E162: "Live or Die?": How DJ Magiggs Overcame Cocaine & Meth and Rebuilt His Life

Paul McArdle (aka DJ Magiggs) is a wedding and events DJ, host, and MC who turned twenty years of addiction into a story of recovery, family, and hope. Paul traces the journey from early party pills in Ibiza to cocaine and meth, the New Year’s Day hospital ultimatum to “live or die,” the moment he finally said “I am an addict,” and the daily work it took to rebuild his life. He explains how Narcotics Anonymous, community addiction services helped him get sober, and how the simple mantra; people, places, and things, alongside his reset of TIME = Things I Must Earn, guided him to earn back trust with his wife and daughters.You’ll hear practical addiction recovery strategies that work in real life; routines, boundaries, accountability and honest advice for partners and families supporting someone through cocaine or meth addiction without losing themselves. Paul shares how he stays sober in nightlife as a professional DJ, the safeguards he uses on the road, and the mindset shifts that keep him grounded. He talks about rebuilding career, reputation, and relationships after relapse and shame, and offers hope-driven lessons and quotes that can be used daily.Now clean for six years, Paul DJs worldwide, speaks in schools about drugs and mental health, and proves there’s always hope.*This episode discusses addiction and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you love is struggling, please check the services below. Links from EpisodePaul McArdle/DJ MagiggsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/dj_magiggs/?hl=en TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@djmagiggs Addiction ServicesNarcotic Anonymous:   Northern Ireland - https://na-northernireland.org/ Ireland -  https://www.na-ireland.org/ Alcoholics Anonymous:https://www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/  Extern - Addiction Serviceshttps://www.extern.org/our-services/addiction-support Brought to you in Partnership with:Linwoods Health Foods.For 20% off use code Digg20 on link below. (Not available in conjunction with any other discount codes. Excludes sales items & reduced price bundles. Expires 31.12.25)https://bit.ly/4nBUl1r Centre Of LearningUse code Digg20 for 20% Off any course up until 31st March 2026. Must be booked before 4th December 2025.https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/centre-of-learning Location PartnerThe Harrison Chambers of Distinctionhttps://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026