nicola’s own tragic story. Nicola also talks about what she wants to achieve now she knows better and discusses the many barriers the foundation is trying to break down and the current help out there.

Now Dan has learnt about this cause, he wants to help raise awareness by any means necessary, so watch this space.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Cocaethylene Is a substance that is created once you’ve taken alcohol and cocaine. It creates a chemical substance that can cause psychotic symptoms.
• Cocaethylene impacts the neurological and metabolic systems so much it puts them into overdrive and the side effects of this are often aggression, severe agitation and unexplained physical strength as well as things such as heart attacks and depression.
• Some of Dan’s biggest issues, when he was using, were actually related to his comedown and the symptoms he would have.
• Nicola’s son was a happy man, with no mental illness or difficulties anyone around him was aware of.
• After her son’s death, Nicola realised he was using cocaine and the true extent of the depression he felt after using became apparent.
• Nicola found other parents who had children die in similar circumstances and they created an alliance and campaigned to public care in Wales to take notice of what had been happening.
• The situation Nicola’s son and other men have found themselves in, is very different to other mindsets individuals may be in before suicide, it needs a unique approach.
• One of the saddest facts Nicola and fellow loved ones have to deal with is the fact that if their boys had just gone through that comedown, that one day, they’d still be here with them.
• Nicola and the group want to set up a helpline, to be the support for people who are struggling with the come down after taking drugs or/and drinking alcohol.
• When you first start using drugs and alcohol you get the full effects of dopamine and serotonin rises, the ‘fun’, but as you use more, chemically things change.

BEST MOMENTS

"When you take alcohol and cocaine it puts the neurological and metabolical system into supercharge and creates this excited delirium

‘It’s completely preventable’

‘When you lose someone by suicide the thing that goes through your mind most is why’

‘There’s a rise in suicide in men in this age group and this was a connection’

‘You don’t have any control over this, this could happen to you’

‘If these boys could have got through that day, they’d still be with us’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.facebook.com/groups/menandtheiremotions/

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Get tickets for the next show!https://bigbellycomedy.club/livepodcasts/Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter, camaraderie, and open discussions as "Menace II Sobriety Live" takes the stage!

Hosted by the dynamic trio of Daniel O’Reilly, Kirk Norcross, and Elliot Wald, this up-and-coming podcast comes to life in front of a live audience of 100 dedicated listeners. No topic is off-limits on this thought-provoking journey where humour meets real-life stories and the issues that resonate with both the hosts and the audience. Daniel's driving force behind launching the podcast was to create a safe space for people to openly discuss their struggles, and he expanded on this mission with his M.A.T.E (Men Actively Talking & Engaging) Facebook group. Now, he's bringing this same spirit to the stage for all to experience.

The Menace II Sobriety podcast was born out of Daniel's personal battles with sobriety, ADHD, mental health, and life's curveballs. His M.A.T.E group on Facebook quickly became a hub of support and empathy, where men from all corners of the globe came together to uplift one another. Inspired by the incredible responses within the group, Daniel decided to take things to the next level by launching the podcast. "Menace II Sobriety Live" offers a unique opportunity to watch the magic unfold in person or become part of the lively audience interaction. Join us as we dive deep into personal experiences, share stories, and embrace the power of candid conversations.

This is more than just a podcast; it's a live experience that brings people together, fosters connections, and reminds us that we're never alone in our journey. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of something truly special. Subscribe, hit that notification bell, and get ready for an evening of laughter, inspiration, and authentic human connection. "Menace II Sobriety Live" is where real stories meet real people, and it's an experience you won't want to miss!Get ready to laugh, cry, and connect as Daniel O'Reilly brings his hit podcast Menace to Sobriety to the live stage! With raw stories and witty banter, Daniel and special guests Kirk Norcross, Elliot Wald and John the Producer give an intimate look at their journeys with addiction and sobriety. These men boldly bare their battle wounds, showing that vulnerability can forge deep human bonds. Their stories impart hard-earned wisdom on avoiding addiction triggers, finding healthy outlets, and surrounding yourself with positive people.

Beyond the laughs lies a vital message – if these courageous men can work to better themselves, so can you. Tune in for inspiration, belly laughs, and strength to lift yourself and others up.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Leave behind negative friends and environments that trigger addictive behaviors.
• Channel addictive tendencies into positive outlets like exercise, hobbies, passion projects.
• Be disciplined and consistent with routines, self-care to build mental resilience.
• Helping others on their sobriety journey is therapeutic and creates human connection.

BEST MOMENTS

"The cure for addiction is connection."

"Your issues and your problems and what you are going through in your life now is the most powerful stuff for you to learn from in order to help other people in the future."

"I literally thought the only way that I'll stop doing drugs is dying from an overdose or killing myself."

"Just remember an emotion starts with an E and it's an emotion. It's a movement of feelings."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://bigbellycomedy.club/livepodcasts/

Cocaine Anonymous (CA)

Daniel O'Reilly's Facebook group "Men and their Emotions"

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Content Warning: Suicide

In this episode, Dan wants to talk about a topic that is frequently intertwined with addiction, so much so that he sees it consistently in his mental health group and receives DMs about it daily: suicide in men. He is joined by John Connelly who talks about his own experience of almost taking his own life, what led him to that decision and what they both agree needs to change.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• On the outside everything appeared normal about John’s life. He had a loving family, a good childhood and a stable home life but he felt numb most of the time.
• Men need to be given knowledge and education on the reality of life and what depression and other mental struggles can feel like.
• If we can teach people, men especially, to speak up when they are struggling with their mental health it would save a lot of lives.
• There is immense pressure on men by society to be ‘strong’ and alongside that many men feel they can’t be open about when they are feeling down or lost.
• If you struggle with addiction or mental health difficulties, it can only take a couple of life events to push you to the edge. If you can recognise when you are vulnerable you can get support and/or look to protect yourself.
• John recognises that if he had reached out before the death of his grandad, he would have had support in place to stop him from going further into the depths of depression.
• The difficulties John has been through he is now grateful for, he is now using his journey to help others.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was gonna do it, I was gonna end my life”

“I have always been a very insecure, self-conscious, shy person”

“We need to speak about it more, we need to educate more”

“I’m so thankful that these things have happened to me, I now understand so much more”

"Everything that's led to now that's just made you who you are today"

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.facebook.com/groups/menandtheiremotions/

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Last week’s episode with Edie Cob (S3EP34 https://omny.fm/shows/menace-2-sobriety/034-m2s ) gave Dan new insight into his own stories of addiction and why he sometimes acted the way he did, particularly in regards to the birth of his children. It meant he spent the weekend unpicking his emotions and thoughts around why he acted the way he did. In this solo episode, he talks through this process and talks about the difficulties when being so open about his personal experiences with addiction. Dan also talks about why drink and drugs are never the problem in the beginning, they are a solution to the real underlying problem.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• For everyone, including men, talking and beginning to understand the emotions you have and why they are there is the start to being able to heal.
• When Dan relapsed previously, he didn’t recognise it for what it was. His addict mentality would kick in when he was stressed and would tell himself he deserved the drinks and drugs.
• Sobriety has enabled Dan to work on himself, stripping down his thoughts, feelings and emotions so he can face them head-on.
• After speaking to Edie and realising the enormity of going on sessions after the birth of his children, Dan knew he needed to speak to Shelley and take accountability.
• Talking about these types of things can bring back guilt and shame, which is very difficult to sit with once you are sober.
• The drink and drugs never started off as the problem, they were the solution to the emotions Dan couldn’t deal with. Drink and drugs are never the problem for any addict, they are a solution for all matter of things, from trauma to stress and everything in between.
• Before going sober, Dan didn’t recognise how his drinking would impact special events. As well as the birth of his children, his addiction even tainted his wedding day.
• Dan’s personal growth can sometimes show others where they need to assess and grow, this can mean he can get backlash from individuals who aren’t ready to face things.

BEST MOMENTS

"Talking and trying to understand how you feel, why you get emotional, what triggers you, is the path to healing”

“Without sobriety, having something to work on, I wouldn’t have all these things to unpick”

“It got out of hand like it always did with the drinking”

”You have to take accountability, you can’t just blame the addiction”

“The emotions are the cause of my addiction”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Edie Cob episode: S3EP34 https://omny.fm/shows/menace-2-sobriety/034-m2s

https://www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Kirk and Dan are joined by Eddie Cob, founder of ADAPT a charity which helps addicts seek recovery from addiction free of charge. Eddie started using drugs at a young age and shares in this episode her own experiences of addiction, recovery and life after drug addiction including life with her heroin-addicted partner. Eddie, Kurt and Dan explore the reasons behind addiction including the inability to deal with emotions, and feelings of shame but why ultimately it is always very complicated and difficult to understand addiction, regardless of who you are, where you’re from and what you’re addicted to.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Eddie founded ADAPT in 2019, firstly as a single dry house, ADAPT now has 10 dry houses.
• Recovering addicts often crave structure and so this is something Eddie incorporated into the houses including counselling sessions.
• Eddie’s support and help come from a unique place of having experienced drug addiction, she has a perspective many professionals in the space do not have.
• Eddie suffered from overeating as a child and teen which she now recognises as a coping mechanism and is still something she struggles with. There were a lot of feelings of shame in this for her which were further exacerbated when she was bullied badly at school.
• At 15 she started taking cocaine to fit in and her drug use accelerated quickly, especially when she realised it was making her lose weight.
• After travelling, Eddie was taking Valium and drinking a litre of vodka a day, she managed to wean herself off both of these before entering her first drug treatment centre.
• Addicts need love through their addiction, you can still have good boundaries with friends who are addicted whilst letting them know you are there for them.
• When you have been addicted you get so used to feeling numb, as soon as you’re sober you feel all your emotions at once, it can be overwhelming.
• Eddie got into a relationship with an ex-heroin addict, something she wasn’t aware of until he relapsed which then introduced her to a whole new side of addiction and drug taking.
• Addiction is about why you use not what you’re addicted to.
• Eddie felt the shame attached to her partner's addiction, she would do anything to try and defend and protect him.
• Eddie’s son Jack was born in 2016, her partner had managed to stay clean for 9 months but relapsed on the day their son was born.
• If you are struggling with a family member’s addiction, putting in small achievable goals or boundaries can be more successful than ultimatums.
• Seeing many people not getting the treatment they needed and being part of her own family that was struggling with addiction, Eddie wanted to do something to help so she founded ADAPT.
• After 8 years clean, the pressure of life during the pandemic caused Eddie to relapse and this time she took heroin and crack. This relapse lasted for 18 months and included an overdose.

BEST MOMENTS

"When you’re in active addiction you have no structure”

“I never spoke about it because I believed everything I was being told”

“Find someone you trust and talk to them about it”

“If you want to know why you’re using drugs, stop using drugs”

“Heroin…there’s no words to describe it”

“Once I get into something I can’t get out of it”

“You cannot fight with the disease, there’s no winning”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://adaptoxford.org.uk/team

https://www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Dan is joined by Joe Sealey, ex-West Ham footballer who is currently starring in the Housewives of Cheshire. Joe is also the son of late Manchester United goalie Les Sealey, Joe lost his father and his football career at the same time which is what led him down the path of addiction.

Joe talks to Dan in this episode about the role of his father and football in his life and addiction and how his wife helped him on the road to recovery. Joe opens up about what addiction and sobriety have been like for him including many of his lowest moments, the failure of rehab and what life looks like now he has been sober for many years. Joe also talks about his number 1 bestselling book which is about his addiction, sobriety and also features chapters from his dad’s book project that was started many years before.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Identifying himself as his fathers’ son and later as a West Ham player, meant Joe never discovered his own true identity which led to a lot of problems with his self-esteem.
• Before his dad died and his career ended, Joe had never really drunk alcohol to excess and had never taken drugs, but within 6-8 months he had started taking drugs and drinking.
• Joe felt like at the start, drugs saved his life, they made him happy, but it quickly escalated to ruining everything for him.
• Very quickly, Joe escalated from doing drugs socially to isolating himself and doing it alone at home every day.
• Hyperfocus and drive can help individuals find success, but they are also traits that can easily lead them down the path to addiction.
• Joe meeting his wife is what saved him and he attributes being her today and staying sober to her love and support.
• Before realising he had a drug problem Joe thought he had an anger problem, but it was actually the comedowns from drug taking that were making him angry.
• Rehab didn’t work for Joe; it didn’t prepare him for when he left the centre.
• Children sense when their parents, or any adult, have been drinking or taking drugs. It’s something both Dan and Joe feel ashamed about now they are sober.
• Being on Housewives of Cheshire is for fun and promotion for Joe, he doesn’t take it too seriously.
• Joe’s advice to anyone struggling with addiction is to just get through the day, and then keep getting through each day, try and switch off your thoughts by any means necessary such as going for a walk.

BEST MOMENTS

"I did [drugs] it and it made me feel better”]

”Drugs saved my life but by the end it took everything”

“What I loved was losing control”

“Once I start I can’t stop”

“You have to look at the tragedy [of addiction] and laugh at it”

“Your brain will kill you if you listen to it”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk

CONTACT METHOD

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Daniel O’Reilly

Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spendingquality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busyyear, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist' and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.

Kirk Norcross

Instagram

“My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”

Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,

Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media