19. Battling the demons with guest and Gayle’s sister Krystle: Part 1

Explicit content warning

10/29/23 • 40 min

Drug addiction can impact so many people around the drug user, as well as the user themselves. In the first part of a two-part series, I am joined by my sister Krystal as we chat about growing up in the same family yet having wildly different experiences as children.

We go deep and vulnerable today as Krystal bravely shares her spiral into drug addiction and how it began.

Please note: this episode has trigger warnings for multiple topics. We discuss sexual abuse, drug use, prostitution, coercion, and criminal activity.

In this episode we cover:

● How siblings can have vastly different experiences of their childhoods

● Defence mechanisms

● Drug use starting small and building up

● Falling into the wrong crowd

● Living a double life

● Falling into ice and heroin addictions

● Turning to criminal activity

● Temptations from old ways

● Stories of hope from part two.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Show notes: https://www.soulcarebendigo.com.au/podcast

● Soul Care Bendigo website: https://www.soulcarebendigo.com.au

● Soul Care Bendigo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulcarebendigo/

● Soul Care Bendigo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090347516510

● Email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW. I would be ever so grateful if you would leave a review on Apple or Spotify.

We go deep and vulnerable today as Krystal bravely shares her spiral into drug addiction and how it began.

Please note: this episode has trigger warnings for multiple topics. We discuss sexual abuse, drug use, prostitution, coercion, and criminal activity.

In this episode we cover:

● How siblings can have vastly different experiences of their childhoods

● Defence mechanisms

● Drug use starting small and building up

● Falling into the wrong crowd

● Living a double life

● Falling into ice and heroin addictions

● Turning to criminal activity

● Temptations from old ways

● Stories of hope from part two.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Show notes: https://www.soulcarebendigo.com.au/podcast

● Soul Care Bendigo website: https://www.soulcarebendigo.com.au

● Soul Care Bendigo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulcarebendigo/

● Soul Care Bendigo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090347516510

● Email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW. I would be ever so grateful if you would leave a review on Apple or Spotify.

Previous Episode

18. Teaching our children how to maintain connection

Smiles are contagious - and when we share these it can help give us a lift. But how do we navigate helping our children connect with others, particularly when their relationships can be so dependent on who is in their class this year?

Join me as I chat about the importance of connection, happy hormones and warding off loneliness.

In this episode we cover:

● The power of a smile

● Challenging yourself to say hello to everyone you meet

● Overcoming fear of rejection and being worthy

● Yearning to be part of something bigger

● Avoiding people burnout

● How to manage different personalities that come up

● Modelling behaviour for children

● Our responsibility to teach children about connection

● Teaching children to get happy hormones, rather than synthetic ones later

● Small talk is a fundamental part of connection

● Conversation starter ideas.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

● Show notes: https://www.soulcarebendigo.com.au/podcast

● Soul Care Bendigo website: https://www.soulcarebendigo.com.au

● Soul Care Bendigo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulcarebendigo/

● Soul Care Bendigo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090347516510

● Email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW. I would be ever so grateful if you would leave a review on Apple or Spotify.

Next Episode

20. Krystle's recovery: Finding her way home - Part 2

We’re back in part two of speaking with my sister Krystle about turning her life around after spiralling down the deep hole of drug use.

We look at the non-linear process of recovery, how recovery really is possible for anyone and how to support someone through the process without judgement.

Please note: this episode does discuss childhood trauma, sexual assault, drug use, eating disorders, criminal activity and domestic violence and is not suitable for children.

In this episode we cover:

● Life after domestic violence

● A surprise pregnancy throwing a curveball

● Accessing detox programs

● Recovery is not linear and can take years

● Awakening a spiritual journey

● Coping as a new mother with addictions

● Family reconnections and healing

● Saying no to drugs after being a user

● Relearning life skills like cooking and paying bills

● Getting life financially back on track after a decade of drug use

● Having your tribe around you to help in hard times