506: Caught between insanity and death, surfing icon Tom Carroll’s greatest triumph happened well away from the ocean

When you think of an someone who’s addicted to methamphetamines, where their life is, where they live, what their job is, what their relationship with their family is like, what it the image that comes to your mind?

I’ll bet that picture isn’t a successful middle-aged man, with a beautiful home near the beach, a man who is a father of three daughters.

I’ll also bet that you didn’t picture Australian surfing legend Tom Carroll.

But at one point, that’s exactly what Tom’s life had become.

In the world of professional surfing, Tom Carroll is a legend. Through the 80s and 90s, he dominated professional surfing, becoming the first surfer to sign a multi-million dollar contract. In 1983 and 1984 he twice achieved the pinnacle of his sport when he became back to back world champion.

But it’s what Tom has achieved out of the water which is possibly even more incredible.

In today’s episode he talks about how he found him self sliding down the slippery slope of addiction, how that addiction began to take everything that he loved away from him, had him trapped in a cycle of drug abuse that was heading towards a very grim end.

But Tom knew he needed help, and thankfully he was able to get that help.

And it was at South Pacific Private that Tom first got help.

I’m no stranger to talking about recovery from drugs and alcohol - it’s a part of my story and a huge reason why I started this show. Because I didn’t know that not drinking and using was an option.

I wanted to have conversations out there which could demonstrate that there was an alternative and that help was available if you needed it.

And because of that, I’m grateful to partner with South Pacific Private to bring you this episode. South Pacific Private is Australia's leading treatment centre, and has been treating the underlying causes of addiction, anxiety, and depression in Australia for 30 years.

If that sounds like something you’re interested in you can take a free self-assessment for a variety of conditions on their website at southpacificprivate.com.au .

And if you need them - Their team is available to chat 7 days a week on 1800 063 332

Tom Carroll is a recovering addict, and his journey of redemption is nothing short of inspiring. It's a story of resilience, strength, and finding hope even in the darkest of times.

He’s an incredible wise man, and even if you don’t have a problem with any substance, gambling, or any other kind of addiction - the wisdom Tom has to share about untreated trauma, and taking responsibility for your choices and your situation is absolutely transformative.

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