SUCCESS STORIES

RYAN’S STORY

Ryan was directed to The Power In You Project by a drug and alcohol worker at Barwon Health - the regional health service - who explained the program to him. It sounded good, and he has stuck with it even though he says that he is uncomfortable in groups. He has been part of the program for more than a year and clean for 18 months. Ryan says that he has stayed in the program because of Kane’s way of dealing with people. The focus is not on drugs and problems but rather being positive about yourself and life, looking forward, and taking one day at a time; these are all important elements for him. He says that knowing that Kane had been on a drug ‘path’ himself and understood his experience first-hand has made it easy to relate. What Ryan likes best about the Power In You Project is the 1:1 sessions where he can discuss current issues and get advice. He says that he doesn’t really have a ‘social group’ because he cut everyone off when he stopped using and finished a couple of ‘side programs’. For Ryan, the main benefits of the program include seeing others who have gotten over various drugs, getting support in recovery without judgement, becoming a better, calmer person and being able to call anytime; “Kane will tell you how he sees things, but not pressure you. It’s never about your past life and drugs, just look forward”. He acknowledges that NA works for some people, but he says that it “triggers thinking about drugs”. As part of a corrections order, Ryan has had to wear two electronic bracelets which he has found embarrassing in other places, but never at The Power In You Project. He says he has found friends, a mentor, and family within the program.

CAITLIN’S STORY

Caitlin found out about The Power In You Project through a friend, and she thought that it would be good to try out. Caitlin has a history of severe mental illness from a young age and became addicted to heroin quite young as well. She commenced with the program 18 months ago and has regularly attended the three day per week program. She says that she has learned to have fun without substances and also learned valuable skills to apply to daily living. Caitlin says that she has benefited from Power In You in many ways: reconnecting with her father; staying clean for a long time; deciding to get into volunteering opportunities; engaging in a community support network to keep safe. When asked about the importance of the program to her, she said, “Straight up, without that group I wouldn’t be alive today.” She says that all the participants have grown to be her family, and that ‘after 5’, these are the people who she calls on. When asked about how Power In You is different from other programs, Caitlin cited lack of an end date, that it is up to participants to engage, to attend ‘as you please or as you need’. Participants can work, volunteer, study, and come when they can. “You leave when you are ready, not when they say so or your time’s up.” She is currently in rehab, doing well, intending to return to Power In You when she finishes  rehab.

DION’S STORY

Dion was referred to Power In You through an outreach worker at Stepping Up, a harm reduction program who introduced him to Kane. He had just been released from prison and relocated to Geelong where he knew no one and had no contacts. Dion had worked in prison within a vocational and life skills program. He says that he was immediately offered a position as a volunteer to assist with the three day per week program delivery. That was in August, 2018. In addition to assisting with delivery, Dion has had the opportunity to develop eight half-hour instructions in a range of daily living and self-management skills. Now that Dion is employed, he still attends on his days off and says that he is still getting and giving support within the program. In his view, the greatest benefit of the program is in creating positive community connections. Being able to work on Christmas day volunteering and providing meals and support to others is his example of how his self-esteem has been built. In Dion’s view, the flexibility of the program, the individual focus where one’s needs are identified and addressed, the connections he gets with other groups like the gym, the ‘Ted Talks’ and classroom group activities all serve to both build his confidence and ability as well as bind participants together. 

JOE’S STORY

Joe came to Power In You through Corrections Victoria, having been in the Stepping Up program. He says that he had been “locked up a few times”, then got on ‘ice’ and had a breakdown. That led him to Power In You. He has been part of the program for approximately two years. He says that Kane and the program have been excellent for his rehabilitation. He reports having been suicidal at times, and that the program has saved his life. He says that the program has helped him deal with his addiction, built his self-esteem and confidence and every aspect of life; his social involvement and his personal development. He says that he now has self-respect which he never had; that he is completely drug-free and confident that he will stay that way. He says that he doesn’t think of drugs anymore; that he thinks about positive things, about worthwhile activities and goals. He claims that the program has given him his life back. He has no trouble with ‘the law’. He also says that Kane having been through drug dependency himself gives him an understanding of the life experiences of participants and equips him to be an excellent support and role model.  

KIM’S STORY

Kim’s involvement in Power In You began when her stepsister found out about the program and directed her there. Kane came to see her. Despite being quite a “closed person”, Kim was comfortable with Kane and joined the program. That was over a year ago. At first, she just listened, but has really opened up and fully participates, nurturing and being nurtured. She has a history of alcohol abuse and reports having a pattern drinking in order to sleep. In the program, Kim regularly attends the three day per week program. She says that what she likes most is the positive focus; “it is all about ‘what I like about you’.” She has achieved a feeling of wellbeing inside and out. It has made a big difference in her life. It has helped her settle and to be more open and talkative. Some of the most beneficial aspects include practicing gratefulness, getting non-judgmental support (“You don’t stand up and say, I am an alcoholic or addict!”); ”Here it is about what you are now.” She thinks that if Kane hadn’t been through addiction himself, the program wouldn’t be this way. It is very important to Kim to stay sober, and she sees the program as critical to this. She also says that the group discussions are uplifting, and that she has noticed participants changing their “speak”; “They don’t talk about jail or drugs; instead they talk about their family, what they are doing with their lives.” She points out that some participants don’t have any support outside of the program. She feels fortunate to have a close and supportive family, but says others need the group for that too.