This week, Paige Swaney joins me on the couch to share her powerful journey from addiction to recovery/sobriety and the impact mental health challenges have had along the way. At just 25 years old, Paige has over two years of recovery under her belt and a story that’s as raw as it is inspiring. <br>
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Residing here in Tāmaki Makaurau, Paige is young, full of love and light, and truly one of a kind. She opens up about getting sober at 23, navigating early recovery, and the intense challenges she’s faced with her mental health, including chronic nausea, anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts. Paige’s honesty and strength shine through as she shares the moment she realised substances were no longer serving her and how she began rebuilding her life from the inside out. <br>
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My favourite part of this conversation is the courage Paige brings to the table. She reminds us that you don’t have to meet any “criteria” or age to decide you have a problem with substances. Addiction does not discriminate, and her story is a powerful reminder of how something as common and accepted as alcohol can quickly take a real turn for the worse.<br>
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A massive thank you to Paige for her time, for sharing her journey, and for being a true role model for the up-and-coming youth walking in similar shoes. It’s people like Paige, those willing to share their stories in the hope of helping others realise that anything is possible and that no one has to face their challenges alone, who make conversations like this so meaningful. <br>
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Today, Paige is a lived experience Peer Support Worker, walking alongside others who are facing similar struggles to those she has overcome herself, a true inspiration to many. <br>
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This was an amazing kōrero, and I hope you enjoy listening to or watching it as much as we enjoyed having it. <br>
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