"Seeing The Life In People's Eyes Come Back..." | Listen UP Episode 20 - Aidan Martin

In Listen UP Episode 20, bestselling author of Euphoric Recall, The Scheme charity co-founder, and 8.5-year recovery advocate Aidan Martin shares how he rebuilt his life from one of Scotland's most deprived communities — left school with nothing, nearly lost his life, and still found his way out — highlighting the hidden mental warning signs of relapse most people miss, and the five specific pillars that finally made sobriety stick. Aidan Martin exposes how a volunteer counsellor's single question — asked without pressure — did what years of crisis couldn't, unlocking the moment of self-recognition that started everything: Hear the one word Aidan says transformed his first terrifying recovery meeting into his greatest support The two conditions that must both be true before recovery actually works (and why one alone isn't enough) Why being in a group not built around substances quietly rewires your sense of what normal feels like One warning sign that appears in the mind six months before a relapse — and how to catch it early... #addictionrecovery #recoveryadvice #sobriety #alcoholrecovery #drugrecovery #recoverysupport #relapsewarningsigns #soberliving #mentalhealth #scottishrecovery This Episode - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/l... All Listen UP Episodes - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/l... Listen UP Podcast - https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/l... Why Listen UP matters: Discover how others found strength when they thought they had none Learn personal insights and professional approaches to breaking free from addiction's grip Understand the comprehensive support system that makes lasting recovery possible Hear from those who've experienced recovery and experts who've helped thousands rebuild their lives after addiction Abbeycare provides comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programmes at our facilities in Scotland and Gloucester. Our holistic approach combines medically-supervised detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling, and aftercare planning to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction. Our programmes are personalised to meet individual needs, with comfortable en-suite accommodation, nutritious meals, and a supportive community environment. Beyond your stay, our dedicated aftercare team remains connected, ensuring you're supported at every step of your recovery journey. Whether you're considering taking the first step toward recovery or supporting someone who is, Listen UP provides the insight, inspiration, and information you need to move forward. Connect with Abbeycare: Website: https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/ Phone: 01603 513 091 Facebook:   / abbeycarerehab   Linked In:   / 3222194   X:   / abbeycare   DISCLAIMER All videos are for entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical help. If you are struggling with alcohol or substance misuse, please speak to your GP or qualified health professional in the first instance. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to Episode 20 & Introducing Aidan Martin 01:14 Aidan's Childhood in Livingston & How Substance Use Began 04:25 When Did Things Get Problematic for Aidan 05:18 The Moment Aidan Realised Things Were Serious 07:03 How WDAS & Narcotics Anonymous Changed Everything 11:40 Breaking Down Abstinence, Relapses & Aidan's Road to 8+ Years Clean 13:20 How Creativity & Writing Were Always Part of Aidan's Story 14:51 Behind the Scenes of Writing Euphoric Recall & Getting Published 17:31 How Recovery Values Kept Aidan Grounded Through Failure 19:41 How Education Transformed Aidan's Life from No Qualifications Up 22:44 How the Scheme Charity Was Born 26:25 The Impact the Scheme Is Having on Livingston 33:31 Scotland's Crisis & What Aidan Thinks Needs to Happen 37:22 Why Support Has to Be There & Why the Individual Has to Want It 39:18 Aidan's Five Pillars of Recovery & Advice for Anyone Struggling 42:23 Aidan's Tribute to a Lost Friend