Interview with Charlie Blatch, CEO, Goldbridge Rehabilitation [Services], about the centre opening its doors to families of residents to demonstrate how important family support is to someone recovering from addiction.
Prior to commencing a program at Goldbridge my life was a mess!! 25 years of drinking, drugs and depression had left me emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually bankrupt. Progressing through the program, I began to realize my potentials and learnt valuable skills to help me cope with the ups and downs of everyday life; without having to escape into a bottle. After completing the program, I embarked on a University Degree in social science and started part-time work. I have now completed my degree and started honours, I continue to work, am actively involved in lifesaving, planning to run the gold coast 24km marathon, financially secure, a positive role model and supportive mother to my son, who has been my inspiration. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my life could be so fulfilling but thanks to everything I learnt at Goldbridge and the amazing support from friends and family, I feel like nothing is beyond my reach and my dreams can be realities- CF
I am an alcoholic and an addict. I started drinking at a very early age – before my teens. My overriding emotions when I came to Goldbridge were that I was useless, worthless and gutless. Goldbridge trusted me and that was the first big step. Goldbridge gave me the support when I needed it and everybody else had given up. I learnt that I have a future – and that future is now and that I am really enjoying it- Christo
By the age of 13 I had my first drink. The ones I loved around me seemed insignificant anymore, I needed to get alcohol and that was all that mattered. Without Goldbridge and without the support staff that helped me out and after the program as well – through the half way systems well – now I have the opportunity to do what I really want to do with my life. Goldbridge has definitely saved my life. It’s been the only place that I have come through recovery that has really given me the skills I need to cope with life. My family is very supportive, I’ve great friends and great support from Goldbridge – it is all such a positive experience.- Jarrod
I was 12 years old when I first started drinking. I just wasn’t coping in general with what was going on around me. I have so much gratitude towards the staff at Goldbridge. They have given me unconditional ongoing support. My life has changed completely; I know that if I hadn’t of gone through the program at Goldbridge that I would have been a suicide statistic. I am extremely grateful.- Tess
I am a 38 years old recovering Alcoholic. I had a really bad home life, actually it was very violent. When I came to Goldbridge I had nothing, and I mean nothing. Now I have everything back. Without Goldbridge giving me the tools to survive in day-to-day life, I wouldn’t have anything new; in fact I would probably be dead. Goldbridge saved my life and my family is also very grateful to Goldbridge. Life just gets better and better.- Narelle
The idea of rehabilitation was completely daunting and confronting and something I had been avoiding for a long time. If I hadn’t made the choice to go to Goldbridge, the result would have been fatal. Today I live a normal and healthy life and continue to receive ongoing support from Goldbridge to maintain my commitment to abstinence.- Ralf, aged 54