Addiction rarely starts as a plan. It starts as relief. Sean Bradley tells the truth about what alcohol and weed gave him at first: a quiet stomach, less anxiety, fewer social masks, and a break from the constant pressure of performing. Then he tells the other truth: the relief doesn’t stay relief. It becomes a pattern, and the pattern becomes a shrinking life. We talk about what pushed him toward Transformations, a hardcore therapeutic community rehab on the Gold Coast that is openly Christian and intentionally challenging.From there we get into the stuff that doesn’t magically disappear when you get sober. Sean shares how an addictive personality can shift into workaholism, burnout, scrolling, and obsessive thoughts, especially with ADHD and autism in the mix. We swap practical mental health strategies that actually fit real life: building routines that survive stress, using exercise as a stabilizer, avoiding dopamine-draining mornings, and staying connected to community through church and AA. We also talk candidly about medication and why some options can feel risky for people with an addiction history.Sean’s faith journey is just as intense. Catholic trauma made Jesus complicated for him, even while he felt sure God was real, so he went searching hard: reading, questioning the Trinity, exploring Islam, and even doing a 10-day Vipassana silent meditation retreat. That search leads to a deeper conversation about shame, guilt, and why so many people in addiction believe they’re too far gone for God. If you want more conversations about faith and mental health that stay honest, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. What part of Sean’s story felt most familiar to you?Check out www.lionzen.com.au to see Sean's Business If Sunburnt Souls has helped or blessed you in any way, can I ask a small favour? Would you consider telling someone about the podcast, reposting an episode link, or bringing it up over dinner with a mate sometime? Word of mouth is how this podcast spreads. We don’t have the budget for advertising, so every share genuinely helps more people discover the conversations we’re having around faith and mental health.🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSIONHelp us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental HealthA 28-day, FREE journey to help you:Embrace your identity in JesusBuild life-giving spiritual rhythmsNavigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace👉 Start your 28-day journey today📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITYGet weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter⭐ LEAVE A REVIEWLove this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.Listen and Rate on Apple PodcastsListen & Rate on SpotifySunburnt Souls is produced by Pretty Podcasts — a Christian mental health production where faith meets real life through stories ...