Living Free

Well, it's been another big year since our last Radiothon, and this time Zakia and Michael could also join us to amp up the volume another notch for this year's show. Thanks to your generous support, by the end of the show, we had managed to raise $3,400, $900 over our target of $2,500. If you would also like to support 3CR then go to https://www.3cr.org.au/donate to see your options.Thanks also to our guests on the show over the last 12 months from:Al-Anon Family Groups https://al-anon.org.au/Gamblers Anonymous https://gaaustralia.org.au/get-in-touch/Narcotics Anonymous https://www.na.org.au/multi/Alcoholics Anonymous https://aa.org.au/Overeaters Anonymous https://www.oa.org.au/SMART Recovery https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/Justice Connect https://justiceconnect.org.au/our-services/homeless-law/Our weekly podcasts are also available online or for shows up to 5th June 2025 : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XQoKEcNW8Pa6eFRwGOET5eJxjO6244SW/view?usp=sharingAlthough we are not able to include the music in our podcast, here are the links to the music we played on the show and available on Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (amrap.org.au):Mark Howard: The Light Behind Us [https://amrap.org.au/track/mark-howard-the-light-behind-us]Andy Fillmore   Passing notes [https://amrap.org.au/track/andy-fillmore-passing-notes]boi&eSKae: SAID IN ANGER [https://amrap.org.au/track/boieskae-sia-said-in-anger-radio-edit-sia-said-in-anger-radio-edit]

In this episode Michael and I chat with Olivia Soha about 1:1 recovery coaching tailored to the individual needs of people with eating disorders. Olivia is the founder of 'Uncovery' which she  started in 2018, inspired by her own experience of living with an eating disorder. She was keen to help others find the meaning and purpose they would need to keep going once the medical aspects of their illness had been addressed. Find out more about Olivia's work here:      https://www.uncovery.com.au/ Please tune into the Living Free Radiothon show next week or donate now at 3cr.org.au, by calling 03 94798377 during business hours or dropping into the 3CR Studios at 21 Smith Street Fitzroy during business hours. 3CR needs to raise $275,000 in listener donations in order to stay on air, broadcasting the voices you hear on shows like Living Free. The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.  

Tracey-Lee had an unconventional childhood in which she experienced some trauma, relating to her father's outbursts of rage. At the same time she discovered a talent for performance and this gave her a pathway to self-expression. But as she enterered adulthood she felt unbalanced, developing a tendency to addictive behaviours as she searched for comfort and relief. After struggles with binge eating, amphetamine use and dysfunctional relationships, all of which caused her physical and mental ill-health, Tracey-Lee had a diagnosis that came as a wake-up call. Tracy-Lee is now a SMART Recovery Facilitator, a Lived Experience Advocate and a children's entertainer.

Steve joined Michael in the studio to share his experience of getting sober in his early 20's, his early days in Alcoholics Anonymous and what his life looks like now.

Bill grew up with an active alcoholic father and as a young adult sought help through an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and was directed to Al-Anon Family Groups. He found help in those early years in the Al-Anon meetings and over forty years later he discusses the impact of Al-Anon in transforming his life and relationships, particularly with his father and with his family and friends.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Dan Raffell, National Co-ordinator and Trainer at SMART Recovery Australia, describes his lived experience of drug abuse as 'hands on vocational training'. He has put this training to good use over the last 22 years working in the drug and alcohol recovery field in his native Scotland and here in Australia.  Today Dan joins us to chat about, among other things, how small changes in habits and behaviours compound themselves and can lead to huge long term improvement in our lives. He describes how SMART Recovery groups offer support for people empowering themselves to change in this way.If you're concerned about your own problematic behaviour or the problematic behaviour of a relative or friend and would like to find out more about SMART Recovery you can contact them at smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au(link is external) or call them on (02) 9373 5100.Show your support of Living Free by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism  #RecoveryThe Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.

Adrian is in his 30's and has been in Gamblers Anonymous for five years. He discusses how his gambling progressed from sports betting with the help of older kids at 13 years old, underage horse punting at TABs with school friends to becoming a serious problem in his life before he turned 18. It affected Adrian's school and personal life and mixing betting and drinking soon made his situation much worse.  He found recovery in Gamblers Anonymous after debt collectors contacted his parents and exposed his gambling addiction. He has now built a contented life without needing to gamble. GA helped Adrian to understand and overcome his addiction to gambling through the 12 Steps of recovery and he is keen to share his experience with other young problem gamblers.If you're having trouble with gambling, or have a friend or family member that does, then maybe Gamblers Anonymous could help – phone (03) 9696 6108 or visit their website gaaustralia.org.au for information and to see a list of local meetings.You can also listen to Adrian's earlier podcast: https://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode/gamblers-anonymous-adrian-08jun2023Show your support to the Living Free show by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Mandy and Richard join Ann for a conversation about recovery from, among other things, alcohol, worry and minding other people's business. If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website aa.org.au.Show your support for the Living Free show by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.

Kerry grew up in a home where there was violence and moved into adult life resilient but missing some of the skills for coping with life's difficulties. She developed an addiction to sugar from which she found recovery in Overeaters Anonymous, then several years later she found herself drinking too much and made her way to Alcoholics Anonymous. She discovered SMART Recovery in its early days in Australia and found in its approach 'the future of addiction treatment'. She is one of the longest running SMART facilitators in the country. Kerry believes that SMART Recovery meetings and 12 Step meetings such as AA are compatible and she still attends AA. If you're concerned about your own problematic behaviour or the problematic behaviour of a relative or friend and would like to find out more about SMART Recovery you can contact them at smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au(link is external) or call them on (02) 9373 5100.Show your support of Living Free by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism  #RecoveryThe Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.

Jane grew up in a loving family even though both her parents were alcoholics, her dad recovering in Alcoholics Anonymous and her mum still actively drinking. Her parents split when she was around 6 years old, and her mum's bender-drinking quickly escalated. Jane and her sister took care of her mum for a few years until her father began to look after them again for two years.Jane grew up fast, felt ill at ease with her school life and started rebelling at home, began drinking and taking drugs. She moved out of home at 16 yo and her drinking increased, even though she didn't want to end up like her mum.After falling in with the wrong crowd, her drinking and drug taking progressed and after a particularly bad drinking--bender, when her mum called her an alcoholic, Jane realized that if it was that obvious then she needed help. Jane was familiar with AA from her dad's involvement and found recovery from alcohol and then drugs. Jane was also introduced to Alateen and eventually Al-Anon to help her cope with the trauma of growing up in an alcoholic family.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (amrap.org.au):@115:17 - Merri-May Gill: Round and Round (https://amrap.org.au/track/merri-may-gill-paris-moree-round-and-round)@38:31 - Merri-May Gill: Home Brew (https://amrap.org.au/track/merri-may-gill-paris-moree-home-brew)@55:26 - Merri-May Gill - Good Dog (https://amrap.org.au/track/merri-may-gill-paris-moree-good-dog)

Jesse grew up in a good home with good morals. He was a small kid and often felt scared and lonely. He was bullied at school and eventually turned to alcohol and then drugs in his early teens as they made him feel like he fitted in and more relaxed.His drinking and drug use progressed, adversely affecting his work and ruining his close relationships. His mum was a significant influence in him seeking help when all seemed lost when he was in his mid-20's. Jesse was fortunate to get into a 12th step drug rehab during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. There he found Narcotics Anonymous, and he's now been 4 and a half years clean and intends for it to stay that way.You can also listen to Jesse's earlier interview from December 2020: https://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode-202012311300/narcotics-anonymous-jesseIf you would like to find out more about Narcotics Anonymous or need to talk to somebody, then please call 1300 652 820 at any time or go online at www.navic.net.au.Show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):Erica Avenue - JUST IN CASE [https://amrap.org.au/track/erica-avenue-just-in-case] @16:55Erica Avenue - FEEL IT [https://amrap.org.au/track/erica-avenue-feel-it] @38:55

Josephine grew up in suburban Melbourne in a family where addiction was an issue. Preoccupied with success, Josephine achieved highly at school and university but not without consequences for her mental health. Encouraged by her mother, she sought the support of Al-Anon. Now living in Berlin, Josephine and her partner Dejan both attend Al-Anon. In this episode, Josephine tells her story. Towards the end, Dejan joins the conversation and both partners discuss the importance of recovery in their relationship.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Show your support for the Living Free show by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.

Kate began her recovery from addiction when she decided to 'live' instead of following her life-long pattern of taking 'chemical holidays'. Using alcohol and drugs from a young age had had a negative effect on Kate's happiness and she found herself in relationships and situations that were dangerous for her mental health. Kate has found through SMART Recovery renewed joy and revitalisation of her creativity. She facilitates a Womens Meeting every Sunday night, via Zoom.SMART Recovery meetings use the practices of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in group settings to help people come to terms with and move beyond the problematic behaviours that keep them from living life as they would like to live it.If you're concerned about your own problematic behaviour or the problematic behaviour of a relative or friend and would like to find out more about SMART Recovery you can contact them at smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au(link is external) or call them on (02) 9373 5100.Show your support of Living Free by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism  #RecoveryThe Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening. 

Katherine grew up as the eldest daughter of an alcoholic mum and became the surrogate parent in the family as her mum's drinking progressed. She was exposed to alcohol early in life, started drinking around 12 or 13 years old but it was around 15 or 16 that she sought it out.Often drinking to blackout, Katherine regularly had to ask her friends what had happened the night before and frequently learnt of her aggressive and abusive behaviour whilst drunk, burning many close relationships. At 17 yo, her mum started going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and her behaviour began to change. Katherine was introduced to Alateen and eventually Al-Anon to help her cope with the trauma of growing up in an alcoholic family.  She started attended AA meetings with her mum but still felt that she had a few good years of drinking ahead of her. At 19 yo Katherine realized that she could no longer struggle with alcohol alone and asked for help in AA.  She found that attending AA meetings was like going to the gym, the more effort you put in the better the outcome. Katherine regularly attends AA and Al-Anon meetings.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (amrap.org.au):@14:55 - Maggie Rachel Lockhart: Comfort Zone (https://amrap.org.au/release/maggie-rachel-lockhart-comfort-zone)@32:55 - Hazel Ray: I See You (https://amrap.org.au/track/hazel-ray-i-see-you-i-see-you)@54:19 - Drew Wilson - Happiness (https://amrap.org.au/release/drew-wilson-happiness)@58:00 - Mark Howard - Under Her Spell (https://amrap.org.au/track/mark-howard-under-her-spell)

Tim shares his story of developing a gambling habit through underage gambling on poker machines as part of social activity with family and friends.  He always had some anxiety and when he discovered alcohol relieved it his drinking began in earnest.  Tim's drinking and then drug use increased in his late teens when he went overseas and was working in hospitality. He had a nervous breakdown in his early twenties but was not yet ready to stop drinking until his life was a mess about 5 years later.Tim went to AA meetings in his late twenties, and it helped him to straighten out most of his problems, but he found that his social gambling was now becoming more of an obsession and difficult to control. His finances were getting out of control and after 10 years in AA, Tim found his way to Gamblers Anonymous and now he has nearly 10 years without gambling.Even then, with the help of AA and GA, Tim realized that his underlying mental health issues were a major contributor to his behaviour and sought professional help. With proper medication Tim's now able to live in the day fully.If you're having trouble with gambling, or have a friend or family member that does, then maybe Gamblers Anonymous could help – phone (03) 9696 6108 or visit their website gaaustralia.org.au for information and to see a list of local meetings.Alcoholics Anonymous: phone 1300 222 222 or check out their website aa.org.auNarcotics Anonymous: call 1300 652 820 or go online at na.org.auShow your support to the Living Free show by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):Merian - Like This Sky Loves Moon [https://amrap.org.au/track/merian-like-this-sky-loves-moon]Nasman Donovan - Ultraviolet (Feel It Again) [https://amrap.org.au/release/nasman-donovan-ultraviolet-feel-it-again] Emma Trenorden - Resurrection Fern & Radical RE [https://amrap.org.au/track/emma-trenorden-resurrection-fern & https://amrap.org.au/track/emma-trenorden-radical-re-1]

In this episode, Ann, Mitch and Zakia discuss the common experiences of people affected by the alcoholism of a relative or friend, emphasising the inclusiveness of Al-Anon family groups to people of all ages, genders, races and creeds. Information is given about how Al-Anon can help teenagers (through Alateen), adult children of alcoholics, First Nations people and LGBTIQ+  people through sharing what bonds us: the often devasting effect of someone else's drinking. If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Show your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.

Trigger Warning - mention of sexual assault and course language.  Young walks us through his introduction to Drug and Alcohol culture in Nigeria, and how it differs from Australia

This episode was first aired in June 2024.Dr Patrick Pheasant is an addiction and trauma therapist who incorporates drama and role play into his practice, working with clients to recover from trauma via its manifestation in the mind and body. As well as his private practice, Patrick engages with addiction through his facilitation of two SMART Recovery groups focusing on the additional challenges faced by people in the LGBTIQ+ community. SMART Recovery is a group approach to dealing with addictive behaviours through the techniques of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. There are no fees for participation.  If you're concerned about your own problematic behaviour or the problematic behaviour of a relative or friend and would like to find out more about SMART Recovery you can contact them at smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au(link is external) or call them on (02) 9373 5100.To contact Patrick go to patrickpheasant.com.auShow your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #RecoveryThe Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.

Lisa felt that she was different from the start and grew up in a dysfunctional family affected by the family disease of alcoholism. She found out at an early age that alcohol made her feel better and she gravitated towards people that enjoyed alcohol so that she could enjoy it too.  Lisa was a wild child, left school early and became a single parent in her early twenties.  As life became increasingly difficult, she leant on alcohol more until her drinking was out of her control.In her late twenties Lisa sought help in Alcoholics Anonymous, and found out that she couldn't drink like normal people but that she could survive and even thrive, without a daily drink. Her life got better as her thinking straightened out and now she's happy to be a sober grandma.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website www.aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):@15:10 - Better Than The Wizards: Be Alright (https://amrap.org.au/release/better-than-the-wizards-be-alright)@35:58 - Emma Trenorden: reWILD (https://amrap.org.au/track/emma-trenorden-wild-woman)@56:08 - Brad Hunt - Paradise (https://amrap.org.au/release/brad-hunt-paradise) 

Gary grew up with parents who had been affected by a drinker in their family. He went on to marry three alcoholics and was fortunate when a marriage counsellor suggested that he try Al-Anon Family Groups. Now, over twenty-four years later, he discusses the impact of Al-Anon in transforming his life and relationships.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):@15:23 - Drew Wilson: Need to tell (https://amrap.org.au/release/drew-wilson-need-to-tell)@34:42 - Bianca Ivorie: Bloom In Spring (https://amrap.org.au/release/bianca-ivorie-bloom-in-spring)@57:15 - Ray Ramon - Move Your Body [Feat. Spydaman] (https://amrap.org.au/track/ray-ramon-move-your-body-feat-spydaman-move-your-body-feat-spydaman)

As the youngest child of a family of 9 children, Del grow up feeling invisible and often bewildered about the actions of others in the family. Del's parents drank and partied, distracted from the emotional needs of their children. As the result of this, Del found herself in early adulthood ill-equipped to recognise healthy from unhealthy relationships, leaving her vulnerable to mistaking any show of kindness as safety. It took several damaging relationships and emotional collapse for Del to realise that she needed help to navigate her way through the trauma. Al-Anon has been a major part of this. Through working the Al-Anon program with the support of others who listen, Del has come to understand herself, finding freedom to enjoy a life of love with her children, grandchildren and friends.  If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Show your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.  

The child of migrant parents who worked long hours, Amanda remembers feeling isolated as a child. She remembers bingeing on food at the age of 8 and has spent many years struggling with compulsive over-eating, using food to calm herself whever she feel restless, irritable, discontented or otherwise uncomfortable. Overeaters Anonymous has shown Amanda that she is not alone and that it is possible  to live at ease, without bingeing.This episode is a repeat. It was first aired in March 2024.If you are having difficulty with compulsive overeating you might like to contact Overeaters Anonymous. You can find them at oa.org.au. All meetings welcome newcomers and the only requirement for OA membership is the desire to stop eating compulsively.There are meetings listed on the website at oa.org.au/meetings - these may be face-to-face, online or hybrid meetings. Show your support to the Living Free show bysubscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening. 

Derek grew up in a conservative religious family and didn't drink alcohol till he was in his early twenties. He liked the effect of alcohol and continued drinking socially during his twenties and then quite heavily during his thirties. Derek was 42 when he decided to control his drinking but it took him 5 years before he had to admit that all he could really manage was a maximum of 2 days sober at any one attempt. Three months after he heard about Alcoholics Anonymous from a friend, it took a further 3 months till he was ready to try AA and then 5 days to get to a meeting.  Derek found out that he couldn't drink like normal people and that he could survive and even thrive, without a daily drink.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website www.aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):@15:28 - Ben Walker: Time Machine (https://amrap.org.au/track/ben-walker-time-machine-1)@34:25 - Sven Tydeman: That's Why It Works (https://amrap.org.au/track/sven-tydeman-thats-why-it-works)@56:09 - No PROMISES - Hold The Door & Singing My Lines (https://amrap.org.au/release/no-promises-hold-the-door & https://amrap.org.au/track/no-promises-singing-my-lines)

Tom was reasonably academic, enjoyed music and was quite competitive in his youth but always felt a bit different, like a square peg in a round hole.  He had depressive episodes early on which were evidence of sub-clinical mental illness that would affect him later in his teenage years.Tom was curious about drugs in his early teens and joined in with a drug culture at his school, using mainly marijuana. He stopped using drugs to improve his studies but experienced a mental breakdown and was placed on anti-psychosis drugs. Tom took a while off school and during that time he experienced heroin, which led him to his first rehab. He has since been in many rehabs and detox centres, where he was exposed to the 12th Step recovery program of Narcotics Anonymous. Tom has also been in long-term rehab, on Methadone treatment and attended Smart Recovery program to address his combination of needing to treat his mental illness and stay clean.  Today, his life is manageable, but depression still poses the greatest risk to him staying drug free.If you would like to find out more about Narcotics Anonymous or need to talk to somebody, then please call 1300 652 820 at any time or go online at www.navic.net.au.Show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):Daniel J Farthing - Run Neddy Run [https://amrap.org.au/release/daniel-j-farthing-run-neddy-run] @16:34Byrd of Paradyse - Karma (Ft Uncle Kev Starkey) [https://amrap.org.au/release/byrd-of-paradyse-karma-ft-uncle-kev-starkey] @32:20Mainline – Kara's song [https://soundcloud.com/revampd/karas-song] @54:50

Anne grew up in a family affected by intergenerational alcoholism, in which her father resorted to anger and violence. She had undiagnosed ADHD as a child, inevitably got into trouble at school, and continued to take risks in her early adult life. It was the drinking of her husband that led Anne to seek the support of Al-Anon. When she made the difficult to choice to leave her husband, taking her four children with her, she did it with confidence that despite the risks she faced, things would work out for the best, and they did. Since then, Anne has applied the principles of the 12 Steps to all of her challenges, one day at a time, to build a satisfying life for herself.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Show your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening. 

Janine grew up in a family where sharing good food was an expression of bonding and love, but when she began to experience issues with her sense of identity and belonging at school, she became concerned about her weight. She began dieting but found that after each diet she gained more weight. The pattern continued until Janine's weight gain was beyond her control and so was her preoccupation with food. Now a member of Overeaters Anonymous, Janine has accepted that she is powerless over food and that her life had become unmanageable. With the help of group meetings and regular contact with other OA members, she has experienced not only physical, spiritual and emotional healing but freedom from compulsive eating.This episode is a repeat. It was first aired in February 2023.If you are having difficulty with compulsive overeating you might like to contact Overeaters Anonymous. You can find them at oa.org.au. All meetings welcome newcomers and the only requirement for OA membership is the desire to stop eating compulsively.There are meetings listed on the website at oa.org.au/meetings - these may be face-to-face, online or hybrid meetings. Show your support to the Living Free show bysubscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.

Michael has come back on the show, now with another 6 years of sobriety, and talks about the impact of his drinking on himself and his family, and what eventually brought him into Alcoholics Anonymous.Michael discusses the profound transformation that he went through because of understanding that his problem was his thinking and not his drinking, which was merely a symptom. AA fundamentally changed the way he considered himself and others, and he realized that his future depended on not trying to control his drinking or the way others thought of him. He didn't realize that he could live without alcohol and today he just lives life and no longer thinks about alcohol.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website www.aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Michael's previous podcasts from 2020 (recorded in 2017) and 2018: https://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode-202006181300/alcoholics-anonymous-chrissy-and-michaelhttps://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode-201804191300/alcoholics-anonymous-michael-and-kirbyYou can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):@18:02 - Drew Wilson - Slow motion (https://amrap.org.au/artist/drew-wilson-2)@33:52 - The Redeemed - Summer Surprise (https://amrap.org.au/artist/the-redeemed-1)@53:21 - Nasman Donovan - I Like the Way & You're Gold (https://amrap.org.au/artist/nasman-donovan-1)

John grew up in a normal family but got into alcohol and dope in his early teens, hating the taste of alcohol but loving the effect it had in helping to fit in.  He was in youth detention early, but it wasn't till he was in and out of the adult justice system that he got a taste for heroin, then speed and amphetamines.  John went through rehab many times and found out about Narcotics Anonymous but didn't really take recovery seriously until after he had been clean for a couple of years and was a single parent of his two sons.  During his last relapse, when the drugs no longer had the desired effect, he decided to give NA a proper go. Even with an unexpected stint in prison John didn't relapse as he'd finally lost the obsession with drugs John has now been clean for over 18 years and has been enjoying being part of society again. He is also involved with Voices for Change (https://voices-for-change.org/), a self-advocacy group for people with acquired brain injury and experience of the criminal justice system. John helps spread the message by sharing his lived experience of drugs and prison through talks to groups of school childrenYou can also listen to john's earlier interview from February 2019: https://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode-201902281300/narcotics-anonymous-johnIf you would like to find out more about Narcotics Anonymous or need to talk to somebody, then please call 1300 652 820 at any time or go online at www.navic.net.au.Show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):Saritah - TRULY [https://amrap.org.au/track/saritah-truly] @20:52Saritah - TAKE A LITTLE TIME [https://amrap.org.au/track/saritah-take-a-little-time] @33:34Karen Law - Three Guests & Coral Coast [https://amrap.org.au/track/karen-law-three-guests & https://amrap.org.au/track/karen-law-coral-coast] @56:08

Erin grew up with her three siblings in a family where alcoholism had affected several generations. She describes her family as 'fractured' as each member coped as best they could with the discomfort they felt. Erin herself sought solace in alcohol, sugar and unhealthy relationships, until she found, through Al-Anon and other 12 Step Fellowships, better ways to manage her life and overcome the trauma that had kept her bound in unhealthy habits.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Show your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening. 

Trigger Warning - mention of sexual assault and course language.  Young walks us through his introduction to Drug and Alcohol culture in Nigeria, and how it differs from Australia. 

This is a replay of an interview with El and Summer about recovery from compulsive addiction through Narcotics Anonymous recorded on 29 November 2019El didn't have an idyllic childhood as her parents separated when she was 12 years old, and her mum was unwell. She suffered physical and emotional abuse and turned to drinking and smoking marijuana in her early teens to cope with the anxiety, fear and shame. El's drug taking escalated quickly and she moved to amphetamines and heroin and contracted Hep C. Her mum and sister helped her to get into rehab and her first exposure to Narcotics Anonymous. However, El continued using for some years until; with two young children she had a moment of clarity and sought help again in NA. Now with over 18 months clean her life is better than ever thanks to the support from members of NA.Summer also had a difficult childhood as her parents separated when she was just 2 years old, and she lived with her mum.  She was severely bullied at school and started drinking excessively and smoking weed in her early teens, progressing to ice and party drugs in her late teens. Summer eventually admitted she had a problem, and her mum helped her to get into rehab where she was introduced to NA. She finally found where she belonged and has been clean for over 16 months.If you would like to find out more about Narcotics Anonymous or need to talk to somebody, then please call 1300 652 820 at any time or go online at www.navic.net.au.Show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):Ray Ramon - Move Your Body [https://amrap.org.au/release/ray-ramon-move-your-body] @16:47Madison Daniel - NIRVANA [https://amrap.org.au/release/madison-daniel-nirvana] @34:54Mark Howard – Scarlette [https://amrap.org.au/release/mark-howard-scarlette] @55:40

Laura has come back on the show, now with 9 years of sobriety, and talks about the impact of her drinking on herself and her family, and what brought her into Alcoholics Anonymous.Laura discusses the transformation that she went through and how it fundamentally changed the way she thinks about herself and others. She also discusses the spiritual concept of AA and her podcast “That's Not in the Book”.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website www.aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Laura's previous podcast from 2023: https://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode/alcoholics-anonymous-laura-16mar2023You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):@16:10 - JC and the Tree - Already Free (https://amrap.org.au/track/jc-and-the-tree-already-free-already-free)@33:33 - Rustyn - Beating for You [Featuring Xtina Louise] (https://amrap.org.au/release/rustyn-beating-for-you-feat-xtina-louise-1)@53:07 - Michael Cristiano - Anima Antica (https://amrap.org.au/track/michael-cristiano-anima-antica)

This is a replay of an early interview recorded remotely in the Covid-19 era in April 2020, as we struggled with new technology to keep the show on-air.Drew started gambling in his mid-teens, starting out with a small bet on a horse, graduated to other sporting events and eventually it snowballed into gambling on virtually anything. He started gambling to fill a void in his life and it seeped into every aspect of his life and he was unable to separate gambling from his work, family and social activities. Drew started looking for help when he got found out by his mum and she recommended that he seek treatment. He found help and understanding in Gamblers Anonymous but recovery didn't come easily. He has been in and out of GA a few times and now realizes that he can't do it alone without the help of his GA friends.If you're having trouble with gambling, or has a friend or family member that does, then maybe Gamblers Anonymous could help – phone (03) 9696 6108 or visit their website gaaustralia.org.au for information and to see a list of local meetings.You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/).

Join Mitch as he finds out what ten years of sobriety from compulsive gambling looks like.   For help with compulsive gambling -  https://gaaustralia.org.au/meetings/?tsml-day=any&tsml-region=vic  

Emma grew up in a dysfunctional home and progressed from alcohol to pot at 13 years old and drugs at 15.  A friend gave her heroin at 17 to lose weight and she was hooked from the start and eventually she moved on to methamphetamine. She loved the way drugs made her feel, fitting in for the first time in her life.Emma had three young children that were taken away from her in her depths of drug addiction and this gave her the spark that she needed to change her life. She tried suicide a few times and through family and social media she found a way to stop using. A friend took her to her first Narcotics Anonymous meeting, she identified and realized that others felt the way she did about themselves. Emma threw herself into recovery, education and helping other addicts recover and eventually managed to get equal access to her children again.  She now has two teenaged girls and a son in his early twenties, is enjoying living with her partner and letting her kids live their own lives.If you would like to find out more about Narcotics Anonymous or need to talk to somebody, then please call 1300 652 820 at any time or go online at www.navic.net.au.Roses in the Ocean - Australia's national lived experience of suicide organisation https://rosesintheocean.com.au/Emma's previous podcast from 2018: https://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode-201809271300/narcotics-anonymous-emma-and-kiandraShow your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):@16:37 Andy Fillmore - Passing notes (https://amrap.org.au/track/andy-fillmore-passing-notes)@ 33:02 Sarah and Silas - 1000 Star Hotel (https://amrap.org.au/release/sarah-and-silas-1000-star-hotel)@ 53:18 Gusto Gusto - Pan's Tune & West Preston Lullaby (https://amrap.org.au/track/gusto-gusto-pans-tune-pans-tune & https://amrap.org.au/track/gusto-gusto-west-preston-lullaby-gusto-gusto)

Sanjay has come back on the show after another 7 years of sobriety and talks about his original journey out of uncontrolled drinking, how he found Alcoholics Anonymous and how AA has changed his life.Sanjay discusses the transformation that he went through and how it fundamentally changed the way he thinks about himself and others. Gone is his low self-esteem, ego and fear that drove his existence during the drinking, replaced with hope and confidence of a future without the craving for alcohol. Sanjay has been sober and in AA now for over 19 years.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website www.aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Sanjay's previous podcast from 2017: https://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode-201709071300/alcoholics-anonymous-christie-sanjayYou can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):@16:33 Telita Lee & The Huskies - When I Sing (https://amrap.org.au/release/telita-lee-the-huskies-when-i-sing)@32:22 Karen Law - Lifeline (https://amrap.org.au/track/karen-law-lifeline-lifeline)@52:13 boi&eSKae - Feel It In My Bones (https://amrap.org.au/track/boieskae-feel-it-in-my-bones-feel-it-in-my-bones)

Karl spent his childhood looking forward to growing up so that he could enjoy the social life his parents enjoyed with lots of drinking and gambling. Neither Karl nor his parents considered drinking and gambling to be dangerous, but for Karl, who won a substantial amount of money at his first poker game as a young teenager, gambling, drinking and drug use soon became problematic. He entered re-hab, mainly for his substance abuse, and found it helpful, but it was only after his gambling robbed him of hope and he entered a re-hab program where problem gambling was addressed, that he found the lasting help of GA. Now clean, sober and free of the compulsion to gamble, Karl is making amends for the past and helping people still struggling with their addictions. The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening. If you're having trouble with gambling, or have a friend or family member that does, then maybe Gamblers Anonymous could help – phone (03) 9696 6108 or visit their website gaaustralia.org.au for information and to see a list of local meetings.If you are a partner, family member or friend of someone with a gambling problem you may find the help you need with a GAM-ANON group. The GA website has a link to their website and contact details: gaaustralia.org.au/gam-anonShow your support to the Living Free show by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Sheridan and her husband were friends as children, went out together as teenagers and got married when Sheridan was 20 and her husband 21. Her husband had taken a pledge not to drink until he was 21 and kept it. But when he did begin to drink socially, it was problematic almost immediately and Sheridan soon became anxious, covering for him by taking on too much responsibility for the children and family business. Her anxiety progressed to despair as her husband's mental health deteriorated, and she too became mentally unwell. At rock bottom she found Al-Anon and eventually her husband found AA. Sheridan's husband credits Sheridan's recovery in Al-Anon for his own journey to sobriety.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Show your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening. 

This is a repeat of a conversation with sober bartender, musician and producer Ben. It also includes details of an upcoming Harm Reduction Victoria event - To commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day this year, we are having a big Community Feed, a Screening of the movie "Love, in a time of Fentanyl" and Naloxone training session with A naloxone kit for everyone at the end of it- ALL FOR FREE!!!! FRIDAY 30 August STARTING AT 12 Noon at 299- 305 Victoria Street Brunswick ( Train line- Upfield - Brunswick station, and Tram line - Sydney Rd / Victoria St stop ) CALL 9329 1500if you have any questions. 

Alan began eating addictively in mid-childhood. Soon he found himself stealing, sneaking and bingeing food. As an overweight teenager Alan would eat in isolation and in his adult life spent years trying to manage his weight through diets and exercise. But he continued to eat addictively even as it resulted in obesity and ill-health. At one stage he was given some Food Addict in Recovery literature but dismissed it as another diet program that was bound to fail. Eventually, Alan walked into an FA meeting, came out of denial and began his recovery. He practises the 12 Steps of FA every day and has arrested his addictive behaviour.

Paul talks about how he drank normally for most of his life and didn't really start serious drinking until he was in his forties, when he began using alcohol to stem a sudden bout of severe anxiety. It felt so good that it became a necessity to start the day with a drink and end the day with quite a few drinks.Drinking alone, Paul was able to hide his drinking from family, friends and co-workers but eventually felt very despondent that he couldn't stop himself from drinking. Paul sought help, but only to control his drinking, not to stop altogether.  In rehab he was exposed to Alcoholics Anonymous and found hope and after about 6 months he lost the craving for alcohol. After about 10 years sober Paul got serious with the AA 12 steps and found that his life finally fell into place.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website www.aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):@14:58 Mr Alford – Rules (https://amrap.org.au/release/mr-alford-rules-radio-edit)@37:10 Cassidy-Rae – Colorado (https://amrap.org.au/release/cassidy-rae-colorado)@57:32 Endless Refrain – Tomorrow (https://amrap.org.au/track/endless-refrain-tomorrow)

Robert shares his story of developing a gambling habit through underage gambling on poker machines with sports club teammates between training sessions. A country kid with a happy homelife growing up and a talent for sports, he had no family background in gambling or other addictions.  Gambling consolidated in his late teens and by his early twenties Robert realized that he had a gambling problem, expanding to horses as well and finding it harder to hide so he began isolating while gambling.Robert sought help from Gamblers Anonymous early on but was only there for others, not himself. He eventually got serious with GA but found it difficult initially to stay stopped. Robert had a long period of abstinence from gambling but drifted away from GA and spent some years gambling before it became untenable again.  Back to GA with enthusiasm and now he has had over 280 days without gambling.If you're having trouble with gambling, or have a friend or family member that does, then maybe Gamblers Anonymous could help – phone (03) 9696 6108 or visit their website gaaustralia.org.au for information and to see a list of local meetings.If you are a partner, family member or friend of someone with a gambling problem you may find the help you need with a GAM-ANON group. The GA website has a link to their website and contact details: gaaustralia.org.au/gam-anonShow your support to the Living Free show by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):Cassidy-Rae - Good Vibes [https://amrap.org.au/track/cassidy-rae-good-vibes-1]Karen Law - Free Again [https://amrap.org.au/release/karen-law-free-again] Mat Brooker - Montaña Roja [https://amrap.org.au/track/mat-brooker-montana-roja]

Rhonda started life in Ontario, Canada, but as a young child moved with her alcoholic father and three siblings, without their mother, to another province, Alberta. Here she grew up with a father whose neglectful behaviour forced Rhonda and her siblings to fend for themselves. Rhonda took refuge in school and benefitted from the care of teachers who noticed her and gave her opportunities. As an adult, Rhonda was led to Al-Anon by a mentor who recognised her anger as a symptom of the family disease of alcoholism, and through her participation in the Al-Anon fellowship, Rhonda's anger dissipated. She now lives a more balanced and fulfilling life.This episode first aired on 24 November 2022. If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Show your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery

Today on Living Free, our guest is Bill. Bill is an award winning photojournalist. Now retired from professional photography, Bill describes himself as a husband, father, photographer, songwriter, dog-lover, and author who is happily sober. You can hear three of Bill's songs in this episode, including the brand new Prodigal Daughter, based on the true story of a young woman who recovers from drug addiction. Prodigal Daughter Words and music - Bill McAuleyVocals - Jaron NatoliViolin - Matthew ArnoldHarmonica - Rick OzimoArrangement - Bryan Patterson Good Intentions Word and music - Bill McAuleyVocals - Tom McEwanGuitar - Mike DoyleArrangement - Mike Oliphant Let My Dreams Begin Word and music - Bill McAuleyVocals - Tom McEwanArrangement - Mike Oliphant  If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website www.aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.Please show your support for the Living Free show by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate   

Ben came on the show back in May 2022 when he was around 12 months sober in Alcoholics Anonymous.  https://www.3cr.org.au/livingfree/episode/alcoholics-anonymous-ben-19may2022He's returned to give us an update after another 2 years in his sobriety and to talk about how he lives now, without alcohol, and how his recovery has impacted his family, work and close relationships.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website www.aa.org.au.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.You can show your support to the Living Free show and keep us on air by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):@18:18 Cassidy-Rae – Good Vibes (https://amrap.org.au/track/cassidy-rae-good-vibes-1)@35:22 Imber – Let Go (https://amrap.org.au/track/imber-let-go)@54:55 Shaky Stills– Sunset Red (https://amrap.org.au/track/shaky-stills-sunset-red)Other items mentioned in the show:Melbourne Documentary Film Festival – D&A documentarieshttps://www.cinemanova.com.au/films/mdff-his-name-is-ray-fight-for-safety-my-nameNavy Seal – 10 rules of life: William H. McRaven – check him out on YouTube

Anthony's parents were a high-conflict couple and his father's behaviour changed when he drank. When his mother delivered Anthony, aged 4, his two siblings and their suitcases to an orphanage, he was suspicious that something wasn't right. His suspicions were confirmed when his mother did not return as promised. Soon foster carers were involved and when Anthony was reunited with his mother he felt angry. He carried this anger throughout his childhood, and eventually ran away from home at 12. This is when he was introduced to Al-Anon. The members of his Al-Anon group, mostly women in those days, gave him the love and consistency he needed and eventually he was able to receive it. For the next 5 decades Anthony built a life on his talents for public speaking, singing and entertaining. He is still a member of Al-Anon today, offering hope to others who have been heart-broken by their experiences in dysfunctional families. This episode contains discussion of child neglect that may distress some listeners. Anyone experiencing family violence or abuse should call 1800RESPECT.If you would like to contact Al-Anon go to https://al-anon.org.au/. Here you will find lots of helpful information, including literature and lists of on-line and face-to-face meetings.You can also call them on 1300 252 666    

Dr Patrick Pheasant is an addiction and trauma therapist who incorporates drama and role play into his practice, working with clients to recover from trauma via its manifestation in the mind and body. As well as his private practice, Patrick engages with addiction through his facilitation of two SMART Recovery groups focusing on the additional challenges faced by people in the LGBTIQ+ community. SMART Recovery is a group approach to dealing with addictive behaviours through the techniques of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. There are no fees for participation.  If you're concerned about your own problematic behaviour or the problematic behaviour of a relative or friend and would like to find out more about SMART Recovery you can contact them at smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au or call them on (02) 9373 5100.

Today's show covers an interview with Sally Kenyon, the senior lawyer of Homeless Law and Sam Horman, the lead designer of digital tools at Justice Connect.  We are talking about preventing homelessness and how the new self-help tool Home of Your Own can assist renters facing family violence.If you would like to find out more about Justice Connect and the work they do, then go online at:Justice Connect: Get legal help for your situation.  https://justiceconnect.org.au/Homeless law: Homelessness is a complex issue that requires systematic change.  https://justiceconnect.org.au/our-services/homeless-law/  Women's Homelessness Prevention Project: Breaking the links between homelessness, poverty and family violence.  https://justiceconnect.org.au/our-services/homeless-law/womens-homelessness-prevention-project/Dear Landlord: New online tools to help Victorians avoid eviction. https://apps.justiceconnect.org.au/dear-landlord/Home of Your Own: Keeping more renters safely housed across Victoria.  https://justiceconnect.org.au/fairmatters/home-of-your-own/.Home of Your Own: is a free, online self-help tool, which empowers Victorian renters facing family violence to safely, and proactively avoid homelessness. It aims to particularly empower women and children who have rentals affected by family violence to understand their rights and options, and take early, proactive steps to stay safely housed.Show your support to the Living Free show by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donateMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (https://amrap.org.au/):JC and the Tree - Water to the Flame [https://amrap.org.au/track/jc-and-the-tree-water-to-the-flame-water-to-the-flame]boi&eSKae - Feel it in my Bones [https://amrap.org.au/track/boieskae-feel-it-in-my-bones-feel-it-in-my-bones]Jay Atwill - Thrive [https://amrap.org.au/track/jay-atwill-thrive-thrive]

Well, it's been a big year since our last Radiothon, and this time Mitch could also join us to amp up the volume for this year's show. Thanks to your generous support, by the end of the show, we had managed to raise $2,095 out of our target of $2,500. If you would like to support Living Free and 3CR then go to https://www.3cr.org.au/donate to see how you can donate.Thanks also to our guests on the show over the last 12 months from:Al-Anon Family Groups https://al-anon.org.au/Gamblers Anonymous https://gaaustralia.org.au/get-in-touch/Alcoholics Anonymous https://aa.org.au/Overeaters Anonymous https://www.oa.org.au/Debtors Anonymous https://www.debtorsanonymous.org.au/Galiamble https://ngwala.org.au/recovery-centres/SMART Recovery https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/Our weekly podcasts are also available online or for shows up to the end of 2023: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X7BFvzvQJIO4k2_jB3FxU1YN3zekK4Fh/view?usp=sharingMusic played in this episode was provided by the artists, via Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (amrap.org.au):Anirban Jee        How To Be You [https://amrap.org.au/track/anirban-jee-how-to-be-you]Ash Morse          Don't Go [https://amrap.org.au/track/ash-morse-family-ties-dont-go-1]

This week on the Living Free show Ann reads from the Al-Anon pamphlet A Merry-Go-Round Named Denial which outlines unhelpful ways well-meaning people surrounding alcoholics, including those closest to them, fall into unhelpful roles that contribute to the perpetuation of the illness.The pamphlet is available here https://al-anon.org.au/shop/a-merry-go-round-named-denial/If you would like to contact Al-Anon go to https://al-anon.org.au/. Here you will find lots of helpful information, including literature and lists of on-line and face-to-face meetings.You can also call them on 1300 252 666 During the month of June 3CR raises the funds required to keep the radio station on air. Please support the Living Free show by going here https://www.3cr.org.au/  and clicking the Donate button.