The Beginning

It started at a sweet sixteen house party with the first taste of a strange, sharp fizz, prickling against my taste buds like tiny fireworks from a can. It was like I was drinking a tiny piece of adulthood for the first time.

Everyone else was doing it, so I thought, what's the harm?

In that moment, it seemed to make life come alive. It let me forget who I really was, or maybe it helped me become the "fun guy" I thought I was supposed to be.

Working in hospitality felt like an ever-evolving extension of my personality, but the reality was that it cemented my need for a drink after every shift. I still had rules, though. I never drank at home because, in my head, that's what a "true alcoholic" did. As long as I stayed in the pubs and clubs, I told myself I was fine.

When Things Started to Change

By the time I hit 29, the mask was slipping.

My life revolved around partying, and I was losing any real sense of belonging. I was using alcohol and drugs to fix my problems, but they only ever made them heavier. I felt trapped, like there was no way out.

I have a loving family, but I pushed them away because I thought I knew better. It was my way or the highway. I was drowning, yet I convinced myself I was doing okay. I had a job, a roof over my head, and friends who lived the same lifestyle I did.

I didn't realise until years later how close I came to losing everything that truly mattered.

Asking For Help

Eventually, something inside me clicked.

I could feel myself heading somewhere even darker. I didn't know how to get out, but I knew I couldn't do it alone.

I had to ask for help.

That single decision is the reason I'm here today.

Finding Recovery

I was fortunate enough to go to rehab, but it was the support I found afterwards that helped me stay on the path.

I found 12-step meetings, a strong support network, and therapy. Those experiences helped me understand that I didn't have to keep repeating the same patterns that had controlled so much of my life.

This approach worked for me, but I also recognise that everyone's journey is different. There isn't one path to recovery, and there isn't one definition of success.

Recovery Isn't Just About What You Leave Behind. It's about the life you build.

Building a Life I Love

Today, I am 10 years sober.

Recovery has given me far more than freedom from alcohol. It has given me clarity, stronger relationships, greater self-awareness, and the opportunity to discover who I really am.

I've learned how to enjoy life in ways I never thought possible. I've learned how to navigate challenges without reaching for a drink, how to build genuine connections, and how to find joy in everyday moments.

I'm still learning and growing. The person I am today continues to evolve, and that's one of the greatest gifts recovery has given me.

My life today is about being present, embracing growth, and making the most of the opportunities in front of me. My past is part of my story, but it no longer defines who I am.

Why I Started Vibe Tribe Coaching

Through my own recovery, I realised that staying sober was only part of the journey.

The real transformation came from learning how to build a life that felt fulfilling, meaningful and worth showing up for every day.

I created Vibe Tribe Coaching to help others do exactly that.

Not simply to stop drinking, but to rediscover themselves, build confidence, strengthen relationships, find joy in everyday life, and create a future they're excited about.

Because recovery isn't just about surviving.

It's about thriving.

Prefer to Watch Instead?

Get to know the person behind Vibe Tribe Coaching in this short video, where I share more about my journey, the inspiration behind Vibe Tribe, and the experiences that shaped my outlook on life.