The Truth About Addiction
My name is Ron Isherwood, a recovering addict. Born into the infamous underworld of criminal Painters and Dockers in Melbourne. At 37 years clean, I embarked on my own journey of recovery 42 years ago. The last thing that I could give up was my addiction to crime.
Today, I am the founder of ‘The Truth About Addiction’, a compelling podcast that delves into the depths of mental health, addiction, and the path to recovery. I will share my own journey and unveil the raw and powerful stories of individuals from all walks of life; from current addicts to those on the road of recovery and the families affected. Every tale is genuine and unfiltered.
Addiction doesn't discriminate, but neither does hope. If one person resonates with one’s story, if one person can find hope and empowerment from one’s story, it’s a win.
If you have a specific topic in mind or want to share your own story, don't hesitate to reach out. This is your invitation to enjoy our extraordinary chats, where hope prevails, and recovery is not just a dream but an awe-inspiring reality.
www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au
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The Truth About Addiction
Ep84. Angie, transformation of the chameleon and chronic relapser
Growing up in Rockhampton, Angie’s parents arrived in Australia on a boat in the late 1950s. Angie was always the ‘naughty kid’ who frequently found herself in the principal’s office facing suspension, while her excellling sisters were Dux of school. Negative attention is still better than none. She was often labelled as ‘the Devil’s Child’.
Angie and her sisters confronted racism dominantly during their school years, which left her self-conscious and resentful of her background. ‘I didn’t accept the Wog side of me.’ She didn’t want to speak her native language, didn’t want to be near her sisters at school. She distanced herself from her family. Angie’s shame surrounding her identity and origins led her down a troubling path.
Angie described going through the natural progression of substance abuse, finding solace in heroin which it provided her with a sense of wholesome, completeness, warmth and comfort - all the perfect illusions. Angie didn’t stop at stealing, shoplifting, prostitution, credit card and cheque fraud, she even robbed her father.
When Angie found Narcotics Anonymous, she found her tribe, the connection she had always sought. It wasn’t an easy journey. Relapses were real, and her depression was flying high. With multiple relapses on the record, after 22 and a half years, she sadly picked up heroin again. “Having a habit in your 50s is not pretty.”
Returning to the embrace of Narcotics Anonymous, Angie embarked on a new path in life. She established her own cleaning business and teaches yoga. She is now helping others with drug and alcohol addiction while pursuing her diploma in counselling.
She had always been a chameleon throughout her life. Today, Angie is on a journey of self-discovery and learning to get comfortable with who she is. One day at a time.
www.thetruthaboutaddiction.com.au