This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Beating the 'Grog Monster'

Posted By grogmonster

"Beating the 'Grog Monster'"

About: Lives Lived Well - Mackay

(as a service user),

Working a FIFO lifestyle takes its toll on many people and their relationships. I became another statistic of living away from my young family for long periods of time, and I started drinking more than usual to fill a void in my life.

Ultimately, I found myself in the grips of alcoholism and I was unable to stop my behaviour; my spouse left me and took our very young children with them. 

I have been into residential rehabs, 12-step programs, support groups, counselling, hypnotherapy and so on, and while I learnt a lot from each, I was still reverting to my old friend in the bottle.

My GP suggested I try Lives Lived Well here in Mackay. I met with the two ladies who run the Day Program (Terri-Lea & Meghan), and they gave me hope in a non-judgmental setting, that I could achieve any goals I set myself.

I attended the program (I was in a very dark head space by now).

The program was absolutely fantastic. It is based on a holistic approach to life, not just on addiction; but on living life well!

I learned some science behind addiction, I learned strategies for managing cravings, for effectively communicating with others, boundary setting, and setting SMART goals.

No doubt I was at the right stage of my own cycle of addiction to make a lasting change, and I'm sure my previous experiences with other services have helped; I have no doubt that without the support of this wonderful organisation and their fabulous workers, I would either still be drinking, or in prison or maybe even in the ground.

These guys have shown me that I am worthy of living a healthy, fun, active, happy life. I have even decided to make a career change and move into the field of helping people just like me; the Lives Lived Well day program has inspired me that much.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Gerard Moloney, Lives Lived Well 2 years ago
Gerard Moloney
Lives Lived Well

Submitted on 4/08/2021 at 4:48 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 4:59 PM

Hello grogmonster,

Thank you for taking the time to give an outline of your lead up story to your engagement with Lives Lived Well's Day Program in Mackay. The type of loss and grief you described coupled with alcohol use does lead to the dark head space that you were experiencing.

To take the next step, building on all the steps you had already taken, is such a courageous action and speaks of your perseverance in your efforts to change your life. It is great to hear that your engagement with Lives Lived Well in Mackay was in a program that enabled you to take on the knowledge, skills and tools where you gained hope in your ability to set goals and do things for yourself. I can understand why you have been inspired to make changes to your career and feel worthy to live a healthy, balanced life.

Thank you for your acknowledgement of the program and the work of the staff, especially Terri-Lea and Meghan. I will make sure they are aware of your comments.

I wish you all the best in your next step along this journey, as you integrate these changes into new patterns in your life.

Warm regards

Gerard

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k