LIVING FREE

Today's guest is Matt Woodley, an Ambassador for SMART Recovery Australia and he shares his story of drug and alcohol over use and how the SMART Recovery meetings helped him to take control of his addictive behaviours.   To find out more about SMART Recovery Australia visit www.smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au for details of meetings and contact information or call them on (02) 9373 5100.#smartrecoveryYou can help keep the Living Free show on air and help spread the message about recovery by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Jessica and Steve have experienced eating disorders from their earlies memories, where food became a treat that they treasured above friendships.  Eating was never an obvious problem to them, but they sought out large quantities of food and treats as part of their everyday lives. Their eating impacted on their work and relationships, and it was not until later in life, after years of food related misery that they found recovery in Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). They discovered the discipline and support that they needed after years of addiction to foods based on sugar and flour and excess eating.  Their lives changed dramatically, and they found that they could live in freedom from their obsession with food. They found that they could have normal (close) relationships when food was not their principal interest.Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, also known as FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. People who find help in FA vary greatly: some were obese, underweight, and bulimic. Some tried diets, exercise, therapy, support groups or in-patient treatment programs without success. FA is free and open to anyone who wants to stop eating addictively.If you're experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your relationship to food and eating then Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous could help you. Give them a call in Australia on 1800 717 446, email them at faaustralia@foodaddicts.org, or call in USA on (781) 932 6300 or see their US website foodaddicts.org.#addicts #food #recoveryShow your support for 3CR and Living free by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Carol grew up with an alcoholic father and became an alcoholic herself. She describes starting drinking at 12 years old with her father, escaping the alcoholic home in her mid-teens and how alcohol became part of her social fabric. Carol went on to marry an alcoholic and when they separated her drinking took her and her young daughter on an alcohol fuelled journey to despair. After hospitalizations, car accidents and trouble with the law Carol sought help through rehab and found the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Understanding the disease concept of alcoholism and with the help of AA members Carol lost the desire for alcohol fairly quickly, started being honest and to participate in society again.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see 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.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #LivingFreeShow your support for 3CR and Living Free by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Ann had an alcoholic father and came into Al-Anon Family Groups after her mum had joined Al-Anon and her dad had joined Alcoholics Anonymous. In this show Ann discusses growing up in a family affected by her dad's alcoholism and the impact that had on the way she related to the world outside her family. In Al-Anon she was able to understand the impact of alcoholism on her family members and acknowledge the part she unconsciously played in the family disease of alcoholism.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's annual radiothon https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #Shame #Guilt #ChildofAlcoholic

Hayley was the youngest child by about 12 years and grew up in a home where her mum used alcohol regularly. Hayley was a happy kid but became more and more withdrawn after being molested at a friend's house at an early age. She was unable to communicate her distress and turned from being friendly and outgoing to being repressed and introverted. Hayley started drinking after her first child was born in her early twenties and her drinking led her to be involved in some abusive relationships.Hayley sought help to get into rehab about 5 years ago where she was exposed to Alcoholics Anonymous but couldn't accept that she was really an alcoholic. She started drinking again and after another 3 years, eventually losing custody of her children, Hayley returned to AA desperate for help. Hayley found the “peace and ease” she had originally got from alcohol was now available without drinking, with the help of her AA friends.If you think that alcohol may be a problem, then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see 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 in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #Family #LivingFreeShow your support by donating to 3CR's annual radiothon https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

June is 3CR's Annual fundraising Radiothon month - give generously to support 3CR.Maya and John share aspects of their recovery stories and talk about the importance of 3CR to get their fellowship's message of hope out to the community.We also raise funds to keep 3CR on air for another year and mention the generous donations from the listening public. We had three generous donations of over $500 donations from Alec Gerrick, Anonymous (from Sorrento) and Peter Fitzgerald, plus a very generous corporate donation of over $1,000 from Cookers Bulk Oils.  In total we had 24 donors and by the end of the show we had raised a total of $4,130, well in excess of our target of $1,500.  Many thanks to all of our donors for their continued support for the Living Free show.Show your support to the Living Free show by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to Living Free's 2021 3CR Radiothon  https://www.givenow.com.au/crowdraiser/public/3crlivingfree2021radiothon

Brenden shares his gambling journey and insight into his pokies addiction and his recovery through Gamblers Anonymous. He also shares about the effect of the Covid-19 lockdowns on GA meetings in Melbourne and the benefits and shortcomings of meeting over Zoom.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.#Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GAShow your support to the Living Free show by:subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribeand/or donating to Living Free's 2021 3CR Radiothon  https://www.givenow.com.au/crowdraiser/public/3crlivingfree2021radiothon 

Our guest is Josette Freeman, an Ambassador for SMART Recovery Australia and she shares about the SMART Recovery approach and provides insights into the organisation in Australia, explains how SMART Recovery groups work and who can utilize the free recovery program.To find out more about SMART Recovery Australia visit www.smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au for details of meetings and contact information or call them on (02) 9373 5100.#smartrecoveryShow your support for 3CR and Living free by donating to the 3CR Radiothon https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Nathan grew up in a reasonably happy family, but his dad drank, and his mum was an enabler. He learnt early to influence others and was able to hang out with vastly different groups of friends at school, but he never let anyone get too close. He started drinking at a secondary school function when he was 11 years old, drank to blackout on his first drink but felt totally bulletproof.Nathan’s drinking progressed during his teens and he also tried recreational drugs, but it was while he was in hospital that he got onto prescription drugs and his addiction took off. He went from doctor shopping for prescription pain killers to intravenous drugs and then Ice before his life really fell apart. Nathan went into detox and rehab many times and encountered Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous during his stints in rehab. He ended up homeless when his partner started attending Al-Anon Family Groups and would no longer put up with his behaviour.Nathan was fortunate that a friend helped him into rehab and after about 10 months he was ready to get serious about his recovery in Narcotics Anonymous and he has been clean for just over 1 year. He no longer feels the need to drink, use drugs or smoke and is living free again.If you would like to find out more about Narcotics Anonymous, if you need to talk to somebody then please call 1300 652 820 at any time or go online at www.navic.net.au.If you think that alcohol may be a problem, then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see 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 in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.#Addiction #Recovery #Anonymous #Family #LivingFreeShow your support by donating to 3CR’s Annual Radiothon https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

David grew up in a home where both his parents drank but not too badly. He felt different from other kids at school and quickly drifted to the other kids who were not that interested in school work. David realised the effects of alcohol when he was around 14 years old and that it could make him feel like he was an important part of his peer group. He used marijuana and alcohol intensely over the next 4 years and by 18 yo. he was experiencing psychotic episodes that eventually led to a suicide attempt.David swapped over to using amphetamines for about 9 years during which time he married, used speed with his partner and engaged in family violence. When his partner stopped using drugs, David turned back to alcohol and after 10 years drinking sought help to get into rehab where he was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous. After 4 months he started drinking again and 3 years later he returned to AA, this time he was serious about his recovery. David found the “peace and ease” he had originally got from alcohol was now available without drinking, with the help of his AA friends.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see 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 in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #Family #LivingFreeShow your support by donating to 3CR’s annual radiothon https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Terry shares his gambling journey, starting as a primary school child playing arcade games excessively and ending up playing the pokies in Albury at the end of his teens.  He married and had 3 children before his gambling exacerbated problems in his marriage and he ended up as a single parent living on a pension. Terry could not stop gambling and eventually sought help from Gamblers Anonymous and that enabled him to break the isolation, understand his addiction and address his real gambling problems.After a few years in GA, terry tried to manage his gambling on his own and drifted back to playing Keno while having a meal but realized in time that it was just out of control gambling. He returned to GA about four years ago and has not gambled since.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.#Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GAShow 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 

Rosemary grew up without active alcoholism in her immediate family but did have a grandfather that was an abusive alcoholic and that affected her mum. Her second husband was an alcoholic and used coercive control to stop her from leaving him. Eventually she sought help and found Al-Anon Family Groups and with support from members at her local meeting Rosemary was able to develop the courage to separate from him and establish a more meaningful life for herself and her family.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #DomesticViolenceShow your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Our guest is Daniel Raffell, the National Program Manager and Trainer at SMART Recovery Australia and he shares his recovery story and explains the SMART Recovery approach and how it has helped him. As the show was pre-recorded Dan shared some additional information that couldn’t be included in the 1 hour segment. This has also been included and is presented as the last 10 minutes of this podcast.To find out more about SMART Recovery Australia visit their website: www.smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au for more details of local meetings and contact information.#smartrecoveryShow your support for 3CR and Living free by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Anna and Frances grew up loving lollies and sweetened foods and they spent a lot of their lives dieting to control their weight. Both suffered depression and anxiety and food was a way to cope with not being able to cope with their feelings. Their eating impacted on their work and relationships and it wasn’t until later in life, after years of food related misery that they found recovery in Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). They discovered the discipline and support that they needed after years of addiction to foods based on sugar and flour and excess eating.  Their lives changed dramatically and they found that they could live in freedom from their obsession with food.Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, also known as FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. People who find help in FA vary greatly: some were obese, underweight, and bulimic. Some tried diets, exercise, therapy, support groups or in-patient treatment programs without success. FA is free and open to anyone who wants to stop eating addictively.If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your relationship to food and eating then Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous could help you. Give them a call in Australia on 1800 717 446, email them at faaustralia@foodaddicts.org or see their website foodaddicts.org.#addicts #food #recoveryShow your support for 3CR and Living free by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

Ingrid grew up in a home where both her parents drank, and her dad was often angry and unavailable. Being dyslexic, bulimic and a migrant meant that school was not a pleasant experience either.  Ingrid left school at 15 years old and met and subsequently married a man whose drinking was a serious problem. She also binge-drank but did not consider her drinking was problematic. It was not until her late forties that she started to drink daily to cope with the pressures of life and family. Shortly after Ingrid’s husband died and her drinking progressively got worse until she went to a recovery clinic, found out that she was an alcoholic and was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous. Ingrid has been sober in AA nearly 10 years and also about 2 years in Al-Anon Family Groups, which she joined to help her cope with her daughter’s drug and alcohol problems. If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see 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 in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #Family #LivingFreeShow your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate 

Michael shares his gambling journey and how his pokies addiction eventually meant that he would gamble even though he knew he would get found out. He had to get help to save his marriage but found that some help was well meaning but not effective for him.Michael eventually found Gamblers Anonymous and that enabled him to break the isolation, understand his addiction and address his real gambling problems.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.#Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GAShow your support by subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribe

Anthony grew up with an alcoholic father and his mum was quite eccentric, so his early family life was dysfunctional. Anthony had a nervous breakdown in his late teens and early twenties and then went on to marry an alcoholic.  After his wife went through a few rehabs, Anthony was encouraged to go to Al-Anon Family Groups to assist his families’ recovery and found that much of his own dysfunction stemmed from growing up in an alcoholic home himself. He stopped going for a while but returned to Al-Anon when his partner recommenced drinking. In Al-Anon Anthony experienced understanding without being criticised or offered advice and benefited from others sharing their lived experience. If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #DomesticViolenceShow your support by subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribe 

Don grew up with an alcoholic father and went on to have a son who became an alcoholic. He did not realize the problems that the family disease of alcoholism caused in his life until he tried to help his son recover through rehab.Don was encouraged to go to Al-Anon Family Groups to assist his son’s recovery and he found that much of his own dysfunction stemmed from growing up in an alcoholic home himself. He carried the same “isms” into his life and ended up living his life much like his dad, except he did not drink. Al-Anon helped Don to trust others and to develop deeper relationships with his family. If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your parent's drinking then Adult Children of Alcoholics could help you. Email them at info@acoasydney.com.au or see their website acoasydney.com.au.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #DomesticViolence

Lisa grew up in a home where her parents were separated, and her mum drank. She took on responsibility for her mum at a young age, deciding never to become an alcoholic herself. Lisa drank socially in her twenties and realized that although she drank like her friends, she did setup opportunities where she could drink alcohol. It all changed seemingly overnight when she had children and Lisa became dependent on her daily drink, often went to work with a hangover and started to think about cutting down her alcohol intake.Lisa realized that she could no longer control when and how much she drank and had suicidal thoughts as she tried in vain to stop drinking.  Eventually she sought help in Alcoholics Anonymous when all around her did not believe she was an alcoholic.  Lisa lost the desire for alcohol quickly, started being honest and to participate in family and society again. She has been sober in AA for over four years.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see 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 in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #Family #LivingFreeShow your support by subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribe

Ram shares his gambling journey and how his addiction eventually meant that he would reach for his phone first thing each morning to gamble on online slot machines. Ram found it very difficult to stop gambling particularly when he was being offered money to gamble by online casinos.Ram eventually found Gamblers Anonymous and realizing the importance of his recovery in Gamblers Anonymous and how that enabled him to break the isolation and address his real problems.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.#Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GAShow your support by subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribe

Rita grew up with a lot of dysfunction in her home as her parents were both alcoholics. Growing up in a migrant family and feeling a little rebellious Rita became a recreational drug and alcohol user in her late teens and early twenties. Her dad stopped drinking but her mum struggled with giving up. After lots of therapy she found recovery after spending some time in Alcoholics Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics and Al-Anon Family Groups.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your parent's drinking then Adult Children of Alcoholics could help you. Email them at info@acoasydney.com.au or see their website acoasydney.com.au.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #DomesticViolenceShow your support by subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribe

Samantha and Rosanne grew up loving lollies (candy) and sweetened foods and they spent a lot of their lives dieting to control their weight. Both suffered depression and anxiety and food was a way to cope with not being able to express their feelings. Their eating impacted on their work and relationships and eventually they found 12th Step recovery fellowships that helped them to cope better.But it wasn’t until later in life, after years of food related misery that they found recovery in Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). They discovered the discipline and support that they needed after years of addiction to foods based on sugar and flour and excess eating.  Their lives changed dramatically and they found that they could live in freedom from their obsession with food.Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, also known as FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. People who find help in FA vary greatly: some were obese, underweight, and bulimic. Some tried diets, exercise, therapy, support groups or in-patient treatment programs without success. FA is free and open to anyone who wants to stop eating addictively.If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your relationship to food and eating then Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous could help you. Give them a call in Australia on 1800 717 446, email them at faaustralia@foodaddicts.org or see their website foodaddicts.org.#addicts #food #recoveryShow your support by subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribe

Jane grew up in a home where both her parents drank and her brother also went on to develop drug and alcohol dependence.  Jane craved attention and started drinking at around 13-14 years old and continued drinking for many years. Initially it was with her boyfriend (then husband) at parties but as she settled down and had a daughter her drinking was pretty much every day and to blackout. She found that she needed to drink to be able to cope with work pressures and home life monotony.Eventually her drinking caused problems at home and work and Jane was offered help to get into rehab by her mum but found help in Alcoholics Anonymous through an old girlfriend.  Early AA meetings had the same effect as alcohol had in the early days, a euphoric out-of-body experience. Jane lost the desire for alcohol fairly quickly, started being honest and to participate in family and society again. She has been sober in AA for over seven years.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see 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 in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.Show your support by subscribing to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/subscribe #Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #Family #LivingFree

Grant shares his journey of gambling and where it took him, the damage done to his relationships and his search for the reasons why he sought solace in gambling in the first place.Grant found Gamblers Anonymous but drifted away and returned to gambling before realizing the importance of his recovery in Gamblers Anonymous and how that enabled him to break the isolation and address his real problems.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.#Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GA

Chrissy grew up with a lot of dysfunction in her home and her parents separated when she was quite young. She went on to marry and alcoholic and have two children but left the marriage due to his drinking. She found herself attracted to another alcoholic and his daughter helped Chrissy find help and recovery in Al-Anon Family Groups.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #DomesticViolence

Brigid and John both grew up on the New South Wales coast and were actively involved in the beach culture as children.  They had addictions in their family backgrounds and struggled with weight and body image. They loved sugar products, had difficulty in relationships due to their food obsessions and did not understand that their weight problems were related to the type of foods that they were attracted to as children. Later in life, after years of food related misery they found recovery in Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). They discovered the discipline and support that they needed after years of addiction to foods based on sugar and flour and excess eating.  Their lives changed dramatically and they found that they could live in freedom from their obsession with food.Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, also known as FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. People who find help in FA vary greatly: some were obese, underweight, and bulimic. Some tried diets, exercise, therapy, support groups or in-patient treatment programs without success. FA is free and open to anyone who wants to stop eating addictively.If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your relationship to food and eating then Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous could help you. Give them a call in Australia on 1800 717 446, email them at faaustralia@foodaddicts.org or see their website foodaddicts.org.#addicts #food #recovery

Steve had a pretty traumatic early school life and was bullied relentlessly till his grandmother came to his aid. He used food as an escape from his unhappiness as a boy and this transitioned to alcohol in his early teens and through University.Starting work provided the money for a lifestyle of alcohol, drugs and gambling that eventually led Steve to a suicide attempt. After that he went into an alcohol rehab centre and decided to follow the spiritual program of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Understanding the disease concept of alcoholism and with the help of AA members Steve lost the desire for alcohol fairly quickly, started being honest and to participate in family and society again. He has been sober in AA for 12 years.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see their website aa.org.au.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.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #LivingFree

Tim shares his journey from underage gambling in the TAB on the horses, trots or dogs, anything that would produce a quick result. He became a compulsive liar to hide his gambling and was eventually gambling alone, with his fortnightly pay packet gone within a few hours of receiving it.Tim tried getting help just to please others but that didn’t work for him. Tim found Gamblers Anonymous but thought that he was better than them and went on to relapse again for 18 months. Now he’s clean and has been back in GA for 60 days and wants to stay away from gambling for good.  Tim talks about recovery in Gamblers Anonymous and how important it is to be honest in his close relationships.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.#Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GA

Robert grew up with an alcoholic mum and his parents separated when he was quite young. Rejected by his mum in his early teens Robert went on to become a compulsive gambler and eventually found help in Gamblers Anonymous.To deal with effects of the family disease of alcoholism he joined Al-Anon Family Groups and began working on his resentments, which he discovered, were initiated by his fear and guilt. He began developing trust and honesty and managed to reconnect 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 in Australia on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #DomesticViolence

Jesse was a small kid and always 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 bigger and more powerful.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 coronavirus lockdown. There he found Narcotics Anonymous and he now has over 90 days clean and intends for it to stay that way.If you’re having problems with drugs of any kind, you can call the Narcotics Anonymous helpline on 1300 652 820 or 0488 811 247 or go online at na.org.au to find someone to talk to or search for meetings.

Olivia and Dean both lived for years not understanding that their weight problem was related to the type of foods that they were attracted to as children. Later in life, after years of food related misery they found recovery in Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). They discovered the discipline and support that they needed after years of addiction to foods based on sugar and flour and excess eating.  Their lives changed dramatically and they found that they could live in freedom from their obsession with food.Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, also known as FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. People who find help in FA vary greatly: some were obese, underweight, and bulimic. Some tried diets, exercise, therapy, support groups or in-patient treatment programs without success. FA is free and open to anyone who wants to stop eating addictively.If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your relationship to food and eating then Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous could help you. Give them a call in Australia on 1800 717 446, email them at faaustralia@foodaddicts.org or see their website foodaddicts.org.#addicts #food #recovery

Carol grew up with an alcoholic father and became an alcoholic herself. She describes starting drinking at 12 years old with her father, escaping the alcoholic home in her mid-teens and how alcohol became part of her social fabric. Carol went on to marry an alcoholic and when they separated her drinking took her and her young daughter on an alcohol fuelled journey to despair. After hospitalizations, car accidents and trouble with the law Carol sought help through rehab and found the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Understanding the disease concept of alcoholism and with the help of AA members Carol lost the desire for alcohol fairly quickly, started being honest and to participate in society again.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see 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.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #LivingFree

Jay talks about recovery in Gamblers Anonymous and how important it was to be honest with those around him and to quickly admit when he had a bust and returned to gambling for a short period.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.#Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GA

Jane and Shay both lived for years not understanding that their weight problem was related to the type of foods that they were attracted to as children. Later in life, after years of unsuccessful dieting and seeking help in other 12th Step fellowships they found recovery in Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). Jane and Shay found the discipline and support that they needed after years of addiction to foods based on sugar and flour and excess eating.  Their lives changed dramatically and they found that they could live in freedom from their obsession with food.Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, also known as FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. People who find help in FA vary greatly: some were obese, underweight, and bulimic. Some tried diets, exercise, therapy, support groups or in-patient treatment programs without success. FA is free and open to anyone who wants to stop eating addictively.If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your relationship to food and eating then Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1800 717 446, email them at faaustralia@foodaddicts.org or see their website foodaddicts.org.#addicts #food #recovery

Danny grew up in a religious family without any drinking but he and his brother developed drinking problems and his sisters developed anorexia.  He wasn’t particularly good at school and turned to drinking in his mid-teens and sought out pubs that tolerated underage drinking.  Danny found alcohol numbed his social anxiety and he went on to marry an alcoholic and have kids in his early twenties.Danny went to Al-Anon Family Groups to help him cope with his wife’s drinking and many years later realized that he too was an alcoholic. Understanding the disease concept of alcoholism and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous members helped him to surrender for the first time in his life. Danny lost the desire for alcohol fairly quickly, started being honest and to participate in society again.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see 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.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #LivingFree

Content Warning This podcast contains comments about suicidal thoughts and mental health/illness that may be distressing to some listeners. If this raises questions or causes distress please call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).Robert had a pretty difficult life as a child, both parents were drinkers and into gambling and drugs. His parents separated when he was at secondary school and he left school early to escape the social stigma.Robert was introduced to underage gambling as a 12 year-old and he went on to develop a pokies habit in his mid-twenties. He eventually gambled away the family home before becoming homeless and suicidal. Robert eventually found help through Gamblers Anonymous and after white-knuckling it for about six months he eventually got honest, changed his values and built a contented life without needing to gamble.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.#Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GA

Louise and Jane grew up in alcoholic families; had low self-esteem and each went on to marry an alcoholic.  Louise’s first husband’s was abusive and her second husband’s drinking escalated and he too became violent and abusive.  Jane tried to curb her husband’s drinking but eventually became furious and lost respect for him.Louise and Jane were advised that Al-Anon Family Groups could help them but they initially put it off and then just used Al-Anon to try and control the drinking.  Eventually they were able to understand the impact of alcoholism had on their family and to acknowledge the part they unconsciously played in the family disease of alcoholism. They are now happy to be long-time members of Al-Anon and enjoying life to the fullest.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.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #DomesticViolence

Gillian and Julie both grew up in New Zealand in families affected by alcoholism. Both went on to marry alcoholics and then separate from them.Gillian and Julie found help in Al-Anon Family Groups and discovered people who understood their situation. They were able to understand the impact of alcoholism had on their extended family and to acknowledge the part they unconsciously played in the family disease of alcoholism.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.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery

Natalie and Sarah both lived for years not understanding that their weight problem was related to the type of foods that they were attracted to as children. Later in life, after years of unsuccessful dieting and seeking help in other 12th Step fellowships they found recovery in Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). Natalie and Sarah found the discipline and support that they needed after years of addiction to foods based on sugar and flour and excess eating.  Their lives changed dramatically and they found that they could live in freedom from their obsession with food.Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, also known as FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. People who find help in FA vary greatly: some were obese, underweight, and bulimic. Some tried diets, exercise, therapy, support groups or in-patient treatment programs without success. FA is free and open to anyone who wants to stop eating addictively.If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your relationship to food and eating then Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1800 717 446, email them at faaustralia@foodaddicts.org or see their website foodaddicts.org.#addicts #food #recovery

Steve was a smart arse at school, grew up with an older brother and loving parents and an alcoholic uncle. He got his first taste of alcohol in primary school but it wasn’t until his early teens that he started underage drinking, setting out to get drunk. By the rime he as twenty his drinking and drug use had rendered him unemployable and he lived as a derelict in Melbourne. He sought help through his parents and got into Alcoholics Anonymous but continued taking drugs and eventually also got into Narcotics Anonymous where he found that alcohol and drugs were equally toxic to him.Both fellowships enabled him to give up drugs and alcohol and start living and participating in society again.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see their website aa.org.au.If you’re having problems with drugs of any kind, you can call the Narcotics Anonymous helpline on 1300 652 820 or 0488 811 247 or go online at na.org.au.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #LivingFree

Paul had a pretty difficult life as a child and was brought up by his Grandmother, who was an active gambler. He left school early and started underage gambling and drinking in his teens. Gambling became a central part of his life and led Paul to engage in crime to meet his gambling debts, eventually he ended up with suicidal thoughts.  He found help from Gamblers Anonymous through a psychiatric hospital and he took six months leave to focus on his recovery. Paul got serious and embraced the 12 steps, got honest, changed his values and built a contented life without needing to gamble.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.#Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GA

Jennifer was a shy kid and her dad was a war veteran and an alcoholic. She left home in her mid-teens, got tangled up with a drinker and married him.  Jennifer’s husband became abusive so she escaped with her two children. She came to Al-Anon Family Groups to assist her daughter and grandchildren as her daughter’s drinking became a serious problem.Del grew up in rural Queensland and both her parents had an alcoholic parent. She moved to a capital city for Uni and met and married a charismatic alcoholic. His drinking deteriorated and after many geographicals he too became violent so she separated, taking the kids with her. Del returned home and her mum suggested Al-Anon.In Al-Anon Jennifer and Del found people who understood their situation and were able to understand the impact of alcoholism on their extended family and acknowledge the part they unconsciously played in the family disease of alcoholism.Jennifer and Del also discussed Al-Anon’s participation in the virtual 2020 AA National Convention in Toowoomba from 2nd – 4th October 2020.  For details see https://www.aanatcon2020.com.au/ for online registration details.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.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery

 Alex suffered multiple events in his life that contributed towards his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but it was hearing a close friend recall their story as a rape victim that led him to experience overwhelming fear.  He tried to hide the effect PTSD was having on his life while building a successful career, but he was suffering in isolation when no one was watching.Alex sought counselling and was diagnosed with PTSD and found recovery. He is now CEO of Fearless Outreach, an organisation dedicated to improving the knowledge around the illness called PTSD.If you think that you or someone close to you is affected by PTSD then check out the Fearless website fearless.org.au#Recovery #PTSD #LivingFree #FearLess

Jo grew up in a disadvantaged family and had little support from her single mum. She discovered alcohol in her mid-teens and found it a good way to solve her social anxiety. Initially Jo loved the effect but didn’t like the taste of alcohol and it wasn’t until her late twenties that drinking became a problem as she used it to cope with life and work. Her drinking progressed and then she found cold medicine and smoking dope helped her dull the pain of living. Jo first found help in Narcotics Anonymous but Alcoholics Anonymous was recommended to her by a friend. She found the first 3 years in AA difficult and drank on and off before getting a sponsor and tackling the 12 Steps in earnest. She has been sober in AA for 19 years now and enjoys plenty of support from AA friends.  Her mental health and personal relationships are both improving beyond her wildest dreams.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see their website aa.org.au.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #LivingFree

Kevin came from a pretty poor family, had dyslexia and left school in his mid-teens. He drifted into gambling with an older friend in a rooming house. It was exciting to gamble and allowed him to escape from reality. At first it was horse racing but eventually Kevin fell for the pokies and that’s when it started to really impact his life.  A trip to hospital related to stress exposed his debts and he sought help from Gamblers Anonymous but it was really just to please his wife. After a few years of occasional abstinence, not taking GA too seriously, he did more damage in 10 months on the pokies than he had done in the previous 30 years.  Kevin went back to GA and decided to get serious and do the 12 steps and really get recovery. He got a sponsor, got honest, changed his values and built a contented life without needing to gamble.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.#Pokies #Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GA

Margaret grew up on a farm and her dad was a binge drinker and drinking was common in her friends and extended family. She married early, had two children and her husband had a slow progression into alcoholism after being retrenched from work. Margaret suffered increasing anxiety and after seeking medical assistance she found help in Al-Anon Family Groups through her hairdresser. In Al-Anon Margaret was able to understand the impact of alcoholism on her extended family and acknowledge the part she unconsciously played in the family disease of alcoholism.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.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #ChildofAlcoholic

Therese and Faye both lived for years not understanding that their weight problem was related to the type of foods that they were attracted to as children. Later in life, after years of unsuccessful dieting and seeking help in multiple 12th Step fellowships they found recovery in Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). Therese and Faye found the discipline and support that they needed after years of addiction to foods based on sugar and flour and excess eating.  Their lives changed dramatically and they found that they could live in freedom from their obsession with food.Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, also known as FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. People who find help in FA vary greatly: some were obese, underweight, and bulimic. Some tried diets, exercise, therapy, support groups or in-patient treatment programs without success. FA is free and open to anyone who wants to stop eating addictively.If you’re experiencing difficulties in life as a result of your relationship to food and eating then Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1800 717 446, email them at faaustralia@foodaddicts.org or see their website foodaddicts.org.#addicts  #food   #recovery

Paul was painfully shy as a teenager and found that alcohol solved his anxiety problems but as he couldn’t stop drinking it created a new set of problems. He eventually started using drugs as alcohol was too messy for his life.  Paul was addicted to Valium for about 8 years and when he came off Valium he went back to alcohol and drugs to manage his anxiety, before having a breakdown and with help managed to get into rehab. He found Alcoholics Anonymous through rehab and has been in AA recovery for 3 years now. Paul has re-established contact with family and friends, is back into fitness and enjoys plenty of support from AA friends.  His mental health and personal relationships are both improving beyond his wildest dreams and he now has contact with his kids.If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see their website aa.org.au.#Recovery #Alcoholism #Anonymous #LivingFree

Ange discusses how her gambling progressed from playing the pokies while on a road trip with her boyfriend into playing the pokies regularly and then turning to compulsive addiction to online social media games.  She found recovery in Gamblers Anonymous and after two years today has now built a contented life without needing to gamble. GA helps gamblers to understand and overcome their addiction to 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.#Online #Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GA

Christine grew up in a family where her dad drank, had an abusive first marriage and then married an alcoholic who was a binge drinker.  After difficulties in her second marriage Christine found help in Al-Anon Family Groups from time to time but it was some time later when she was really desperate that she came back for good. In Al-Anon Christine was able to understand the impact of alcoholism on her extended family and acknowledge the part she unconsciously played in the family disease of alcoholism.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.#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery #ChildofAlcoholic

Yaakov discusses how his gambling progressed from playing the pokies underage at a local pub to becoming a serious problem in his life before he turned 18. It affected his school, work, family and personal life.  He found recovery in Gamblers Anonymous and after many years and a few busts has now built a contented life without needing to gamble. GA helps gamblers to understand and overcome their addiction to 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.#Underage #Gambling #Addict #Recovery #GA