Growing up as a gay man in regional Australia, Andrew Addie felt encouraged to drink and surrounded by a culture of alcohol.
When he reached his 30s, he felt his alcohol use was out of control and his mental health was at a low point.
“Luckily I found a doctor that that was just really supportive, queer friendly, and it changed my life. He knew that I could get out of it, and he supported me through it,” he said.
Andrew, who does alcohol advocacy and community participation work for the LGBTQ+ community, completed a medical detox and is now six years alcohol-free.
In his interview with FARE for Voices of Change, Andrew shared why we need to address stigma, the urgent need for greater support services, and the joy of life without alcohol.
“When I have a sober milestone… usually I celebrate with close friends. I now frame it as something more important to me than a birthday,” he said.
“It’s a real achievement that I’m so proud of.”
