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How 2 Bolton Based Businesses are Tackling Addiction in the Aftermath of Lockdown

Published

5 years ago

October 29, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Two Bolton based businesses, Acquiesce and WHYSUP, recorded a podcast discussing addiction, and how they are tackling it following the coronavirus lockdown.

Acquiesce is a private rehabilitation centre, offering luxury accommodation and an urban recovery model that integrates recovery into everyday life. Tina, the senior practitioner at Acquiesce, oversees each individual’s entire journey.

WHYSUP was founded by Mark and Liam. They work to deliver presentations, workshops and keynotes to schools and businesses across the UK to educate and raise awareness of mental health and addiction.

Mark’s Story

Mark begins by explaining his battle with a gambling addiction that started with a bet when he was just sixteen. By 21 he realised he needed help and attended Gamblers Anonymous meetings.

“I remember going to a GA meeting, looking around and thinking ‘Well I’ve not lost my house, not lost my wife, not lost my family. I’m not as bad as these so I don’t need help.”

By 25 he had a girlfriend and a professional job. Everyone around him thought he had left his old life behind and was on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case.

At 29, he was kidnapped and held hostage by a group with machetes who were demanding ransom from his mother. Luckily, the police tracked his phone and rescued him.

Mark finally hit rock bottom when his family turned their backs on him. Without his family, he felt that suicide was the only way out of his mess but knew the impact this would have on everyone around him, including his children.

With help from his mum, Mark went to rehab in Birmingham. He took part in the fourteen week programme but stayed there for another five and a half months.

In rehab, Mark wrote down all of his debts. He initially thought he owed a total of £100,000 but now says it was closer to £306,000.

“It’s like I’m talking about a different person now when I look back. Thankfully that’s where it turned around for me. Rehab saved my life.”

Liam’s Story

Around the age of 13, Liam started to experiment with alcohol and drugs like many teenagers at the time.

“There was no prevention or awareness, no knowledge of addiction. My decisions were based on ‘Am I going to get caught?’”

“By 15 I was taking Class A drugs several times a week. I thought drinking and drugs were a normal part of life. I also thought I was good at it because I could do it and still do what I was supposed to be doing.”

Liam got his GCSEs, enjoyed Thai boxing, got his A levels and had a long term girlfriend, all whilst taking drugs.

“I was living a double life. No one knew. From the outside I was seen as popular and successful, the things that you don’t associate with addiction. That’s why I never thought I had a problem.”

He also started struggling with his mental health, dealing with feelings of shame, guilt and paranoia. Liam finally acknowledged his problem after crashing four cars in one week and his family started to ask questions.

“From the minute rehab was mentioned I booked myself in. I pretty much destroyed everyone I loved because I had to tell them what had been going on. When I came out, I went back to normal life, the life where I’d taken drugs for 19 years.”

Following rehab, Liam continued to take drugs after he relapsed at a funeral. His wife became frustrated with the chaos and arranged for him to stay with Mark.

“It wasn’t easy but I was given a safe place. I was able to build a recovery in the real world, which is very important because you can’t just live in a bubble.”

Mark encouraged Liam to make weekly plans, give up his cash card and attend the gym in the same way that he did when he was in recovery at the halfway house.

“I didn’t need to change my location, I needed to change my mindset. People, places, routine, structure- I had to relearn it all to get where I am today. This is why we got in touch with Acquiesce. It integrates the real world into your recovery.

Acquiesce

Acquiesce provides a discreet, highly supported and safe environment within the community to recover in. Without being hidden from the real world, the urban recovery model allows individuals to gain all the tools and experience necessary whilst maintaining a carefully monitored level of responsibility over their own recovery.

This makes the transitional period from treatment a much smoother process, resulting in a more sustainable recovery journey.

WHYSUP

Mark and Liam started WHYSUP after discussing how their addictions started and the mental challenges they had faced. They wondered if anything would have changed had they been given a talk in school.

Three years later, their service is well established and works in three different sectors; education, business and sport.

They have spoken to over 30,000 people nationwide. Over the last 18 months, people with some form of experience have joined the team. Initially their key focus was addiction but they now focus more on mental health and wellbeing.

Support During Lockdown

The team were managing the number of calls well, especially once they hired a professional who helped with more severe cases. Unfortunately, when lockdown started, calls quadrupled and they could no longer meet the demand.

“We underestimated how many and how severely people were declining. They were threatening suicide and we had to drop off flowers at funerals of people who would likely still be here if it wasn’t for lockdown.”

Acquiesce also had an increase in calls, with people experiencing anxiety and fear from a loss of jobs and uncertainty about the future. Tina explained that the number of individuals at high risk from drinking has doubled according to Public Health England.

“We found that some clients have relapsed after being clean for many years and have had to come back into treatment.” Tina added.

When defining addiction from a professional point of view, Tina says they look at withdrawals, tolerance, loss of control, broken promises and consequences, but that in reality it’s a much wider perspective.

“I define addiction as a compulsive behaviour that is impossible to stop without professional help and support. As much as you try to convince yourself you can do it alone, I know from experience that you just can’t.” Added Mark

Liam’s definition of addiction has changed over time. He said, “Two and a half years ago, I’d have talked about drugs. For me now it’s more than a substance or behaviour, it centres around thinking and feeling.”

Tina explained that the Acquiesce programme is very much about positivity, positive self talk, self esteem, gaining confidence.

“When clients come in, their addiction has robbed their self esteem and we work to get it back.”

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, please book a callback with Acquiesce at acquiesce.org.uk/contact or 01204 771940, or get in touch with WHYSUP at whysup.co.uk/contact

To listen to the whole podcast, please visit acquiesce.org.uk/how-2-bolton-based-businesses-are-tackling-addiction-in-the-aftermath-of-lockdown/

Affiliate Events

Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

taking-off-with-n1-partners-at-igb-affiliate-2026-in-barcelona:-grand-final-and-a-helicopter-for-the-n1-puzzle-promo-winner

N1 Partners is heading to iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona with a clear focus on partners and the grand finale of the global N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event dates, N1 Partners will welcome partners at the booth and host an exclusive evening side event in Barcelona, where the winner of the promo will be announced and awarded the grand prize: a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.

At iGB Affiliate 2026, N1 Partners will welcome industry colleagues at booth 80-C80. Conversations at the stand will focus on performance, traffic strategies, and the key priorities for growth in 2026.

At booth 80-C80, visitors will find an exclusive “The Sky Is Not the Limit” merch drop created specifically for iGB Affiliate 2026. A cocktail bar will be part of the booth experience, making it a convenient meeting point throughout the day. The N1 Partners booth is designed as a space where partners can easily stop by, start a conversation, and spend time, combining a relaxed atmosphere with the right setting for discussing deals and strategies.

Interactive elements with prizes will add an engaging touch to booth visits. Most importantly, partners will be able to speak directly with N1 Partners affiliate managers about current market dynamics, upcoming trends for 2026, traffic performance, and individual cooperation terms.

N1 Puzzle Promo Grand Finale Party

The N1 Puzzle Promo has been running globally from April 21 to December 31, 2025, bringing partners together around a long-term competition built on performance and consistency. Over the course of the year, participants progressed through the promo step by step, moving up the leaderboard and unlocking rewards as they advanced toward the final stage.

On January 20, N1 Partners will host a private party in Barcelona to mark the grand finale of the N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event, the company will announce the top three partners and the winner of the grand prize, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.

The evening is designed as a celebration of a year-long promo journey. It brings together partners, invited guests, and the N1 Partners team in an informal setting that combines recognition, entertainment, and shared moments. The program follows a structured show format with live performances and curated experiences created specifically for the N1 Partners community.

Find out who the special guest of the evening will be and secure your spot: https://n1puzzle.promo/en.html

Why Meet N1 Partners in Barcelona

iGB Affiliate 2026 is an opportunity for partners to reconnect with the N1 Partners team and benefit from:

14+ licensed casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70%
Top deals across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
CPA up to €700 for partners with top-performing traffic, RevShare up to 45% + NNCO, and hybrid models

Book your meetings with N1 Partners affiliate managers at booth 80-C80 and join the N1 Puzzle Promo finale in Barcelona.

After all, why drive when you can fly?

Be number one with N1 Partners.

The post Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Affiliate Management

N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing”

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

n1-faces:-daria-maichuk-—-“communication-as-the-key-to-strong,-effective-partnerships-in-affiliate-marketing”

In iGaming, many things start with a simple “hi” in chat. Messages turn into long conversations, calls follow one after another, yet the goal remains the same — to make traffic profitable. Behind every dialogue is a person with their own background, approach, and communication style — and that’s exactly what defines the success of any partnership.

Partners need to see more than just a messenger account — they need to see a real person they can trust with their traffic and their goals.

N1 Faces is a series of short and lively interviews where N1 Partners introduces the managers behind the affiliate program: their values, their workflows, and their unique management styles.

Today’s spotlight is on Daria Maichuk, Affiliate Manager at N1 Partners, who shares her journey into the industry, her approach to building reliable long-term partnerships, and how she maintains internal balance while working at a fast pace.

Daria Maichuk

Affiliate Manager, N1 Partners

Daria is the kind of manager whose calm mindset, attentiveness, and quick reaction become obvious within the first minutes of communication. She maintains a fast pace, yet always leaves room for a genuine conversation — and that’s what makes working with her both easy and productive.

How did you get into the affiliate industry, and when did you realize it was the right fit for you?

I entered the industry in 2019, starting as an account manager at an advertising network. We worked with push, pops, native — and I had the chance to dive into each vertical.

After four years, I felt the need to focus on one direction and look at the market from another angle — to understand how different traffic sources operate. The role of an affiliate manager offered exactly that: an opportunity to explore the product in depth, build long-term relationships with partners, see campaign launches from the inside, and directly influence performance.

Why N1 Partners? What aligned in terms of values and approach?

I had known about the company for a long time — since 2020. We ran push-traffic tests together, and met often at conferences. I always noticed the team’s energy, openness, and genuine passion for their work. N1 Partners felt like a place where people truly love what they do.

When the opportunity to join the team appeared, I immediately felt that the rhythm and atmosphere matched me perfectly.

What advice would you give yourself in your first month on the job?

Don’t be afraid of the information flow — trust yourself more. At first everything may seem overwhelming, but over time each puzzle piece falls into place, especially once real practice begins.

How do you usually start communication with a new partner? What’s important to understand in the first five minutes?

It’s ideal when both sides have time for a quick call — to meet, exchange expertise, and discuss all details and expectations for upcoming launches. We share the results we aim to see by certain deadlines, while the partner outlines their vision — which GEOs they want to run now and what conversion they expect.

For me, it’s important to understand how open the partner is, how willing they are to share details about their launch plans, and which approaches they intend to use. Our goal is always the same: find terms that are mutually beneficial.

How do you build trust with a partner to ensure productive cooperation?

Personal communication is key, and conferences help immensely. Face-to-face interaction allows you not only to discuss business but also to learn more about the person. Small details can significantly improve future communication and make it more trusting.

Sometimes one meeting is enough for the dialogue to become smoother, faster, and more efficient.

This personal contact becomes a bridge that simplifies any further work.

Are there cases when you need to give tough feedback? How do you do it while preserving trust and a good working relationship?

Yes, it happens — and in such situations I always rely on statistics and concrete data. Numbers speak for themselves, which keeps the conversation transparent, grounded, and efficient. We look at facts together and make decisions based on them.

Constructive feedback with clear recommendations often becomes the most valuable tool for mutual growth.

What personal communication rules help you maintain speed without sacrificing quality?

I follow several principles: be polite, listen carefully, ask the right questions, avoid interrupting, and clarify anything that may cause misunderstanding.

These simple rules help keep both the pace and the quality of communication high.

What energizes you outside of work, and how does it help in working with partners?

Anything connected to movement and social interaction: sports (three workouts a week), yoga, walking my dog, warm moments with family and friends.

Time spent outside work helps me recharge, stay balanced, and maintain my energy levels. Thanks to this, I remain attentive, calm, and ready for constructive dialogue with partners.

If not iGaming, then… who would you be?

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a flight attendant — I loved the atmosphere of travel and the feeling of being close to the sky.

Speaking of my current interests, I would probably choose marketing — maybe performance or targeted advertising. I’ve always been drawn to its dynamics and opportunities for creativity.

Name the Top-3 tools you can’t imagine an affiliate manager working without.

CRM systems and convenient communication channels

They structure daily workflow, simplify interaction, and help keep important details organized.

Monitoring dashboards and analytics tools

They make it possible to evaluate traffic quality, build reports, and make data-driven decisions.

Work devices & messengers

The backbone of daily communication — calls, quick discussions, approvals, and keeping constant contact with partners.

Phone, laptop, Telegram, and MS Teams are my essentials.

Join N1 Partners

To discuss a new launch, choose the right terms for your traffic, or test an offer, you can contact Daria directly.

N1 Partners provides everything partners need to stay ahead and achieve results: high-converting products, regular analytics with optimization recommendations, and full support from the team.

Become a partner: https://n1.partners/

N1 Partners is more than just an affiliate program. The company brings together 14+ casino and betting brands, operates in 10+ Tier-1 GEOs, delivers Reg2Dep rates of up to 70%, and offers competitive conditions for top partners — CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 45%.

More than 14,000 partners trust N1 Partners for its transparency, flexibility, and an approach where people and communication quality play a central role.

The post N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.