Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is, broadly, any drinking of alcohol that results in mental or physical health problems. The reason we drink, and the consequences of excessive drinking are linked with our mental health. Mental health problems not only result from drinking too much alcohol, they can also cause people to drink too much. A major reason for drinking alcohol is to change our mood or our mental state. Alcohol can temporarily alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression and people often use it a form of ‘self-medication’ but in return it can have a cataclysmic long-term impact on your life and health. In this episode we talk to Simon Mitchell (Sam's Uncle), who's had his fair share of battles with alcohol for many years. Simon goes in to discuss his personal experience relating to alcohol abuse and the best methods of resolution. Simon is the perfect example of an addict who's come out of the other end a better person. From prison to recovery followed by achieving an MBA, selling a highly successful business, to now studying an MSc in Psychology to one day focus on helping addicts. Simon is a real inspiration to all of us. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we are here to raise awareness of substance abuse in relation to mental health.

Hosts: Sam Mitchell & Nafees Akhtar

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