Episode 6 is a different one. No guest, no holding back. Just Mark and Ben going deeper than they ever have before.

From the reality of online dating in recovery to the weight of low self belief, this conversation goes into the places that are usually kept quiet. Mark opens up in a way that might surprise people, and Ben does what Ben does best by asking the questions that matter.

There is also a first for the podcast as Mark takes on the Addiction Recovery Olympic Games. Let’s just say it does not go exactly how he imagined.

The lads also react to an audio clip from a TikTok video Mark came across by @healingwithzach, which sparks a raw and honest discussion around healing, ego, and what recovery really looks like behind closed doors.

This episode is funny in parts, uncomfortable in others, but completely real throughout. If you have ever struggled with confidence, dating, identity, or just figuring out who you are without substances, this one will hit home.

As always, this is recovery over the counter.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markrebuilds

Ben: @stageoversubstance

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

Email

markandbenotc@gmail.com

Episode 5 of Over The Counter sees Mark and Ben sitting down for an honest chat about their recovery from codeine, reflecting on where they are now and what has changed since the early days. They are joined by Stevie, who listeners will remember from Season 1, bringing her straight talking perspective and lived experience to the conversation.

The lads listen to an audio clip from Gabor Maté which sparks a deeper discussion around addiction, trauma and the why behind substance use. They also explore fascinating new research from the University of Glasgow, where scientists are studying opioid addiction at a brain circuit level, looking at not just that opioids are addictive, but why. The research suggests it may be possible for the drug to still work for pain while reducing the reward hit that drives addiction, opening up big questions about the future of treatment.

There is plenty of insight, a few uncomfortable truths, and of course Ben throws in a surprise game for Stevie that brings some much needed laughter to balance out the heavier topics. As always, it is real, reflective and unfiltered.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markmyrecovery

Ben: @thecodeinediaries

Stevie: @stevie_marie12

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

Email

markandbenotc@gmail.com

Mark and Ben kick things off with a proper weekly check in. Mark opens up about dealing with an injury this week and managing it without using codeine for the first time, while Ben shares about the medication he has recently been prescribed for his restless legs and how that has been affecting him.

They then dive into a fascinating study showing that people who quit smoking cigarettes are significantly more likely to maintain long term recovery from other substance addictions like alcohol or drugs compared to those who continue smoking. It sparks a bigger conversation about habits, identity shifts and what sustained recovery really takes.

We’re then joined by Abby, who opens up about her ketamine addiction, how it escalated, and what recovery has looked like for her. She also talks about why she is now using her platform to raise awareness about the very real dangers of ketamine use.

Real conversations. Real recovery. No filters.

You can follow us on:

Tiktok

Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otc

Mark: @markmyrecovery

Ben: @thecodeinediaries

Abby: @tranquilnottranquilised

Instagram

Mark: @markfearo

Ben: @thec0deinediaries

Email

markandbenotc@gmail.com