Meet Nikola in the final episode of this season of Stories of Recovery. With a family history of substance misuse, Nikola started misusing drugs early. She was still able to establish a family and a career as a social worker, before finding herself in a relationship with a man who used her dependence to control her. Nikola was able to leave this abusive relationship to come to Windana, where she unlearned deep seated behaviours that contributed to her drug dependence, and started getting her life back on track. “Lean into the program – the uncomfortable moments, the challenges, the hard parts” Listen to Nikola’s story in Stories of Recovery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to our website: https://windana.org.au/podcast/ Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use and family violence. Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

Growing up in a family of intellectuals, Jason always felt pressure to academically succeed. He struggled to focus though, and ended up disengaging from education. After developing an alcohol dependence, which resulted in multiple hospitalisations, and being kicked out of home, Jason was referred to Windana. Jason shares how he overcame his fears, how the program allowed him to open up emotionally, and how he rediscovered his love of writing. “I needed to find a new meaning for what living is. I was trying to get back to myself” Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use. Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

“Recovery is about opportunities” In this episode, Windana Therapeutic Community graduate Chris speaks about his struggles with self-esteem and negative self-talk, and the importance of honesty. Chris shares his realisation that he’s worthy of the love of his friends, his family, and himself. “I feel like me again” Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use and self-harm. Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

Grief defined Mark’s early life in Launceston. His mother died when he was only 1 year old, and he lost his brother at 15. Depression and alcohol dependence defined the next decades of his life. Mark found purpose through marriage, raising a daughter, and his career as an ambulance driver, but couldn’t escape these conditions. In our Grampians Therapeutic Community, Mark found himself where he needed to be. “It’s a beautiful experience to go through change and recognise the change in yourself… everyone’s worthy of having the opportunity to be the best version of themselves” Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use and self-harm. Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

In this episode, Marie shares how a dependence on pain killers saw her life spiral out of control. Following a stint in rehab, a relapse saw her separated from her husband as well as the involvement of Child Protection. Facing homelessness, and serious health and mental health issues, Marie entered a Windana Therapeutic Community. Marie speaks about her journey, repairing her marriage and relationship with her family, and finding a balance. “Doing something like this – you’ve got nothing to lose. That life is no life” Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use and self-harm. Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

“Life is about growing, and you’re never too old to change.” Lee felt terrified going to an all-girls high school, a feeling he didn’t understand until coming out as trans. Struggling with pain and depression, Lee turn to drugs and alcohol. Following a suicide attempt, Lee realised that he “didn’t want to die, I just didn’t know how to live.” Lee shares the advice that helped him stay in rehab following a relapse, what continues to give him hope, and learning how to “get busy living.” Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use and self-harm. Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

“I didn't even know what feelings were....and couldn’t express them to anyone.” After a promising basketball career was cut short by injury, Adam managed to pull himself back from the brink, starting a family and his own business. After a series of personal setbacks, including the death of his beloved father, his drug usage got out of control. In rehab, Adam was able to turn things around, learning how to express himself and his own self-worth. He’s even planning on returning as a volunteer, helping others in the program. “It’s like what it says on the sign outside – it’s life changing" Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use. Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

Meet Nicholas, in our brand new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast. Nicholas is a chef, a world traveller, and a graduate from one of Windana’s Therapeutic Communities. After 33 years of dependence, Nicholas reflects on his newfound sobriety, the value of community, and what he’s learned. “It gets easier… you start to gain everything back, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it happens” Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use. Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

Welcome to the new season of Stories of Recovery. Stories of Recovery shines a light on residents at Windana who share their unique stories, lived experience and insights on dependence and recovery. Our second season introduces you to Nicholas, Adam, Marie and others on their journeys of recovery – no two stories are the same but each is a moving portrait of resilience and hope. The new season of Stories of Recovery begins next week.

In this episode, you’ll hear from *Starbuck Visnu – a graduated Windana Therapeutic Community resident - about how he’s always searched for a sense of belonging in all the places he’s found himself. He shares how his drug use escalated over time, what kept him in rehab, and how this transformed his relationship with his trauma. *name changed for privacy  Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use, physical abuse and includes course language.   Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound  

"For men, the quicker you learn to drop the armour...break down the barriers and learn that its OK to show your feelings and emotions [you'll see that] is really what being a man is." In this episode, you’ll hear from *Mick, a Koori/Māori Windana TC graduate, who speaks about his journey of unlearning what it means to be a man. Growing up in an environment where being vulnerable was seen as a weakness, he had to do the hard work of breaking down his barriers in the support of the therapeutic community. He speaks about the benefits of being vulnerable and now supports young men and adults in the community through his love of boxing and peer work. *name changed for privacy   Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use.   Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

“…its not an easy journey, but please don’t give up on anyone, or yourself because change is possible.” In this episode you’ll hear from a former Windana Therapeutic Community resident, 30 year-old *Michael, about his challenges as a teenager, the moment he decided he no longer wanted to be in jail, and what he did when he was close to being discharged from rehab. Michael shares what he’s looking forward to after rehab and gives advice to those who are supporting someone through addiction and recovery. *name changed for privacy   Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use.   Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound  

In this episode, you’ll hear from young Aboriginal man and Windana graduate *Oliver. He faced many challenges in his childhood and teenage years before entering one of Windana’s Therapeutic Communities, but he shares how his determination has helped him through. Oliver speaks about breaking intergenerational cycles and the consistent work it has taken to be the first in his family to reach certain milestones. *name changed for privacy   Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use, abuse, homophobia and contains course language.   Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound    

“Recovery is about connection…talking to people who were like-minded helped me learn how to trust.” *Gwen is an AOD Worker on her own journey of recovery. She shares her insights of recovery, the impacts of being diagnosed with PTSD and the importance of connection. She speaks about the struggles of being a mother in recovery, and her passion for supporting other women and mothers through their recovery. *name changed for privacy   Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use and contains course language.   Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound    

“It’s not just about getting off the grog…it’s about healing. People just need to be given a chance.” In this episode, Windana Therapeutic Community graduate *Orlando speaks about how he and his family were affected by the early and sudden death of his brother. In his teens Orlando explains he developed ‘maladaptive coping mechanisms’ and injured his back which impacted him for 30 years, causing a snow-ball effect of alcohol and drug use. After a ‘moment of clarity’, he called his GP to help him begin a rehabilitation program. He shares what he’s learned from being in recovery, including and the importance of not doing it alone. *name changed for privacy   Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use.   Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

In this episode peer support worker and LGBTIQ+ advocate *Eduardo talks about his early life on the streets of Brisbane and Sydney after being forced out of home as a teen because he of his sexuality. He talks about what it means to live a happy life after addiction, the importance of language, and why he decided to become a peer support worker. His story speaks to the power of connecting with people, the strength of community and finding your passion in life. *name changed for privacy   Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use   Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges) Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

"...rehab is a place of healing..." In this episode you’ll hear the story of former resident, *Rachel. She shares why she went to rehab, what’s kept her in recovery and how she’s dealt with setbacks along the way. You’ll hear how she felt when she first started her recovery, and how she’s grown as a person since being at the TC.  *name changed for privacy   Content advisory - this episode discusses drug use Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges)Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

In this episode, you’ll hear the story of Grampians TC resident *David - a “big traveller” and musician who found solace in an acoustic guitar. He shares how his outlook on addiction and it’s link with mental health has changed over time, and what his journey at Windana has looked like.

In this episode, you’ll hear the story of *Cupido, who recently graduated from a Windana Therapeutic Community. Cupido was 6 months into his recovery at the time of this interview. While he was resistant to long-term rehab in the beginning, a graduation he attended on his second day changed his perspective. Cupido reflects on the early stages of his recovery, how he’s grown to like himself, and how he’s dealt with his perfectionism and depression. *name changed for privacy Content advisory - this episode discusses drug use Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges)Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound

Stories of Recovery features real stories from residents and staff of Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery. In these episodes, they share their unique stories, lived experience and insights on addiction and recovery. This series was produced on the lands of the Kulin Nation and we pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging, and any First Nations people listening.