Self-Pity, Fear & Anger! Addiction loves these themes to convince us that it's lies are real.

Addiction doesn’t just lie—it uses your own voice to do it. And the worst part? It makes you believe it's all your fault and the only way out is a drink or a drug.

In this solo episode, I go deeper than the obvious narratives. We break down the three hidden vehicles addiction uses to keep us stuck: self-pity, fear and anger. You’ll learn how to dismantle the belief that you don’t deserve self-forgiveness and recovery, that life has no meaning, that others are better than you, smash the fear of losing what you have or not getting what you want, and reframe anger as a tool—not a trap. It's time to move forward and break free.

This is essential listening for anyone in early recovery or you’ve got years under your belt. These aren’t just thoughts—they’re weapons if we don't know how to react to them. It’s time to take them apart.

Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -

www.gavinsisters.co.uk

and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

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Topics -

0:00 Intro

4:00 Self Pity

6:15 You are scum and don't deserve recovery!

17:30 Life is shit - what's the point?!

26:40 Others are better than you!

34:05 Sponsor

35:08 Fear - FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL

36:40 You will lose what you have and not get what you want!

48:20 Anger & resentment

49:05 People, places and things aren't doing what they should be doing!

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#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible

What if your own mind told you the worst possible things—and then punished you for thinking them?

In this quick thought, I revisit my episode with actress Ria Fay who has suffered OCD symptoms since aged 5 and today she provides a poignant and powerful account of what it is like to live with untreated OCD. But what EXACTLY is OCD?

We unpack all the elements of OCD and frame it around Ria's experience. This is about losing control of your thoughts, fearing who you are, and doing anything to stop the shame. If you’ve ever questioned your mind or struggled in silence, this episode will speak to you.

About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 6PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

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Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 2)

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#OCDAwareness

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#IntrusiveThoughts

Today, award winning stand-up comic Molly McBride opens up about her harrowing descent into addiction and the moment she found herself locked in a psychiatric hospital 4 days after having just 'one' glass of wine.

She documents a battle with alcohol that spiralled into years of chaos, blackouts, and a never-ending craving for more. Molly also sheds light on the horrors of drinking, how alcohol can quickly take control, and how devastating detox can be, revealing just how physically addictive the substance is and how it can lead to cocaine.

But the struggle didn’t end there. Molly speaks about how her addiction led to cravings, relapse, and the challenging role family dynamics and genetic predispositions play in addiction. We also delve into her personal experience with ADHD and autism, exploring how these conditions intersect with addiction.

In this episode, we discuss the often-overlooked realities of relying on anxiety medication and benzodiazepines, and the complexities of using substances like weed to self-medicate. Molly also shares her thoughts on the "Cali sober" trend—why it’s often misleading and what’s wrong with relying on certain substances while avoiding alcohol.

We explore the unspoken dangers of alcohol, the brutal reality of detox, and why recovery isn’t just about quitting but understanding the deeper, often hidden factors at play. We also have a right laugh along the way! Molly credits meetings, fellowship and the steps to her recovery.

Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -

www.gavinsisters.co.uk

and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal

Topics -

0:00 Intro

2:30 Molly's rock bottom

4:30 The horrors of drinking

7:30 Alcohol grabs Molly fast

10:00 How Molly's relationship to alcohol changed

13:00 Detox & physically addicted

16:00 Understanding cravings & relapse

18:45 The genetic component of addiction

21:00 Family dynamics

24:00 How my drinking career was like Scarface?

26:15 ADHD is a trick question?

27:30 The link between neurodiversity & addiction?

30:30 Is diagnosis a good thing?

33:20 The best people are in recovery!

34:25 The healing journey & loving yourself again

38:00 Why Cali Sober isn't sober?

43:45 Let's talk anxiety meds!

46:05 Sponsor

47:10 Stand Up Comedy buzz & high!

49:45 Working in recovery

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