A free program that helps people overcome addiction is turning lives around for the better.
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But its quiet successes has the potential to help more members of the community who may not know where to turn for support.
Non-profit organisation, SMART Recovery Australia, assists people with problematic behaviours including reliance on drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and gambling.
The group's guide, Peter Mills, of Carlton, has run the program at Kogarah Uniting Church for the past five years.
A former alcoholic, Mr Mills understands first-hand how having a social support network can have positive effects.
“I was a long-term drinker for most of my life,” he said.
“Being in and out of hospital a couple of hundred times, I was a regular of the drug and alcohol unit.
“I started going to their recovery program, but after it was cut from the hospital due to government funding, the nurses saw potential in me to do the training to become a facilitator.
“I enjoyed helping people so much and I felt an important sense of responsibility. And I’ve been there.”
He says alcohol abuse followed by amphetamine use is on the rise, and about 40 per cent of his participants are women.
“Younger people still feel they’re bullet proof, and some just turn up for court attendance records, but about 80 per cent are fairly genuine in making a chance in their lives,” Mr Mills said.
“They’ve made mistakes. Then a habit develops.
“So we look at what triggers their situation and talk about strategies. Harm reduction, not abstinence, is the aim.”
Mr Mills recalls memorable cases, which makes his job a rewarding one.
“A young lady who was battling with family services had her baby taken away from her when she was born, but she stayed on the straight and narrow, and now has her child back,” he said.
“Another guy in the group who’s been a participant for about a year, has now gained the trust of all his loved ones and colleagues, after having a drinking problem that would escalate at parties.
“Others have gone from being on the brink of unemployment to staying sober and becoming happy people.
“It’s satisfying to see.”
Mr Mills spreads awareness about the program through posters plastered in community centres, medical surgeries, libraries and online.
Although it receives some funding, the program relies on spare change donations.
“This is the only SMART Recovery group in this part of Sydney,” he said.
“It’s a very casual 90-minute chat where everyone talks with each other over a tea or coffee.
“We get about eight people come by each week, and no appointment is necessary.
“It’s all pretty relaxed. I’m barefoot in a Hawaiian shirt, and our rooms is not much bigger than a lounge room.
“I’m not a psychologist or in community corrections, I’m just guy.”
Groups are run from 4.30pm-6pm each Friday.
