*This campaign does not offer support services. If you are seeking support please view services here or phone the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 or Gambler's Help Hotline on 1800 858 858*
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.
Michelle
Has a lived experience of addiction
Hitting rock bottom gave me a second chance. Even at age 45, it is never too late for miracles too happen.
Tania
Family Member or friend
Sliding door moments may happen only once. Let's help those that are locked in.
Maree
Family Member of friend
I am a mother of a son with an addiction to alcohol, and this has been totally devastating to our family… We have to remove the stigma as addiction does not discriminate.
Lee
Senior Registered Nurse
I am a senior registered nurse and my specialty is mental health and AOD nursing.
Nicola
Family Member or friend
If society saw it differently, and it was treated like other illnesses, I believe things could be different.
Jenny
Has a lived experience of addiction
I am now 125 days sober, love my life and am studying to become a drug and alcohol counsellor. I have no shame or embarrassment anymore.
Nikki
Has a lived experience of addiction
I didn’t get clean on my first attempt, nor my fiftieth, but I persevered and kept trying. I held onto a glimmer of hope, however dim, that change was possible.
Toni-Lee
Has a lived experience of addiction
Finally I got clean and sober in a long-term rehab and it saved my life. Have remained clean and sober for 30 years, and life is wonderful!!
Kate
Has a lived experience of addiction
It took me 7 years and 3 rehab stays before I got sober. I’m now in a great place but can’t help but think it could’ve been earlier if I didn’t feel such shame and if it was easier to get help.
Kelly
Addiction Psychiatrist
As an addiction psychiatrist I know that substance use disorders can effect anyone, no matter their age, their job, their background. Everyone has a story that brought them to this point.
Gabrielle
Has a lived experience of addiction
After another 6 years of alcohol dependence and many unsupported attempts to quit drinking, I chose a path of sobriety 3 weeks before my sons first birthday. I put down the bottle for the last time on the 1/1/2019 and I am now over 2 years sober. I live the happy, healthy, hangover-free lifestyle with my family that I always dreamed of.
Lucas Barnes
Has a lived experience of addiction
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.