The Freedom Room (TFR) at Strathpine is a haven for those struggling with addiction, offering a supportive environment for individuals on their journey to recovery.
CEO Rachel Acres, a recovering alcoholic and addict with more than 12 years of sobriety, founded TFR as an alternative to expensive rehab facilities and traditional 12-step programs.
“One of the biggest things that sets us apart from other places is that everybody you meet at TFR is in recovery,” Rachel said. “We have lived experience of what each and everyone is going through. This is so beneficial because we know what is possible and what isn’t.
“Nobody understands addiction unless they have lived in addiction and there is never any judgement at TFR, only unconditional love and compassion.”
Despite the financial challenges involved with running the business, Rachel and her family have dedicated themselves to TFR’s motto of caring about people, not profit.
“Substance abuse disorder does not discriminate and when people are ready for that help, that help needs to be available and that’s what I try to do,” she said. “Telling them to come back in three months isn’t always an option.
“Everybody should be given the option to be able to get clean and sober and it should not be dependent on money, which is why I try to keep the charges so low at TFR and didn’t take a wage for a very long time.”
In addition to their recovery program, TFR also aims to end the stigma surrounding addiction through campaigns like Unshame Addiction. When people buy merchandise from their website, all profits go towards helping individuals battling addiction.
“Unshame Addiction is to raise both funds and awareness for alcohol and drug addiction,” Rachel said. “Far too many lives are being lost because people fear the stigma that is associated with it.”
Charly, a participant in the TFR recovery program, said she initially held a stereotypical view of alcoholics but quickly realised addiction affected people of all ages and backgrounds.
“Alcoholism is a disease the same as any other and just like any other disease people should be able to access the support they need without stigma and judgement,” Charly said.
“Rachel is amazing and has changed my life. She has made TFR a beautiful, inspiring and safe place with zero judgement. She goes above and beyond in the support that she offers to people going through the program.”
The Freedom Room is located at Unit 4, 3 Jockers Street, Strathpine.
Support Unshame Addiction at thefreedomroom.com.au/shop
For more information visit thefreedomroom.com.au; email rachel@thefreedroom.com.au; or call 3325 1531.
For help outside business hours, call 000 in an emergency, the AA helpline on 1300 222 222, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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