In this episode we are joined by Daniel Holmes, a Brisbane based personal trainer and former competitive bodybuilder who appeared on Season 9 of the Australian reality TV show "Married At First Sight".
Daniel shares about his experience with his use of steroids, becoming addicted over the last 7 years which began when he noticed his peers making supernatural results in the gym, once he learned the secret of their success, he wanted in on it.
Daniel built a social media following with heavy focus around his physique, which further incentivised the need to keep using, the struggle came when realising after attempting to come off steroids, the withdrawal process was just too much to handle so he continued to stay on them.
It wasn't until appearing on Married At First Sight where he was forced to come off them having no access to the drugs while filming, he experienced the difficult withdrawal process, all while trying to build a relationship with a stranger you've just married on national television, that was enough for Daniel to never look back.
Daniel shares about experiencing body dysmorphia, believing at one point bigger was better and being transparent of his struggle today finding a way to be comfortable with how he looks, he shares about undergoing a hair transplant which he sought out as hair loss was a side effect of his steroid use, which he has been open about on his platform which has helped other men to find the courage to seek out treatments to improve how they feel about themselves.
Whilst Daniel doesn't have an issue with alcohol himself, he shares an understanding on how devastating alcohol addiction can be, growing up with an alcoholic father, he shares how it destroyed his family and made his upbringing chaotic.
He shares what he learned from his experience on Married At First Sight, taking on the "villain" role and his takeaways from his boxing match with a fellow contestant.
Daniel is being unapologetically himself and is confident in knowing who he is as a person, a true strength and we commend him for sharing his story and being open about what he's been through and hopes to start a conversation around steroid use in the fitness industry.
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