Seven brave Australians from various cultural backgrounds tell their stories about living with alcohol dependence and their road to treatment and recovery.
The five part video series was developed by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, in collaboration with cultural and spiritual healing centre Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation and the Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC).
"It blocked my ability to grow up." - Truddy
The videos explore alcohol dependency through the eyes of everyday Aussies - Venus, Lucas, Truddy, Kenny, Fabian, Jack and Philip - as they talk about the early days of their dependence; when they realised they had a problem; what it was like getting help; and some words of advice for people who might be struggling with dependence.
With compelling honesty, the speakers open up about the challenges they've faced, from the impact of trauma, negative influences and family expectations, through to getting help and ultimately overcoming their dependence.
If drug and alcohol use is negatively impacting on your health, family, relationships, work, school or other social situations, you may need to seek help. Support services are available for people with a dependence as well as their family and friends.
For free and confidential advice 24/7 call Family Drug Support on
1300 368 186 or Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide information, referrals, crisis counselling and support. Or start a
Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm. ADIS can also provide up-to-date information about service availability in your area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
