At Leaving Mayhem, we are constantly inspired by the resilience and transformation of those who have overcome addiction and rebuilt their lives.
Dave’s story is a testament to the power of change and the incredible heights that can be reached when someone decides to turn their life around.
A Promising Beginning with a Sudden Shift
Dave was born in Croydon in 1964 and describes his childhood as a happy one.
However, life took a drastic turn when he was 14 and his mother left home.
Struggling with the void she left behind, Dave began spending time with other kids and discovered alcohol.
For him, drinking offered an instant boost in confidence and a sense of belonging.
At first, his drinking seemed manageable, and for years, it didn’t appear to interfere with his life.
But the seeds of dependence had been planted, and by his 30s, Dave’s relationship with alcohol had begun to spiral.
The Escalation of Addiction
In his early 30s, Dave became a regular at a local pub.
Friends and acquaintances started commenting on the amount he drank, which led him to retreat and begin drinking at home.
By the time he turned 40, his consumption had reached dangerous levels.
What began as a few beers grew into 2-3 bottles of wine each night.
Eventually, this escalated to a litre of vodka per evening.
Blackouts became an everyday occurrence, and his health and self-esteem deteriorated rapidly.
Despite his growing dependence, Dave managed to maintain a career in the carpet industry.
He even appeared on television programs like DIY SOS and joined the 60 Minute Makeover team.
But behind the scenes, he was struggling, often showing up to work hungover and battling the consequences of his addiction.
By the peak of his drinking, Dave weighed 280 pounds and was reliant on medications for high blood pressure, acid reflux, and cholesterol.
He was also on antidepressants to cope with the mental toll of his addiction.
The Turning Point
On January 7, 2019, Dave made a life-altering decision: he quit drinking.
It wasn’t an easy journey, but it was one he was determined to take.
With each passing day, he began to see the world—and himself—more clearly.
Dave knew that sobriety wasn’t just about quitting alcohol; it was about creating a new life altogether.
He focused on improving his diet, prioritizing exercise, and rebuilding his self-worth.
The transformation wasn’t instant, but with persistence, he began to achieve milestones he once thought impossible.
Rebuilding and Redefining Life
Since getting sober, Dave has accomplished incredible physical and personal feats.
He has completed three major cycling events, including an ambitious ride from London to Paris in just three days.
He’s climbed the highest mountain in North Africa and tackled the challenging Annapurna circuit in Nepal.
These achievements are a testament to his renewed determination and strength.
But Dave didn’t stop at improving his own life.
He decided to use his experiences to help others.
Becoming a Voice for Recovery
Dave became a trauma-informed recovery coach, offering insights and support that only someone with firsthand experience could provide.
He launched the podcast One for the Road, which became an instant success, reaching number 2 on Apple charts and now garnering 10,000 weekly downloads.
Recognizing the podcast’s impact, Dave turned it into a book, which debuted as a #1 bestseller.
Dave now speaks at events, appears on other podcasts, and hosts workshops for large companies to raise awareness about how excessive drinking affects workplace performance.
His reach continues to grow, inspiring countless individuals to confront their own struggles with alcohol and take steps toward a better life.
A Message of Hope
For Dave, sobriety isn’t just about abstaining from alcohol—it’s about reclaiming life.
He says his greatest achievement since quitting drinking is regaining his sense of self-worth.
His journey proves that it’s never too late to change, learn, and grow.
Dave’s advice to anyone struggling is simple yet profound:
“You can’t detox a decade in a day. Be patient with yourself. If I managed to break the mold, so can you. It’s never too late to start your next chapter.”
Resources and Support
Through his coaching services, podcast, book, and online courses, Dave continues to empower others on their sober journeys.
He understands the courage it takes to confront addiction and the challenges of recovery.
His story is a beacon of hope for those who feel stuck, showing that transformation is possible with commitment, support, and self-belief.
At Leaving Mayhem, we’re honored to share Dave’s story as a reminder that no matter how dark life may seem, there’s always a way to rewrite your story.
Recovery is possible, change is real, and hope is waiting for anyone willing to fight for it.
At Leaving Mayhem, we believe in embracing the struggle, celebrating the comeback, and inspiring others to leave their own mayhem behind.
You can check out Daves Instagram here.
