*Sasha's Story
I was raised with a mum and dad that loved me, but my dad died when I was only 11 years old and I miss him to this day. Mum did the best she could but I struggled with anxiety and depression.
After the birth of one of my children I had post-natal depression I started drinking as a way to cope with my pain and the demands of life. Things got so bad that my children were taken into the care of the state, my world completely shattered. I was hospitalised and had no where to go.
I ran into a Pastor who suggested I call Teen Challenge and that is what I did. I was loved back to life at Teen Challenge, and I was able to overcome the trauma that had led me to drinking in the first place.
I had a lot of healing I needed to. But I was committed to my family and ending the destructive cycle, of abusing alcohol. I wanted to end this very long season of drinking and addiction and because of Teen Challenge, I could.
I now have my children back in my care, I am working and have learnt to prioritize self-care and keeping sober over escaping through drinking.
My girls can count on me now. I can trust myself and others can trust me to. Life still presents challenges, but I have a support network in place. I am staying sober, for myself and for my family.
None of this would be possible without the support of people like you.
*Name and image changed to protect privacy