The Local Commissioners experience the devastating effects of alcohol misuse, marijuana and chroming throughout their family, community and workplaces every day. They know there is no short-term solution to addiction, or to the violence, neglect and poverty which are all intrinsically linked to the misuse and abuse of substances. But what the Commissioners also see are the efforts and small steps, and the improvements that individuals and families are making through their own efforts, with support from the community and by working with the Commission. Much of this success is due to the willingness of the Local Commissioners to support and encourage community members in their efforts long after the conference doors have closed and the sitting has finished.
Recently, an older man attended conference. He had come to the attention of the Commission due to a Magistrates Court notification for bringing liquor into a restricted area.The Commissioners, in agreement with the man, placed him on a case plan to attend the Wellbeing Centre to complete the substance abuse program, and the Family Income Management (FIM) program to develop a budget and savings plan. He was recalled to the Commission several months later for another Magistrates Court notification for bringing liquor into the same restricted area.
The man reported that this was an old charge which had been delayed. He admitted it had happened, but it had happened prior to him coming before the Commission previously and before he gave up drinking. Since his first time before the Commission, the man had been thinking about his drinking, why he kept drinking, and the damage he was causing to himself, his family and his community. He had decided to stop. He had not had a drink for the past five months and, although he was finding it hard at times, he was determined to stay on track. He was going to the Wellbeing Centre to talk about things, but very quietly, not telling many people about what he was doing because he did not want everyone to know about his problem. FIM was helping him look after the extra money he had now that he was no longer spending it on grog. He had even started to look into working with Pride of Place and was saving to get a gazebo in his front yard.
The Commissioners took no action in regard to the notification. They congratulated the man on his efforts over the last six months and will continue to quietly support him, especially around his family, who all drink and often tempt the man to go back to the grog. The Commissioners know the chances of him going back to the grog over the long term are high, but they also see the determination in the man’s face. He is healthier, happier and calmer since he gave up drinking. They will be there to support him for the long haul.
