The Therapeutic Poet in conversation with Thomas Delaney

Understanding Addiction, Recovery, and Transformation

 

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Thomas Delaney, who shares his deeply personal journey from ketamine addiction to recovery and advocacy. During his recovery, Thomas has spoken to audiences in the thousands and reached an online global audience of over 20 million people.  He has spoken at some of the UK’s most significant wellbeing events and the world’s largest performance arts festival, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Thomas's story offers a raw and honest look into the complexities of addiction, the challenges of recovery, and the potential for profound personal transformation.

 

Key topics discussed:

 

1. The interplay between childhood trauma, intergenerational patterns, and addiction

2. Hierarchies within addiction and their impact on treatment and societal perceptions

3. The realities of residential treatment and the recovery process

4. Power dynamics and stigma surrounding addiction

5. Controversies of ketamine therapy for mental health treatment

6. The importance of addressing underlying causes rather than just symptoms

7. Finding purpose and meaning in life after addiction

 

Highlights:

 

- Thomas's courageous sharing of his personal experiences with addiction and recovery

- Insights into the nuanced nature of addiction and the challenges of seeking help

- Discussion on the use of substances to treat addiction and mental health issues

- Emphasis on holistic approaches to healing and recovery

- The power of finding purpose and meaning in recovery

 

Takeaways:

 

This episode underscores that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances, but about rebuilding a life filled with connection, purpose, and self-understanding. Thomas's journey offers hope and inspiration for anyone struggling with addiction or supporting someone on their recovery path.

 

Remember, healing is possible, and every step towards recovery is a victory worth celebrating.

 

Join addiction psychologist and poet Jacky Power and her guest Thomas Delaney  for this enlightening and thought-provoking conversation that aims to destigmatise addiction and help those affected feel less alone in their struggles.

Creators and Guests

Host

Jacky Power

What is Words in the Wilderness?

Words In The Wilderness is a podcast for changemakers, cycle breakers, and anyone tired of flatlining their existence with "fine." Hosted by Jacky Power, the Therapeutic Poet, each episode uses poetry as a foundation for exploring the wobbly, lonely terrain of becoming — of unlearning and unlayering — whether you're leaving a relationship, finding your voice, or simply learning that "I matter" is a truth, not an opinion.

Sometimes with guests bringing professional insight or lived experience, sometimes raw and personal, this isn't a podcast about five steps to fix yourself. You're not broken. Your feelings are wisdom to decode. It's about having a cheerleader in your pocket when the path gets lonely and everyone else is questioning your choices.

for brave souls who've
awakened to their truth
and are now navigating the
wilderness of
transformation