The Step One Scar: Dan’s Story

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Chris and Max sit down with their friend Dan, who shares a raw and unflinching account of his journey through addiction and recovery.Dan reflects on a difficult childhood marked by emotional discomfort, parental separation, and a persistent feeling of being on the outside looking in. Even from a young age, he felt fear, rejection, and a lack of belonging.Introduced to ecstasy at just 12 years old while in care, Dan describes the initial relief it brought him — the silence of fear and anxiety — and how this instant escape became his "medication" of choice.He candidly recounts being bounced through children’s homes, a secure unit, and juvenile prisons, gradually adopting a hardened persona that masked his internal pain. The story paints a sobering picture of how institutional settings shaped his identity.Dan talks openly about committing robberies, bullying, manipulating loved ones, and living with overwhelming guilt and shame. One particularly harrowing moment includes self-inflicted injuries to deceive his family for drug money — a stark illustration of addiction’s depths.A moment of clarity comes during a stint in solitary confinement, where Dan breaks down emotionally and begins to accept that he needs help. This turning point, sparked by the echo of a support group’s moment of silence, sets him on the path to recovery.Dan’s journey through rehab, Narcotics Anonymous, and therapy helped him begin rebuilding his life. He shares what it’s like to come out of prison and into recovery, experiencing community, kindness, and eventually giving back through service.Despite periods of clean time — even working in addiction services — Dan experienced multiple relapses, underscoring how fragile recovery can be without consistent effort. He reflects honestly on the mistakes that led him back to using and the lessons those experiences taught him.Now five months clean at the time of recording, Dan emphasises the importance of staying connected, attending meetings, and practising the principles of recovery daily. His story is one of perseverance, self-awareness, and hope.🔔 Special Announcement: Chris and Max also introduce their new Patreon channel, offering bonus content, video episodes, live chats, and shout-outs for supporters. It’s a call to the community to help sustain the podcast and deepen the connection.📍 Join us at: Patreon.com/AddictedToRecoveryPodcast

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