A Lake Macquarie man who has spent more than half his life free from addiction is sharing his powerful story of recovery, crediting a local fellowship with saving him from almost certain death.
A Life Transformed by Fellowship
Now 65 years old and celebrating 35 years of continuous sobriety, the man reflects on a youth dominated by substance abuse. "I was a heroin addict and on methadone for years," he said. His addiction led to dangerous behaviour, including breaking into chemists and an armed robbery. The trajectory of his life changed irrevocably at age 19 when, as a passenger in a car under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the vehicle went over a cliff. The accident resulted in a spinal cord injury that left him using a wheelchair.
He spent 16 years trapped in active addiction before finding Narcotics Anonymous (NA). "I believe I would have died, if not for NA," he stated bluntly. For him, the holiday season used to magnify his isolation. "It used to shine a spotlight on how isolated, narrow and awful my life had become."
The Stark Reality of Drug-Related Deaths in the Hunter
His story of survival stands in stark contrast to tragic local statistics. According to the latest data from the Pennington Institute, there were 308 unintentional drug-induced deaths in the Hunter region between 2014 and 2023. In Newcastle alone, these fatalities more than doubled, rising from 47 in the period 2009-2013 to 103 from 2019-2023.
The man, who chooses to remain anonymous in line with NA traditions, describes the 12-step program as offering "basic principles" that work. "Any addict can lose the desire to use and find a new way to live," he explained. "The power of NA is one addict helping another addict." He recalls his first meetings as "like a breath of fresh air," finally hearing others share the secret thoughts and shame he had carried for 17 years. "NA loved me until I could love myself," he said.
Unpacking Trauma and Building a New Life
His journey into addiction was rooted in deep-seated trauma and insecurity. He spoke of a difficult childhood marked by family conflict, including a father prone to violence, and feelings of inadequacy compared to his "high-achieving" brothers. He also revealed he was sexually abused at age 14, an experience he never disclosed at the time. "I didn't have the tools to deal with that stuff. Sexual abuse is a common thing in the NA fellowship and among drug addicts," he noted.
These experiences forged two core beliefs: that he was unlovable and that the world was hostile. "For me, drugs were always a coping mechanism," he said. Through the consistent support of NA, he has not only maintained sobriety but built a fulfilling life. He played wheelchair basketball professionally in the UK and Europe, successfully ran a business importing pressure care cushions, and restored his relationship with his parents.
Despite his decades of clean time, he remains vigilant, still attending regular meetings. "I've seen people relapse after being clean for decades. My belief is this disease sits deeply in my being," he admitted. His continued involvement is both for his own stability and to help others. "I continue to go to meetings because it helps me and I can give back... Even recently I woke up one morning with this huge gratitude that I could be useful not only in NA, but society in general. That's quite a gift for someone like me who has been through addiction."
For help or information, contact Narcotics Anonymous on 1300 652 820.
