DTD (Developmental Topographical Disorientation)DTD (Developmental Topographical Disorientation)
Sideways
Graham and Martin talk about Martin’s lifelong difficulty with direction, how Developmental Topographical Disorientation links to anxiety, and why it matters in addiction recovery. Their chat ranges from relapse confusion to hot cross buns and homemade cake, mixing serious reflection with humour and warmth.
59:19•2 Apr 2026
Getting Lost, Staying Sober, and Why Sat Navs Can Save Your Sanity
Episode Overview
- DTD is described as a lifelong neurological condition where people struggle to form mental maps, even in familiar places.
- Repeated criticism for getting lost can create deep shame and anxiety that lingers into adulthood and recovery.
- Technology such as sat navs, plus landmarks and route rehearsal, can significantly reduce anxiety for those with DTD.
- Early recovery behaviours that resemble relapse often do indicate substance use, but need to be handled with care and support rather than accusation.
- Light-hearted routines like gratitude lists and quizzes can sit alongside serious recovery topics and help keep conversations human and manageable.
“Hopefully people will have an understanding when they see me wandering aimlessly around.”
Curious about how others handle feeling hopelessly lost, both on the street and in their heads? This Sideways episode circles around Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD), anxiety, and how all of that ties into addiction recovery – with plenty of humour thrown in. Graham and Martin chat about Martin’s lifelong struggle with getting lost, even in familiar places.
He explains DTD as “a lifelong neurological condition where an otherwise healthy person has extreme difficulty navigating,” and shares childhood stories of being unable to find his way back from toilet blocks and campsites. What others dismissed as laziness or being a “numpty” turns out to be a recognised condition, often linked to genetics and made worse by stress and substance use.
You’ll hear how DTD can trigger intense anxiety, why sat navs and landmarks like big yellow storage units feel like lifesavers, and how repetition and planning routes early become essential coping tools. Graham’s questions help tease out how shame and criticism build up over years, something many in recovery will recognise from their own experiences. The conversation widens to a “foggy relapse” scenario: someone in early recovery acting like they’ve relapsed but insisting they’re clean.
Martin talks about gut instinct in peer support, the importance of staying non-accusatory, and how people often disappear when they’ve slipped, only admitting it later. Light relief comes from ridiculous news headlines about a benefits fraudster ziplining in Mexico and a man who looks like Jeffrey Epstein, plus a passionate rant about bizarre hot cross bun flavours and a gratitude nod to homemade cake.
The episode blends seriousness and silliness in a way that feels very human – ideal if you want recovery chat that’s honest, practical, and makes you laugh. If you’ve ever felt judged for something you genuinely struggle with, could this be the perspective shift you need?
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