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My alchoholism

Posted By redpr75

"My alchoholism"

About: Margaret River Hospital Margaret River Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

I  go to a rehab clinic in a capitol city for my problem , I did not choose this demon, it’s popped its head up and I can’t cut it off. 

The shame the guilt and the unwanted attention was nothing I have ever yearned for.

Recently I’ve had to rely on a hospital in Margaret River who are tireless workers 24/7 ,for a country hospital it’s run like a force of nature, the elderly patients  are very hands on labour wise, busy dealing with life and death situations and me the drunk , it’s got to be hard, especially when go home and have to wind down and deal with your own life

I turned up at reception intoxicated, arrogant, angry at the world, because I know this is the person I don’t want to be and I know I’m killing myself.

The doctor was straight up along with another clinician who basically give me an ear full,  I was exhausted from being this idiot.

They saw past my attitude once I settled as I had minimum sleep in 2 weeks as I suffer from insomnia due my work in the past

They put me as an inpatient and you have to remember country hospitals run on limited resources, so I don’t like to be a burden but I was desperate.

Once again I found this hospital  with there sincere , empathy kindness and compassion ,professionalism , from the kitchen staff all the way up through the ranks brought me in and gave me the upmost care.

I believe this is a thankless job ,out with one patient in with another one like painting the habour bridge. 

Thank you for being there, your kind words , wisdom, and loyalty to the community.

In my opinion, you are saving so many people, spiritually, emotionally with a counselling service on the side, incredible people.

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Responses

Response from Sandy Znidarsich, Clinical Nurse Manager, MARGARET RIVER HOSPITAL, WACHS South West 3 weeks ago
Sandy Znidarsich
Clinical Nurse Manager, MARGARET RIVER HOSPITAL,
WACHS South West

Submitted on 27/07/2026 at 11:26 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 12:39 PM

Dear redpr75,

Thank you for sharing something so raw and personal.

Addiction is a disease that many people never truly understand unless they have lived it. You did not choose this battle, and the fact that you continue to fight it, despite the shame, guilt, exhaustion and self-doubt, speaks to a strength that is far greater than you may realise.

What stands out in your story is not the moments when you were intoxicated, angry or struggling. It is the courage it took to walk through those hospital doors and ask for help when you were at one of your lowest points. That takes tremendous bravery.

The staff at Margaret River Hospital should be incredibly proud of the care they provide. In a busy country hospital with limited resources, they looked beyond the illness, beyond the frustration and pain, and saw the person underneath. The compassion, professionalism, kindness and honesty shown by the doctors, nurses, clinicians, support staff and kitchen staff clearly made a difference at a time when you needed it most.

Healthcare workers often move from one crisis to the next without recognition, carrying the weight of other people's suffering while managing their own lives and challenges. Your words are a reminder that their care matters, that their empathy is noticed, and that they change lives every day in ways they may never fully know.

Most importantly, please remember that you are not "the drunk" or "the idiot" you describe yourself as. You are a person facing a difficult illness, someone who is self-aware enough to recognise the impact it has had and courageous enough to seek treatment. There is no shame in asking for help. There is strength in it.

To everyone at Margaret River Hospital, thank you for seeing the human being before the addiction, for offering kindness without judgement, and for providing hope when it was needed most. Your dedication to this community is extraordinary, and the difference you make extends far beyond medicine. You help heal people emotionally, spiritually and physically.

And to the writer of this message, I wish you strength, healing and peace on your journey forward. One day at a time.

Kind regards,

Sandy Znidarsich

Clinical Nurse Manager

Margaret River Hospital

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