Chris Hill, an addiction and mental health specialist and “lived experience practitioner”, draws on his own long history with addiction and mental health challenges to support others on their journey to recovery.

His personal tragedy serves as the fuel for his devoted, unwavering commitment to assisting those who struggle with addiction. He uses his experience and a deep understanding of the human mind, with an unrelenting drive to educate society on this widespread crisis

Chris’s battle with addiction started when he was just seven years old, progressed to drinking alcohol at 14, and eventually included using ecstasy and cocaine. Immersed in the 1990s clubbing culture, Chris’s life took a devastating turn when his younger brother, Rob, tragically died after taking ecstasy during a reunion with former clubbing friends. 

This profound loss propelled Chris to create the Rob Hill Foundation in his brother’s memory. The foundation is dedicated to providing free support for anyone struggling with addiction or mental health issues, regardless of their financial circumstances

Chris’s journey to recovery was unconventional, as traditional approaches like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) did not work for him. Instead, he developed self-taught techniques and found inspiration in the movie The Matrix, which explores the disconnect between the conscious mind and underlying behaviours. 

This concept resonated with Chris, who recognised a dissonance between rational thought and the unconscious mind’s impulsive desires, which often drive addictive behaviours

“Addiction isn’t rational or logical,” Chris explains. “It’s a response that appeals to the most primitive parts of our brain, where the desire for pleasure and relief from pain is rooted. To overcome addiction, we must rewire our brains and learn to distinguish between wants and needs, retaking control from the unconscious mind.

Chris believes that the UK is grappling with a growing addiction crisis, deeply embedded in social culture and normalised through media and cultural influences. He highlights that the issue extends beyond illegal substances to include legal drugs, such as painkillers and antidepressants, with 1 in 4 people reportedly addicted. Furthermore, the country is experiencing a surge in obesity and diabetes linked to sugar and fast-food addictions

While Chris supports decriminalising drug possession to avoid exacerbating addiction in prisons, he opposes drug legalisation, arguing that it sends the wrong message. Instead, he advocates for alternative treatments and comprehensive support systems to address the root causes of addiction

He primarily helps “functioning addicts” – who hold jobs and maintain relationships but whose substance use is spiralling out of control, risking their careers, finances, and personal lives. Many of Chris’s clients are referred to him by other counsellors, therapists, addiction support organisations, or the NHS due to his respected reputation for achieving results. His intensive programme requires a commitment to change, offering 24/7 support to those willing to take on the challenge

Chris also provides pre-sentencing reports for prisoners to explain mitigating circumstances related to addiction, advocating for treatment over incarceration whenever possible. “Anyone with an addiction who goes to prison will come out with a worse addiction,” Chris notes. “Alternative treatment is always the better option.

Beyond his addiction recovery work, Chris founded WSUP Woolwich, a charity addressing homelessness in South London, where he grew up. Recognising the strong link between homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues, WSUP aims to offer holistic support to those most in need

Chris’s programme, available at Beat My Addictions, teaches individuals how addiction rewires the mind and body. The approach includes reprogramming the brain and implementing a 10-day change process, empowering participants to start anew with a life of freedom and personal development

Chris is committed to educating society about the addiction epidemic, a crisis that impacts not only those struggling directly but also their families, friends, and communities. “Addiction is not just a personal problem; it’s a social issue with far-reaching consequences,” Chris says. “We need to address it as a chain reaction that affects us all.”