Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Niziol.
Hi Jonathan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’m Jonathan Niziol, and my journey has been marked by profound loss and personal struggles. A 15-year spiral into the depths of alcoholism, drug abuse, exercise addiction, severe anxiety, panic disorder and clinical depression began with the sudden death of a parent, the loss of close friends, and a harrowing incident of sexual assault as an adult on a modelling casting. Despite the carefully constructed facade of success on social media, my life remained a hidden battle until now.
My early life on a farm east of Toronto provided a serene and carefree environment. Guided by hardworking parents who instilled values of work ethic, sustainability, and harmony, I enjoyed a childhood free from the pressures of social media.
Returning home from college at age 20, I faced a devastating blow – the sudden death of my mother on the eve of my 21st birthday. This loss triggered a downward spiral into anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. My life became a blur of panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and a desperate attempt to escape through alcohol.
The turning point came when a near-death experience, diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, which resulted in a month long stay in hospital after having 5 blood transfusions, lost 60lbs in total and almost died twice. This forced me to confront the severity of my non functioning alcohol addiction.
A year after leaving the hospital and following on from my mothers shoes, I signed with my first modeling agency at Sutherland Models who I am still represented by 15 years later. I began travelling internationally for modelling and was representing in and received contracts in multiple markets such as Cape Town – South Africa, Miami, New York, LA, Seattle, London- England and Dallas where I am currently also represented by Campbells Models.
However, the path to recovery was fraught with challenges. My newfound interest in fitness, initially a positive outlet, morphed into an unhealthy obsession. Early in my modelling career a trauma from a sexual assault in Miami whilst on a casting by a designer further intensified my struggles, leading to an 8 year battle with an eating disorder and functional bulimia. My coping mechanisms escalated to habitual marijuana use, and I endured the loss of two close friends.
My life in Toronto became characterized by isolation, excessive weed smoking, and the abuse of various substances, including a dangerous cocktail of medications.
Reaching a breaking point, I sought professional help and embarked on a grueling therapeutic process at the age of 35. Through therapy, I gained the tools to navigate life without relying on addictive routines. My journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance transformed me into a beacon of hope.
Now, at 16 years sober and seven years free from relapse of drug use, I use my social media platform to share my story, hoping others can draw strength from my experiences. My mission is to break the stigma surrounding mental health struggles and addiction, eating disorders, sexual assaults and standing proud and offering support to those who feel alone in their battles.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the spring of 2003, the day before my 21st birthday, an unexpected call shattered the tranquility I had just started to savor after moving out 11 days earlier. The news delivered a harsh blow — my mother had suddenly died by choking. Shock, denial, and a torrent of unresolved questions thrust me into an unforeseen reality.
For approximately a year, I relied on a fragile support system, but it collapsed suddenly, revealing an intensifying battle with anxiety and clinical depression. Each day turned into a battleground of panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and an overwhelming sense of dread, driving me towards the comforting escape of alcohol.
Each day, I indulged in over fifteen drinks, predominantly beer, sealing my plunge into full-blown alcoholism by age 25. Ensnared in depression, self-harm and weighing 265lbs with 40% body fat, a critical juncture unfolded at 25 with an acute pancreatitis diagnosis. This propelled me into four distressing weeks in a Toronto medical facility, hanging on the precipice of death with five blood transfusions and a loss of 60lbs.
Recovery remained elusive as my initial embrace of fitness to bring meaning to my alcohol-free life turned into an unhealthy obsession. The modelling scene’s harsh standards and intense competition drew me in, leading to comparisons with Men’s Health models. A revelation hit after meeting these models, prompting a shift — shedding weight became my new focus.
A traumatic event in Miami, where I experienced a sexual assault during a casting by a designer, set off a psychological spiral into a life-threatening obsession. Intensified focus on working out masked the repression of trauma, leading to an eating disorder and functional bulimia. I needed that dopamine hit or release, so I would get a bunch of junk food, eat my way through it, regret it, and get rid of it… and that became a habit.
A weekend visit while living in London with a fellow Canadian model, spawned a new addiction. Reflecting on the good times upon returning, I thought, I could really go for some weed right now. Thus commenced seven years of habitual marijuana smoking. Hindsight exposed my incapacity to dabble in anything, as each release fueled an unrelenting desire. Sadly, it took a significant amount of time for me to connect the dots.
My refuge in smoking cannabis deepened amid traumatic incidents, including the loss of three best friends — one to suicide, one to a car accident — and another to an underlying heart condition.
This began a new chapter of drug addictions. I was abusing Adderall, using nitrous oxide, and taking muscle-relaxing pills called Robax (methocarbamol) in extreme amounts — each pill contained 500g of methocarbamol, 200mg of ibupofen. I was taking 100 pills a day, everyday which equates to 50,000g of methocarbamol and 20,000mg of Ibuprofen.
In a moment of desperation, I acknowledged that my current path wasn’t working. This realization prompted me to seek therapy. With unwavering determination, I embarked on a journey to amplify fleeting moments of tranquility and perspective, dedicated to reclaiming my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I began with a flourishing career as a lacrosse player, drafted 31st overall by the Arizona Sting in the 2005 NLL Entry Draft and playing professionally for 3 years in Canada. Today, I celebrate a continuous successful 15-year journey as an international model, representing various states and working with global brands like Men’s Health Editorial, Hugo Boss, and dozens of other big name clientelle. Alongside my modeling career, I’ve become a fitness role model after being a certified personal trainer for 14 years and for the last 3 years a real estate investor here in Dallas/Fort Worth. My current focus is fueled by the belief that sharing my story can be a lifeline for those facing similar battles. The resilience I’ve found drives me to empower others on their path to recovery and mental well-being.
My key strength is bridging the gap between dreams and actionable steps. Recognizing the fleeting nature of time and inspired by my dad’s advice — “There’s never going to be a perfect time, so just get started” — I adopted a proactive approach. Overcoming hesitation, I consciously chose to step up, committing to turn my ideas into reality. This newfound clarity became my driving force, propelling me with intentional steps toward realizing my dreams, fueled by the power of persistence.
I take immense pride in my journey of resilience and transformation after enduring years of trauma and battling addictions. Emerging on the other side as a better individual, I celebrate the strength that carried me through the darkest times. The lessons learned, the scars healed, and the personal growth achieved are a testament to my tenacity and the unwavering belief that one can rise above adversity. I stand proud of the person I’ve become, knowing that my journey is not just a tale of survival but a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for healing and renewal.
What makes you happy?
What brings me profound happiness is the simple joy of being surrounded by good friends and engaging with people. Whether it’s a casual conversation at the gym or the camaraderie of playing hockey with my teams four nights a week, these connections are priceless to me. And I cannot forget my bestfriend and dog Bayly who has been with me for 10 years and has provided unconditional love and support and helped me through dozens of rock bottoms.
Furthermore, the opportunity to be someone’s lifeline, a person they can turn to, fills my heart with purpose. I derive immense satisfaction from helping others, and while unburdening myself from my own personal secrets and shames and by sharing my own vulnerable and daunting story, the outreach and impact on people’s lives far outweigh any challenges I’ve faced. It’s a source of fulfillment that drives me to continue making a positive difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonathanniziolofficial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanniziol/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094469487456
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-niziol-62460698/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd78GKaSm71__LwE-2OKZew
- Other: https://jonathanniziol.komi.io
For bookings:
- For modelling please contact my Dallas based agency Campbell Models – https://www.thecampbellagency.com/portfolio/men-mainboard/men/1638937/jonathan-niziol
- For personal training please either use the website below or contact me directly on niziol.jonathan@gmail.com
