Dave felt different from day 1 and was waiting for someone to come and take him to his true home. He started drinking at 14 years old with his friends and was a happy drunk. Dave’s drinking progressed steadily and as his friends dropped off to continue a normal life Dave ploughed on with drugs and alcohol. Diagnosed in his late teens with a psychiatric problem and with prescribed medication he was able to blame his drinking problems on his mental state. Supported in his drinking for the next 24 years by his wife and father, it wasn’t until they withdrew their support in his early forties that he found AA and has been sober for over 11 years.

Cat came from a very controlling, male dominated migrant family and was traumatized by the violence she suffered at home. She started drinking with friends at 13 years old and found that it solved her feeling of disconnection. When her parents separated Cat rebelled and was able to have more freedom, drugs and alcohol but was eventually kicked out of home. She couch surfed for about 13 years before coming into AA in her late twenties, angry and violent when drunk. Cat found hope and support in AA and has been sober for over 3 years.

If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see their website aa.org.au.