Hello!
I'm Declan Hunter-Reed, founder of Join The Recovery. For 18 years I was addicted to substances - mainly Cocaine and Crystal Meth. However, I am now in full recovery from active addiction and on a mission to help other members of society that struggle with addiction and mental health.
Feel free to follow my socials by clicking on the icons above to learn more about me, my life and my story.
Throughout my active addiction, I had many relapses because I failed to recognise the importance of a solid support network. Join The Recovery was founded on the basis of creating a community. A community of people that feel they don't belong in the traditional 12 step programmes or any other programme that modern day society has to offer. But more importantly, a community of people that are there for each other, to support each other and to recover together.
I live openly as a gay man and one of the main problems I faced when trying to recover over the years was the intimidation from other support groups and a sense that I didn't belong there. This mainly came from the lack of support groups back then offering members of the LGBTQIA+ society a safe space to be vulnerable.
Join The Recovery is here to fill that gap. It's inclusive for all but predominantly to support members of our society that struggle and suffer more than their peers due to many factors including race, sexual orientation and gender.
I also have combined type ADHD. I was formally diagnosed in March 2024 at 33 years old. As you can imagine, that was a monumental moment in my life so I know full well and deeply understand first hand what it's like living with ADHD.
I'm not currently on any medication for it because I found that meds diluted my personality and I wasn't willing to sacrifice the very essence of who I am for a daily tablet. So, I'm learning every day how my ADHD affects me as an adult and I manage my condition in a way that works for me.
But I have fully accepted my uniqueness and live my life my way, on my own terms.
If you are struggling with addiction, mental health, ADHD or any area of your life, please don't hesitate to reach out. I have 18 years worth of life experience to share with you.
Thank you for reading and once again, welcome to Join The Recovery.
Dec x
Declan in the media
Chemsex Radio Interview ShoutOut Radio, Bristol - 10th April 2025
Declan was interviewed by ShoutOut Radio, Bristol to discuss his experience with Chemsex and the damage it is causing gay men within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Click here to listen to the interview (skip to 30:00 for the beginning)
