Being a mum is busy at the best of times and leaves many mums feeling exhausted. From birthdays to Easter and Christmas, it seems there is always an event to plan for. And Halloween is no exception. Creating the perfect costume, carving pumpkins, decorating the house,...
It seems that most days, we’re reading reports in the news and seeing the stories on TV of domestic violence and the prevalence of drug and alcohol addiction. From high-profile celebrities to family friends, neighbours and even in our own homes, the impact of substance...
For many women, a drink at the end of the day to relax and unwind is normal. After all, for the last three decades, it’s been thought that a glass a day and drinking at a moderate level is good for us. It turns out...
Addiction and Recovery I smoked my first cigarette when I was 11. My parents both smoked. My mother had beautiful hands and lovely nails which were always varnished light pink. I thought she looked extremely glamorous the way she held and smoked her cigarette. I couldn’t...
By the time the Spring Carnival, horse racing’s most prestigious season is over, Australians will have bet nearly $1.5 billion since August. NSW is the state that bets the most each year on the cup, far exceeding Victoria. In fact, the average amount gambled per person...
Author and actor Christopher Kennedy Lawford, nephew to John, F Kennedy and passionate and dedicated voice of the Recovery moment, has died. It is confirmed that Mr. Lawford died of a heart attack Tuesday in Vancouver, Canada, his cousin, former US Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, told...
You Are Not Alone – A Veteran’s Story of Re-discovery I grew up in a culture rich where we were taught to be strong and resilient. I still remember when I fell over as a young boy when I was told to stop crying, to dust...
AA and other peer-related meetings / 12-step groups have been closely affiliated with long-term recovery. At South Pacific Private we support the AA philosophy that alcohol addiction is a disease with emotional and physical components and that this disease can be arrested but not cured, through permanent abstinence from...
In this somewhat 'straight to the point' interview with Stephen Colbert, Russell Brand explains his spin on the 12 Steps. "We are all mortal and death is coming, cruel death" - an interesting statement to engage your audience straight off the mark… but as you...
In this short video a former client shares his personal experience of treatment from his addiction at South Pacific Private. In this honest account of his journey to South Pacific Private and the lessons that helped propel him into Recovery, he shares anecdotes and personal revelations. To...