The Truth About Addiction

Broc Martin has an incredible story to tell. Story of redemption, story of recovery and story of being a good human being. An Aboriginal man descendant from the Punthamara Mithika people (now Southwest Queensland), Broc was disconnected from his culture as a young boy through the disease of addiction. He went through the criminal justice system early, and was looking up to the wrong people in the system. Then he met Ron. The seeds were planted. 

Broc now works in Pormpuraaw as an alcohol and drug counsellor and well-being coach, helping men to heal trauma guided by ancestral wisdom, drawing upon his own experiences in overcoming life’s challenges. Forever a student of life and truth seeker, Broc loves sharing what he has learnt and discovered for himself with others.

Listen to Broc’s great messages. 

Warning: Distressing contents regarding sexual and emotional abuse

Lara grew up in a family of Catholics. From the frequent beatings from her volatile father to the severe canings by the nuns at school as a young girl, Lara experienced fear and terror throughout her early childhood. She started smoking at 9 years of age, was sent to youth centres at 12 and was in prison by 18.
Listen to her very candid, honest story of ‘The crazy junkie Lara’ to now, having a Diploma in Community Welfare, the Lara that’s giving back and helping others. 

“Whatever your story is, there’s someone in the world that has it ten times worse.” - Lara 

Growing up with a violent father, Wayne went through a childhood of fear, rebellion and crime. He wasn’t interested in school, desperately wanted to fit in, so he used drugs at a very young age. Over the years, Wayne and I have supported each other through our lowest points. I remember detoxing on his floor after a relapse 36 and a half years ago, while his eldest daughter was being born. 

Today, 38 years clean, he works in drugs and alcohol to help people with substance abuse. He is a loving father to four beautiful daughters. 

Mark was in active addiction for 26 years, using anything he could get his hands on. After multiple relapses, losing his wife and beautiful children, today he is clean and sober for 11 years 3 months. Mark works in a private rehabilitation centre helping people in all walks of life breaking negative habits. As a single father, Mark looked after his children when they moved in with him the same year he got clean. He is an amazing father and human being. Thank you Mark, you are an inspiration. 

Jack, 17 years old and 55 days clean on the day of recording. Jack had years of drugs use before, in his own words, got sick of being 'zombified'. He is now a happy young man who is grateful for his loving and supportive family. Jack's back!

David tells us story of life before, during and after prison, and the remarkable vision he has for his current work @the_felon_show. David is now a man of God. He believes in rehabilitation and redemption by forming a movement through his stories at The Felon Show. "Never ever let the world talks you out of your vision" - David. 

Lyle talks about how broken he was during his using days and finding a will to get clean. "The pain of using was so great, that getting clean was going to be easier."
It was important to get clean, but then you have to continue to treat the addiction. Addiction is a thinking problem. If it was just a 'drug' problem, once you stop using it, wouldn't it be just fine? NO, you have to keep treating it, the way you think. When you stop using, that's when the game begins.

Edan shares her story growing up with a father who was in active addiction most of his life. Edan knew that he was 'painstakingly in love with being her dad', though he could not get away from his addiction. He is no longer here, "The thing that happens when you have, especially an addict parent is, you grieve them a long time before they go." - Edan. 

From a life of crime, Doug ex bank robber and recovering heroin addict, shares his story of redemption and recovery. "My worst days in recovery are much better than my best days using" - Doug. 

Mick shares his story on the devastating effect having his teenage son using, how it affected everyone in the family. Speaking as a parent, he shares his heartache, distress and frustration when his son was using, and now, being a recovering addict, the moments of joy and relief of having his son back.