The Double Life: How a Functional Addict hit Rock-Bottom and found Hope with Dave Stewart

Dave Stewart is an accomplished author and a dedicated advocate for those affected by addiction and homelessness. With a professional background in corporate sales of underground power cables across Asia and Australia, Dave made a dramatic shift in his life when he left the corporate world in 2013 to work with the Wayside Chapel, a notable organization that supports vulnerable communities. Currently, he works with The Nature Conservancy, focusing on land and water conservation. Dave, a man of Wiradjuri heritage, takes pride in his cultural identity, which deeply influences his work and perspective. Having battled with alcoholism and substance abuse for years, Dave has emerged as a voice of hope and resilience, sharing his story to guide others on their path to recovery. He has achieved long-term sobriety since May 7, 1998, and continues to inspire through his writing, including his autobiographical works and his novel "Pilgrim."In this episode, Dave Stewart joins host Kerrie Atherton to share his journey through addiction, recovery, and personal growth. Dave candidly discusses his lifelong struggles with alcohol, its pervasive impact on Australian society, and the dangerous misconceptions surrounding binge drinking. He reflects on his own rock-bottom moments, including multiple stints in rehabilitation and the drastic measures he took to maintain his sobriety. The conversation delves deeply into the emotional and psychological toll of addiction, the importance of personal recovery, and the ongoing battle against shame and low self-worth. Throughout the episode, Dave also emphasizes the significance of empathy, human connection, and the power of routine and self-care in sustaining a healthy, sober life.***Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/.Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/.With thanks to:Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel PrattEditing & Production: Matthew Bliss ([email protected])Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with Stories of Hope PodcastHere at Stories of Hope, Kerrie Atherton's mission is to give people a platform to share their stories of hope with the world and we also want to provide the same chance to businesses that are passionate about mental health and want to support the podcast. If you'd like to partner with Stories of Hope and advertise your services on this podcast, send a message to [email protected] with your details.Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support YouIf the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.Book a Session with Kerrie Today