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 clean

This is a raw, eye-opening conversation that sheds light on addiction, trauma, and the fight to rebuild a life that once seemed lost.

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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.com

Www.wellnessonthemove.co.uk

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Dr Asad Raffi's Practise:

https://bit.ly/classapeople

Is ADHD over diagnosed, or are we just beginning to understand it? In this episode, Dr. Asad Rafi breaks down the myths and realities of ADHD, addiction, and mental health. We discuss why ADHD is often misdiagnosed, how it presents differently in men and women, and the real reason people with ADHD chase dopamine.

We also explore the link between ADHD and addiction, the dangers of misinformation on social media, and why traditional diagnostic methods may be failing people. If you’ve ever questioned whether you have ADHD or if the system is getting it wrong, this episode is a must-watch.

Topics Covered:

• What ADHD really is (and what it isn’t)

• The problem with ADHD diagnosis and misdiagnosis

• Why people with ADHD struggle with addiction

• The truth about dopamine and ADHD

• How impulsivity impacts decision-making

• Why ADHD in women is often overlooked

• The dangers of ADHD misinformation on social media

In this conversation, the complexities of ADHD are explored, challenging the traditional labels and misconceptions surrounding the condition. The discussion emphasises the variability in attention, the importance of interest in tasks, and the nuances of impulsivity and hyperactivity. The conversation also highlights the need for a better understanding of ADHD, particularly in relation to anxiety and the evolving nature of the condition as individuals age. We talk about the complexities of ADHD, exploring its symptoms, diagnosis, and the interplay of emotional dysregulation, sleep, stress & sugar. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding ADHD as a spectrum and the need for comprehensive assessments that consider co-occurring conditions. The look at common misconceptions about ADHD, particularly regarding dopamine levels, and stress the significance of emotional experiences, particularly rejection sensitive dysphoria, in the lives of those with ADHD. We look at the complexities of ADHD, exploring its overlap with autism, the impact on mental health, and the challenges of misdiagnosis. The discussion emphasizes the importance of an individual approach and how medication alone is not the answer. They discuss diet, and lifestyle changes, while also addressing the societal perceptions of ADHD and the need for community support. Dr Asad Rafi shares personal insights and advocacy for better understanding and management of ADHD, highlighting the significance of addressing both mental and physical health aspects.

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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/

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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/

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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/

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In this conversation, the speaker shares their journey to sobriety, reflecting on the influences of childhood, the role of self-worth, and the complexities of alcoholism. They discuss how social environments and work life contributed to their drinking habits, the transition from university to a professional setting, and the eventual realisation of their addiction. The conversation emphasises the importance of understanding personal experiences and the stigma surrounding addiction, highlighting that everyone's journey is unique. This conversation delves into the personal experiences of an individual grappling with alcoholism, particularly in professional settings. The speaker shares vivid anecdotes about their drinking habits, the impact on their work life, and the eventual confrontation from their partner and parents. The narrative highlights the normalisation of alcohol consumption in corporate culture, the struggle to maintain a facade of normalcy, and the pivotal moments that led to the the need for change. Ultimately, it sets the stage for the journey towards recovery and the challenges faced along the way. The speaker shares their harrowing journey through addiction, detailing the chaotic moments leading to their rock bottom & needing help. They discuss the turning point that led them to rehab, the challenges faced during detox, and the ongoing process of recovery. The speaker talks of the importance of therapy, self-awareness, and gratitude in maintaining sobriety. Ultimately, they reflect on the profound changes in their life post-recovery and the ongoing journey of personal growth.

https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/about-aa/what-is-aa/12-steps/

https://www.bacp.co.uk/

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In this bonus episode of Class A People, the host introduces a poem titled 'Chained to the Pharmacy,' which explores the struggles of addiction and the feelings of being trapped. The conversation delves into the cyclical nature of addiction, the importance of relearning life skills after recovery, and the need to find joy in sobriety. The host emphasises the significance of self-discovery and the journey towards a fulfilling life beyond addiction.

If you would like to write your story in, please email:

classapeople1@gmail.com

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