She was using ice through needles, selling her body at 17, and disappearing from herself—until one moment of surrender changed everything

Amber’s story on the Slaying Sober podcast is raw, confronting, and deeply hopeful.From growing up in Australia’s heavy drinking culture to teenage substance use, sex work, and intravenous ice addiction, Amber takes us through the unfiltered reality of addiction—and the quiet power of recovery.

Now three years sober through a 12-step program, Amber shares how detox, ninemonths of rehab, daily sponsor calls, and relentless honesty helped her rebuild a life she never thought she deserved. This episode dives into youth mental health, neurodivergence, codependency, and what it really means to surrender when you’ve tried everything else.

She also opens up about her 20-hour silence challenge for youth mental health—transforming loneliness into peace—and how recovery taught her authenticity after years of masking, bullying, and emotional neglect.

This is not a glamorized recovery story. It’s real, uncomfortable, and proof that sobriety works—even when you’re young, broken, and convinced you’re too far gone.

•From first drink at 14 to drug-induced psychosis

•Losing 30kg in one month during active addiction

•Ice addiction through pipes and needles

•Sex work, court bonds, and criminal survival

•The moment of rock bottom that sparked change

•Why surrender isn’t weakness—it’s freedom

•“Find better meetings like you found better drugs” 

Sobriety Milestones: Clean since November 21, 2022 | Detox + 9-month rehab | 4–5meetings weekly

Recovery Tools: 12-step fellowship, sponsor accountability, grounding practices, service work 

Personal Growth: From people-pleasing and masking to self-acceptance and advocacy

Challenges Overcome: Ice addiction, sex work from age 17, psychosis, emotional abandonment

00:01:19– Silence challenge: boredom vs peace

02:11:00– Alcohol normalized in childhood

07:20:00– Drugs used to quiet the mind (neurodivergence)

19:10:00– Rock bottom and mirror moment

26:53:00– Detox, rehab, surrender

41:28:00– Three years sober & life today

Why This Episode Matters:

This is a 22-year-old’s unfiltered truth—no recovery clichés, no sugar-coating. A rare youth perspective on ice addiction, sex work, and sobriety within Australian culture, offering practical tools and real hope for anyone who thinks they’re “too young” or “too far gone.”

If you’re questioning your relationship with substances, supporting someone in recovery, or searching for real hope—listen now. Share this episode with someone who needs proof that change is possible.

She was using ice through needles, selling her body at 17, and disappearing from herself—until one moment of surrender changed everything  

Amber’s story on the Slaying Sober podcast is raw, confronting, and deeply hopeful.From growing up in Australia’s heavy drinking culture to teenage substance use, sex work, and intravenous ice addiction, Amber takes us through the unfiltered reality of addiction—and the quiet power of recovery.

Now three years sober through a 12-step program, Amber shares how detox, nine months of rehab, daily sponsor calls, and relentless honesty helped her rebuild a life she never thought she deserved. This episode dives into youth mentalhealth, neurodivergence, codependency, and what it really means to surrender when you’ve tried everything else.

She also opens up about her 20-hour silence challenge for youth mental health—transforming loneliness into peace—and how recovery taught her authenticity after years of masking, bullying, and emotional neglect.

This is not a glamorized recovery story. It’s real, uncomfortable, and proof thatsobriety works—even when you’re young, broken, and convinced you’re too far gone.

•From first drink at 14 to drug-induced psychosis

•Losing 30kg in one month during active addiction

•Ice addiction through pipes and needles

•Sex work, court bonds, and criminal survival

•The moment of rock bottom that sparked change

•Why surrender isn’t weakness—it’s freedom

•“Find better meetings like you found better drugs” 

Sobriety Milestones: Clean since November 21, 2022 | Detox + 9-month rehab | 4–5 meetings weekly

Recovery Tools: 12-step fellowship, sponsor accountability, grounding practices, servicework

Personal Growth: From people-pleasing and masking to self-acceptance and advocacy

Challenges Overcome: Ice addiction, sex work from age 17, psychosis, emotional abandonment

00:01:19– Silence challenge: boredom vs peace

02:11:00– Alcohol normalized in childhood

07:20:00– Drugs used to quiet the mind (neurodivergence)

19:10:00– Rock bottom and mirror moment

26:53:00– Detox, rehab, surrender

41:28:00– Three years sober & life today

Why This Episode Matters:

This is a 22-year-old’s unfiltered truth—no recovery clichés, no sugar-coating. A rare youth perspective on ice addiction, sex work, and sobriety within Australian culture, offering practical tools and real hope for anyone who thinks they’re “too young” or “too far gone.”

If you’re questioning your relationship with substances, supporting someone in recovery, or searching for real hope—listen now. Share this episode with someone who needs proof that change is possible.

Jasmine shares her raw journey from childhood trauma and weekend partying in Melbourne to a devastating Mother's Day crisis that sparked her path to recovery on Slaying Sober. Her story challenges addiction stereotypes, proving anyone can get clean—no matter the mold.

Discover tools like NA meetings, boundaries, andsober love that fueled her transformation.

Childhood Roots: Single mum's sacrifices amid poverty, absent dad, family losses like stillborn sibling.

Teen Beginnings: First sips at 9-10, binge drinking by 16, daily weed with best friend worsening anxiety/depression.

Trauma Spiral: Family violence, assaults, abusive partner; drugs as escape, escalating to pills, speed, coke, ketamine post-breakup.

Rock Bottom: Mother's Day 2025—manipulating friends for drugs, suicidal thoughts, dad/step-mum rescue; feeling trapped despite knowing resources.

Recovery Wins: First NA meeting shatters loneliness, sober partner via Hinge, therapy, gym/nature, selective social drinking; boundaries with using dad.

01:51– Mum's sacrifices, pure love despite poverty.

03:21– Fond memories: free activities, quality time.

06:50– First alcohol at 9, weed/partying escalation.

09:59– Trauma unpacked: dad's absence, assaults, violence.

14:44– Post-18 drug rampage, controlling ex's ultimatum.

21:42– Mother's Day breakdown, suicide contemplation.

29:15– NA breakthrough, meeting sober partner.

33:55– Tools: boundaries, gym, nature, community.

40:59– Advice: Go all-in on recovery, no mold required.

Sobriety journey, addiction recovery Melbourne, trauma healing, party girl clean, NA meetings beginners, Mother's Day rock bottom, sober dating Hinge, setting boundaries dad, weekend warrior sober, mental health drugs anxiety.

"Party girl ends up in carpark with strangers on Mother's Day—her suicide scare that saved her [Listen Now]"

Slaying Sober delivers unfiltered Aussie recovery tales—like Jasmine's—that shatter "hardcore addict only" myths, blending trauma truths, practical tools (NA, boundaries, nature), and hope for weekend warriors. Perfect for Melbourne party scene survivors seeking real, relatable paths to freedom without total booze bans.

Summary

In this conversation, Nicole shares her journey of healing alongside her husband's battle with addiction. She discusses the challenges faced by families of addicts, the importance of self-care, and the need for open communication. Nicole emphasizes the significance of understanding co-dependency and the impact of trauma on relationships. The discussion also highlights the process of rebuilding trust and making amends, as well as the necessity of creating safe spaces for vulnerability and connection.

Takeaways

Both partners in a relationship affected by addiction have their own healing journeys.

Codependency can lead to neglecting one's own needs and well-being.

Trauma can stack and complicate the healing process for families.

Open communication is essential for rebuilding trust in relationships.

Self-care is crucial for those supporting loved ones with addiction.

Recognizing signs of addiction can be challenging, especially with silent struggles.

Creating safe spaces for vulnerability fosters connection and healing.

Making amends requires transparency and accountability from the recovering partner.

Emotional sobriety is as important as physical sobriety in recovery.

The ripple effect of addiction impacts not just the individual but their entire family.

In this conversation, James and Sammy discuss their experiences with sobriety during the festive season, sharing personal stories and insights on navigating Christmas parties without alcohol.

They emphasize the importance of being present with family, preparing for holiday gatherings, and supporting one another in their recovery journeys.

The discussion also touches on the emotional challenges that can arise during this time of year, as well as practical tips for thriving at Christmas parties.

Summary

In this conversation, Ashley Smith shares his journey from addiction to recovery, discussing the challenges he faced growing up in Tasmania, his struggles with substance abuse, and his commitment to helping at-risk youth. He emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of addiction and the role of community support in fostering resilience and hope. Ashley also highlights his recent initiatives to empower young people and create positive change in his community, showcasing his passion for making a difference.

Takeaways

Breaking the cycle of addiction is crucial for personal and community healing.

Conversations about addiction and mental health are more accepted today than in the past.

Ashley aims to empower at-risk youth through mentorship and community events.

His childhood was marked by struggles with family addiction and mental health issues.

Ashley experienced severe consequences from his addiction, including multiple hospital visits and prison sentences.

A turning point in his life came after a near-fatal overdose.

He found purpose in helping others, which aids his own recovery.

Ashley emphasizes the importance of community support in overcoming addiction.

He is committed to creating non-profit initiatives to support youth in Tasmania.

Ashley believes that true happiness comes from meaningful connections and helping others, not material wealth.

In this conversation, Faye Louise Hughes shares her journey of sobriety, discussing the impact of alcohol on her life, relationships, and mental health. She reflects on her childhood associations with drinking, the challenges of navigating social situations without alcohol, and the profound changes she has experienced in her relationships and self-love since becoming sober. Faye emphasizes the importance of focusing on what one gains from sobriety rather than what is lost, and she highlights the significance of emotional sobriety and self-reflection in her recovery journey.

Takeaways

Podcasts were crucial in my sobriety journey.

Alcohol-free drinks can be triggering for some.

Celebrating milestones in sobriety is important.

Childhood experiences shape our relationship with alcohol.

Family dynamics can influence drinking habits.

Anxiety often follows a night of drinking.

Sobriety allows for deeper connections with family.

Self-love is a key component of recovery.

The first 100 days of sobriety are transformative.

Focusing on gains rather than losses is essential.

What the conversation covers

• Jared’s “normal” Aussie upbringing, love of surfing and metal music, and early experiences with alcohol.​

• How drinking escalated in his late teens and 20s around clubs, footy, bands, and mates, leading to blackouts, fights, guilt, relationship breakdown, and large unpaid fines.​

• The point nine years earlier where he decided to stop drinking after another destructive binge and ongoing shame, including how publicly declaring his intent to quit and a court decision wiping $62,000 in fines became a turning point he sees as a “higher power” moment.​

• Jared initially tried to stay sober mostly on his own, attending a few AA meetings, taking some tools, then “white‑knuckling” it for about seven years, still carrying a lot of self‑hate and ego.​

• Returning to 12‑step meetings as a support person for his partner humbled him; finding a sponsor and doing the steps shifted him from merely not drinking to actually healing emotionally and spiritually.​

• He describes the steps as a way of living that reduced his anger (for example, road rage), helped him forgive himself, and allowed him to genuinely like and love who he is.​

• Jared and James talk about the stigma of addiction and how many people in recovery hide their past because they feel shame, even after getting sober.​

• Jared founded “University of Sober Living” as a clothing brand and community to give people in recovery a visible, pride‑based identity, plus a website where people can reach out for support outside formal 12‑step rooms.​

• Both men emphasise “recovering loudly so others don’t die in silence,” and how being open about sobriety prompts others at footy clubs, gyms, or social circles to quietly ask for help.​

• Jared explains how alcohol contributed to the breakdown of his relationship with his children’s mother and how he prioritised drinking over family, though he avoided drinking directly in front of his kids.​

• He and his current partner are both in recovery; she is also a carer for a severely disabled child, experienced carer burnout and rehab, and is now building services to support other special‑needs parents.​

• Their household focus is now on service and community—supporting people with addiction and carers in distress—because recovery has given them a “second life” they want to share.​

• Jared still plays Super Rules footy (over‑35s), noting that many teammates deal with health issues, addiction, or major life stress and often seek someone with lived experience to talk to.​

• His week in recovery usually involves around five meetings across both AA and NA, which he compares to ongoing “spiritual fitness” and a source of connection and emotional reset.​

• He and James stress that you can fully enjoy team sport and camaraderie while sober—celebrating with soft drinks, conversation, and community instead of relying on alcohol.

Recovery and the 12-step journeyService, community, and “University of Sober Living”Family, partners, and helping othersLife in ongoing recovery

James reflect on 2 Years Sobriety

Old drinking buddies, sharing war stories, laughs and sober inspiration.

Get ready to laugh, and maybe cry, as Sammy and James chat about their

Summary

In this episode, James and Levvo reconnect over their shared experiences of sobriety and reminisce about their wild days living in a pub in Bristol. They explore the impact of alcohol on their lives, the friendships formed during that time, and the entrepreneurial spirit that emerged from their drinking culture. Through humorous anecdotes and reflective insights, they discuss the challenges of navigating sobriety and the lessons learned from their past. In this conversation, Levo and James Date discuss their journeys of sobriety, the challenges they faced, and the rewards they have experienced since giving up alcohol. They explore the social aspects of drinking, the struggle with moderation, and the importance of self-reflection and honesty in their recovery. The discussion also touches on the impact of sports culture on drinking habits and the fulfillment they find in their lives post-alcohol. They emphasize that anyone can achieve sobriety and that the journey is worth it, sharing personal anecdotes and insights along the way.

Takeaways

We shared an enthusiasm for sobriety.

Living in a pub created lifelong friendships.

Drinking was a daily routine without fail.

We were enablers in our drinking culture.

The Naked Bacon Bet was a wild experience.

The 10 Quid Challenge showcased our creativity.

Induction at the cider bar was a rite of passage.

Alcohol was deeply ingrained in our social lives.

Sobriety has led to self-discovery and growth.

Reflecting on past behaviors brings both laughter and shame. Sobriety can feel foreign, especially in social situations.

Non-alcoholic beers can be a social alternative.

The decision to stop drinking can lead to profound personal rewards.

Self-reflection is crucial in the journey of sobriety.

Moderation can be a difficult battle for many.

Past experiences shape our current perspectives on alcohol.

Finding fulfillment outside of alcohol is possible and rewarding.

Honesty with oneself is key to recovery.

Sports culture can heavily influence drinking habits.

The journey of sobriety can inspire others to make changes.