“I Can’t Leave the Kids With You” Justine on OCD, Perimenopause & Sobriety
Soberly Speaking21 Syys 2025

“I Can’t Leave the Kids With You” Justine on OCD, Perimenopause & Sobriety

For as long as she can remember, Justine Santowiak's OCD was the driving force behind her behaviour. But it wasn’t until she was 45 that she finally got a diagnosis.

One day, scrolling through social media, she came across a clip of someone describing their own OCD and emetophobia, and for the first time in her life, she felt seen. After 45 years, she realised she wasn’t alone.

For decades, alcohol had been her way of coping. At first it felt like self-medicating, but soon it spiralled into something darker. Friends and family lost trust, to the point where they didn’t feel safe leaving her alone with her own children.

At rock bottom, Justine made a promise to God. And through physical exercise and her commitment to sobriety, she has kept that promise. Today, she not only lives in recovery, but helps others find the same strength she once thought was impossible.


FOLLOW JUSTINE ON INSTAGRAM


Trigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuse, OCD and self-harm.


Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠


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.

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


Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠

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.

Jaksot(86)

How Childhood Trauma Shaped Stony's World (Part 2)

How Childhood Trauma Shaped Stony's World (Part 2)

This is Part 2 and the final chapter of Stony's whirlwind journey—using meth with people in power, battling a relapse that threatened her sobriety, and learning how to heal and forgive after such a tu...

16 Joulu 202420min

How Childhood Trauma Shaped Stony's World (Part 1)

How Childhood Trauma Shaped Stony's World (Part 1)

It feels like an injustice to Stony's story to try and capture her life in one single interview.  From as early as she can remember, Stony's witnessed and been victim to violence and struggled with th...

9 Joulu 202428min

Drunk with a Newborn: How Lizzy Became the ZeroProofMum

Drunk with a Newborn: How Lizzy Became the ZeroProofMum

I’ve never heard a new mum be as open and honest as Lizzy is in this episode.From breastfeeding while drunk and passing out, to grappling with postnatal depression and feeling resentful towards her so...

2 Joulu 202437min

The Dad Who Needed to Escape

The Dad Who Needed to Escape

Mick is a 'classic' Aussie dad with three daughters. He enjoys going to the gym and spending time with his wife, Katie. Mick is also a recovering alcohol and gambling addict.Mick shares the powerful s...

25 Marras 202433min

The Lost Boy with Tony Vlogs

The Lost Boy with Tony Vlogs

What happens to the children of addicts who can no longer care for them?For many children, the effects of a parent's addiction are profound, far-reaching, and often invisible. Tony, also known as Tony...

18 Marras 202428min

Can We Moderate Our Drug Use? with Nick Blair

Can We Moderate Our Drug Use? with Nick Blair

This might be my most controversial episode yet.Nick Blair is the founder of Mind Health Bender, an early intervention initiative dedicated to enhancing mental health and promoting a balanced approach...

11 Marras 202440min

Faye Louise Forgives Herself

Faye Louise Forgives Herself

Faye is a twenty-something Brit living in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. I initially wanted to chat to Faye about making friends in a new country while being sober, but as soon as we met, it felt like...

4 Marras 202438min

The Young Gambling Addict

The Young Gambling Addict

Karim was a master at concealing his addictions while working a high-profile fashion job in the heart of Sydney. From the outside, it seemed like he was living the dream. However, beneath that façade ...

28 Loka 202438min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
tiedenaiset-podcast
psykopodiaa-podcast
rss-pitaisko-erota
puhu-muru
katilon-kahvitunti
terapiassa
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
rss-rakas-mielenterveyteni
rss-narsisti
selviytyjat-tarinoita-elamasta
junnut-pelissa
rss-duodecim-lehti
meditaatiot-suomeksi
audio-sport-juoksu
rss-pt-paahtio
rss-addiktit
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi