#28 👿 The UNSEEN Dark Side of Ibiza w/ Emmalena Nesmith

In this raw, emotional, and brutally honest episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Emmalina, once a part of the furniture in Ibiza's community, a fellow recovering alcoholic and now a senior nurse prescriber working in addiction recovery in a UK prison.

Emma has been sober for 15 years now. We have both been through similar struggles, and this is quite possibly the most important interview I will ever do, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity.

We talk about:

🎉 The madness and magic of Ibiza from 2000–2010 🌴

🍺 Drinking culture, blackouts, and invisible lines crossed 🍻

🤒 The moment she woke up with sick in her hair and a tongue swollen “like a tennis ball” 💥

🏥 Losing control, hitting rock bottom, and how she found sobriety in Sweden 🇸🇪

🩺 Life after addiction: parenting, purpose, and helping others find recovery 👩‍⚕️

🙅‍♀️ Why AA isn't a cult, and how the 12 steps can change everything 🙏

This is more than a story about addiction; it’s about healing, forgiveness, love, and how recovery can become your greatest superpower.

If you've ever struggled with drinking, or loved someone who has… this one’s for you.

⚠️ Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of addiction, seizures, and alcohol-related trauma.

#ibiza #party #alcohol

Recovery Resources ⬇️

🇬🇧 UK Drug & Alcohol Support Resources

1. Talk to Frank

What it offers: Honest, non-judgmental info on drugs and alcohol.

Helpline: 0300 123 6600

Live chat: Available on the website

Text support: Text 82111

2. NHS – Find Addiction Services

What it offers: Search tool for local drug/alcohol services through the NHS.

Also see: NHS Alcohol Support Page

3. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) UK

What it offers: Free peer support groups across the UK.

Helpline: 0800 9177 650 (24/7)

4. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) UK

What it offers: Support for drug addiction, including online and in-person meetings.

Helpline: 0300 999 1212

5. SMART Recovery UK

What it offers: Self-management tools and peer groups. Alternative to 12-step programs.

6. We Are With You (formerly Addaction)

What it offers: Free, confidential support with local and online services.

7. Turning Point

What it offers: Community-based services, including detox and rehab in some areas.

8. Release

What it offers: Legal advice and advocacy around drugs and drug-related issues.

9 . Al-Anon Family Groups UK

What it offers: Support for family and friends of problem drinkers.

Helpline: 0800 0086 811