In this episode of Believe in People, playwright Ed Edwards joins us to discuss The Political History of Smack and Crack - his award-winning play exploring addiction, recovery, Thatcherism, political unrest, and Britain’s heroin epidemic.

Drawing on his own experiences of addiction, prison, relapse, and long-term recovery, Ed reflects on stigma, Narcotics Anonymous, consumer culture, creativity, and the human realities behind substance use. Ed is brutally honest about relapse, including the “relapse before the relapse” signs like pulling back from meetings and turning irritation into isolation. 

We also explore why Narcotics Anonymous can feel like a higher power even if you are an atheist, and how belonging acts as a real-world protective factor in a consumer culture that competes for our attention.

This episode explores addiction recovery, trauma, peer support, mental health, politics, and the lived experiences that shaped a generation.

Links & Resources

🎭 Most Wanted
 Most Wanted  (https://www.mostwantedshows.com/ed-edwards)

🎟️ The Political History of Smack and Crack
The Political History of Smack and Crack (https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/political-history-of-smack-and-crack)

📚 Book Referenced In The Episode
The Politics of Heroin: CIA Complicity in the Global Drug Trade — Alfred W. McCoy
The Politics of Heroin by Alfred W. McCoy (https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/the-politics-of-heroin-products-9781556524837.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

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Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com (https://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 (https://www.changegrowlive.org/) :

📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com
🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” - Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six)

Listen & Subscribe:
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🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler
🎛️ Producer: Robbie Lawson
🏢 Network: ReNew (https://www.changegrowlive.org/renew)