Podcast Summary: Ghost Story - Episode "How Do You Cope?"

Introduction

In the "How Do You Cope?" episode of Ghost Story, host John Robbins engages in a profound and candid conversation with Justin Hawkins, the frontman of the renowned rock band, The Darkness. This episode delves deep into Justin's personal battles with addiction, his journey through rehabilitation, and the impact these experiences had on his life and career.

Justin Hawkins' Struggle with Addiction

Justin opens up about the chaotic and tumultuous period during which his addiction began to spiral out of control. He reflects on how fame and the pressures of being in a high-profile band contributed to his substance abuse.

Justin Hawkins ([02:03]): "The common perception of The Darkness trajectory is that we came from nowhere and then we were huge and then I took all of the drugs, fucked everything up, and then we stopped for a bit and then we started again."

He discusses the voyeuristic nature of media coverage, where the public seems more interested in observing his downfall rather than offering support.

Justin Hawkins ([03:00]): "There's a morbid voyeurism about people who do what I do... they'd rather watch it unravel and, you know, observe the chaos and the descent."

Rehabilitation Journey

The conversation shifts to Justin's time in rehab, providing listeners with an unfiltered look into his path to recovery. Justin describes the initial stages of detoxification and the challenges he faced during his 28-day residential program.

Justin Hawkins ([05:00]): "I was shaking quite a bit, which I wasn't used to. That was new. And then I couldn't really start the program till about nine days in."

He emphasizes the structured environment of rehab, contrasting it with his previous lifestyle. The group therapy sessions and one-on-one therapy, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), played crucial roles in his healing process.

Justin Hawkins ([06:40]): "There was some eye movement reprocessing and desensitization... loads of different types of guidance."

Impact on The Darkness

Justin candidly discusses the difficult decision to leave The Darkness to prioritize his sobriety. This choice meant distancing himself from the band and the friendships that had become detrimental to his recovery.

Justin Hawkins ([07:21]): "I think I would have remained sober. It's been 18 years on coming up to 19 years now, and it's because for the first five or six years, I kept out of everybody's way."

He underscores the importance of separating himself from the chaotic lifestyle associated with the band's success to maintain his sobriety.

Recovery and Coping Mechanisms

Reflecting on his long-term recovery, Justin shares the strategies that have kept him sober for nearly two decades. He highlights the significance of changing his environment and cutting ties with negative influences.

Justin Hawkins ([07:47]): "I carried on doing music in a different way. But like with people who understood the part of the gig was, you don't drink when you're near me."

He also touches upon the difficulty of maintaining a routine in the music industry, where every night presents different challenges and temptations.

The Allure and Downfall of Success

Justin delves into the intoxicating nature of sudden fame and how it can lead to a dependency on substances as a means to sustain performance and cope with the pressures of success.

Justin Hawkins ([09:06]): "I was trying to impress somebody who was, you know, I was interested in romantically by doing some drugs with them."

He reflects on how initial experiments with performance-enhancing substances ultimately led to a destructive cycle that fueled his addiction.

Insights and Conclusions

The episode concludes with Justin offering valuable insights into the complexities of addiction, fame, and recovery. He emphasizes that acknowledging the need for help and making drastic changes are critical steps toward healing.

Justin Hawkins ([07:47]): "I don't think I would have survived it. I don't think so. Sounds dramatic, but it's probably true."

His story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to overcome personal demons and the importance of support systems in the journey to sobriety.

Key Takeaways

• The Importance of Control: Justin's struggle exemplifies the loss of control that often accompanies addiction, especially in high-pressure environments.

• Rehabilitation as a Turning Point: The structured environment and therapeutic interventions in rehab were pivotal in Justin's path to recovery.

• Sacrifice for Sobriety: Leaving The Darkness and distancing from harmful relationships were necessary sacrifices for maintaining long-term sobriety.

• Continuous Effort: Recovery is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and the ability to navigate the challenges posed by fame and the music industry.

Notable Quotes

• Justin Hawkins ([02:03]): "There's a morbid voyeurism about people who do What I do..."
• Justin Hawkins ([07:47]): "I don't think I would have survived it. I don't think so. Sounds dramatic, but it's probably true."

This episode of Ghost Story offers an intimate glimpse into Justin Hawkins' battle with addiction and his inspiring journey toward recovery. Through his honest reflections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the personal costs of fame and the enduring strength required to overcome life's darkest moments.