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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Drug court offers Brandie a way out after two decades of addiction

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Brandie McGrady, after nearly two decades of drug addiction, found a path to recovery through Dubbo's specialist drug court.
  • The 12-month program requires participants to admit their offense and commit to rehabilitation.
  • McGrady is now employed as a peer support worker at Bunmabunmarra, an Indigenous support service.

After battling drug addiction for nearly 20 years, Brandie McGrady found a lifeline in Dubbo's specialist drug court, a program she now embraces as a way out of her past.

I was a ward of the state very young and in and out of custody a lot in my life.

— Brandie McGradyMcGrady described her early life experiences.

McGrady, who was a ward of the state at a young age and frequently in and out of custody, reached a point where she recognized the need for change. The drug court program, which takes referrals from local and district courts for offenders dependent on drugs, offers a 12-month intervention. Participants must admit their offense and demonstrate a willingness to undergo rehabilitation.

Despite an initial failed attempt at rehab, McGrady persevered and has now been clean for approximately 18 months. During her time in the drug court program, she began volunteering at Bunmabunmarra, an Indigenous support service that assists individuals seeking to change their habits, as well as those facing homelessness and domestic violence. McGrady credits Bunmabunmarra with being instrumental in her transformation.

I came to a point in my life where I realised that enough was enough.

— Brandie McGradyMcGrady explained her motivation for seeking help.

"I don't recognise the person that I was and the person that I am," McGrady stated, reflecting on her profound life change. She is now employed as a peer support worker at Bunmabunmarra, helping others on their journey to recovery.

Bunmabunmarra was very open with having me and wanting to watch me change.

— Brandie McGradyMcGrady expressed gratitude for the support she received.

The article also highlights Bunmabunmarra's initiative, Gibir House, a 10-bedroom home established for short-term accommodation for men in the drug court program. This initiative aims to provide a more homely environment than traditional crisis accommodation, offering support for up to four months while residents navigate their next steps. The program emphasizes restorative practice and the belief that multiple chances increase the likelihood of success.

I just kept going through with it and slowly, one step after another, I have completely changed my life from what it was two years ago.

— Brandie McGradyMcGrady reflected on her recovery journey.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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