Sympathy For The Devil

Rehabilitation is an extremely profitable industry across the world: 12 step programs, giving in to a ‘higher power’, luxurious rehab centres, cognitive therapy, family therapy, hospitals, medication. There are so many elements and different strategy’s to rehabilitation. But what makes a successful stint in rehabilitation?

Video games have been around for decades. The industry really exploded in popularity in the 1980s with home consoles such as Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Mega Drive. Gamers finally had the opportunity to get lost in games for hours at a time in the comfort of their own home – which became a problem for some who became addicted very quickly. Despite this, there is little research about gaming addiction available. The World Health Organisation have recently classified gaming addiction as an official disease.Dan, a self-confessed recovered gaming addict, agrees. Alex, a video game website author, disagrees.

Although not an established disorder in the DSM–5, Sex Addiction or hypersexuality is increasing in the modern world. Easily available online pornography, and dating/sex apps such as Tinder and Grindr make it easier to release sexual urges – repeatedly.Ben has been struggling for decades to control his impulsive hypersexualised nature.

Polydrug use is typical, even amongst casual drug users. This is despite the fact that combining drugs carries extreme risks and can be extremely dangerous. The more drugs you take, the bigger the possibility is that something wrong will happen. James - who is a self-confessed polydrug user – talks about his story and how every day he is “just lucky to be here”.

Alcohol is a deadly drug, yet it is legal and easily accessible in shops all across the world. In Australia in particular, excessive drinking is an encouraged, and even culturally normalised, phenomenon. Adam grew up with an alcoholic mother and father – he tells the story of trying to make sense of his childhood world of extremes.

Growing up with a heavy drug using addict for a father can be hard. Jess thought of her dad as a type of ‘mystical creature’ until things took a darker turn due to his addiction.

Polydrug use in the image-conscious California has always been a part of the culture, especially amongst the upper class. Hannah speaks about her battle growing up in a well-to-do family environment that at times resembled a Bret Easton Ellis novel.

Charlotte talks about her journey with ice, and her eventual recovery.Ice (aka Crystal Meth or Methamphetamine) is a drug that has become very common in Australia in the last 20 years. A stimulant drug, it is quite strong and addictive. It’s users often become obsessed with the drug.

Adam, a reformed gambling addict, talks about the highs and lows of his journey to getting clean. Gambling addiction is rife in Australia and around the world. Whether it's betting on sports apps, at the casino, horse racing, or online poker, the various gambling temptations are aplenty. People who are addicted to gambling can fall into substantial financial losses that take years to pay back. They also suffer from depression and the breakdown of personal relationships. But there are ways to get back on track. This is one story of recovery.