This episode is a powerful journey into the grip of drug addiction and the profound path to recovery. Our guest, Helen, shares her deeply personal story, offering an unvarnished look at how a slow spiral, catalysed by an injury and a desire to belong, led her from a loving, active family life to two decades of dependency, homelessness, and broken relationships. Helen recounts her experience, from a curious 18-year-old trying drugs with new friends to facing the devastating consequences of meth and marijuana addiction. The conversation explores critical themes: -The Unspoken Trauma: How an 18-month basketball injury created a void that led to experimentation, and how the loss of her father at 20 fueled further immersion into the drug scene. -The Power of Denial: The mental gymnastics of maintaining a job and family contact while being deep in addiction, believing she was "top of the gutter bunch." -The Fear of Homelessness: The terrifying, day-to-day struggle of couch-surfing and the constant anxiety of not having a safe home. -The Breakthrough: The 8-year relapse after a failed first attempt at recovery, and the moment a friend's destruction finally gave her the clarity and resolve to accept her family's help and enter Shalom House. -Finding Peace and Purpose: The relief of routine, the power of a praying mother, and how her recovery at Shalom House provided not just sobriety, but a restored relationship with her family and a new mission in the mentoring department. National AI & Cybersecurity Leadership Summit 2025 https://lnkd.in/g7eg9bjE Tap the Link. If you like what Dev is wearing, book an appointment with yourself. https://lnkd.in/gAY743-C Disclaimer The content presented in this Podcast may contain discussions of sensitive topics including but not limited to drug and alcohol abuse, mental health challenges, domestic violence, trauma, and other distressing experiences. These stories are shared with permission and aim to promote understanding, awareness, and respectful conversation. Viewer and listener discretion is advised. This content is not intended to glorify or promote harmful behaviour. It reflects personal lived experiences and does not necessarily represent the views of the host, platform, or any affiliated organisations. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues discussed, support is available. In Australia, you can contact: Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 1800RESPECT (Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence) – 1800 737 732 Please take care while engaging with this content.
