A new DJ course has been making a significant impact on the lives of former addicts, helping them build meaningful connections and foster a sense of community. Participants have described this aspect as “paramount” to their recovery journey.
Alex Mac, who attended the six-week course at the sober bar Arc Bristol, shared that it was a “fantastic” addition to his recovery process. He mentioned that the experience inspired him to return to making music.
“I feel uplifted by music. It just lights up something in me,” he said.
The course was initiated by the charity Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) and led by DJ Milly, also known as Milly on Air. She came up with the idea after noticing an increase in sober spaces across the city.
Mac joined the course because he wanted to find a way to connect with others through music.
“For any type of addiction, connection is paramount for recovery,” he explained.
He has since started uploading mixes to his Instagram account.
“I had a background in DJing, but I’ve learned new skills,” he added.
The initiative is being supported by volunteers from BDP’s Creative Communities group and Horizons, Bristol’s drug and alcohol partnership.
A spokesperson from BDP stated that the course provides a safe environment for individuals like Mac to rediscover their love for music.
“Clubs and even dance music itself can be a trigger – but this group provides a new blueprint to engage,” the charity said.
Lizzie Mulholland, a drugs worker from the Creative Communities group, highlighted the strong sense of community formed during the course.
“Everyone’s picked [DJing] up really quick,” she said. “People can use it as an outlet.”
She emphasized that the opposite of addiction is connection, and that bringing people together in a positive space can be a real light in their lives.
DJ Milly, who has been in recovery for about 10 years, stressed the importance of engaging in activities that bring “fun, playfulness and joy” into life.
She said: “What’s the point in getting through everything I’ve gone through and not enjoying life?”
Milly believes in the power of creativity, emphasizing the need to find something that makes one feel alive and in a state of flow.
“We had more people apply than we could accept on the course, so it showed there was a real demand.”
She added: “I definitely think there will be future courses.”
