"Kicking the Habit"

I have always enjoyed a drink. It has become a part of our culture and well-deserved beverage after a hard days work. This was the case with myself. That was until I visited the doctor who informed me that I had a sluggish liver. So what, I thought. I enjoyed a drink and that was my attitude until I realised I had 3 other reasons to kick the habit. My spouse and two adolescent children. This was the wake-up call I needed.

The doctor was more than fantastic. They invited me to make contact with the Lives Lived Well team in Longreach. I always knew my drinking was becoming a problem and deep down I really wanted to stop but never knew where to start. This all changed when I was put in contact with Deb at the Longreach Lived Well Support Centre.

At first, I was embarrassed but once I got talking with Deb I felt quite at ease. I also realised that I was not the only one in the world with a drinking problem. Deb was easy to listen to and never once judged me. I felt like a great weight was lifted off my shoulders.

It has been 3 months, 1 week and 3 days since my last drink. At the very beginning, I hated my life without alcohol. I felt a great void and a sense of loss. Friday night was never the same as this was the night I could really go to town with drinking as I didn't have to work the next day. But as the days turned to weeks, then months, I felt I could do this. Every day is different. Some days I feel like I could give in. Others, I am on top of the world. But I tell myself I've got this.

Reaching out to Lives Lived Well has changed my life for the better. I can now see I have the power to change. I highly recommend Lives Lived Well for all those who need help.