In our first episode of the Breaking My Addictions podcast, hosts Clive and Dominic take us on a candid journey through their personal experiences with addiction and habit formation. This conversational exploration offers valuable insights into the nature of addiction, cultural influences, and the path toward sustainable recovery.
The Personal Side of Addiction
“I’ve struggled with addictiona quite a lot in my life, to be honest. 30 years worth, I think,” Clive shares in the opening moments of the podcast. This raw admission sets the tone for an authentic discussion that moves beyond clinical definitions to examine the lived reality of addiction.
Dominic recounts his first memorable experience with alcohol as a teenager, describing it as “miraculous” and drawing a thought-provoking parallel to spiritual awakening. This perspective highlights how substances can initially seem transformative, creating powerful associations that contribute to dependency.
Cultural Contexts of Addiction
The conversation reveals how deeply cultural influences shape our relationship with substances. Britain’s pub culture emerges as a significant factor, with Dominic noting: “If you look at British culture, if you don’t go to the pub, you often don’t have connections unless you’re very well organised with maintaining a social group that does something different.”
This cultural dimension raises important questions about the social constructs that either facilitate or discourage addictive behaviors. As the hosts discuss, sometimes what appears as addiction might actually be a dependency on the social connection that comes with it.
Values-Based Recovery
One of the most compelling insights from the podcast is Clive’s hypothesis about recovery: “The pull towards addiction starts to fall away the more your life becomes aligned with your values.”
This perspective shifts the focus from simply battling the addiction itself to building a life that’s intrinsically fulfilling. Clive explains, “If you know what you really value, then you can see whether what you’re doing is in alignment with your values or not.”
A New Approach: The Ecosystem Model
The podcast introduces the concept of an “ecosystem” approach to recovery—a thoughtful alternative to traditional models like Alcoholics Anonymous. This approach acknowledges the complex interplay of factors that contribute to addiction and recovery, suggesting that sustainable change requires addressing multiple aspects of a person’s life simultaneously.
By exploring addiction through this holistic lens, the podcast offers hope that lasting change is possible through self-understanding, community support, and alignment with personal values.
Join the Conversation
This first episode marks the beginning of an ongoing exploration into addiction, recovery, and living better as a whole. Future episodes will feature professionals, specialists, and individuals with lived experience, all contributing to a deeper understanding of these complex issues.
