Simon Mason: Recovery Coach, Interventionist, and Advocate

Professional Background and Experience

Simon Mason is a highly experienced recovery coach, interventionist, and sober companion who has dedicated over 19 years to working in the addiction field. His career spans both the public and private sectors, where he has built a reputation for excellence. In addition to his professional roles, Simon is a critically acclaimed author and musician, which further enriches his unique perspective on recovery and support.

Philosophy and Approach

Drawing from his own journey and the experiences of those he has helped, Simon firmly believes in the necessity for a recovery coach to deeply understand the complexities of addiction. He emphasizes the importance of being well-versed in effective strategies for addressing addiction, stating, “A recovery coach must thoroughly understand the complexities of addiction and be well-versed in effective strategies for addressing it. My strength lies in clearly and convincingly communicating that recovery is both achievable and desirable.” Simon’s effectiveness as a coach is demonstrated by his history of successfully guiding individuals into recovery from both alcoholism and drug addiction, acting as a live-in and online mentor. He has also collaborated extensively with clinicians to support men dealing with mental health challenges.

Career Milestones

Simon began his work with crisis admission clients at London’s only self-referral residential detox facility in 2007. He later joined clinical teams at some of the world’s most renowned treatment centres, gaining extensive experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds who face a range of addiction and mental health challenges. His comprehensive knowledge of addiction in its many forms, paired with a clear understanding of recovery processes, allows him to communicate recovery strategies with clarity and empathy. Simon’s approach is always client centred, underpinned by substantial lived experience and successful outcomes.

Author and Critical Acclaim

Simon is the author of the widely acclaimed memoir, Too High, Too Far, Too Soon (Mainstream, 2013). The book was selected by Norman Baker, former UK Government Minister of State for Crime Prevention, as his top choice among the 50 best books on drugs and addiction. The memoir has been widely praised by critics:

• “A remarkable memoir.” — The London Evening Standard

• “He has chronicled the full arc of these misadventures in, Too High, Too Far, Too Soon—a book that falls somewhere between Stephen Smith’s Addict and Danny Sugarman’s Wonderland Avenue and is perhaps the great British narco-memoir of modern times.” — Vice Magazine

• “Nothing’s more boring than a drugs memoir. Not this one though.” — Irvine Welsh

Public Speaking and Performance

In addition to his writing, Simon is an accomplished public speaker and performer. He starred in a theatrical adaptation of his memoir, which ran for four weeks in London’s West End before touring the UK. The production received significant critical acclaim, including:

• “A happy meeting of emotional and intellectual engagement.… Raw, with Simon Mason utterly compelling and sympathetic as a performer.” — Theatre Bubble

• “The combination of Simon Mason’s gripping performance of his helter-skelter journey through addiction and into recovery was perfectly complimented by Cathy Sloane’s imaginative direction.” — Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

Musical Career and Community Involvement

Simon also serves as the singer and songwriter for Hightown Pirates, a collective of clean and sober musicians. Since 2017, the group has recorded and released three studio albums and toured extensively throughout the UK. Beyond his artistic endeavours, Simon remains deeply involved in supporting recovery in his local community. He provides assistance both anonymously and outside of traditional 12-step fellowships, ensuring that support is accessible to all who need it.

Recognition and Credentials

In 2024, Simon received a certificate of appreciation from the mayor and charter trustees of Margate, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the health needs of the town. He holds a current DBS check, a clean driving license, a valid passport, and personal liability insurance through Westminster Insurance Services. Simon has maintained abstinence from all mood-altering substances since June 2006, further exemplifying his commitment to recovery and wellbeing.