[Bianca]

Wow, you are amazing for sharing this - many of us have or have had demons in the closet. My Dad - whom I loved, was a shocking alcoholic - my brother & I were there to pick Mum up off the floor after many a beating for the silliest things, his dinner went cold because he was so late from the pub - he spent all the food money on beer & tobacco - we had no food money and Mum would grow all the vegies and what she made for dinner was amazing - we never went hungry or without - but I know Mum did. x

 

[goatwhisperer]

Facing Your Demons​

This account was inspired by well known and respected SDC forum member, Suzanne Rose.

What you about to read is one of many struggles faced by everyday Australians. That is, the subject of substance abuse, specifically alcohol, from a personal perspective.

My first foray into alcohol was at the tender age of eight when Dad used to give me a tiny glass of froth from his beer. First impressions were “Yuck…how could anybody drink this?”. Fast forward six years and in the company of two friends around the same age, we polished off a 26 ounce bottle of Bond 7 scotch on Christmas Eve. One mate ended up in a bad way, vomiting all over his mother upon arrival home. Luckily, I didn’t face the same fate. No more alcohol for me for nearly four years.

On my 18th birthday in 1977, I ventured into my first pub. Nothing of note occurred on the night, but it molded me in what I was to gradually become in the next 46 years.

My school days were showered with success, topping the class all through primary school. In 5th class (now known as Year 5}, I secured a placement in an Opportunity Class for gifted students at Lakemba Public School for two years. At Narwee Boys’ High School, I topped the school in Science and Geography from 1971 to 1975. I never made it to 6th form.

I left high school on 7 November 1975, four days before Gough Whitlam’s dismissal. I had a sense of something nasty brewing on the political front in the weeks leading up to this event, so I departed. I started work less than a week later at a neighbour’s company whom I was with for 14 years. Unemployment was not a word in my vocabulary with barely time off during my next three jobs, the last being in Queensland.

In 2010, things changed drastically. After being charged with serious assault after a drunken night in Bundaberg’s, Queensland, CBD, I received a three month jail term at Maryborough Correctional Centre. It is here that I rubbed shoulders with murderers, Spanish cocaine importers and armed robbers. It didn’t faze me in the least – my policy was to keep your nose clean and not engage in any angry or fearful behaviour.

Freedom didn’t last long. Less than 18 months later, I was behind bars for a second time – for restraining a person after being struck over the head with a large wooden doll’s house. Another 33 days of my life snuffed out due to drinking. However, the other person got off scot free. Upon release, the Queensland Government deemed me unfit to partake in disability support work after nearly 20 years in the job.

This was a turning point in my life. Drinking became a way of life as I was disillusioned with everything, I would drink most days and to excess. In July 2015, I relocated to Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. Having spent my formative years in one of Sydney’s toughest and roughest suburbs, namely Riverwood, I fell into a “lovely” place called Dandenong. It is here that I received my fourth drink driving charge in October 2015 and slapped with an attempted murder and use of a controlled weapon charges, both of which were dropped due to lack of evidence. Understandably, the drink driving stuck and I haven’t driven to this day.

Then along comes COVID. What a false blessing indeed! With substantially increased Jobseeker payments and all the time in the world, myself and a best mate, along with our “share” girlfriend, undertook a course of spiraling self destruction. For months on end, it was rent first, alcohol second and food a distant third in our financial priorities. Anything else didn’t exist. As we had alternating pay weeks, the supply of alcohol was endless. Wake up, get a stubby, drink ten or more then off to the bottle shop for more supplies. We ended up getting casks of cheap wine for backup. Go to sleep, wake up and start all over – for months on end.

While my friends didn’t suffer (that I know of), I felt something was seriously wrong. I had my last drink on 27 February this year and admitted myself to hospital two days later. Ten days later, I was transferred to a specialist liver clinic at Clayton Monash Hospital where I had 10.1 kgs of abdominal fluid drained from my body in five hours – sure signs of a very sick liver. After multiple medications and total abstinence from alcohol, I have stabilized. Although the specialists have never said that word – cirrhosis – to my face, from analysing the symptoms and medications, I’ve got it. It’s not curable, once you have it, you have it for life, not unlike herpes, which I also have.

My recovery has been a minor miracle is halting the progression of the disease. Now I’m on six monthly checkups, much to the treating staff’s delight. And mine!

I don’t blame anybody but myself for the life I’ve led, just me. It wasn’t my upbringing or childhood environment that put me where I am presently. I’ve paid the price. Two broken marriages, three lost houses and now a life of bare existence, a day to day proposition in reality. The bottom line is that wanting to see what 2024 would look like, provided the main motivation for where I am now.

Feel free to ask me any questions, whether you are facing the same or not. As I’ve said before, I’m here to help where I can.

Thank you for your audience.

Thank you for having the courage to share your story, and many blessings that you enjoy the rest of your life. You story brought tears to my eyes. I have a brother who is in his 60's and is an alcoholic, but fortunately didn't end up in a life of violence, rather he has retreated and lives like hermit with no friends, his only "friend" and not a good one being casks of red wine or Port. He. Has 7 siblings and we have all tried to help him. He also smokes and has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and can't walk ten steps without being puffed out..we all feel so sad that his life is booze cigarettes and isolation..no way to live at all..

 

[Veggiepatch]

Very brave man to open up and tell your story......I admire you.
Have you thought of telling your story to young people ?
So many, young men inparticular, go down that track involving alcohol and making bad decisions.
It's so sad when this happens to someone who otherwise could have had such a wonderful normal life.
If you could attend schools and talk to young people about your experiences, I'm sure it would help some people, who might otherwise go down the wrong track in life.
That is the problem these days, that there isn't enough education on the basics of life....rather than learning foreign languages etc. young people should be taught about life skills, having respect for other people, which is badly missing in our society these days..... some kids are out of control in my opinion and think the world owes them something !
Good luck with the rest of your life.

Actually, I'm currently studying Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs at Chisholm TAFE. With the exception of two other students, I would be twice the age of most. In same boat as me, but involving ice and/or heroin, jail time and other issues, but a great bunch of people. They sort of look up to me as the "elder statesman", which is quite flattering.

 

[RFG]

My struggle that became a blessing. Had my son in 1975, our second child. Mothers instinct, I knew something was not right. He was born woth osteogenesisimperfecta, O.I for short term. He was born with 7 fractures whilst in utero, after birth a massive skull fracture & a broken femur. He spent most of his first 2 years in hospital with many many broken bones. Cannot, count the many operations...could not use plaster on him as the weight would break more bones, could not use traction as that would also break his bones. He had an experimental operation at 5 weeks old which was successful, (and recorded in medical journals)... but he still broke bones. A cough, a sneeze, a simple movement. We stopped counting at 764 broken bones at age of 14years. Fast forward, he has surpassed all assumptions by Drs on life span and accomplishments. He has a successful career, several business accolades and is a kind, generous, thoughtful and intelligent human being. He has never asked "why me" nor complained. He is my hero and my biggest blessing in life.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Very brave man to open up and tell your story......I admire you.
Have you thought of telling your story to young people ?
So many, young men inparticular, go down that track involving alcohol and making bad decisions.
It's so sad when this happens to someone who otherwise could have had such a wonderful normal life.
If you could attend schools and talk to young people about your experiences, I'm sure it would help some people, who might otherwise go down the wrong track in life.
That is the problem these days, that there isn't enough education on the basics of life....rather than learning foreign languages etc. young people should be taught about life skills, having respect for other people, which is badly missing in our society these days..... some kids are out of control in my opinion and think the world owes them something !
Good luck with the rest of your life.

Totally agree

 

[Suzanne rose]

A little thing called peer pressure has a lot to do with it. But then again, nobody forced me to drink - that decision was solely mine.

Same with illicit drug addicts. I don't know of the many hundreds of heroin and ice addicts who were held down and injected with a substance they didn't want.

Agree ,but only if they had the strength to say no, now that is hard , peer pressure is the worst.
,my son was a follower.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Actually, I'm currently studying Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs at Chisholm TAFE. With the exception of two other students, I would be twice the age of most. In same boat as me, but involving ice and/or heroin, jail time and other issues, but a great bunch of people. They sort of look up to me as the "elder statesman", which is quite flattering.

I have a strong feeling that you are going to help others , sometimes we go through this that actually make us a better person.

 

[mOiOz]

Veggiepatch, I'm honoured to be invited in sharing your life so openly,
Thrilled to hear how you have conquered your demons... stay safe and... consider changing your name from 'Veggie' to Fruitful'...!

 

[Macarj]

Wow VeggiePatch what a life you’ve had and what is amazing is that you accept full responsibility for the stuff you have done. I’m so glad that you are doing well now, keep up the good work. My life has been so ordinary compared to a lot of you but thats okay. Keep posting comments, I look for your thoughts each day as we often seem to agree.
Good luck VeggiePatch.

I feel I might have gone a similar path but then I met my wife and we are still together after 43 years

 

[Maddison Dwyer]

This was an incredible piece of writing @Veggiepatch so very real and raw. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all, you have certainly touched me with your honesty! I hope you're doing well

 

[Miss Chris]

Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us…..great to read that you’re doing well now, congratulations. I know it’s difficult but please stay strong…..you’re worth it….

 

[Suzanne rose]

Wow, you are amazing for sharing this - many of us have or have had demons in the closet. My Dad - whom I loved, was a shocking alcoholic - my brother & I were there to pick Mum up off the floor after many a beating for the silliest things, his dinner went cold because he was so late from the pub - he spent all the food money on beer & tobacco - we had no food money and Mum would grow all the vegies and what she made for dinner was amazing - we never went hungry or without - but I know Mum did. x

My father did the same , pay day would drink away the money then go home and beat mum. Many a time he would pick her up from my grandparents , start a fight hit her once, and he would get knocked out by my grandfather , loaded in my Pa's Ute and dropped off at the hospital . This was on repeat he never learnt .

I was the lucky one I was raised by my grandparents.

What a strong lady your mum must have been.

 

[Knackers]

Veggiepatch, thank you for another as always interesting post.... although this one is certainly way 'blacker' than your normal lighter hearted, mostly irreverent posts! Your zest and wit for life has always been apparent, but you have now given us an insight of your brave journey to finally achieving some genuine solace to your twilight years! I join with all the other forum members in congratulating you for all your achievements and sincerely wish you continuing happiness and success! As you consistently remind us, you have accepted full responsibility for your decisions. May they all be positive for you, henceforth!

 

[Veggiepatch]

My father did the same , pay day would drink away the money then go home and beat mum. Many a time he would pick her up from my grandparents , start a fight hit her once, and he would get knocked out by my grandfather , loaded in my Pa's Ute and dropped off at the hospital . This was on repeat he never learnt .

I was the lucky one I was raised by my grandparents.

What a strong lady your mum must have been.

Luckily for me, there was no evidence of domestic violence in my childhood home that I knew of. Dad was a passive weekend drunk. Mum and Dad used to go out until the early hours of the morning, come home pissed every Friday and Saturday night without problem.

 

[Veggiepatch]

This was an incredible piece of writing @Veggiepatch so very real and raw. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all, you have certainly touched me with your honesty! I hope you're doing well

As I've mentioned before in another thread, I say it how it is and don't sugarcoat things to appease to others. Some people on SDC say that I am harsh and unreasonable but I can handle that, sometimes with an attempted reply at humour. But some don't see it that way as I don't have a serious bone in my body. You could call it a subconscious coping mechanism. Who knows!

 

[Time to chat]

Facing Your Demons​

This account was inspired by well known and respected SDC forum member, Suzanne Rose.

What you about to read is one of many struggles faced by everyday Australians. That is, the subject of substance abuse, specifically alcohol, from a personal perspective.

My first foray into alcohol was at the tender age of eight when Dad used to give me a tiny glass of froth from his beer. First impressions were “Yuck…how could anybody drink this?”. Fast forward six years and in the company of two friends around the same age, we polished off a 26 ounce bottle of Bond 7 scotch on Christmas Eve. One mate ended up in a bad way, vomiting all over his mother upon arrival home. Luckily, I didn’t face the same fate. No more alcohol for me for nearly four years.

On my 18th birthday in 1977, I ventured into my first pub. Nothing of note occurred on the night, but it molded me in what I was to gradually become in the next 46 years.

My school days were showered with success, topping the class all through primary school. In 5th class (now known as Year 5}, I secured a placement in an Opportunity Class for gifted students at Lakemba Public School for two years. At Narwee Boys’ High School, I topped the school in Science and Geography from 1971 to 1975. I never made it to 6th form.

I left high school on 7 November 1975, four days before Gough Whitlam’s dismissal. I had a sense of something nasty brewing on the political front in the weeks leading up to this event, so I departed. I started work less than a week later at a neighbour’s company whom I was with for 14 years. Unemployment was not a word in my vocabulary with barely time off during my next three jobs, the last being in Queensland.

In 2010, things changed drastically. After being charged with serious assault after a drunken night in Bundaberg’s, Queensland, CBD, I received a three month jail term at Maryborough Correctional Centre. It is here that I rubbed shoulders with murderers, Spanish cocaine importers and armed robbers. It didn’t faze me in the least – my policy was to keep your nose clean and not engage in any angry or fearful behaviour.

Freedom didn’t last long. Less than 18 months later, I was behind bars for a second time – for restraining a person after being struck over the head with a large wooden doll’s house. Another 33 days of my life snuffed out due to drinking. However, the other person got off scot free. Upon release, the Queensland Government deemed me unfit to partake in disability support work after nearly 20 years in the job.

This was a turning point in my life. Drinking became a way of life as I was disillusioned with everything, I would drink most days and to excess. In July 2015, I relocated to Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. Having spent my formative years in one of Sydney’s toughest and roughest suburbs, namely Riverwood, I fell into a “lovely” place called Dandenong. It is here that I received my fourth drink driving charge in October 2015 and slapped with an attempted murder and use of a controlled weapon charges, both of which were dropped due to lack of evidence. Understandably, the drink driving stuck and I haven’t driven to this day.

Then along comes COVID. What a false blessing indeed! With substantially increased Jobseeker payments and all the time in the world, myself and a best mate, along with our “share” girlfriend, undertook a course of spiraling self destruction. For months on end, it was rent first, alcohol second and food a distant third in our financial priorities. Anything else didn’t exist. As we had alternating pay weeks, the supply of alcohol was endless. Wake up, get a stubby, drink ten or more then off to the bottle shop for more supplies. We ended up getting casks of cheap wine for backup. Go to sleep, wake up and start all over – for months on end.

While my friends didn’t suffer (that I know of), I felt something was seriously wrong. I had my last drink on 27 February this year and admitted myself to hospital two days later. Ten days later, I was transferred to a specialist liver clinic at Clayton Monash Hospital where I had 10.1 kgs of abdominal fluid drained from my body in five hours – sure signs of a very sick liver. After multiple medications and total abstinence from alcohol, I have stabilized. Although the specialists have never said that word – cirrhosis – to my face, from analysing the symptoms and medications, I’ve got it. It’s not curable, once you have it, you have it for life, not unlike herpes, which I also have.

My recovery has been a minor miracle is halting the progression of the disease. Now I’m on six monthly checkups, much to the treating staff’s delight. And mine!

I don’t blame anybody but myself for the life I’ve led, just me. It wasn’t my upbringing or childhood environment that put me where I am presently. I’ve paid the price. Two broken marriages, three lost houses and now a life of bare existence, a day to day proposition in reality. The bottom line is that wanting to see what 2024 would look like, provided the main motivation for where I am now.

Feel free to ask me any questions, whether you are facing the same or not. As I’ve said before, I’m here to help where I can.

Thank you for your audience.

I’m so glad you finally saw the light. It’s just sad that it took so long to realise you were on a road of destruction. Better late than never they say. I wish you all the best of luck for your future. Stay dry my dear friend.

 

[MaggieAmalia]

Facing Your Demons​

This account was inspired by well known and respected SDC forum member, Suzanne Rose.

What you about to read is one of many struggles faced by everyday Australians. That is, the subject of substance abuse, specifically alcohol, from a personal perspective.

My first foray into alcohol was at the tender age of eight when Dad used to give me a tiny glass of froth from his beer. First impressions were “Yuck…how could anybody drink this?”. Fast forward six years and in the company of two friends around the same age, we polished off a 26 ounce bottle of Bond 7 scotch on Christmas Eve. One mate ended up in a bad way, vomiting all over his mother upon arrival home. Luckily, I didn’t face the same fate. No more alcohol for me for nearly four years.

On my 18th birthday in 1977, I ventured into my first pub. Nothing of note occurred on the night, but it molded me in what I was to gradually become in the next 46 years.

My school days were showered with success, topping the class all through primary school. In 5th class (now known as Year 5}, I secured a placement in an Opportunity Class for gifted students at Lakemba Public School for two years. At Narwee Boys’ High School, I topped the school in Science and Geography from 1971 to 1975. I never made it to 6th form.

I left high school on 7 November 1975, four days before Gough Whitlam’s dismissal. I had a sense of something nasty brewing on the political front in the weeks leading up to this event, so I departed. I started work less than a week later at a neighbour’s company whom I was with for 14 years. Unemployment was not a word in my vocabulary with barely time off during my next three jobs, the last being in Queensland.

In 2010, things changed drastically. After being charged with serious assault after a drunken night in Bundaberg’s, Queensland, CBD, I received a three month jail term at Maryborough Correctional Centre. It is here that I rubbed shoulders with murderers, Spanish cocaine importers and armed robbers. It didn’t faze me in the least – my policy was to keep your nose clean and not engage in any angry or fearful behaviour.

Freedom didn’t last long. Less than 18 months later, I was behind bars for a second time – for restraining a person after being struck over the head with a large wooden doll’s house. Another 33 days of my life snuffed out due to drinking. However, the other person got off scot free. Upon release, the Queensland Government deemed me unfit to partake in disability support work after nearly 20 years in the job.

This was a turning point in my life. Drinking became a way of life as I was disillusioned with everything, I would drink most days and to excess. In July 2015, I relocated to Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. Having spent my formative years in one of Sydney’s toughest and roughest suburbs, namely Riverwood, I fell into a “lovely” place called Dandenong. It is here that I received my fourth drink driving charge in October 2015 and slapped with an attempted murder and use of a controlled weapon charges, both of which were dropped due to lack of evidence. Understandably, the drink driving stuck and I haven’t driven to this day.

Then along comes COVID. What a false blessing indeed! With substantially increased Jobseeker payments and all the time in the world, myself and a best mate, along with our “share” girlfriend, undertook a course of spiraling self destruction. For months on end, it was rent first, alcohol second and food a distant third in our financial priorities. Anything else didn’t exist. As we had alternating pay weeks, the supply of alcohol was endless. Wake up, get a stubby, drink ten or more then off to the bottle shop for more supplies. We ended up getting casks of cheap wine for backup. Go to sleep, wake up and start all over – for months on end.

While my friends didn’t suffer (that I know of), I felt something was seriously wrong. I had my last drink on 27 February this year and admitted myself to hospital two days later. Ten days later, I was transferred to a specialist liver clinic at Clayton Monash Hospital where I had 10.1 kgs of abdominal fluid drained from my body in five hours – sure signs of a very sick liver. After multiple medications and total abstinence from alcohol, I have stabilized. Although the specialists have never said that word – cirrhosis – to my face, from analysing the symptoms and medications, I’ve got it. It’s not curable, once you have it, you have it for life, not unlike herpes, which I also have.

My recovery has been a minor miracle is halting the progression of the disease. Now I’m on six monthly checkups, much to the treating staff’s delight. And mine!

I don’t blame anybody but myself for the life I’ve led, just me. It wasn’t my upbringing or childhood environment that put me where I am presently. I’ve paid the price. Two broken marriages, three lost houses and now a life of bare existence, a day to day proposition in reality. The bottom line is that wanting to see what 2024 would look like, provided the main motivation for where I am now.

Feel free to ask me any questions, whether you are facing the same or not. As I’ve said before, I’m here to help where I can.

Thank you for your audience.

Your life indeed has been adventurous, colourful, difficult and heartbreaking. But the end result is a person grounded, empathetic and strong and I believe have now found your true calling and destiny as you and you experiences will encourage others to be the best version of themselves and without judgement of others I see you standing in the classrooms of schools and dharing your personal story. In fact it is my belief a book is just around the corner that would be well received in school and public libraries as it would be a well read journey of a life that is one of others but unique because you have the courage to share yours. I wish every success in your journey moving ahead and honour and respect you. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Noraya]

thank you for sharing your story! I ve had my share of alcohol dependant people in my life (father, brother, friends, husband... you name it). I know the other side of it and wish, people would read and listen to what you wrote/saud. The thing is that most of them are in denial (I can always stop it if I want!), so you cant help them until they are ready to help themselves! Congratulations for being dry for months now, and I wish you all the best, one day at a time.

 

[Suzanne rose]

A legend in my own mirror....

You are too alot of people you just don't realise it

 

[Pink lion]

WOW.. that's a very chunky story mate. I cannot relate to a lot of it as I've done life differently, but I most certainly applaud you getting through it sun. Well done!! I hope that your everyday gets stronger Vegge patch. Yeah, brother it is true, you have to make your choices.
I'm 70 next Monday, and it's decided that I'm going to get back in front of crowds again after a few years of injury recovery. I love my solitude, but I do miss the fun and I sure could do with the money to get a few things sorted.
I never did hang out with anyone, I got creative and stayed pretty much in that moment. I haven't had addictions at all, except towards the wonder of women and sigh yes even at age 70, I'm still energetically effected by that.

I have never had an addiction never tried what so many other Aussies tried, mostly because I just wasn't interested, I guess. I've spent years off my face in pristine locations and over the years as you do and maaan I have had literally "HEAPS" of Chunky and downright funky calamities to deal with. So in that we are pretty much all the same. WELLCOME TO EARTH. Why isn't that a T-shirt?

I've lived in over 100 different locations including in houses, flats, caravans, in treehouses, on deserted beaches, spent days undercliff overhangs in a cave twice, in tents, under tarps, in Commer vans, cars, lived on boats, in garages mansions was the caretaker for two different buildings, lived in units and now I'm in a building site hut. I've had about 60 or more different jobs and touched the edge of the pool of very high notoriety about four times. Been on television on stage raved on the radio etc etc there's a lot.

I've had well over 100 different partners and about 87 interactive confrontations where I have had no option but to damage a few. I've most definitely almost died about 11 or more times, saved people from dying at five different times and lived a life as a loner, I've had so many issues to sort out due to my being the new guy in town for years. I was asked to leave home by my mother, the day I got my driver's license. I discovered my face was on a milk carton and I had been a missing person for five years when a sergeant in the Beenleigh police station said he would arrest me. I said why and he told me I was on the police computer listed as missing. I've been in trouble with the law because I'm a larrikin but I know the ways. I've never attacked a person ever in my entire life and so as an innocent person, I've never done time.

Well there you go Veggie patch. Look what you have done by your bravery in telling your story ol' sun... I reckon a few of us will blurt out similar life experiences after reading of yours. I never thought I would say this and though it's only a bit it just goes to show. Life is an experience ol' mate, and every one of us has experienced, and are experiencing their own part in it... Thanks for sharing yours, hey bloke..