She was using ice through needles, selling her body at 17, and disappearing from herself—until one moment of surrender changed everything Amber’s story on the Slaying Sober podcast is raw, confronting, and deeply hopeful.From growing up in Australia’s heavy drinking culture to teenage substance use, sex work, and intravenous ice addiction, Amber takes us through the unfiltered reality of addiction—and the quiet power of recovery. Now three years sober through a 12-step program, Amber shares how detox, ninemonths of rehab, daily sponsor calls, and relentless honesty helped her rebuild a life she never thought she deserved. This episode dives into youth mental health, neurodivergence, codependency, and what it really means to surrender when you’ve tried everything else. She also opens up about her 20-hour silence challenge for youth mental health—transforming loneliness into peace—and how recovery taught her authenticity after years of masking, bullying, and emotional neglect. This is not a glamorized recovery story. It’s real, uncomfortable, and proof that sobriety works—even when you’re young, broken, and convinced you’re too far gone. •From first drink at 14 to drug-induced psychosis •Losing 30kg in one month during active addiction •Ice addiction through pipes and needles •Sex work, court bonds, and criminal survival •The moment of rock bottom that sparked change •Why surrender isn’t weakness—it’s freedom •“Find better meetings like you found better drugs” Sobriety Milestones: Clean since November 21, 2022 | Detox + 9-month rehab | 4–5meetings weekly Recovery Tools: 12-step fellowship, sponsor accountability, grounding practices, service work Personal Growth: From people-pleasing and masking to self-acceptance and advocacy Challenges Overcome: Ice addiction, sex work from age 17, psychosis, emotional abandonment 00:01:19– Silence challenge: boredom vs peace 02:11:00– Alcohol normalized in childhood 07:20:00– Drugs used to quiet the mind (neurodivergence) 19:10:00– Rock bottom and mirror moment 26:53:00– Detox, rehab, surrender 41:28:00– Three years sober & life today Why This Episode Matters: This is a 22-year-old’s unfiltered truth—no recovery clichés, no sugar-coating. A rare youth perspective on ice addiction, sex work, and sobriety within Australian culture, offering practical tools and real hope for anyone who thinks they’re “too young” or “too far gone.” If you’re questioning your relationship with substances, supporting someone in recovery, or searching for real hope—listen now. Share this episode with someone who needs proof that change is possible.
