Debt, Multiple Relapses & Going All In on AA: Alex’s Story

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“I was a horizontal drinker”

Alex’s relationship with alcohol and substances had always been extreme, but when a business partner left him tens of thousands of dollars in debt, the financial pressure catapulted his drinking and coke use to another level. Before long, he was hiding whiskey under his pillow so he could wake up, drink, and pass out again.

Alex’s journey with sobriety has been anything but linear. After becoming physically dependent on alcohol, he suffered a seizure while trying to go cold turkey and relapsed multiple times. Even after finally quitting alcohol, Alex admits he wasn’t happy in sobriety.

After travelling to Colombia for an ayahuasca ceremony, Alex relapsed and brought his drinking back to the UK. When he eventually sought help, he made the decision to go all in on AA, something he had never truly done before.

Follow Alex on Instagram: @recoveringalkialex

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.

This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area.

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

Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14

⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠

1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732

⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠

Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea

Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich

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.