Learning to Live Again: Luke’s Story

‘It didn’t happen all at once. It started small – a couple of drinks to take the edge off after work, or the odd line here and there to chill.

I had a good life. I had family, friends, my beautiful Mrs and two daughters. But inside, I was breaking. There were parts of myself I didn’t understand – my thoughts and how I felt – so I reached for the bottle.

In truth, it became my medicine, my best mate and my most powerful enemy all rolled into one. I thought I was using the drink, but in fact, the drink was using me. Eventually, drink and drugs had control of me. I was powerless and I was lost.

My life crumbled. I lost respect, my job and the people I held dear. Then, the shared house I was living in burnt down, almost killing me. For years afterwards, I wished it had. I was still here in body, but my mind and hope had died in those flames.

I was homeless on and off for six years. I continued abusing myself with drink and drugs and went from one abusive relationship to another. I just wanted to feel needed and accepted the love I thought I deserved. I’d sleep anywhere. I didn’t feel human anymore – I’d completely lost who I was.

Eventually, I decided to come to The Carpenter’s Arms after hearing about it in a homeless shelter. I’m so thankful I still had my mum in my life. She never gave up on me, but she knew this was my battle.

When I told her I had a place and was leaving, she saw hope, but I saw peace. When I said goodbye to her, I believed it would be for the final time. I had taken the place because I wanted to move away and end my life. After years of drinking, drugs, self-harm, pain and trauma, I thought it would finally all be over.

As I was about to get on the train, one of my brothers showed up. He gave me a hug, told me to do this for myself and for the right reasons, and told me he loved me. He doesn’t know it, but he saved my life that day.

I got to The Carpenter’s Arms and started battling my thoughts one day at a time. If I was going down, I wasn’t going willingly.

Since I’ve been at Six Hills, something quiet but powerful has changed. I started helping with the chickens at Malone Meadows – feeding them, collecting eggs and putting them to bed at night. What started as a simple task became something that helped me in ways I can barely put into words. When I’m looking after them, there are no cravings or dark thoughts, just the desire to keep doing better.

I’d forgotten about my caring nature.

It’s taught me something simple but life-changing: caring for something helps me feel human. I’ve also found God meeting me in those quiet moments, and since being here I’ve been baptised.

I’ve now been sober for just over four months. It might not sound like a long time, but I can say with my heart and soul that I’m proud to be sober. I’m getting stronger in mind, body and soul, and I’m alive again.

Homelessness teaches you how to survive, but it doesn’t teach you how to live and love. I’m learning that now. I’ve forgiven those who hurt me, and I’ve forgiven myself.

I still have a long way to go, but for the first time in years I feel like I have purpose and a way of finding my way back to my loved ones. The road to the life I want has no set limit. It takes hard work and time to build a solid foundation, and that’s what I’m doing.

I have strength, hope and love in me again, and a hunger to continue the programme. Success now feels possible.’

We’re incredibly proud of how far Luke has come and honoured to walk alongside him as he continues his recovery journey.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we’re here to help.

📞📩Get in touch with us today to learn more about our programme.