It’s never too late to work on our relationship with substances
The WNSW PHN is proud to support the work of the Roadmaps Program delivered by Lives Lived Well.
Warren’s experience
Warren is a 65-year-old man who lives in a small community, 90 minutes from Dubbo.
Warren has a long and colourful history with poly-substance use and living on the ‘wild side’ as a young man.
Warren said things changed for him when he met his wife who turned out to be his soul mate and life partner - they were together for 40 years.
Warren lost his partner, approximately 18 months ago, after an extended illness where Warren cared for her at home. After the death of his wife, Warren spiralled into a deep depression and felt lost and alone, his drinking increased, which in turn caused issues with his daughter from whom he is currently estranged.
Enter the Roadmaps Program
While believing he would never feel better, Warren joined Roadmaps at the suggestion of his Mental Health Counsellor. Warren was initially a reluctant participant but attended with a faint hope of something good coming from it.
He attended every session and was able to see that while there was ‘no quick fix’, there was however changes he could make to improve things.
Warren also came to acknowledge that his wife was with him in many of the routines and activities he had chosen to uphold in her honour.
Warren learnt to set boundaries with himself and others, he introduced some zero alcohol beers into his fridge and was able to recognise his strengths. Other positive steps Warren took were to commit to attending a NALAG group and to take time out for a weekend fishing trip
Warren had some wonderful reflections to share with the group:
“Becoming numb from drink or drugs never makes things better.”
“You won't find the answers in a bottle of beer.”
“Have a little think before you act - step back and take time for yourself.”
More about Roadmaps
The Roadmaps Mobile Drug and Alcohol Day Program is a 6-week intensive, non-residential rehabilitation program for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people that rotates around rural and remote communities in Western NSW.
The program includes structured therapeutic groups, support and education/information sessions. Interventions will vary based on client need but will include evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
Clients can either refer themselves or be referred by a third party. The service is based in Dubbo, servicing Coonamble, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Nyngan, Warren, Wellington, Parkes.
Clients can self-refer or be referred into the program - Lives Lived Well - Support for Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health problems