9 months ago, I wrote a post titled: F**k Rehab Centres.

It was a bold hook...

Looking back, it was successful in creating polarisation.

But if I'm brutally honest, it doesn't align with my core beliefs these days.

After connecting with several leaders of rehab centres, I no longer believe they are all inherently bad.

At the time, I didn't have the same entrepreneurial maturity I do now (a lot can change in 9 months...)

Do I believe they're perfect? No.

BUT... many still rely on an outdated 12-step, one-size-fits-all model.

This is unacceptable and needs to change.

Humans have evolved significantly since the 1930s when the model was first developed, and we must recognise that.

However, it's unfair to tarnish the entire industry with the same brush.

Above all else, I want to acknowledge my admiration for people like Vincent Conlon.

He wasn't one of the 60+ keyboard warriors who felt personally attacked by my post and took to the comments section.

Instead, he sent me a private message saying he respected me for speaking my truth, even though he disagreed with me.

This has led to us connecting, having a long form conversation, and finding a lot of common ground in what we believe to be true.

Behaviours like this will help us forge the most effective path through this complex and nuanced area of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health that we call addiction.

If I can go full existential for a moment, approaching areas of disagreement in this way will do a great deal for healing our collective trauma as a global society.

Love, respect, and honour for one another's views.

This is the way forward.

PS. This is a clip from Vincent and my episode of Addiction Unmasked. You can listen to our full episode on Spotify now (It's a banger)

Thank you Vincent. I appreciate you.

Takeaways

• Motivation and desire are essential for overcoming addiction.
• There is no universal solution to addiction, and diverse approaches are necessary.
• Traditional rehab centres may not be suitable for everyone, and alternative options like halfway houses can provide a bridge between institutional care and returning home.
• Private medical aids in South Africa often only cover 21 days of treatment, leading to a cycle of repeated treatment and relapse.
• Entrepreneurship can be a powerful force in recovery and creating innovative solutions in the addiction treatment field. The rehab industry often falls short by offering short-term programs that may not be sufficient for long-term recovery.
• It is important to find the right approach to addiction treatment that suits each individual's needs and circumstances.
• Rehab centres should focus on providing a holistic and personalised approach to address the underlying issues and support long-term recovery.
• The 12-step program can be helpful for some, but it may not be suitable for everyone and can be rigid in its approach.
• Rehab centres should prioritise the well-being and progress of their clients over financial considerations.
• Building a supportive community and fostering connections with others who have similar experiences can be a powerful aspect of recovery.
• Language and self-identification play a significant role in addiction recovery, and it is important to find empowering and non-destructive ways to define oneself.
• The rehab industry should strive for

In this episode, I talk with Jack Sexton about his journey through addiction and recovery.

We discuss how important it is to live truthfully and how childhood experiences affect addiction.

Jack shares his experiences with alcohol, cocaine, and work addiction. He talks about the need for honesty and self-awareness to avoid burnout.

The conversation explores addiction, burnout, and chasing money in the recruitment industry.

The episode ends with a talk about the challenges of finding growth and alignment in one’s career.

Takeaways

• Living from a place of truth and seeking authenticity is essential in personal development and overcoming addiction.
• Childhood experiences, such as a lack of emotional connection, can contribute to addiction later in life.
• Substances like alcohol and drugs can provide a temporary escape from emotional pain and facilitate connection with others.
• Work addiction, driven by the pursuit of status and identity, can lead to burnout and negative consequences.
• Overcoming burnout requires honesty, self-awareness, and a willingness to make rational decisions about one's work situation. Money should be viewed as a vehicle to support the lifestyle we want, rather than an end goal in itself.
• Authenticity and alignment with our true selves are crucial for finding purpose and fulfilment in our careers.
• Addressing past traumas and resentments is essential for personal growth and overcoming addiction.
• A strong desire to change is necessary for embarking on the journey of self-improvement and recovery.
• Finding clarity on our goals and motivations can help us avoid burnout and make more meaningful career choices.

Enjoy!

In this raw and unscripted episode of Addiction Unmasked, I share my journey as a digital nomad with my girlfriend, Beth.

We planned to settle in Spain, but visa issues led us to travel through various countries instead.

Running a coaching business on the move is challenging. Adapting to new cultures, managing unexpected events, and maintaining consistency can be tough. There are moments of isolation and homesickness, but it's incredibly rewarding overall.

Takeaways:

• Nomadic life is exciting and rewarding but also challenging.
• Visa issues can disrupt plans, requiring adaptability.
• Cultural differences and isolation can be tough.
• Appreciate the comforts and connections of home.

Here’s a breakdown of what we cover:

00:00 Welcome to Addiction Unmasked

00:26 Personal Insights and Podcast Philosophy

01:09 The Freedom Creator Workshop

01:40 Podcasting Challenges and Authenticity

03:51 Life in Greece

05:09 The Digital Nomad Visa Journey

07:04 Challenges with the Spanish Visa

10:27 Adventures in Albania

13:29 Navigating the Schengen Area

22:51 Settling in Greece

23:29 Reflections on the Nomadic Lifestyle

27:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

28:45 Closing Remarks and Contact Information