Class A People

In this episode, our guest opens up about her brutal struggle with anorexia and borderline personality disorder—how it began with “healthy habits,” how it spiralled into obsession, and how she’s still learning to live with it. From being hospitalised at 16 to fighting the stigma from medical professionals, this is a raw and unfiltered look into the mind of someone battling an eating disorder.Growing up, she was a high-achieving perfectionist, praised for her discipline—but behind the praise was pain. What started with calorie counting turned into life-threatening restriction, self-harm, and eventually inpatient psychiatric care. Alongside her battle with food came the emotional chaos of BPD, making her story as complex as it is courageous.Topics Covered:• How anorexia starts with good intentions and spirals into control• The dark side of being praised for looking unwell• Living with borderline personality disorder and emotional instability• The crossover between addiction and eating disorders• Why psychiatric units don’t always help• The pressure of being the “perfect” patient• Food obsession, binging, and purging• What recovery really looks like (and why it’s not a straight line)• The stigma of invisible illness in the mental health system• How she’s navigating life beyond the diagnosisThis is an honest, eye-opening discussion that sheds light on the complex realities of anorexia, BPD, and recovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, James Talbot opens up about the parts of his story that were hidden behind the party persona. From being bullied at school and masking with bravado, to chasing success, status and stimulation at all costs—this is a raw, reflective conversation about addiction, identity, and healing.James shares how trauma, ADHD, and the constant need to prove himself led to years of alcohol and drug use, extreme behaviour, and emotional chaos. We talk about the dangers of high-functioning addiction, the impact of private school culture, and what happens when the external world sees confidence, but the internal world is falling apart.This isn’t just about drugs and alcohol. It’s about the masks we wear, the stories we tell ourselves, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes it all has to fall apart before we can figure out who we actually are.Topics Covered:• How bullying and abandonment shaped his early identity• The private school culture of status, shame and silence• Alcohol, drugs and the drive to be “the most fun”• Why ADHD and addiction so often go hand-in-hand• The danger of seeking validation through chaos• Social media, self-worth, and masking pain with performance• Finding recovery, routine, and a new way of living• Learning to be okay without being the centre of attentionThis conversation digs into the complexity of addiction, trauma, neurodivergence and recovery—offering hope for anyone who feels like they’re always performing but never truly present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Nathan King opens up about his brutal struggle with cocaine addiction—how it started, how it spiralled out of control, and how he finally found a way out. From being held at gunpoint to losing his marriage and nearly destroying his relationships, this is a raw and unfiltered conversation about the devastating impact of addiction.Growing up, he was always in the spotlight—praised as a performer, thriving in show business, and addicted to the validation. But when the applause stopped, he turned to cocaine to fill the void. What started as a way to keep up with drinking soon became a full-blown addiction that controlled every part of his life.Topics Covered:• How childhood praise and validation fuelled addiction• Moving past relapse• The moment cocaine took over his life• Lying, stealing, and losing trust – the cost of addiction• Being held at gunpoint and the dangers of the drug world• The lies he told himself to keep using• Why rehab was the turning point• The struggle of rebuilding a life after addiction• The lessons he’s learned about recovery and self-worthThis is an honest, eye-opening discussion that exposes the realities of cocaine addiction and the long road to healing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The start and end of this episode is one of a sad loss about an amazing man named Sam. Please donate to Sam's hospital here:https://beaumontfundraising.enthuse.com/pf/100kmforsam?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaafq9V-h2hJo5xA-CIs5HY62mWcDsmFAiIMzmTK9EWJSTK6Aah0hrG2lUs_aem_fZYTae0agtSf5XzW-MjAug 15 years old, he was injecting heroin, caught in a cycle of addiction, crime, and self-destruction. Growing up in Dublin, he quickly became entangled in a dangerous lifestyle—stealing cars, dealing drugs, and doing whatever it took to survive. But no matter how deep he fell, he always believed he was in control.In this raw and unfiltered conversation, we explore the devastating impact of heroin addiction, the dangers of high-functioning addiction, and the long road to recovery. From hiding his addiction from family to his final moment of surrender, this episode sheds light on the brutal realities of substance abuse and the power of change.Topics Covered:• The early signs of addiction and how it spiralled out of control• Growing up in crime and learning how to steal cars at 12• The brutal truth about heroin addiction and withdrawal• High-functioning addiction – how he kept a job while using• The role of family, guilt, and stigma in addiction• Why methadone was harder to quit than heroin• The dangers of relapse and why so many addicts hide their struggles• How he finally got clean and what recovery looks like todayThis is a powerful, eye-opening discussion that challenges common misconceptions about addiction, crime, and the recovery process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At just 13 years old, she was smoking crack, serving time in prison, and spiralling into addiction. By 19, she was injecting heroin, caught in a cycle of crime, trauma, and self-destruction. For years, nothing could stop her—not prison, not losing everything, not even the near-death experiences.In this episode, she shares her unfiltered story of addiction, survival, and the painful road to recovery. From growing up in a stable home to experiencing trauma that sent her down a dark path, we explore what really fuels addiction and why breaking free is so difficult.Topics Covered:• The early years – how addiction starts younger than you think• The brutal truth about crack, heroin, and the cycle of crime• Prison at 13 – what happens when the system fails you• How trauma fuels addiction and keeps people stuck• The moment everything changed – choosing recovery over destruction• Life after addiction – what it really takes to stay cleanThis is a raw, eye-opening conversation that sheds light on addiction, trauma, and the fight to rebuild a life that once seemed lost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation delves into the profound journey of recovery from addiction, exploring the intricate connections between childhood trauma, neurodivergence, and substance use. The speaker shares personal experiences of fear, self-discovery, and the impact of early life experiences on mental health. Through candid reflections, the discussion highlights the importance of understanding trauma, the role of inner child work, and the challenges faced during teenage years, including substance experimentation and the emotional turmoil that ensues. The conversation ultimately emphasises the need for healing and the complexities of navigating one's past to foster a healthier future. We discuss the tumultuous journey of a woman who transitioned from running pubs at a young age to navigating the complexities of drug dealing, relationships, motherhood, and ultimately, recovery from addiction. It highlights the normalisation of chaos in her life, the struggles of leaving a dangerous lifestyle, and the challenges of rebuilding after hitting rock bottom. Through candid reflections, she shares her experiences of personal growth, the impact of addiction on her family, and her path to finding hope and healing. We explore themes of self-discovery, trauma, and healing. The speaker shares personal experiences of hitting rock bottom, the transformative power of therapy, and the importance of community support. Through somatic practices and alternative healing methods, the discussion talks of the significance of understanding one's body and emotions in the recovery process. The conversation concludes with a message of empowerment, encouraging individuals to rewrite their stories and embrace healing.Www.lunarspiritwellbeing.comWww.wellnessonthemove.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Asad Rafi, an expert in ADHD and mental health from Sanctum Healthcare, dives deep into the often misunderstood world of ADHD. He discusses the challenges of diagnosis, highlighting that it’s frequently misdiagnosed, especially in women. The conversation explores the connection between ADHD and addiction, the science of dopamine chasing, and how impulsivity can skew decision-making. Rafi also sheds light on the dangers of misinformation on social media, pushing for a nuanced understanding of ADHD that goes beyond traditional labels.

This conversation delves into the complex journey of addiction, exploring the transition from initial enjoyment to the harsh realities of substance abuse. The speaker reflects on their childhood, the role of humour and performance in their life, and the impact of betrayal and loss due to addiction. Themes of dry sniffing, trust, cynicism, and personal growth are also examined, providing a comprehensive look at the multifaceted nature of addiction and recovery. We talk about the interplay between substance use and social dynamics, and the profound impact on relationships and self-perception. James shares personal anecdotes that highlight the deceptive nature of addiction, the struggle for control, and the journey towards recovery. Themes of paranoia, denial, and the search for connection are explored, culminating in a reflection on the fragility of relationships during times of crisis. We delve into the harrowing journey of addiction, focusing on the speaker's experiences with dry sniffing cocaine, the impact of psychosis, and the challenges faced in his marriage and parenting. It highlights the importance of community and support in recovery, as well as the ongoing struggle with self-acceptance and accountability. The speaker shares insights on the role of therapy, and the transformative power of honesty and connection in the recovery process.https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/about-aa/what-is-aa/12-steps/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of 2024, the host reflects on the incredible journey of the Class A People podcast, celebrating its achievements and the community it has built. The episode emphasises the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding addiction, sharing personal stories, and fostering a supportive environment for those in recovery. The Christmas special segment brings humour and light-heartedness as listeners share their funny and embarrassing stories, showcasing the human side of addiction and recovery. The host expresses gratitude for the support received and encourages listeners to continue their journey of self-discovery and sobriety into the new year.https://al-anonuk.org.uk/https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/find-a-meeting/https://www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk/https://ukna.org/https://gamblersanonymous.org.uk/https://classapeople.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation shares an anonymous write in to Class A People from a mothers perspective on dealing with the complexities of a child in active addiction, emphasising the deep-rooted issues of self-worth and trauma that many addicts face. The host also shares personal insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding from parents and loved ones. The discussion also touches on the significance of support systems like Al-Anon for those affected by addiction.https://al-anonuk.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.