I’m looking for help
I’m trying to help a loved one
For Stuart, spending time at Hope Springs Therapeutic Community has allowed him the time and space he needs to work on his mental health, find a new passion and focus on the future.
“I’ve faced ongoing mental health challenges, including ADHD, PTSD and social anxiety,” he explains. “In 2010, I lost access to my ADHD medication.”
“Without it, I struggle to stay focused, and life feels like an endless mission.”
Losing access to the medication impacted his life choices, he says.
“I was working in a high-pressure job and found it impossible to cope without medication. In an effort to self-medicate, I turned to methamphetamine,” he explains.
“Eventually, I reluctantly found myself involved in a crime, which I wanted no part in, and I was sentenced to Casuarina Prison.”
An exhausting cycle
While incarcerated, Stuart joined the first therapeutic community within the prison.
“I spent nine months there, which helped—but addiction and relapse remained constant struggles after my release,” he says.
“I’ve completed three residential rehab programs.
“I’m not an alcoholic, yet drinking often led me to use drugs at night. That cycle would repeat sporadically—until I was using every day.
“It’s soul-destroying and exhausting to rebuild life over and over.”
Focusing on the future
The support he has received at Hope Springs Therapeutic Community has proven invaluable, and he is now looking forward to gaining access to his medication again.
“The team here has helped me manage my appointments and apply to regain my ADHD medication,” he explains.
“I’m about to tick that final box for my prescription, and I believe having my medication back will allow me to move forward with my life.”
Amid the quiet rural setting, and the sense of peace it offers, Stuart has also discovered a new passion.
“I’ve discovered a passion for woodworking and wood carving—I even bought my own Dremel tool.
“Working alongside the woodworking team has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve formed lifelong friendships here.
Stuart has already begun to make plans and set goals for when he completes his time at Hope Springs.
“I plan to study community services so I can give back,” he says. “I’m not seeking a high-pressure role; I want to help others and stay on a positive path myself.”
But most of all, he is looking forward to reconnecting with his children.
“My kids are older now, and I haven’t been in their lives for several years,” he says.
“I’m eager to prove I’m well and responsible, and to rebuild our relationship. That reconnection will be the greatest reward.”
Hope Springs Therapeutic Community is a long-term residential rehabilitation journey for those committed to their alcohol and other drug recovery.
