Recovery Series: Shiny’s Story

When Shiny checked into The Sydney Retreat around a year ago, he had no idea his life was about to begin a dramatic change for the better. An educated and sought-after medical professional, Shiny’s drinking had seen his life spiral out of control. 

He’d become isolated from his friends and family. He was a-prey to anxiety and depression. And despite his high earning capacity, Shiny lived in squalor. 

He was one of those drinkers whose life was unmanageable even when he jumped on the wagon. 

At one point, Shiny went eight months without picking up a drink. 

Despite this sobriety, Shiny describes the period as horrendous, lonely and depressed. He found that even the simplest social interactions filled him with anxiety and dread. 

When the pressures of living finally grew too great, Shiny returned to the drink. At his low point, he drank 4 litres of wine daily. 

That’s when he got in touch with The Sydney Retreat. 

Deciding to enter rehab was pretty daunting for Shiny, but he instantly found that he did not have to do it alone.

 “Something I was definitely missing in my life was connection. “Coming into the program I discovered a place where we can connect. “We share our drinking experiences together and we have the ability to help one another. To me, it was a real revelation.” 

Thanks to The Sydney Retreat’s program of recovery, Shiny is coming up on twelve months happy and alcohol-free. And for him, staying sober is just the beginning.

“The Sydney Retreat is an amazing place to find yourself spiritually. “It was here I found a purpose, and I began to flourish. I discovered a whole new way of life. It’s just amazing.”