Soberly Speaking

Zeak grew up on a tiny island in the South Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Australia: Norfolk Island. Life in small, rural communities often has its own unique rhythm, and Zeak's story is no exception. Raised by parents who openly used drugs, he learned early on how to navigate a world that was anything but conventional. Adding to this complexity was the secret he carried, his sexuality.When Zeak kissed a boy for the first time and experienced the rush of MDMA on the same night, it sparked an unforgettable high. That euphoric moment became the benchmark he chased relentlessly in the years that followed, diving headfirst into the world of drugs and partying.Follow Zeak on InstagramReady to share your story? Email [email protected] WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse. Please listen with care and prioritise your well-being. Help is listed below;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 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineCreator & host- Julia RangiheueaVideo producer- Beaudene PerussichImage & logo- Jasmine RuleIn 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.

What if your drug dealer was your doctor? After giving birth to her daughter, Natasha was prescribed Oxy to manage the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis, something that had been dormant her entire life until childbirth. In this episode, Natasha opens up about her struggles; begging her street dealer to stop answering her calls, pleading with doctors to take her seriously and ultimately turning to her family for help to get into detox. That decision saved her life.Follow Natasha on InstagramReady to share your story? Email [email protected] WARNING: This episode contains discussions of suicide and substance abuse. Please listen with care and prioritise your well-being. Help is listed below;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 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineCreator & host- Julia RangiheueaVideo producer- Beaudene PerussichImage & logo- Jasmine RuleIn 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.

By the age of 10, Nicole was already weighing drugs for bikies at clubhouses. She experienced child abuse from a young age and had no family or friends surrounding her. This led Nicole to put her trust in the wrong hands, becoming the victim of a horrific crime in high school. Years later, she married her ex-husband, entering an abusive relationship so violently destructive that she knew staying would eventually cost her life. Fleeing with nothing but the clothes on her back, Nicole found herself once again immersed in the world of drugs and sex work. It wasn’t until a motel room overdose that everything change...Ready to share your story? Email [email protected] TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse. Please listen with care and prioritise your well-being. Help is listed below;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 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineCall 1800 737 732 for the 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.Individuals can also access local support services and search the internet using Daisy, a free app developed by 1800RESPECT that protects user privacy.Creator & host- Julia RangiheueaVideo producer- Beaudene PerussichImage & logo- Jasmine RuleIn 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.

Sophie was over 3 years sober when she thought she could moderate her drinking. What started as a few drinks spiralled, with her wedding becoming the catalyst for falling back into old habits. Going into this episode, I assumed we’d focus on that turning point, but as I spoke to Sophie, I realised her story ran so much deeper.An eating disorder that began in her teenage years. Postnatal depression that led to multiple suicide attempts. A lingering sense of shame and resentment towards herself.Trigger warning: This episode discusses postnatal depression, suicide, eating disorders, and substance abuse.The book Sophie recommends is 'alcohol explained' by William PorterFor addiction she also recommends 'In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction' by Gabor Maté 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 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineReady to share your story? Email [email protected] & host- Julia RangiheueaVideo producer- Beaudene PerussichImage & logo- Jasmine RuleIn 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.