A father whose alcohol and drug addiction derailed a promising sporting career is now using his experiences to support others navigating recovery through Auckland’s drug court.

This episodes guest Eugene told host Hamish Williams and addiction specialist Suzy Morrison that rebuilding his life took repeated attempts at treatment, community support and a commitment to daily change.

Eugene described a childhood shaped by instability and sexual abuse, alongside the care of family members who offered safety. Sport provided an outlet for anger and a sense of recognition he had struggled to find elsewhere.

As a teenager, he earned representative honours and attracted interest from professional rugby league clubs. Drinking became embedded in his sporting life, beginning while he was playing alongside adults at 14.

After moving to Australia, his alcohol use escalated and he began using cocaine. His training suffered, his sporting opportunities diminished, and he turned to crime to fund his addiction.

Returning to New Zealand did not bring the fresh start he expected. He began using methamphetamine and sought treatment through the Salvation Army’s Bridge programme, later attending residential addiction treatment provider Higher Ground.

There, he began understanding his behaviour and addressing some of his trauma. Maintaining recovery outside treatment, however, remained difficult.

A turning point came after his marriage broke down and restrictions were placed on contact with his son.

When Eugene approached him at a bus stop and tried to offer a hug, his son declined.

“You need to get well,” his son told him.

Eugene returned to a recovery meeting and spoke about having nowhere safe to live. Another member helped him move into recovery accommodation. Within eight weeks, his son came to stay.

Morrison said understanding the reasons behind addiction needed to be accompanied by practical change.

“Awareness without action can be very painful,” she said.

For Eugene, that action included attending meetings, working with a sponsor and helping others, initially through simple tasks such as putting out chairs and welcoming newcomers.

He later returned to Higher Ground for further treatment and subsequently worked there as a resident support worker.

Now a peer support specialist working with people in Auckland’s drug court, Eugene said his history helped him recognise the struggles of those coming through the system.

His approach centres on building relationships, offering encouragement and walking alongside people.

“I didn’t realise that my life journey and everything I’ve been through, I can actually get a job doing that now,” he said.