Sunrise Way, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation service in Toowoomba, announced the release of it’s long-awaited music video for “Tomorrow There’s a Sunrise”.
The song was written by Josh Arnold from Small Town Culture and Sunrise Way residents, as part of their recovery program. Sunrise Way graduates Gina Buchanan and Mark Thomas feature in the video clip and hope the videoclip assists individuals who are affected by drug and alcohol use to access services.
Ms Buchanan said that domestic violence led her to substance abuse.
“I was in a relationship with a guy that would beat me and lock me in a room. Drugs were a way to numb my life. I was that desperate to be loved, that when my ex would give me drugs, that’s when we’d get on. That was our bonding time. The cycle of shame and guilt is when drugs became a problem for me.”
“There are so many more people than you realise who are affected by drugs, addiction, and domestic violence but they are too ashamed to talk. I’m no longer ashamed. I know that if the song touches one person and they get help, my job is done.”
Mr Thomas indicates that social media was the catalyst for him to access rehabilitation at Sunrise Way.
“I had seen a post on Facebook. It was a before and after photo of a male who had been on ice. The before photo was 2 years prior and showed him as thin and gaunt. The after photo was a healthy, strong man. He was a picture of health. Social media provided the glimpse of who I wanted to be. I believe the “Tomorrow There’s a Sunrise” videoclip can provide the same impact.”
Mr Thomas said that the Facebook post which triggered him to access help changed his view of rehabilitation and saved his life.
“It quickly enabled me to see rehab in a positive light. It questioned my prejudice and misunderstanding of what rehab is. It’s not a dirty word. Ice had been having such a terrible effect on my life. It was a drug which took me to the brink of death. For me to request help was the bravest decision of my life.”
Both graduates completed the Sunrise Way program last year, and are on a pathway of success with both undertaking studies to work in the health sector. Mr Thomas stated that the Sunrise Way program helped him realise his purpose.
“I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Human Services at USQ. My previous career choices didn’t sit well with me. The intrinsic value wasn’t there. I knew I would be good in a counselling role however active addiction was the brick wall that didn’t allow me to move forward. That all changed through Sunrise Way. I have discovered within me a well of compassion. Gaining a deeper level of compassion and a strong sense of self-worth were a couple of the benefits of overcoming trauma and addiction. I realised that I could achieve what I wanted to. I love the man that I have become and I’m very proud to be able to give back to the community.”
Ms Buchanan felt that she was too old to change her life direction.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. I love helping people. I’m 43 and thought that I’d missed the boat. I’m now training to be a nurse. It’s a big deal – the song, Sunrise Way, staying sober, the choices I’m making now. I’m proud of it now. I’m not ashamed. I realise now that I am so much stronger than I ever imagined. I cry when I listen to the song but they’re not sad tears. I have lost a lot of stuff, but I’ve now gained so much. I’ve now got my self-worth. I’m not welling up from sadness or regret. I’m grateful and blown away of the life that I am now living.”
For more information about Sunrise Way and its programs, please visit their website https://www.sunriseway.com.au/.