"In one of the most meaningful full-circle moments of my life, I now facilitate the very same SMART Recovery group I once attended."
Image: Alison and Melody stand together in front of a brick wall, talking.
Trigger warning: Alison's story talks about mental health, drug use, domestic violence, and end of life. Sometimes words or images can cause sadness or distress, or trigger traumatic memories for people, particularly survivors of past abuse, violence or childhood trauma. For some people, these responses can be overwhelming. If you need to talk to someone, support is available.
You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 anytime for confidential telephone crisis support.
Alison, 43, is a proud Aboriginal woman whose family is of the Noongar people from southwest Western Australia. Alison connected with Life Without Barriers' Alcohol and other drugs counselling in January 2022, and generously volunteered to share her experience, warts and all, so that her story might help others and inspire them to seek help.
This is Alison's story, in her own words.
Image: Alison and Melody sit on a bench outdoors, they are holding coffee mugs and are engaged in conversation.
"For nearly 20 years, I struggled with amphetamine addiction," said Alison.
"Things took a darker turn after I left my ex-husband due to domestic violence. He took our four children interstate and for three long years denied me any contact with them. The pain was unbearable."
"In the absence of my children, I began surrounding myself with unhealthy people, and soon found myself in another violent relationship."
Already at a dark point in her life, Alison experienced another tragedy.
"I was hit with another devastating blow, my father died by suicide. That loss pushed me into a deeper spiral. I reached a point where I simply didn’t care about what happened to me anymore."
"I was at rock bottom. I had completely isolated myself from those who loved me, including my children. The shame, grief, and pain were too much to face."
While in the midst of the grief and pain, Alison found out that she was pregnant, again. It gave her some much needed hope.
"For a moment, I thought it might be the turning point," she shared.
"But shortly after my son was born, he was taken into state care. That broke me even further. I fell deeper into addiction, doing whatever I could to avoid feeling the pain I was carrying."
"Eventually, I did whatever I needed to support my habit, including breaking the law. That led to jail time, and while it was a dark chapter, it also marked the beginning of change," she said.
"Upon release, I wasn’t allowed to return to my hometown. It felt like another punishment at first, but it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me."
"I moved to a new suburb, where no one knew me or my past, it was a chance for a clean slate."
Now that Alison lived in South Australia, she was referred to Life Without Barriers one-on-one alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselling service.
"While I waited on the list, they recommended I join a SMART Recovery group. That’s where I met Mel, the facilitator who would become one of the most important people in my life," she said, speaking of Life Without Barriers AOD Counsellor Melody Warren.
"Through Mel and the support of the group, I started to learn who I was beneath the addiction. I found community, accountability, and hope."
Image: Alison and Melody stand together in front of a brick wall, talking.
Through her perseverance, determination and strength, Alison created the turning point and upward momentum in her life that she once had sought so hard for. One of the most significant changes is the meaningful relationships she now has with her children and family.
"It hasn’t been an easy road, but I now feel really content in my relationships with my children. I have gone from not being in my kids’ lives to playing a vital role," she said.
"I remember the hard times when my two oldest children didn’t want to be part of my life at all; I went three years without seeing another two of my kids; and couldn’t manage to pass a drug test to see my youngest son who was in foster care. I wasn’t welcome in my daughter's home for a time, nor could I see my grandson – but today I have a great relationship with them both."
"Two of my boys still live interstate with their dad but they travel here to spend a week or so with me every school holidays – this is the kind of quality time that I absolutely cherish. And my youngest son is still in foster care, but I have a wonderful supportive relationship with his lovely carers, and I feel very much a part of his life," she said.
Alison's mum has been a constant source of love and support to her.
"It has been really special for my mum too," said Alison. "She can now be a grandparent to my children, adding a rich layer of love and kinship into their lives."
"I’ve earned back their love, understanding and respect," she said.
While Alison is not currently in contact with her eldest son, she remains hopeful that there is a road to rebuild a relationship with him in the future.
Today, Alison keeps building on her new life, one accomplishment after another.
"I have my first full-time job in almost 10 years. It’s more than just work, it’s a symbol of stability, growth, and healing," she said.
"And, in one of the most meaningful full-circle moments of my life, I now facilitate the very same SMART Recovery group I once attended."
"With the ongoing support of Mel and the team at Life Without Barriers, I get to walk beside others on their own journeys of recovery, offering the same understanding and hope that once helped save me."
Alison has this advice for those who are facing challenges with addiction, "My story isn’t perfect. Recovery isn’t always linear. But every day I choose healing, I get stronger."
"And if you're struggling, I want you to know, you’re not alone, and it can get better."
Life Without Barriers’ Drug and Alcohol Counselling service provides one-on-one individualised counselling and group sessions for people who live in South Australia and have identifiable alcohol and/or other drugs dependency and/or concerned parents or significant others.
Access to services is available through self-referral or referral from a GP, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Police, Alcohol and Drug Information Service, Disability Service or other Community Organisations.
This service is available in South Australia only.
