Grant grew up in a country town and his family was ostracised by the local community. Primary school was a living hell with dyslexia and he was also bullied relentlessly. He and his brothers started using alcohol and drugs early and he began stealing from family and friends. When his parents split Grant moved high schools and got into a gang using acid, speed and alcohol and became a violent bully himself.  He left school at 15 and was more successful at work, eventually getting married and having a family but when he started using ice his partner gave him an ultimatum. After 27 years on drugs Grant was exposed to Narcotics Anonymous in rehab and after a few relapses he’s now been clean for over 5 months. Grant is re-establishing his relationship with his wife and children and building trust through NA.

Neil’s dad was bipolar and a violent alcoholic and his mum started becoming dependant on alcohol too. He started to shut down when he was around 12 years’ old, telling lies about his home life to fit in with others at school. Neil started drinking around 16 to alleviate his depression and became an active alcoholic through his successful working life. He married and it wasn’t till is mid-forties when he had a manic episode that he realised that he was bipolar too. With alcohol and now prescription drugs Neil’s life collapsed within 6 months and he found himself homeless and living out of his car.  In and out of 5 detoxes, Neil reluctantly found that although he initially hated NA, he realized that it was his only tangible hope. Now clean and sober for over 3 years, Neil has every reason to love life.

If you have a problem with drugs of any kind, you can call the Narcotics Anonymous helpline on 1300 652 820 or 0488 811 247 or go online at na.org.au.