Man channels recovery from alcoholism into 500km fitness challenge
Peter Briggs completed alcohol detox in October. Now he's walking and cycling 500km to raise awareness of recovery services.
Briggs checked himself into a withdrawal unit in Hobart for a week. Then he spent another week at Serenity House, a short-term recovery program.
Peter Briggs struggled with alcoholism for much of his life before people close to him urged him to seek help. He's now taking acamprosate, a medication that stops cravings.
Peter Briggs has drawn up a list of trigger-management steps for moments like driving past a bottle shop. Across both recovery facilities, he noticed more than half the beds sat empty.
He wants to raise awareness that support exists. He's taking on the One Foot Forward challenge during October's Mental Health Month.
He aims to cover 500km by walking and cycling and raise $1500. He also wants to push the government to fund mental health and addiction services more generously, especially after City Mission faced federal cuts last year.
- 500km
- Distance goal
- $1500
- Fundraising target
- Hobart
- Detox location
- More than half
- Empty beds
Why it mattersRecovery is possible with proper support. But many don't access available beds because services are underfunded. Awareness is also low.
AustraliaShows the gap between available mental health capacity and people willing to use it, and highlights the need for stronger Australian government funding of recovery services.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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