Inside the Mind of a Love Addict. School of Rock Bottom 32: Darren

[TW//references to suicide] Love addiction is as a very serious issue with far-reaching consequences. It can lead to broken relationships, career setbacks, parenting challenges, financial difficulties, legal troubles, and health risks like STDs. In extreme cases, it can escalate to tragic outcomes such as stalking, domestic violence, suicide or murder. Today's guest is Darren, a multi-talented creative who identifies as a love avoidant/fantasy addict. For anyone curious about what love addiction is and if it applies to them - this is the podcast for you! Five years ago, following a break up, Darren contemplated taking his life but has since completely turned his life around with the help of fellowship & therapy and he helps others do the same! Huge thanks to Darren for being so honest so that we can break down the stigma and unpack the finer details around these important topics. I know so many people will identify with your experience and journey ❤️ More on Darren - Darren is a writer, producer, actor and director. An award winning film & theatre maker and in 2017 he was nominated for an Olivier Award for the opera La bohème at the former Trafalgar Studios and won an Off West End Award for Doubt, A Parable at Southwark Playhouse with a further 14 nominations in other theatre works. His debut film as writer & director Blueberry Smoothie won the New York Award for Best Short LGBTQ+ and for his performance in Blueberry Smoothie he won best Performance at the LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival 2023. Topics - 0:00 Intro 2:45 Darren's rock bottom & starting recovery 5:45 What does 'acting out' mean to Darren? 9:38 Why loneliness kills 13:35 The power of step 4 18:35 How did Darren learn he is a love avoidant fantasy addict? 23:35 The emotional pain from Sex & Love addiction & how SLAA works 27:15 Your brain on sex & love 28:10 What is love addiction for some people? 30:35 Finding a sponsor in SLAA 33:55 Using fantasy as a creative 35:50 The benefits of recovery 39:10 How to be 'present'? 42:30 Ongoing maintenance 45:15 Why are so many creatives suffering? For anyone struggling with these topics Darren suggests reaching out to - SLAA - https://slaauk.org This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Darren Instagram -   / creativedazzle   Podcast - https://theatreaudiencepodcast.com/ Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Listen or watch on: (please subscribe/follow & rate/review) Spotify - https://bit.ly/3QsOSf5 YouTube - https://bit.ly/4a3ajKK Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ #loveaddiction #slaa #recovery