The reason I chose to add this story was because I really feel it reflects my journey through the darkness of addiction and into the light of a sober life.  Before finding Shay Louise House, I had been involved with two other rehabilitation programs and because of the lack of accurate and detailed information provided, I managed to convince myself that I could do better, that I knew better than these programs.  The problem with this is that you don’t know about the traps, the stinking thinking, the dry drunk/drug, the three month hurdles.  Trying to quit on your own without a structured program is like trying to paddle a boat with one oar, you go around and around and eventually end up where you started.

On a very miserable day six months ago, I drove myself to Shay Louise House, and signed myself up for their DrugBeat Programme; the best decision I have ever made.

It’s tough nobody will ever tell you otherwise, but something that’s helped me and I have witnessed helping others, is information, information which leads you to understanding what’s happening on all levels; emotional, mental, and physical.  That most vital bit of information that I was given was that drugs stop you feeling on an emotional level, and that the first three months I was going to be feeling emotions that I hadn’t felt for years.  This was not easy, when these emotions come back boy do they come back with a vengeance, but with the help of the beautiful staff here at Shay Louise House I was able to understand and be comfortable with these feelings and not look to avoid and suppress them.  I am now six months clean and I won’t bullshit and tell you how sweet life is now, but life has improved out of sight and most importantly I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.  I never thought I would actually say this but I’m actually looking forward to my next six months of rehab, and even better yet, I’m looking forward to living a life of sobriety.

I have been a drug user for 22 years and with everything I have done and seen one thing I know is that no one comes off drugs by replacing them with clinical drugs, that is only a lie that drug users tell themselves so they don’t have to do a reality check on themselves and admit that they need to deal with why their on drugs in the first place.

Shay Louise House is the only safe and down to earth place who’s whole purpose is to help us find out why we do what we do and also find out who we really are, so that we in the end really live a life full of purpose and meaning and understanding of ourselves and others. Thank God for Shay Louise House.

If anyone out there really wants to come off drugs, all drugs including alcohol and prescription drugs, then come to Shay Louise House and I swear that if you give them 15 months of your life, they will give you the tools and confidence to live the rest of your life with absolute freedom to be whoever you really are, it’s hard work but very, very worth it.

To all at Shay Louise House Ann Eric Luke Georgina Leeanne Andrea Susan & Cris

I thank you for your vision, commitment belief and integrity. I thank you for being patient and inspiring teachers and wonderful loving human beings.

I thank you for your honest caring support and encouragement.  I am humbled by the gift you have allowed me to see in myself and the courage to have a better life for myself and my family.

With love and my deepest appreciation and respect.

02/10/2007 to 30/04/09

Well done you and well done me, may our lights shine bright.

Minlaton SA 5575