Lucas Barnes

Has a lived experience of addiction

Addiction has always been a part of my life from memory from early childhood starting with basketball cards, then in my early teens discovering amphetamines and ecstasy as a way to escape traumas which then spiralled into in my mid 20s until it hit its final form of gambling in my late 20s to early 30s.

I had reached out for help via the limited services I could find for gambling, with each attempt not getting the results I thought I needed.

It was not until 2019, nine years into my heavy gambling addiction that I had the opportunity to be a part of Addicted Australia, which for the first time gave me an inclusive environment focusing on the addiction rather than the vice and a full transparent wrap around support and supportive community.

I am now the happiest I have ever been 18 months on.