A Salford dad-of-five who suffered almost a lifetime of addiction has told how his obsessive behaviour started -with vinegar.
James Davenport had his life ruled by addiction for 35 years, ranging from food to drugs to sex. The problems started when the former boxer was just a child and spiralled as he grew older.
By the time he was in secondary school he was sniffing aerosols, smoking weed and doing harder drugs. He also started struggling with bulimia, a battle he would endure for 20 years.
The former boxer eventually sought help for his issues and turned his life around in 2017. He now supports others with a recovery show online.
Looking back at his journey, the 45-year-old can pinpoint the exact moment his addictive behaviour began. “I used to steal it and drink it out of the bottle,” James, known as Shinny, said. “With vinegar, I think I got a kick from it, a bit like with a chilli.
“I also remember drinking out of a dirty puddle, and have only recently found out, during my recovery, that it was also part of the addiction. As I drank it, I remember thinking - I have made my own decision to do that and no one knows what I’ve done.”
At one point, James turned to a life of crime and sold drugs with Salford gangs. He recalls aspiring to be the “most successful and most handsome drug dealer”. He believes being estranged from his father as a youngster played a part in his own battles, which also include anxiety and depression.
His lowest point was when he planned his own suicide – but his love for his children ultimately gave him the kick he needed to get clean. Despite a relapse in 2017, James managed to turn his life around with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12-step programme.
Now James is using his experience to educate people about addiction through his new book. Making Of An Addict takes the reader through James’ childhood and early adult life, delving deep into the immense struggles he faced as a result of addiction.
The book was released on Amazon on May 31 after five years in the making – immediately reaching number one in the addiction category, eating disorder category and drug and chemical abuse category.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, James, who now lives in Cyprus, said: “My life has changed dramatically. I live out of the country, I’m in a great relationship and my life has gone full circle from drugs and alcohol to very successful through social media.
“We’ve got this book that can help anyone through addiction. It’s a best seller – we knew it was going to be a push and an ask but for the last year I’ve kept it going and kept life going.
“After three days, we got to best seller. It’s a self-promoted book. The next stage will be a docufilm to go into the education board and in schools.”
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