In this inspiring episode of the Recovery Toolkit Podcast, we’re joined by Professor David Best – the world’s first Professor of Addiction Recovery. David shares his groundbreaking work in building recovery capital around the globe and reflects on setting up the Recovery Academy back in 2010. We explore the powerful CHIME model – Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment – and how these five pillars help people thrive in recovery. David reminds us that recovery is never a solo journey; it happens through connection with others and the support of strong communities. Together, we dig into key topics like harm reduction, peer support, CBT, and the NICE guidelines, questioning how much of what we rely on is truly effective versus wishful thinking. David highlights the importance of early and community-led interventions, and how recovery isn’t about fixing people – it’s about helping them find purpose and meaning. We also look at what the gambling recovery space can learn from decades of experience in drugs and alcohol. From Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs) to the rise of the College of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (CLEROs), we talk about the ripple effect of recovery that can transform entire communities. David shares evidence-backed insights – like how men benefit from changing their social circles, and women from building self-belief – and the crucial role of somewhere to live, someone to love, and something to do in a successful recovery. We round off with a powerful message: multiple pathways, strong networks, and a sense of forward direction are the real tools of lasting recovery. Tune in for an honest, hopeful and deeply human conversation about what truly helps people rebuild their lives.