Addicted Australia - Episode 1
Trigger Warning: For some people in recovery watching Addicted Australia there may be some parts of the show that are triggering, particularly in relation to alcohol and drug use. You may want to seek support while watching if this is the case.
Addiction is rarely portrayed on television and when it is it often perpetuates shame and stigma rather than showing the real, complex lives of people being affected by addiction.
The new Addicted Australia documentary series takes cameras into the lives of ten Australians and their families, to show real stories of addiction. Each of the ten participants have enrolled into a unique and bespoke treatment program, developed by Turning Point, to access holistic care and support, recover and get on with their lives.
This is their story.
You can also read about Turning Pointās response to Episode 1 here.
If you would like to discuss the episode with peers check out the forum thread here.
Addiction can touch anyone
āI donāt look like a drug addict, so Iāve been told. I donāt know what one looks like really, because Iām one, so they look like me,ā Sarah, 42, addicted to āiceā (crystal methamphetamine).
Right from the outset the documentary makes an important point about addiction - it can affect anyone in our community. No matter what someone looks like, where they live or their background, addiction does not discriminate.
Many people donāt understand addiction. If you want to learn more about how it works and why people can become addicted check out some of our resources here. Itās particularly important to realise that the reasons for addiction and individual experiences are as varied as people themselves as youāll notice in this episode.
The participants have problems with different substances and are at vastly different stages of recovery.
No two experiences will be the same and therefore the treatment and support should also be individualised. For anyone ready to make a change, we have a range of support options available.
Addiction is not failure
To reduce shame and stigma and improve access to treatment itās incredibly important that people understand that addiction is a health condition not a moral failing.
At Counselling Online we define addiction as āa chronic health condition that occurs when someone is unable to stop consuming a drug or activity, even if it is causing physical or psychological harm, or interfering with everyday life.ā
Itās also important to note that recovery takes time and changes through an individualās journey. In the documentary we see a range of people at different stages in their recovery and they all need support in different ways. Even when people experience lapse or relapse itās not a failure, but rather another step in their recovery process.
Families and friends are also affected by addiction
On the program, support is also provided to the families of participants. The effect on families and friends when a loved one is working through addiction shouldnāt be understated. We understand this and have a range of support options for friends and family on our site. If you are a friend or family member of someone affected by substance use, this blog āLoved ones can also find it toughā might.
Treatment Options
We see a range of treatment and support options depicted in this episode including:
Peer Support
A key part of the Turning Point treatment model is a weekly peer support group, where the participants meet to support each other and discuss they journey. Our peer support forum provides a similar function and is available 24/7.
Withdrawal support
One of the participants Ruben attends a detox to help him medically manage his withdrawal from heroin. If you want to make a change to your substance use it is important to understand how withdrawal works and what support options you may need in place to successfully manage it.
Counselling
Several of the participants have counselling sessions with clinicians in this episode. Talking to someone about where you are at and what you can do to make a change can be really helpful at all stages of recovery. Find out more about chat counselling.
Keep watching and access support
We believe Addicted Australia is incredibly empowering viewing, and the most truthful portrayal of addiction that has ever been shown on Australian television. We hope you continue to watch over the coming weeks.
Remember, if you or anyone you know is affected by addiction and need support, we are here to help 24/7.