Paul Sculfor is widely regarded as Britain's first male supermodel. Behind the fame, success and glamorous lifestyle, he struggled with addiction for years. Now more than 22 years sober, Paul opens up about cocaine addiction, alcohol, anxiety, shame, denial and the moment he finally asked for help.

From the outside, Paul had a life many people dream of. His international modelling career brought success, financial independence and incredible opportunities. Yet beneath the surface, he battled insecurity, anxiety and low self-worth. Alcohol and drugs initially helped him feel accepted, but his relationship with substances became increasingly destructive.

Paul describes the moment he discovered he had spent the money he had worked so hard to earn. Despite promising himself he was finished with cocaine, he found himself using again just days later. He recalls the frightening events that followed, the exhaustion that brought him to his knees and the moment he finally asked for help.

We explore the anxiety and self-consciousness Paul experienced growing up, his desire to fit in and how a painful experience early in his modelling career affected his confidence and sense of safety. He explains how he tried to hide that pain behind outward success.

Paul also discusses functioning addiction, how someone can appear successful while struggling behind closed doors, and why fame and money couldn't resolve his unhappiness.

He speaks candidly about rehab, the shame he carried and the moment he seriously considered ending his life. A conversation with a friend helped him see another possibility. Paul explains how recovery changed his life and how returning to acting helped him rebuild his confidence.

More than two decades into recovery, Paul reflects on the role of the 12-step programme, why he continues attending meetings and how recovery can help us change destructive thought patterns. He explains how the same obsessive thinking that once caused suffering can become a positive force.

Today, Paul helps others affected by addiction through the Stride Foundation and hosts This Is Powerful, exploring mindset, mental health and recovery.

Paul's story reminds us that outward success doesn't tell the whole story, and recovery can offer far more than simply putting down drugs and alcohol. It can help us build a life that feels meaningful from the inside.

Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK. Find support here:

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CHAPTERS

0:00 Trailer & Intro

4:00 A rock bottom moment

12:00 Anxiety, hyperactivity & low self-esteem

16:30 Early drinking

19:00 Childhood & early career

24:30 Coke and alcohol at 11am

28:00 When did addiction start?

30:45 Early modelling career & anxiety

35:00 Coming out of denial

37:00 Mountain tops can be painful too

38:30 Not wanting to live

41:00 Being able to look the world in the eye

44:00 How Paul stays sober

50:45 Cross addiction?

FOLLOW PAUL SCULFOR

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This Is Powerful: https://www.instagram.com/this_ispowerful

Stride Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/stride.foundation

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