Kathryn

Has a lived experience of addiction

It started when I was 20 and I used for the first time to try and impress a friend. My substance use impacted my personal relationship resulting in domestic violence. It impacted my family relationships as I became withdrawn from them. I somehow managed to raise three special needs boys.

In 2017 I lost my partner and moved states. My use increased and I started injecting. I had a bad week one week, gave up care of my boys to my family and then used for a whole week. I ended up in a mental health ward in psychosis, which was my hell.

While in there, I found out about a free 12 week counselling program. I found treatment so much better than I’d ever imagined. I learned so much about myself and addiction during that time.

Fast forward to now and I have a job in peer support work.