#52 - Ollie: Cannabis Addiction, Emotional Isolation, Manchester Roots & The Power of Recovery

Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma

Matt is joined by Ollie, who shares his journey from early childhood trauma to recovery, revealing how the loss of his mother at age eight and his father’s 22-year prison sentence at 15 shaped his formative years and led him toward a dependency on cannabis.
Reflecting on his tumultuous upbringing, he recalls becoming heavily dependent on cannabis, priding himself as a “weed connoisseur” who explored different strains and rationalised his constant use. In conversation, he acknowledges the toll cannabis took on his mental health, contributing to psychotic episodes and leading him into emotional isolation.
Smoking from morning to night, Ollie’s life became consumed by addiction, and now in recovery, he emphasises how, despite cannabis's societal acceptance, its damaging effects can rival those of harder substances.

Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
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1. Struggles With Addiction and Recovery (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Childhood Trauma and Recovery (00:03:19)

3. Impact of Trauma on Relationships (00:09:38)

4. Impact of Trauma on Substance Abuse (00:20:53)

5. Navigating Cannabis and Recovery (00:26:30)

6. Journey to Recovery and Self-Discovery (00:41:34)

7. Turning Point in Recovery Journey (00:48:07)

8. Navigating Consequences of Addiction (00:53:01)

9. Finding Help and Support in Recovery (00:58:11)

10. Life Reflections and Belief in People (01:11:18)