West Wyalong woman Robyn Lewis, 53, exemplifies the notion that it is never too late to turn one’s life around.
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On Tuesday, April 17, she was guest speaker at a celebratory event for the Rotary clubs of Yass, Murrumbateman and Ginninderra at the Murrumbateman Inn.
Ms Lewis, who battled drug addictions for 35 years and began her recovery path only in November 2017, spoke about the dangers of addiction and where to find help.
“It’s been one of the most successful engagements I’ve done,” she said.
“I felt as though people were like big sponges, absorbing what I was talking about.”
She said she had tried many options along her recovery path, including rehabilitation.
Since July of 2016, she has turned her life around and has become clean and sober.
Then in September 2017, she signed up to be a facilitator for SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) Recovery.
SMART Recovery is a free group program that helps problematic behaviours, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, Internet and others.
In November 2017, she began the SMART Recovery program in West Wyalong.
“It was like all those years of hardship has been a training ground and it’s all come to this [motivational speaking],” she said.
Her role as facilitator is on a voluntary basis – she has managed to fit that in with three jobs.
As one of 11 children, Ms Lewis said her formative years, which involved physical abuse and witnessing the alcoholic nature of her father, led her towards addiction to drugs and other problematic behaviours.
It included cigarettes, marijuana, amphetamines, alcohol, gambling and ice.
She also battled depression and other mental-health issues.
It’s only those who have gone through it who are most likely able to help others currently in the same situation because of empathy.
- Robyn Lewis
Asked about the main driving factor behind her speaking engagements, she said it was simply to give back and help others.
“It’s only those who have gone through it who are most likely able to help others currently in the same situation because of empathy,” she said.
At the speaking event in Murrumbateman, where about 50 people attended, the Ginninderra Rotary Club said it would donate funds to help her travel expenses in facilitating the program across the region.
Peter Gibbs, president of the Yass Rotary Club, said it was an inspiring and eye-opening talk.
“These talks are important for anyone and everyone, especially our young people.
“We’d like to ensure we protect our youths for the future, so we were particularly grateful for her visit,” Mr Gibbs said.
Ms Lewis said she was available for more speaking sessions if other organisations are interested.
To contact her, email dunromin1965@hotmail.com.