I’m still getting used to articulating myself in this space, so I don’t always get it right — I’m always open to hearing your experiences and opinions.
At the start I misspoke: it does get easier over time. That’s not to say I don’t still have challenges — I do. When I said the suffering outweighed the benefits, I meant that while there was definitely joy sometimes (especially early on), most of the time I was just drinking and using to feel “normal”. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember — alcohol and drugs just took the edge off.
But because it’s your choice, you have the power to change — and you can’t do it alone. Your old thinking got you into the mess, so reach out and get help to change that mindset. There are programs that work — if it doesn’t stick the first fucking time, don’t give up. Give it another crack!
I was lucky to have the support of my brother, who went through his own similar journey and found the right help. I also saw a psychotherapist weekly for years — we’re lucky in this country that these services are often free.
And remember: environment matters. It’s not everything, but it helps you thrive. In horticulture we say, “Right plant, right place.” Put the right plant in the wrong spot and it might survive, but it’ll be stunted forever. Move it to the right conditions and it can thrive. Same goes for you.
Thank you to everyone who’s supported me through this last decade. A few honourable mentions: Damian, Mum, Ma, Pop, Anoushka, Gerard, Tim.
If you’re struggling, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay stuck.
Keep going and keep growing. 🌱✨
Gav.
#keepgrowing
5 months agosuniallnations
🔥🙌❤️❤️ I just seen this for the first time for some reason. Congratulations. That is a fantastic achievement.
a year agoposture_link
Transparency at it best...an inspiration, no shame, just evolving from within, you're one of the lucky ones!
a year agogavin.matthews6
10/13 — Years sober vs wasted. The choice that changed my life. I’m still getting used to articulating myself in this space, so I don’t always get it right — I’m always open to hearing your experiences and opinions. At the start I misspoke: it does get easier over time. That’s not to say I don’t still have challenges — I do. When I said the suffering outweighed the benefits, I meant that while there was definitely joy sometimes (especially early on), most of the time I was just drinking and using to feel “normal”. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember — alcohol and drugs just took the edge off. But because it’s your choice, you have the power to change — and you can’t do it alone. Your old thinking got you into the mess, so reach out and get help to change that mindset. There are programs that work — if it doesn’t stick the first fucking time, don’t give up. Give it another crack! I was lucky to have the support of my brother, who went through his own similar journey and found the right help. I also saw a psychotherapist weekly for years — we’re lucky in this country that these services are often free. And remember: environment matters. It’s not everything, but it helps you thrive. In horticulture we say, “Right plant, right place.” Put the right plant in the wrong spot and it might survive, but it’ll be stunted forever. Move it to the right conditions and it can thrive. Same goes for you. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me through this last decade. A few honourable mentions: Damian, Mum, Ma, Pop, Anoushka, Gerard, Tim. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay stuck. Keep going and keep growing. 🌱✨ Gav. #keepgrowing
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