Person walking at sunrise on a peaceful nature path

Sobriety · Recovery · FREEDOM

Life After the High

Honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and building a life you love.

Max McGiffen — sobriety and recovery content creator

Hi, I'm Max.

This is a picture of me before addiction to alcohol and drugs robbed me of my early 20s. For years, everyone thought I had it all together. I got all A*s for my exams. I studied Law at Oxford University. I worked in the corridors of power in Parliament, in law firms, at top private schools. I led a double life; respectability by day, debauchery by night.

My addiction led me to dark places. I became homeless. I lost all my friends. I went from beer and cocaine to crack and heroin. The debts piled on. The threats got more serious. I was beaten to a pulp by a dealer. I needed help.

On the 7th February 2026, I drank my last beer. I spent three months in rehab in Gibraltar, my home. It saved my life. After I left rehab, I wanted to tell my story. To help other addicts, their friends and their families. To spread hope that we do recover. It takes work. Quiet, hard, beautiful work. But work nonetheless. Whether you're in early recovery, an old-timer with years of sobriety, or just sober-curious: welcome!

New Episodes Monthly

The Podcast - After the High

Real conversations. Crazy stories. Special guests.

Ep. 1

I Graduated from Oxford. By 26 I Was Living in a Squat Addicted to Heroin and Crack.

By 26, I was living in a squat, smoking crack cocaine and heroin every day. A few years earlier, I'd graduated from Oxford law, completed a Master's at UCL and advised some of Britain's most senior politicians. This is the story of how addiction took everything from me, and why I chose to get sober.

Listen Now
Ep. 2

All My Friends from Rehab Have Relapsed. It Has Only Been 3 Months. Why?

I am 6 months sober. I have never felt happier or healthier. Yet, there is still a voice in my head that wants me to relapse, to use drugs, to throw everything away. All my friends in rehab have relapsed. Statistics show 85% of rehab clients relapse in the first 90 days.  This is the story of why addicts relapse, how to support a relapser, and my take on why it happens.

Listen Now
Ep. 3

Coming Soon.

A special guest joins the podcast.  Release date in early September.

Listen Now
Latest episode — watch on YouTube
Watch on YouTube

Words & Reflections

From the Blog

Weekly Reflections

Join the Community

Weekly reflections on sobriety, recovery, and life on the other side.

Max McGiffen

After the High: honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and building a life you love.

Listen & Follow

© 2026 Max McGiffen. All rights reserved.

Life After the High