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REAL STORIES

To help tackle the harmful stigma and misinformation surrounding addiction, Rethink Addiction provides this space to share the real stories of addiction. These are real people who have lived with addiction, supported a family member or friend, or have been involved in providing clinical care or peer support.


In sharing the real stories of addiction we see that it is a complex issue that touches all Australians, but that help is available and change is possible. Read through the stories below and see how addiction has impacted the lives of everyday Australians and how important getting help can be.

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CONTENT WARNING: Please note that some stories may highlight themes of suicide, domestic violence and/or assault. These themes have not been removed to remain true to our storytellers' lived experiences.

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Louise

Has a lived experience of addiction

More than three years since my last drink I’m committed to an alcohol-free life. I don’t feel as though I miss out. In fact, I feel like I’ve escaped the world’s biggest con.

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Victoria

Has a lived experience of addiction

I am passionate about helping others stuck in a pattern of normalised social binge drinking.

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Ken & Sylvia

Family Member or friend

We found a support group for people like us - desperate parents, partners, children and loved ones.

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Toni

Has a lived experience of addiction

I have been in recovery for 31 years and have completely turned my life around.

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Jo

Has a lived experience of addiction

I called Directline for help, that phone call changed my life. I have been sober for two years now and am ready to help others in their recovery.

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Annie

Has a lived experience of addiction

Through the grace of a sliding door moment, I have re-imagined and re-created this life.

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Tony

Has a lived experience of addiction

My prime motivator is to live with love and speak my truth.

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Lance

Family Member or friend

It's now my mission to help others, and minimise the time to intervention.

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Sascha

Has a lived experience of addiction

I am okay now and have a good job but addiction is an ongoing struggle that is a very real every day part of my life.

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Nat

Has a lived experience of addiction

I wanted to get off the wickedly terrible merry-go-round I had been on.

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