13yo’s Act That Sparked A Tragic Spiral Into Addiction
A young boy’s first sip of alcohol led to a lifelong battle with addiction, highlighting the urgent need for support and understanding.
Melbourne, Australia, Addiction, Recovery, Mental Health
Melbourne: When Benn Veenker took his first sip of alcohol at just 13, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. It was like all his worries just vanished. But that moment marked the start of a long, tough journey with addiction.
He remembers that feeling of confidence, thinking he had found a way to cope. But as time went on, he realized he was relying more and more on alcohol and drugs just to feel “normal.”
On the outside, he looked like any other young adult, but inside, he was hiding a huge secret. For years, he kept his struggles with addiction from his family and friends, feeling ashamed and scared to ask for help.
By his early 20s, Benn was drinking daily, and soon, drugs became a part of his life too. He felt trapped, unable to share his pain with those closest to him. The shame was heavy, and he didn’t realize how much it hurt his loved ones.
He learned that addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling; it impacts everyone around them. That’s why he believes it’s crucial to have support services for both the individual and their families.
Ruth Limkin, who founded The Banyans Healthcare, emphasizes the need to end the stigma surrounding addiction. Sadly, many people who want help don’t seek it out, often due to fear of judgment.
Benn’s addiction took a toll on his life. By 33, he was battling daily suicidal thoughts and felt completely hopeless. He knew he had to make a change before it was too late.
Finally, he found the courage to open up to his parents and reach out to his doctor. With their support, he took the first step toward recovery, which was a huge relief.
His parents helped him financially, showing him unconditional love and support. Benn is grateful for their understanding, which made a world of difference in his journey.
Talking about addiction can be daunting, but Ruth suggests reaching out to someone you trust. It’s better to share your struggles than to suffer in silence.
Now, 12 years into his recovery, Benn’s life is completely different. He’s left his old job behind and is now helping others who are facing similar battles.
By sharing his story, he hopes to inspire others to seek help and break the stigma around rehab. He wants everyone to know that recovery is possible with the right support.