I spent 10 years in active addiction, using drugs, alcohol, gambling and other unhealthy obsessions to try to change the way I felt. To change the deep rooted insecurity and feelings of not being worthy of love that I felt within me.
These addictions eventually took everything from me, the ones I loved, access to my son, finances, material possessions, self-worth, dignity and eventually my sanity. I spent years trying to get clean - seeking help through counselling, hypnotherapy, CBT, attending meetings and even checking in to a private residential rehab treatment centre 5 years ago. The reality is, I wasn’t ready to get clean, I wanted to, but I wasn’t willing to put any effort in.
That all changed on 21st July 2024. After another typical night using drugs and alcohol, living like an animal - I set up my new ice bath. As someone with a chronic cocaine addiction I had no idea how I was going to navigate trying to get clean with a complete depletion of happy hormones and I had heard cold water exposure gave you a dopamine fix.
I took my first ice bath that day and my entire life changed. I set up a TikTok channel to hold myself accountable with the aim of doing an ice bath every single day for a year with the hope of finally getting clean.
Since then I have taken an ice bath every day, documenting my journey online. In that time I have been able to build my own brand and have used my social media platforms to share my experience, strength and hope inspiring others to get clean and get chilly.
We are in an addiction epidemic, people are self medicating their mental health with drugs and alcohol with disastrous consequences. I believe by having open, honest, relatable conversations around addiction and recovery we can change the world and give people a chance, one day at a time.
I nearly gave up on myself, and had I of done I would have missed out on a life beyond my wildest dreams. Today I am clean and serene, surrounded by people I love including my son who through my recovery is now back in my life, a brand new baby girl, and limitless possibilities. Please don’t give up, you also deserve a life beyond your wildest dreams!
Recovery is possible.
STAY CHILLY!
Harry!