[VicCiCi]

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.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Being open and able to talk about it shows real healing. Also by talking it may just help others.
When I opened up about my son 20 plus years ago . People were shocked that I was so open but it actually helped alot of people know they were not the only one.
No one in life is perfect

 

[Go Cats]

Stay Strong

Being open and able to talk about it shows real healing. Also by talking it may just help others.
When I opened up about my son 20 plus years ago . People were shocked that I was so open but it actually helped alot of people know they were not the only one.
No one in life is perfect

Well said.

 

[Go Cats]

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!

And Id like to thank you for your honesty and your bravery in speaking up about your life's journey and I wish you all the best. And I think it's really important to remember,I know it is for me, that we never,ever really know what someone else is/has/ or is still going through and I commend you on speaking up as you may have helped others who are/or have been in the same situation. Well done. All the best.

 

[Go Cats]

Being open and able to talk about it shows real healing. Also by talking it may just help others.
When I opened up about my son 20 plus years ago . People were shocked that I was so open but it actually helped alot of people know they were not the only one.
No one in life is perfect

Well said.

 

[Linwar]

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.

Sometimes I have noticed you being very hard on someone response or post. I have thought you must have some underlying problem. Now I know why, keep going my friend because a healthy life is a good life. THERE ARE THINGS ON YOUR BUSCKET LIST YOU HAVE TO ACHIEVE!

 

[Stonehaven]

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 brave man you are, first for sharing your very personal story & second for taking action to change your lifestyle. I wish you all the luck in the world & hope you continue to improve. May God bless you & keep you safe.





​

 

[magpie1]

Keep up the good work with the abstinence Veggiepatch and enjoy your life to the full. A lot of people have a background story where Alcohol is concerned and many have finally escaped from it's clutches and now lead healthy lives of sobriety. I too have a story and am now enjoying my 17th year of sobriety. I now live with my only sibling, my elder brother which is so enjoyable that I can't begin to tell you, especially after Mum and Dad passed away in the '90's and 80's......still miss them both, I was truly blessed with two of the most wonderful human beings for parents I kid you not. My only other family is my only child, my greatest love in my life, my son who is now 35, and even that we live nearly a thousand kilometers apart, we still keep in contact twice a week on the phone. My family has always been one of the most enjoyable parts of my lifetime in so many ways and will remain so until my final day. Anyway enough.....today is your day Veggiepatch and I wish you well......keep up the great work. magpie1

 

[Veggiepatch]

Every couple of days I read and re-read all the replies to my article and without fail, I get all teary. Not a bad word was said by anyone in nearly four pages of replies. That's amazing!

Again, I cannot thank you all enough!

 

[Agapi]

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.

Wow,!!! Never would have guessed.
I admire you for keeping strong ....not to mention love your recipes..
Im a fan!!

 

[Catherines]

Brave, brave man! Congratulations! and keep up the good work and stay strong for yourself and those around you who might despair.

 

[Reet]

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.

So sorry you have nearly destroyed yourself in this way, but congratulations on being in recovery. Keep up the good work. Never drink alcohol again ever and try to stay out of trouble. Good luck for the future.

 

[Veggiepatch]

So sorry you have nearly destroyed yourself in this way, but congratulations on being in recovery. Keep up the good work. Never drink alcohol again ever and try to stay out of trouble. Good luck for the future.

I can promise you that. Definitely!

 

[g-d]

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.

 

[g-d]

You are very strong to come forward with this. My heart is deeply saddened by the hell you have been through. Dare I ask if you have sought forgiveness & a renewed life through Jesus Christ? There is no greater release from the burden of sin by God. Your testimony is similar to so many in the world today. Perhaps question what was the final push before you put pen to paper. At a guess, God extending His love & invitation. God bless you.

 

[Veggiepatch]

You are very strong to come forward with this. My heart is deeply saddened by the hell you have been through. Dare I ask if you have sought forgiveness & a renewed life through Jesus Christ? There is no greater release from the burden of sin by God. Your testimony is similar to so many in the world today. Perhaps question what was the final push before you put pen to paper. At a guess, God extending His love & invitation. God bless you.

I'm a sharing kinda guy, sometimes to my detriment, mostly financially. There's a lot more to my story but I thought I would keep my original post to a minimum, although it is quite lengthy as it is.

Thank you.

 

[g-d]

However you find peace remains your choice. I know God has brought me peace & my prayers will include you.

 

[bluetang]

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.

Keep at it you had the guts to start. Good on you. If you have questions go to jw.org there are articles that may help you stay clean.

 

[Linwar]

However you find peace remains your choice. I know God has brought me peace & my prayers will include you.

It isn't until someone has a catastrophe they ask for prayers, we as a country have lost the way when it comes to religion. I notice everyone in our church would be over 60. Sunday schools have only a couple of children, and the Friday night youth group has dwindled where good old fashioned outdoor games and inside games in the winter painting, crafted isn't "Fun enough" anymore.

 

[mylittletibbies]

@April Bradford not a problem at all with sharing it with other SDC members. I wrote the piece to show the dangers of addiction, regardless of the substance, legal or illegal. I'm not a wowser by any means, just sharing some information with others. If it helps one solitary person, I done the job!

Thank you for the opportunity!

Thank you for such a truthful article, it gives me hope that my son, a meth addict may also come to his senses.
About 5 years ago I made the decision to block him from my life.
It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I am 76 now, am carer for both.my.husband and my daughter and just couldn't cope with my son anymore.
He is 51 now and has been addicted for most of his adult life. Like most addicts, everything is everybody else's fault. He is a compulsive liar, I can't believe anything he tells me.
This week I received a phone call, telling me he was in hospital and wanted desperately to see me.
He has had a massive heart attack.
The.Drs have told him he will be dead in 12 months if he doesn't stay off the meth. His girlfriend, a very nice person, not an addict, told me he has been clean for a few years, but the damage has been done.
I hope he can be as strong as you and make the rest of his life, however long ot short that may be something he can be proud of.