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How 2 Bolton Based Businesses are Tackling Addiction in the Aftermath of Lockdown
Two Bolton based businesses, Acquiesce and WHYSUP, recorded a podcast discussing addiction, and how they are tackling it following the coronavirus lockdown.
Acquiesce is a private rehabilitation centre, offering luxury accommodation and an urban recovery model that integrates recovery into everyday life. Tina, the senior practitioner at Acquiesce, oversees each individual’s entire journey.
WHYSUP was founded by Mark and Liam. They work to deliver presentations, workshops and keynotes to schools and businesses across the UK to educate and raise awareness of mental health and addiction.
Mark’s Story
Mark begins by explaining his battle with a gambling addiction that started with a bet when he was just sixteen. By 21 he realised he needed help and attended Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
“I remember going to a GA meeting, looking around and thinking ‘Well I’ve not lost my house, not lost my wife, not lost my family. I’m not as bad as these so I don’t need help.”
By 25 he had a girlfriend and a professional job. Everyone around him thought he had left his old life behind and was on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case.
At 29, he was kidnapped and held hostage by a group with machetes who were demanding ransom from his mother. Luckily, the police tracked his phone and rescued him.
Mark finally hit rock bottom when his family turned their backs on him. Without his family, he felt that suicide was the only way out of his mess but knew the impact this would have on everyone around him, including his children.
With help from his mum, Mark went to rehab in Birmingham. He took part in the fourteen week programme but stayed there for another five and a half months.
In rehab, Mark wrote down all of his debts. He initially thought he owed a total of £100,000 but now says it was closer to £306,000.
“It’s like I’m talking about a different person now when I look back. Thankfully that’s where it turned around for me. Rehab saved my life.”
Liam’s Story
Around the age of 13, Liam started to experiment with alcohol and drugs like many teenagers at the time.
“There was no prevention or awareness, no knowledge of addiction. My decisions were based on ‘Am I going to get caught?’”
“By 15 I was taking Class A drugs several times a week. I thought drinking and drugs were a normal part of life. I also thought I was good at it because I could do it and still do what I was supposed to be doing.”
Liam got his GCSEs, enjoyed Thai boxing, got his A levels and had a long term girlfriend, all whilst taking drugs.
“I was living a double life. No one knew. From the outside I was seen as popular and successful, the things that you don’t associate with addiction. That’s why I never thought I had a problem.”
He also started struggling with his mental health, dealing with feelings of shame, guilt and paranoia. Liam finally acknowledged his problem after crashing four cars in one week and his family started to ask questions.
“From the minute rehab was mentioned I booked myself in. I pretty much destroyed everyone I loved because I had to tell them what had been going on. When I came out, I went back to normal life, the life where I’d taken drugs for 19 years.”
Following rehab, Liam continued to take drugs after he relapsed at a funeral. His wife became frustrated with the chaos and arranged for him to stay with Mark.
“It wasn’t easy but I was given a safe place. I was able to build a recovery in the real world, which is very important because you can’t just live in a bubble.”
Mark encouraged Liam to make weekly plans, give up his cash card and attend the gym in the same way that he did when he was in recovery at the halfway house.
“I didn’t need to change my location, I needed to change my mindset. People, places, routine, structure- I had to relearn it all to get where I am today. This is why we got in touch with Acquiesce. It integrates the real world into your recovery.
Acquiesce
Acquiesce provides a discreet, highly supported and safe environment within the community to recover in. Without being hidden from the real world, the urban recovery model allows individuals to gain all the tools and experience necessary whilst maintaining a carefully monitored level of responsibility over their own recovery.
This makes the transitional period from treatment a much smoother process, resulting in a more sustainable recovery journey.
WHYSUP
Mark and Liam started WHYSUP after discussing how their addictions started and the mental challenges they had faced. They wondered if anything would have changed had they been given a talk in school.
Three years later, their service is well established and works in three different sectors; education, business and sport.
They have spoken to over 30,000 people nationwide. Over the last 18 months, people with some form of experience have joined the team. Initially their key focus was addiction but they now focus more on mental health and wellbeing.
Support During Lockdown
The team were managing the number of calls well, especially once they hired a professional who helped with more severe cases. Unfortunately, when lockdown started, calls quadrupled and they could no longer meet the demand.
“We underestimated how many and how severely people were declining. They were threatening suicide and we had to drop off flowers at funerals of people who would likely still be here if it wasn’t for lockdown.”
Acquiesce also had an increase in calls, with people experiencing anxiety and fear from a loss of jobs and uncertainty about the future. Tina explained that the number of individuals at high risk from drinking has doubled according to Public Health England.
“We found that some clients have relapsed after being clean for many years and have had to come back into treatment.” Tina added.
When defining addiction from a professional point of view, Tina says they look at withdrawals, tolerance, loss of control, broken promises and consequences, but that in reality it’s a much wider perspective.
“I define addiction as a compulsive behaviour that is impossible to stop without professional help and support. As much as you try to convince yourself you can do it alone, I know from experience that you just can’t.” Added Mark
Liam’s definition of addiction has changed over time. He said, “Two and a half years ago, I’d have talked about drugs. For me now it’s more than a substance or behaviour, it centres around thinking and feeling.”
Tina explained that the Acquiesce programme is very much about positivity, positive self talk, self esteem, gaining confidence.
“When clients come in, their addiction has robbed their self esteem and we work to get it back.”
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, please book a callback with Acquiesce at acquiesce.org.uk/contact or 01204 771940, or get in touch with WHYSUP at whysup.co.uk/contact
To listen to the whole podcast, please visit acquiesce.org.uk/how-2-bolton-based-businesses-are-tackling-addiction-in-the-aftermath-of-lockdown/
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: How 2 Bolton Based Businesses are Tackling Addiction in the Aftermath of Lockdown
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ASUS ROG BECOMES THE OFFICIAL PARTNER OF TEAM VITALITY
Leading French club Team Vitality and ASUS Republic Of Gamers (ROG), an iconic global brand in the gaming technology industry, are pleased to announce their partnership until the end of 2026. The partnership includes the use of ROG’s industry-leading peripherals including keyboards, mice, mice mats & headsets for Team Vitality’s elite Counter-Strike 2 and VALORANT rosters.
United by a shared ambition, the two entities aspire to reach the top of the podiums at the biggest international esports competitions, with ROG’s products providing advanced technology and unparalleled quality for the club’s FPS teams.
TEAM VITALITY ROSTERS POWERED BY PERIPHERALS LEADER
Team Vitality is delighted to welcome ROG as an official partner. During competitions, ROG logo will be included on the left sleeve of the official jerseys of the CS2 and VALORANT teams.
ROG, recognized as an essential reference in the world of esports, offers equipment that combines durability, performance, ergonomics, and precision – essential qualities to excel at the highest level. The brand has already supported prestigious esports teams.
Official Team Vitality player gear includes:
- The ROG Delta II headset, guaranteeing clear and flawless communication.
- ROG Keris II Ace mouse, offering unrivaled precision and comfort with a pro-approved shape and leading technology.
- ROG Hone Ace XXL mouse pad, providing players with a wide surface for movement consistency and control.
- The ROG Falchion ACE HFX keyboard, incorporating Rapid Trigger technology, specially designed for gamers.
These products will allow gamers to achieve optimal performance: ultra-responsive keyboards, high-precision mice adapted to different gaming strategies, and headsets ensuring impeccable communication.
Aiming to establish new standards for players and fans worldwide, the collaboration will series of exciting activations that will be carried out throughout the year during key international events, bringing together esports enthusiasts, Team Vitality supporters, and the broader gaming community
Over the course of the year, the club will integrate ROG into its communications, particularly on its X accounts dedicated to Counter-Strike and VALORANT, as well as across its other social media platforms
“We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious brand as ROG to Team Vitality! This partnership mirrors our standards and ambitions: to equip our players and our staff with cutting-edge peripherals, offering precision, responsiveness, and comfort, whilst also supporting our international development strategy. 2025 is going to be an exciting year for VALORANT and CS2, and this partnership will guarantee unmissable activations for all our fans.” explains Nicolas Maurer, CEO of Team Vitality.
“We are proud to collaborate with Team Vitality, an organization that shares our values of excellence and innovation. This partnership offers us a unique opportunity to be closer to professional players, enabling us to further understand their needs and refine our products to meet the highest expectations. Together, we want to inspire the gaming community and help elevate esports to greater heights,” stated Kris Huang, General Manager of the ROG Gaming Gear and Accessory Business Unit.
AIMING FOR NEW HEIGHTS IN THE ESPORTS SCENE
Following a successful 2024, Team Vitality aspires to reach even greater heights in 2025. The partnership with ROG unlocks a range of opportunities to enhance the club’s global visibility and further its ambitious goals on the world stage.
This year’s international esports calendar features unmissable events for fans, including the two CS2 Majors and the VALORANT Champions, which will be held in Paris next September. With star-studded roasters boasting talents such as Derke, Sayf, zywOo, and apEX, Team Vitality is ready to shine and offer ROG unprecedented visibility among its global community of 13 million fans.
By joining forces, Team Vitality and ROG are sending a strong message: esports is a dynamic, innovative, and increasingly attractive sector for brands. This strategic partnership will engage millions of fans worldwide while creating unique opportunities for impactful activations, engaging content, and memorable experiences.
The post ASUS ROG BECOMES THE OFFICIAL PARTNER OF TEAM VITALITY appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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High Roller Technologies Welcomes Kristofer Muscat as Chief Operating Officer
High Roller Technologies, Inc. (“High Roller” and the “Company”) (NYSE American: ROLR), operator of www.HighRoller.com and www.Fruta.com, each a premium brand in online gaming and a destination for high rollers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristofer Muscat as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective January 5th, 2025. In this role, Mr. Muscat will oversee operational strategy, drive growth initiatives, and enhance High Roller’s commitment to delivering premium experiences in the online gambling and iCasino gaming industry.
“Kristofer’s operational expertise in the gambling industry and his proven track record of driving growth through innovation will be instrumental as we continue development of our technologies focused on machine learning to automate key functionality to enhance the player experience and reduce operational overhead,” said Ben Clemes, CEO of High Roller Technologies. “His leadership will play a vital role in optimizing our operations and enhancing our mission to provide engaging, seamless, and world-class experiences for our users.”
Mr. Muscat brings a wealth of industry experience to High Roller. As the former Chief Operating Officer of Eastrock Group, he was pivotal in streamlining operations across offices in Sweden, Malta, and Hong Kong. He successfully enhanced efficiency, built customer-centric cultures, and supported Eastrock’s expansion in the competitive iGaming sector. His leadership at Eastrock reinforced his reputation as a forward-thinking executive with a deep understanding of operational excellence in the gambling industry. Prior to Eastrock, Mr. Muscat held a management position at Bally’s.
“I am so excited to be joining High Roller at such a pivotal time in the company’s evolution. The team’s vision for innovation and their unwavering focus on creating exceptional experiences for players perfectly align with my values and expertise. I am eager to leverage my background in operations and strategy to help drive growth, strengthen High Roller’s position as an industry leader, and elevate the brand’s appeal to high-stakes players around the globe.” commented Kristofer Muscat, new COO of High Roller Technologies.
The post High Roller Technologies Welcomes Kristofer Muscat as Chief Operating Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Robin ‘ropz’ Kool joins Team Vitality’s CS2 roster
Team Vitality is thrilled to announce the signing of global esports star and former FaZe Clan player Robin ‘ropz’ Kool to their CS2 roster.
Ropz is one of the most decorated Counter-Strike players on the circuit, having secured numerous victories, a plethora of MVP honours, and building a strong reputation for precision, consistency, and success. His experience, coupled with his superb understanding of CS2, will bolster Team Vitality in the club’s hunt for success in 2025.
- Robin ‘ropz’ Kool, the 25-year-old Estonian, has officially joined Team Vitality’s CS2 roster.
- With Ropz’s addition to the team, the rosters current rifler Lotan ‘Spinx’ Giladi will be moved to the inactive roster.
- The move further positions the French club as one of the most formidable teams in the space, following on from the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne win in 2024, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to success in CS2.
- Ropz is widely regarded as one of the most skilled CS2 players worldwide, with a career highlighted by numerous tournament wins, MVP accolades, and a legacy of consistent and high-level performance. Known for his tactical expertise, adaptability and sharpshooting, he brings a wealth of experience to Team Vitality.
- The French club’s roster now boasts an elite combination of in-game expertise, strategic minds, and sheer firepower, positioning them as one of the most forbidding rosters globally. The roster now consists of Dan ‘apEX’ Madesclaire, Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut, Shahar ‘flameZ’ Shushan, William ‘mezii’ Merriman, and Robin ‘ropz’ Kool. The team will be coached by Rémy “XTQZZZ” Quoniam and assistant coach Mathieu “MaT” Leber, and led by new Team Manager, Amy May ‘Aphiren’ Snowdon.
- The roster will first be seen in action during the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier later in January.
“Signing ropz is the culmination of several years of discussions and mutual respect. We have followed his journey with great admiration, and this year, the stars aligned for him to join us. We understand that he’s leaving more than just a team behind – he’s leaving a family. We’re determined to show him that he made the right choice. He fits perfectly into our vision, with the ambition to make history and build a legacy for the club on CS,” explains Fabien “Neo” Devide, President of Team Vitality. “His experience, versatility, and game intelligence are invaluable assets. He is a player with a heart of gold, one of the most inspiring figures in the history of Counter-Strike, and someone who truly embodies the values we stand for. With him, we are solidifying our place among the global elite of CS, and this is an incredible opportunity for Team Vitality.”
The post Robin ‘ropz’ Kool joins Team Vitality’s CS2 roster appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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