In rehab I wasn't special... humbling in a way I needed

A Scottish rapper and activist has told of his plight in battling drug and alcohol addiction - insisting he would “move heaven and earth” in pursuit of his next hit.

- RYAN MCDOUGALL

Darren McGarvey, also known by his stage name Loki, said he used to spend "vast sums of money” on alcohol which he says became his “whole personality.”

The author, broadcaster and musician is known for his work on issues such as poverty, addiction and politics.

Having battled his own personal demons in his youth, McGarvey opened up about addiction on the second episode of Listen Up, a new podcast on recovery launched by Abbeycare.

It is an alcohol and drug treatment centre in Erskine where he was previously treated.

McGarvey said he turned to drugs and alcohol for a number of reasons - including to cope with the death of his mother - as well as dealing with the ups and downs of fame.

He said his addictions initially stemmed from his desire to cope with his anxiety, prompting him to use alcohol as well as drugs such as valium and temazepam.