Ross McAndrew: Suicide, Alcohol & Cocaine - AndysManClub and Survival

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, Ross shares an extraordinary journey from personal tragedy to public advocacy following the suicide of his father - a traumatic event that deeply shaped his mental health and identity.Struggling to cope with overwhelming grief, Ross turned to alcohol and cocaine to numb the pain, leading to multiple suicide attempts and a period of profound crisis. A pivotal moment of clarity during hospitalisation marked the beginning of his recovery journey, rooted in sobriety, honesty and the lifesaving impact of peer support.Through his involvement with Andy’s Man Club, Ross rediscovered purpose by helping create spaces where men can speak openly, confront trauma, and support each other without judgement. His story highlights the social conditioning of masculinity, the emotional cost of silence, and the healing power of community-led recovery.This conversation also examines the moment Ross met the paramedic who saved his life - a full-circle encounter that reinforced the value of second chances and the profound ripple effect of choosing to stay.Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide, addiction and mental health crises.In this episode:Suicide bereavement and its long-term emotional impactAlcohol and cocaine misuse as coping mechanisms for griefMultiple suicide attempts and the moment everything changedHospitalisation, sobriety and reclaiming purposeThe role of Andy’s Man Club in community-led men’s mental health supportMasculinity, emotional resilience and breaking the silenceMeeting the paramedic who saved his lifeWhy peer support can transform recoveryIf you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, addiction or overwhelming emotions, please contact Samaritans at 116 123 or visit Andy’s Man Club to find a local group.Search terms: suicide bereavement recovery, men’s mental health podcast UK, addiction recovery stories, lived experience, peer support groups, trauma and recovery, cocaine addiction#believeinpeople #believeinpeoplepodcast #believeinpeopleextraClick here to text our host, Matt, directly!🎧  If this episode connected with you, please subscribe and review. It directly helps us reach more people affected by addiction, trauma and stigma. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com Believe in People is a platform for lived experience, recovery insight and honest conversation. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or working on the frontline, this podcast exists to inform, challenge stigma and inspire change.If you or someone you know needs support with drugs, alcohol, housing, domestic abuse, or mental and physical wellbeing, free and confidential help is available via Change Grow Live:📩 Contact: [email protected]🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” - Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six)Listen & Subscribe:Spotify | Apple Podcasts🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler 🎛️ Producer: Robbie Lawson 🏢 Network: ReNew