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