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Drug & Alcohol Addiction to World Records Corporate Speakers

Provided by VSTEAM Education

"A better way" is the story of how I beat my addictions to achieve a world record in triathlons

Andy shares his personal experience of addiction and recovery, exploring the brain chemistry behind dependency and our drive for dopamine. Addiction isn’t limited to alcohol and drugs; many everyday behaviours can become unhealthy “crutches” when we rely on them for reward or escape. Using relatable psychology, including the “chimp vs human brain”, Andy explores impulsive behaviour, emotional decision-making and the victim mindset. He explains how greater self-awareness and personal responsibility can help us take control of our thoughts, choices and actions. Andy then reveals how he applied the lessons learned through recovery to achieve a Guinness World Record in endurance sport. Through goal setting, breaking huge challenges into manageable steps and building mental resilience, he demonstrates how the skills used to overcome adversity can also help us achieve extraordinary things.

Guinness World Record Holder
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What is the definition of addiction?

Often people are oblivious that their actions and behaviours may be addictive. Addiction is more than simply enjoying something too much. It is when the drive for a substance, behaviour or reward becomes difficult to control, even when we recognise the harm it may be causing. Understanding how our brain's reward system, dopamine, habits and environment can reinforce these behaviours is an important first step towards recognising unhealthy patterns and making positive change.

What is

How prevalent is addiction?

Raising awareness of addictive behaviours is important as many people aren't aware they may have an addiction. It's not just the commonly known addictions like alcohol and drugs. Addiction can develop around many rewarding behaviours, including gaming, social media, food and gambling. Helping people understand dopamine, instant gratification and how repeated behaviours can develop into unhealthy habits gives them the knowledge to recognise warning signs, make more informed choices and develop healthier ways of managing stress, boredom and difficult emotions before harmful patterns become established.

Addictions

Healthy ways to feel happy

Building healthy sources of reward into everyday life can improve mood, reduce stress and support recovery from addictive behaviours. Activities such as exercise, meaningful relationships, time outdoors, music, mindfulness and achieving goals can provide positive feelings of reward and accomplishment without relying on harmful substances or compulsive behaviours. Over time, developing these healthier coping strategies can help create better emotional regulation, resilience and a more balanced reward system, making it easier to manage cravings and build sustainable wellbeing.

Health ways to feel happy

My story from addiction to World Record

Andy’s story is one many people can relate to. He experienced difficulties with ADHD, autism and dyslexia, was expelled from two schools and later struggled with addiction and finding his direction in life. Alcohol and the drug became the crutch he depended on to mask his mental health issues. Rather than lecturing people about what they should do, Andy speaks openly about his own mistakes, experiences and what he learned from them. His journey from struggling at school to recovery and achieving a Guinness World Record demonstrates that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.

My story

Additional Information

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
 
Understand what addiction is
Recognising that addiction can involve substances such as alcohol and drugs, but also potentially harmful or compulsive behaviours.
 
Understand the brain’s reward system
Develop an age-appropriate understanding of dopamine, reward, instant gratification and why certain experiences can become difficult to control. Why are phones, gaming, social media, sugar, processed food, drugs & alcohol so bad for you.
 
Recognise early warning signs
Understand how using substances or behaviours to escape stress, boredom, low self-esteem or difficult emotions can develop into unhealthy coping patterns.
 
Discover healthier ways to feel good
Explore positive sources of reward and wellbeing, including exercise, sleep, nutrition, relationships, community, relaxation and meaningful goals.
 
Build resilience and healthier coping skills
Learn that difficult emotions, setbacks and challenges can be managed without automatically turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Andy describes using small daily goals, exercise, community and self-development during his own recovery.
 
Develop greater personal responsibility and self-awareness
Encourage pupils to recognise the connection between their thoughts, choices, habits and consequences, while understanding that positive change is possible.
 
Learn how to turn big goals into achievable steps
Understand the importance of goal-setting, consistency, perseverance and breaking seemingly impossible challenges into smaller, manageable actions—principles Andy applied in completing 70 × 70.3-mile triathlons in 75 days.
 
Recognise their own potential
 Andy’s journey from being expelled from two schools and experiencing addiction to recovery and a Guinness World Record provides a powerful example of what can happen when strengths are channelled in a positive direction.
 
Overall benefit for schools:
"A better way" aims to give individuals more than an awareness of addiction—it helps them understand why unhealthy habits can develop and equips them with practical ideas for making healthier choices, managing challenges and directing their energy towards positive goals.
 
 

About Andy Stone

Andy Stone is a professional speaker, neurodiversity and addiction mentor, and Guinness World Record holder who uses his extraordinary personal journey to educate and inspire others. Having experienced significant challenges growing up with ADHD and autism, struggles within mainstream education and later addiction, Andy transformed his life through recovery, self-development and a greater understanding of how his neurodivergent brain works. In 2022, he completed an incredible 70 × 70.3-mile triathlons in 75 days, earning a Guinness World Record. Today, Andy delivers educational talks and teacher training on ADHD, neurodiversity, wellbeing and addiction, combining neuroscience, practical strategies and lived experience to help people understand that, with the right environment and support, neurodivergent minds can achieve extraordinary things.

Cost

Please contact us below to obtain a quote. Please kindly note that we charge for all events and are unable to attend for free. 

Testimonials

“Andy used his experience and knowledge of the science behind addiction to inspire and motivate others. He took us through his struggles, determination, and the techniques he used to overcome his addiction and achieve his goal of completing 70.3 triathlons in one year and receiving the Guinness World Record. Andy's speaking style is captivating and engaging. He kept the audience enthralled throughout the entire talk and the Q&A session proved his expertise in the field of addiction, goal setting, and determination. If you're looking for a truly inspirational speaker with an incredible story to tell and the ability to change lives, I highly recommend booking Andy for your next event."

Peter Gregory, President of Professional Speakers Association

“Andy talks with savage authenticity about his journey from despair to world record setter. His talk is scientific, humourous and beautifully honest. Inspirational"

Ed Basset, Company Director
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