In this compelling episode, we sit down with John Boland from Dublin, a man who grew up in a family of nine and has faced a long, difficult journey to recovery. John opens up about his struggles with addiction and mental health, reflecting on a life marked by challenges and personal transformation. He speaks about his complicated relationship with his father and the deep desire for attention that shaped much of his early life. John touches on the tension between being perceived as a "street angel" while struggling as a "house devil," and how alcoholism and depression became central battles for him. After 30 years of addiction, John found himself trapped in a cycle of people-pleasing, feeling as though no one truly cared. His story also highlights the impact of love from his parents and how that experience influenced his own approach to parenting. He reflects on the profound ways adult actions can affect children's minds and how his relationship with his own children has become all about love and understanding. Despite multiple relapses, John’s recovery came in fractions, and his battle with addiction and mental health was deeply tied to his sense of reputation and how it dictated his life circumstances. He also shares a deeply personal account of his suicide attempt, discussing the importance of suicide prevention and mental health awareness, emphasizing how these struggles can be ongoing, but recovery is possible. John's honest and moving story is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, understanding, and a greater insight into the complexities of addiction and recovery. #Recovery #Addiction #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Parenting #Crumlin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.