My Story
I'm Troy Reardon. I grew up in the eastern suburbs of Sydney across from Long Bay Jail, raised by a hardworking mum who battled her own addictions while doing her best to keep our family afloat. My father left when I was a baby and also struggled with addiction. I was born with a large birthmark on my head and was bullied at school. I poured myself into sport to cope, but the pain didn't go away.
At 15 I found gambling. The rush and escape felt like a lifeline. That rush led to drinking, then drugs, and by 19 I was addicted to ice and trapped in a cycle of gambling, debt and self-destruction. I survived overdoses, nights with no sleep and constant shame. By 24 I'd hit rock bottom and didn't know where to turn.
One morning a friend helped me into detox and I completed a 30βday rehab program. I committed to change, accepted help, and built a new life. Today I'm over nine years clean, sober and gambleβfree. Recovery taught me practical tools, accountability and the power of community β and it gave me my life back.
Now I mentor people one-on-one and run a focused gambling recovery community. I combine lived experience with proven strategies to help others break the cycle, rebuild confidence and move forward. If you're ready to change, I'll walk with you every step of the way.
β Troy Reardon