The Truth About Addiction

During the Covid lockdown, Catie had an unexpected transformation in her life. As sobriety gradually became a part of her daily routine, she began to discover a newfound sense of connection with others.

Catie's struggles with substance abuse began at a young age, as she started drinking at 13 and using cocaine by the age of 15. To cope with her troubles, she was prescribed antidepressant drugs, which she openly acknowledges have caused her much damage.

However, Catie has found solace in her journey to sobriety, which has brought her joy, freedom, and self-love. She now dedicates herself to helping others by openly sharing her story and insights on life through her social media posts.

You can follow Catie's inspiring journey and her perspective on life by checking out her Instagram profile @re.covering.me.

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:
www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   
www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 
Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

“People-pleasing was an addiction, just as much as the bottle was for me.” 

With a massive following of 400K on Instagram, 230K on TikTok, and 130K on Facebook, Nick is undoubtedly making a significant impact.

Nick's life was once dedicated to pleasing others at the expense of his own happiness, leading him to rely on alcohol at his lowest point. However, he has since conquered his battle with alcoholism and transformed into a proponent of prioritizing self-care and seeking internal validation.

In response to his own experiences, Nick established People Pleaser Bootcamp, tailored for chronic people-pleasers. The program focuses on setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Discover Nick’s coaching at www.nickpollard.com

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:
www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   
www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 
Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Warning: Discussion of Sexual Abuse 

Mel is a resilient survivor and passionate advocate for sexual abuse survivors. During her employment at Long Bay Prison and at Downing Center Court, Mel witnessed horrific and extensive details of sexual abuse cases. 

Mel’s upbringing was marred by generational domestic violence and traumatic experiences. She endured her first instance of sexual abuse at the tender age of 4, followed by similar incidents at 8 and 15 years old. These traumatic events have had a lasting impact on her mental health, leading to long-term depression and suicidal attempts. Mel turned to drugs and partying through her teenage years as a means of escape.

Driven by her personal experiences, Mel delves into the world of prisons, child grooming and the glaring inadequacies in government support and legislation surrounding these issues. 

You can subscribe to Mel’s YouTube and Instagram accounts @Melwatsonofficial to follow her quest on child protection and sexual abuse advocacy. 

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:

www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   

www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 

Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Mitch’s journey began in the grips of alcohol obsession during his childhood, evolving into a tumultuous battle with weed and cocaine addiction. His story took a transformative turn, leading him to emerge as Mitch Motivates—a beacon of hope and support for those grappling with similar struggles.

At just 19, Mitch bravely entered rehab, marking the inception of his remarkable path to recovery. Now, 15 years sober, he stands tall as the esteemed COO at Neinstein Plastic Surgery and the visionary Founder of Mitch Motivates. His unwavering commitment remains steadfast: to maintain his sobriety and extend a helping hand to all who seek it, embodying his purpose: "Helping anyone I could, anywhere I could."

Mitch has recently released his book ‘My Addiction My Superpower’, which can be purchased at

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRVQYQ4G?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_W7QFA919DB4GEE9KJGXY&language=en-US 

Follow him on his Instagram @mitchmotivates for content surrounding addiction and mental health help.

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:

www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   

www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 

Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Raised amidst the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, Israel, Ori grappled with the challenges of embracing his true self. He sought solace in drugs and alcohol at the tender age of 13.

His narrative unfolds a troubled childhood and the arduous attempts at getting clean. Ori shares his experiences, detailing the hardships of attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings held in bomb shelters in Tel Aviv, travelling to Australia, and ultimately attaining the remarkable milestones of eight years of recovery.

Listen to Ori’s transformation from the shadows of addiction to become an inspiration for others seeking their own path to recovery.

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:

www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   

www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 

Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Performer, composer and producer Steve Balbi was very much the child prodigy. His first professional debut was with Kevin Borich Express at just 17 years of age in front of an audience of 10000. He later found Australian chart-toppers Noiseworks and Electric Hippies.

‘I was born with a gift’. 

Steve was on a stable diet of alcohol and pot for a decade, travelling the world, drinking and scoring wherever he wanted. But his true first love was heroin. 

Four multi-platinum award-winning albums and various ARIA Aware Nominations later, Steve is now clean for 25 years. Listen to Steve recount ‘the miracle’ in his recovery journey. He places a significant emphasis on the love and support he received from the community of Narcotics Anonymous. 

Discover the creative portfolio of Steve Balbi at https://stevebalbi.com/ and gain insights into his inspirational journey by following his Instagram page @stevebalbi

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:
www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   
www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 
Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Shana’s attempt at sobriety spanned over two decades. She went to AA meetings, did the 12-step program, attended treatment centres… But ‘No matter what I did, I just couldn’t get it.’

Shana was so good at hiding her drinking habits that even her best friends didn’t know. She recalls the vicious cycles of detoxing, abstinence and relapses. Find out how Shana found her way out and discovered herself today. Amongst all the ‘controlled chaos’, her crazy, fun and spontaneous ADHD self, she still manages to ‘get it together’, not just as a Recovery Coach but as a mother and a strong woman in recovery. 

Follow Shana on her Instagram @controlledchaoscoaching for more sobriety-related content!

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:
www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   
www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 
Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

Braiden’s addiction journey stemmed from his family’s generational struggles with alcoholism and domestic violence. He vividly recalls the destructive encounter with ice, leading to drug dealing and resulting in his incarceration. He describes the period of homelessness as the ‘saddest part of his life’. 

Today, approaching a commendable two years of recovery, Braiden runs his own podcast/video production show and is a proud father and a devoted husband. He keeps it simple, prioritising his family.

“My end goals are to live a long and healthy, loving life with my beautiful family.”

Support Braiden’s YouTube Channel at
https://www.youtube.com/@tonksymediaproductions9339
Instagram @tonksymediapodcast

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:

www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   

www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 

 Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

20th December 2021, Kate picked up the phone and recorded a heartfelt message to herself. She recorded her ‘drunk self’ begging her ‘sober self’ to stop drinking. And her sober self heeded this desperate plea.

‘I drank for 360 days a year for 20 years of my life.’

Kate started drinking at the early age of 14. Growing up in a Great Gatsby style home, surrounded by renowned authors, daily parties and the constant sight of adults having wine glasses in their hands, Kate continued what she thought was the norm. Society and culture told her it was ok. Her upbringing told her it was ok. 

Our Kate today is the passionate advocate pushing the message that ‘alcohol is a poison’. She talks about the profound transformation she achieved following the decision to quit. Embracing her current roles as a professional writer and the host of The Sober Effect podcast, Kate is proud to showcase a life brimming with joy sans the influence of alcohol. 

Follow Kate on her Instagram @walking_the_straight_line 

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:

www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   

www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 
Thank you for your support. One day at a time.

I have a thinking problem long before I had a drinking problem. I was a blackout drinker. 

I have an ‘allergy’ to drugs and alcohol.

But today, I care about other people and I freely share what I have. 

If you'd like to connect with me or have recommendations for my show, please use the links below:
www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/   
www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au 

Thank you for your support. One day at a time.