Tim’s Journey Through Addiction

A life reclaimed: Tim’s Journey Through Addiction and the Transformative Power of Rehabilitation

Tim’s story begins in a home where drug use was the norm. At just 8 years old, he was introduced to marijuana. By the age of 13, his drug use had escalated to daily consumption — primarily marijuana and alcohol — and he was deeply entrenched in addiction. Desperate to maintain his habit, Tim began committing crimes, including break-and-enters, and was eventually placed under 24-hour house arrest.

As Tim’s addiction progressed, his drug use extended to poly substance abuse. He was now using multiple drugs (speed, ecstasy, and opioids), as well as alcohol on a daily basis. Surrounded by older peers and immersed in a lifestyle that offered little hope or stability, Tim’s world became increasingly chaotic. At 17, Tim began injecting methamphetamine (ice), a decision driven by pain, rage, and hopelessness. He describes this time as deeply isolating — marked by fractured family relationships, intense anger, and suicidal thoughts, and attempts.

The cycle of addiction continued for many years, and so did the destructive pattern of crime to support his drug habit, and the subsequent despair which followed resulting in multiple suicidal attempts. It was whilst incarcerated that Tim was given an opportunity that would change his life — an admission to The Hader Clinic Queensland, as a condition of his bail.

Tim describes his transition to The Hader Clinic Queensland as difficult, because he initially resisted. But five weeks in, he says he something shifted. He began to surrender to the process and embrace some of the core principles of the program: honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness (HOW). For the first time in his life, he began to believe he was worthy of help — and more importantly, worthy of helping himself.

Tim describes entering the Hader Clinic Queensland as the turning point — “the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Tim credits the 12-Step program as being one of the most beneficial aspects of his recovery. The guidance of staff with lived experience, particularly mentors like Mark and Renee, playing a crucial role in his healing. Their support — grounded in understanding and authenticity — helped him feel seen, safe, and supported.

He also found strength in Narcotics Anonymous meetings and in learning that long-term recovery required not just abstinence, but a complete shift in mindset. He came to understand that his thoughts — the way he perceived himself, others, and the world — directly influenced his behaviours and his substance use.

The Hader Clinic Queensland gave Tim more than just sobriety. It gave him the tools: breathing techniques, self-regulation strategies, and the ability to recognise and navigate his emotions. These practical interventions, combined with consistent support from a sponsor and his recovery network, have been essential in his continued success.Today, after 22 years of addiction, Tim is rebuilding his life.

He has reconnected with his mother, sister, and brother. He is back at work and now runs two thriving businesses. He continues to invest in personal development, undertaking courses in mentoring, anger management, and personal change. Most importantly, he now mentors others — an act he finds deeply rewarding and essential to his own recovery.

When asked what he would say to others contemplating rehab, Tim’s message is clear:

“Three months out of your entire life is nothing — especially if it’s going to help you change everything.”

Tim acknowledges that recovery is not a destination but a continuous journey. He still uses the tools and interventions that he learned at the Hader Clinic Queensland, practises daily gratitude, and keeps a personal list he refers to in moments of temptation or stress. He knows the value of support — from his sponsor, his community, and from staying connected to the principles of recovery.

Tim’s story is a powerful reminder to health professionals and clients alike: rehabilitation works. With the right support, and structure, such as what the Hader Clinic Queensland provide, as well as the right mindset of the client, even those who feel completely lost can find their way back — not just to sobriety, but to purpose, connection, and a life worth living.

Names and photographs of this client may have been changed to protect their privacy.

Dr Mel Symon

Director, Hader Group QLD

Dr Mel Symon is the Director of Hader Group QLD, leading both Hader Clinic Queensland and Hader Clinic Queensland Private. With more than 30 years of experience in human services and over 20 years as a founder and business leader, Mel has played a central role in establishing and growing Queensland’s leading addiction treatment services.

Mel holds a PhD in Addiction Treatment from the University of Queensland, along with a Master of Mental Health, Master of Professional Management, and a Bachelor of Social Science. Since 2016, she has overseen the development of the 40-bed Hader Clinic Queensland residential rehabilitation program and, in 2021, the creation and opening of the 25-bed Hader Clinic Queensland Private Hospital.

Passionate about lifelong recovery, Mel is dedicated to evidence-based care, meaningful change, and supporting individuals to rebuild their lives through sustainable recovery pathways.

sss