Episode Summary

In this raw and eye-opening episode of The Onward Shift podcast, Zak Wilkinson opens up about his harrowing journey through steroid use, addiction and recovery. What started as a quest for the "perfect physique" at just 16 years old spiralled into a near-death experience that left Zak in a coma and forever changed his life.

Zak sheds light on the mental and physical toll of steroids, the pressure young men face from social media-fuelled body image ideals and the stigma around mental health in male-dominated industries like construction and fitness. With honesty and courage, he speaks about the darkest moments of his addiction and the long, often painful, road back to health, purpose and self-respect.

This episode is more than a warning it's a message of resilience, responsibility and hope for anyone facing similar struggles.

Key Takeaways

• Steroid use is dangerously common among young men, especially in fitness and trades.
• The desire for fast, visible results can drive long-term addiction.
• Steroids have severe mental and physical side effects including life-threatening complications.
• Zak began using steroids at just 16 and ended up in a coma.
• Mental health is often overlooked in fitness culture and construction trades.
• Recovery is not linear but support, honesty and self-awareness are essential.
• Social media warps male body standards and fuels insecurities.
• Family support and mentorship play a key role in recovery.
• There is no failure only lessons.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro: The Steroid Epidemic
02:49 – Steroids 101: The Benefits and Risks
05:33 – Zak’s Story: From Curiosity to Dependency
08:34 – The Coma: A Near-Death Reality Check
11:14 – What Recovery Really Looks Like
13:53 – Coaches, Accountability & Culture
16:44 – Words to Young Men: Don’t Chase the Lie
19:28 – Family, Forgiveness & Rebuilding Trust
29:03 – Strength in Vulnerability: Fitness + Mental Health
30:49 – Living with Mental Health Challenges
33:58 – Mental Health Stigma in the Trades
35:08 – Inside the Mind of Steroid Addiction
37:27 – Instagram vs Reality: Body Image Today
41:18 – Warning Signs of Steroid Abuse
44:48 – Life After Addiction: Struggles & Progress
48:19 – Spreading Awareness & Owning Your Story

🎙️ 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭.

🎙️ 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.

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Find out more about Onward Shift and the mental health support we offer here- https://onwardshift.com

Learn more about Zach Wilkinson here - https://www.tiktok.com/@recoveryisnorace?lang=en-GB