[Bullwinkle]

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.

 

[Brody]

Hi Vege Patch,Firstly congratulations in eventually being strong enough to "turn it around" obviously there are still medical problems that you have to cope with. I am sorry that they are ongoing for you. A clean slate would have been ideal. But at least you have not gone to the "why me"scenario. I personally admire you for not playing "the blame game".
That is usually the way it goes. However it is commendable in many ways that you didn't do the that.
I sincerely hope that your conditions are at least manageable and improving as far as possible. There is a way for you to realise, that the past is just that, past.
A new beginning, a new hope, forgive yourself for the past, it is gone. Be kind to
yourself, and appreciate that things will get better, I personally thank you for your bravery and I hope you have somebody to help you along the way. Some guy said " No Man is an Island"
I don't know where that came from, but it is very true. We all have our Baggage, you have and are dealing with yours. Brighter and Better Days ahead. Be Strong you have dealt with your Demons. Let us know how you are going, use this avenue to support yourself and to Strengthen your new life, free from the burdens of the past.

 

[Margaret66]

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.

Congrats to you, you and your life is worth everything. Keep going strong.

That is very brave to tell your story. Some people will take notice others won't. All the best for your health in the future

 

[Bullwinkle]

Just not sure I could be as open to others, that you have been…but I commend you..I’m sure we all have “demons”…I’ll leave mine lay low for awhile longer…

 

[Jo Piper3]

Thank you so much for your bravery in sharing this. It is truly an inspiration to know that you overcame your problems and it has resulted in a positive self image for you. Take care please.

 

[Starry]

Your story needs to be told in person to High School students. They need to now the consequences of over drinking of alcohol. It is the No. 1 cause of car accidents and violence in Australia. Thank you for your honesty and candor.

 

[Leenie]

One step in the wrong direction- can start the spiral
Brave of you to do this
Some of us end up where you are today without the alcohol/ jail time and liver disease - Just hitched our wagon to the wrong star and suffered the consequences. Lives of hard work that ought to have been stable and financially secure end up being sabotaged by illness/ economic collapse and deceitful people. I have worked since I was 16 - 72 with only 2 years to have my children - with not a lot to show for it - but life has been an adventure and I didn’t allow the drama to derail my life completely- just broke now but so what! I’ve had the good things in life and I’m extremely grateful to live in a country like Australia now in latter years.

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.

Veggiepatch I am so sorry for what you have been through , I’m sure there are better days ahead , Chin up , and please don’t loose that sense of humour as I’m sure there will be happiness at the end of the rainbow.

 

[gordon1940]

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.

What a read!! Stay strong. My heart goes out to you. Your story will have real impact of those who have been, or are, in the same position. Bless you.

 

[PattiB]

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

I definitely think veggiepatch is a legend, and I love his sense of humour!

 

[maxesmum]

Such a very brave thing to do. Congratulations on your sobriety. Be proud of yourself. I know just how hard it is.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Such a very brave thing to do. Congratulations on your sobriety. Be proud of yourself. I know just how hard it is.

Once you start on the good road, there's no getting off. I can walk into a pub anytime, watch the races and have a good time. Even the bar staff have a schooner of lemon squash ready for me as I get to the bar. I now have zero interest in alcohol, however, I do not condemn those who do or preach about the evils of alcohol.

I'm in a happy place.

 

[Leenie]

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.

 

[Leenie]

Veggie patch I’m so sorry for all you went through, I’m sure there are better times ahead ,Chin up , and never lose your sense of humour ,you will find happiness in the days ahead, you never know what’s at the end of the rainbow.xxxx

 

[LeslieD]

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.

You should be so proud of your achievements. 🩷🩷

 

[Veggiepatch]

I wish to thank all and every one of you in SDC land who supported my decision and continuing path with sobriety. You have strengthened my determination to maintain my direction.

I can not thank you enough!

 

[LMW1]

Veggiepatch, I am sure you will be an inspiration to others who may be facing their own struggles with addiction and I congratulate you on your achievements. To have the courage to write all this stuff down and share it with others is amazing and I'm sure healing for you, I sincerely wish you continued good health and much happiness in your journey of life xxxx

Well said

 

[LMW1]

I wish to thank all and every one of you in SDC land who supported my decision and continuing path with sobriety. You have strengthened my determination to maintain my direction.

I can not thank you enough!

Stay Strong

 

[Veggiepatch]

Well said

Yes, that was beautiful from @Skeeta22!

 

[Go Cats]

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

And so are you for sharing your story. Bravo.

 

[Go Cats]

Stay Strong

Well done. I applaud you for your honesty,strength,and your positivity in what must have been/is a tough journey at times. And through all of it you appear to have kept your sense of humour. Yay! Good on you and I wish you well.