Greg's Story

Clean Slate Clinic client, Gregory, shared his story with the team at Bupa and Blua. His journey is relatable for many Australians and filled with hope.

What does it mean to truly change? Not just the superficial adjustments we make to appease others or meet societal expectations, but the deep, fundamental shift that transforms how we view ourselves and our place in the world.

For Greg, this transformation began with a Facebook ad. Like many before him, he had tried various methods to break free from alcohol's grip - from alternative medicines to spiritual retreats. But it wasn't until he encountered Clean Slate's program that something clicked. His story offers a window into not just recovery, but rediscovery.

Eleven months into his journey, we pried Greg with a handful of questions, to explore what happens when someone decides to not just change their habits, but to fundamentally reimagine their relationship with themselves.

His insights reveal something profound about the nature of alcohol use, healing, and the human capacity for transformation.

How do you feel today?

Each morning when I wake up and go outside to greet the early sunrise, I'm still surprised at how fantastic I feel compared to this time last year. The catchphrase ‘drinking alcohol steals hours from the following day’ is so true, and it's only when you become sober that the penny drops.

What have been the biggest benefits you've noticed?

For many years, my character featured extreme highs and low lows. I was like a yacht in a stormy sea, flipping from one side to the other.  I'm now more stable and I don't seem to overact when issues or a conflict arises. This to me, is surprising, and a welcome change to having an erratic personality.

I know in the past, the worst mistakes I made, both financially and through my interaction with people, were caused by alcohol which impairs your judgement.

Did anything about the Clean Slate program surprise you?

I vividly recall my first phone conversation when I responded to the Clean Slate advertisement. I believe it was Pia who took the call. I was sceptical about the program as it was advertised as being free of charge for Bupa members. I was eventually assigned Fiona as my nurse, and she immediately understood my situation.

I initially only wanted to control my drinking and not give up drinking permanently. However, over the first six months, my craving and habit for the ‘6pm cocktail hour’ started to disappear.

I now have no interest in drinking soda with wine as wine is no longer a part of my life. Even zero beer is not of great interest. I’ll have an occasional zero beer but the taste of beer is no longer a craving that I desire.

Any tips for overcoming the hurdles that come with detox and withdrawal?

Around month three of the program, Fiona asked me to go within myself and try and establish why I commenced drinking heavily. This was extremely informative and a big step in understanding one's self.

I then studied why alcohol is so attractive and became interested in how the body produces the four main happy chemicals, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Endorphins (DOSE). Understanding how alcohol artificially produces Dopamine versus the body naturally producing Dopamine was a lightbulb moment. Realising the dangers of alcohol which gives the recipient a quick Dopamine fix lasting about fifteen minutes, explained why another drink is required over and over again.

I'm the first to admit that I had some fabulous times drinking wine with friends. It relaxes you, makes you happy, and one tends to forget their immediate problems. However, it's a never-ending treadmill of alcohol each day, and its such a dangerous drug.

During my hangover mornings I had a yearning in becoming the young carefree adventurer I was decades ago, who was a spiritual person on a journey of inner discovery. And finally, my old self has awakened.

This quote rings true;

“Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything.

Maybe its about unbecoming everything that isn't you, so you can become who you were meant to be in the first place.“

Paulo Coelho

Author of The Alchemist.

What would you say to any Australians looking to reduce alcohol in 2025?

YouTube has many inspirational videos about sobriety, including celebrities who share their journeys. James Corden speaks candidly about his experience and reasons for giving up alcohol, while neuroscientist TJ Power offers fascinating insights about ways to hack your dopamine naturally.

However my journey in becoming sober took time to find the right avenue. For a number of years I knew that each week I was drinking more, and the early morning hangovers were becoming worse. I recall praying to God to give me a direction in finding a way to control my alcohol abuse. However, we all know that by 5pm the hangover symptoms have reduced and its time to start cocktail hour. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.

In the process of controlling my drinking, I tried AA, therapy, Magic Herbal Tea, Hash Oil, Ozempic, Hippy Health Retreats and a Bracelet made from precious native Indian stones.

You can't do this alone, each person's journey is different but there's one thread which is common; admit your addiction and be honest in asking for help.