How does a celebrity chef dominate the culinary world while hiding a life-threatening cocaine and alcohol addiction? In this episode of Recoverycast, we are joined by Devan Rajkumar, popularly known as Chef Dev, who reveals the "unimaginable" double life he led for years. From national TV appearances and Times Square billboards to late-night after-parties and debilitating chest pains, Devan’s journey is a raw look at the high cost of high-functioning addiction.
Devan discusses how early habits formed at age 13 evolved into a progressive disease fueled by the "work hard, play hard" culture of the service industry. He shares the deep-seated roots of his struggle, including generational trauma and the tragic loss of his brother to suicide, which sent him spiraling deeper into substances to numb the grief.
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Learn more about Chef Dev: https://www.chefdev.ca/
The turning point came when the "lie routine" finally collapsed after a terrifying overdose scare following a trip to Turks and Caicos. Now over four years sober, Devan explains how ego deflation and the 12-step program allowed him to trade his masks for authenticity. He also opens up about the immense challenge of quitting a 28-year nicotine addiction and why he now lives a purpose-driven life fueled by "Mad Love."
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⏱️ Chapters:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:20 – Culinary Roots & Guyanese Heritage
- 04:33 – The "Lie Routine" & Early Substance Use
- 07:29 – High-Pressure Kitchens & After-Party Culture
- 15:49 – Processing Grief: Losing a Brother to Suicide
- 18:40 – Hiding Addiction Behind Celebrity Fame
- 30:48 – The Overdose Scare in Turks and Caicos
- 40:55 – Ego Deflation & Finding Humility in 12-Steps
- 52:53 – Physical Fitness & Auditing Your Inner Circle
- 58:18 – Living with Mad Love & Mental Health Advocacy
❓ Questions the Podcast Answers:
- How can someone hide a serious cocaine addiction while being a public figure?
- What are the signs of high-functioning addiction in the culinary industry?
- How do childhood trauma and lack of parental validation contribute to substance abuse?
- What is the "lie routine" used by those struggling with addiction?
- How can you navigate grief after losing a sibling to suicide without numbing the pain?
- What is "ego deflation" in the context of 12-step recovery?
- Why is the service industry particularly dangerous for people prone to addiction?
- How do you quit smoking after 28 years while already in recovery for other substances?
- What does it mean to "love people from a distance" during sobriety?
- How can physical fitness like squash or gym routines help maintain sobriety?
- What is the significance of the 12-step program for long-term recovery?
- How can practicing empathy toward parents help resolve childhood resentments?
- What is the "Mad Love" philosophy in Chef Dev’s recovery?
- How does a recovery sponsor provide a "coach for life"?
- What are effective ways to handle holiday triggers and the availability of alcohol?
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