JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking Aisha never felt like she fit in. From a childhood marked by bullying, being sectioned at 17 and a string of misdiagnoses, she found her sense of belonging in alcohol. By 27 she was physically dependent, drinking through withdrawals, hiding bottles and getting through multiple litres of Fireball a night. It wasn't until she got sober that she finally received the diagnosis she'd been searching for her whole life, autism and ADHD, and suddenly everything started to make sense. In this conversation, Aisha speaks openly about what physical dependence really looks like, the four summers she spent in Ibiza that cemented her party girl identity, and how lockdown accelerated everything. She talks about moving to Canada in a last ditch attempt to stop drinking, the spiral that followed, and what it took to finally get on a flight home. She also shares what it was like to relapse after over a year sober, the kindling effect and why she knows she will never drink again. Julia and Aisha talk about the transfer of addiction, healing the inner child, and what it means to finally live an authentic life. They also touch on cross addiction, the difference between getting dry sober and actually doing the work, and why sobriety gave Aisha everything alcohol promised her it would. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of alcohol dependence, physical withdrawal, and psychosis. Ready to share your story? Email: hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015 https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
