The Freedom Room Testimonials
One of our clients, Tania, generously gave us a video testimonial. Hear her speak about her journey with us.
Sean Lucas.
I cannot express enough gratitude for The Freedom Room and the incredible impact it has had on my life. This place is a sanctuary for individuals struggling with addiction and alcoholism, providing them with the support and guidance they need to turn their lives around.
Before finding The Freedom Room, I was on a destructive path that was slowly ruining my life. I felt lost, hopeless, and trapped in a cycle of addiction. But from the moment I walked through the doors of The Freedom Room, I knew I had found a place that would change everything.
Rachel at the Freedom Room is truly exceptional. She is compassionate, understanding, and dedicated to helping each individual on their journey to recovery. She had created a safe and nurturing environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to be the best version of themselves.
The program at The Freedom Room is comprehensive and provides a holistic approach to recovery that addresses not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional and psychological factors.
Through the guidance and support of The Freedom Room, I have been able to rediscover my true self. Recovery has become the foundation of my identity, and I am now living a life that I never thought possible. I have learned valuable tools and coping strategies that have empowered me to overcome challenges and maintain my sobriety.
The Freedom Room is more than just a treatment center; it is a community of individuals who understand and support each other. We celebrate each other’s victories, offer a shoulder to lean on during difficult times, and inspire one another to keep pushing forward.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, I wholeheartedly recommend The Freedom Room. It is a place of hope, healing, and transformation.
Thank you, The Freedom Room, for saving my life and helping me become the person I was always meant to be.
Jessica Hammond
I met Rachel from the Freedom rooms when I had reached my lowest point. Rach rang me on a Sunday after I reached out in complete desperation. I was sobbing and desperate for help. I’d tried other groups and doctors but left feeling worse and more judged/confused/freaked out than before. Alcohol had taken complete control of my life and It was destroying relationships, I had multiple suicide attempts, I lost my license, I had a car accident destroying a brand new car, i had broken the law, struggled at work, my health was poor, I needed an interlock and kept failing the morning breath tests. I was completely out of control, depressed and overwhelmed with my life. I was also becoming increasingly scared of my lack of control while drinking. I was drinking 14 plus bottles of wine per week minimum and waking up day after day with no memory of the damage I had caused the night before. I had several admissions to hospital and was treated like a criminal/searched/locked in a room because I had tried to take my life while drunk. My sleep was non existent and my mind was chaos but I kept drinking and could not imagine even a day without it, life and the thought of not drinking every afternoon was so overwhelming and boring. I had completely lost control and alcohol was running my show. I met Racheal for a one on one session and followed with the group meeting. I was so welcomed, everyone was normal, everyone had a story, I felt the weight lift of my shoulders. The following 12 weeks I continued attending one on one sessions and the group meetings. My life completely turned 360 degrees. I don’t think about alcohol all the time, I’m at the gym everyday, my mood is stable, I sleep like a baby, I don’t wake up with regret and remorse, I’m strong! My first meeting with Racheal she said, “I promise you are going to realise that what u are doing right now is so so so much harder than being sober”. At the time I thought not drinking was hard work and impossible to live without.Now Being sober is the most refreshing and life changing decision I have ever made. I would not be here with out the Freedom rooms! It’s that simple. I will forever be great-full.
Barbara Hill
I have my sanity back. No longer in disbelief. No more checking and hiding my head in the sand. I have become a more open and confident person without the drink. The Freedom Room has been my recipe of freedom in my mind even at the age of 60. People don’t waste your years away. There so much more to life. I am happier and more loving with my family and partner. Life is so much clearer and better.
Morgan
I will be forever grateful to The Freedom Room for getting my husband sober after years of addiction. I have not found a program like this. What Rachel has created is truly unique and life changing. I wish there were more centers like this. Rachel has created a real community for people struggling with addiction. Such a life changing program! Thank you.
Jayne N Stradbroke Island
The Freedom Room saved me from the wrong turn at the right time. Rachael is fearless in her devotion and support and the wonderful humans who walk through the door looking for themselves in sobriety become part of your heart. Will forever be grateful for The Freedom Room.
Anonymous, June 2023
I have had terrible trouble with alcohol consumption for many, many years. I thought I was fine until I realised that not only was I drinking on an almost daily basis, but the wish to drink every afternoon was making me get out of attending anything that would get in the way of having my ‘Me time”
I was also slowly drinking more and more each time and usually would not stop drinking until either I fell asleep (passed out) or could not even stand without falling over.
I started to prefer drinking alone so that I did not embarrass myself in front of others. I had to turn my phone off to prevent making phone calls or texts I could not remember and usually regretted.
Every day I would wake up and go to work feeling sick and low in energy. My relationships started to get strained. I decided to give up alcohol and found I couldn’t. Right then I realised I had a problem.
Thankfully The Freedom Room had opened its doors and I called them for advice. Well, I have not looked back. The staff at the Freedom Room quickly showed me how to stay off drinking for the short term while then teaching me ways I could remain off for as long as I liked. They had to show me that there was life without alcohol because I could not comprehend the thought. Now after 6 months of being sober I am astounded at just how much I was missing out on while drinking. I have been completely turned around from thinking that life without alcohol would be absolutely terrible, to now knowing it is actually the complete opposite. I am a better person. My wife loves me even more. I can handle any conflicts without getting angry. I have more friends. But, best of all, I can now literally do all those things I told myself I was going to do one day when I was drinking. I wake up refreshed. I sleep without interruption. My brain works really well. I have boundless energy. I could go on and on, but it’s probably best you discover this for yourself.
I am writing this review/referral anonymously, because I own and manage a company that has many staff and clients and I do not wish my past drinking problem to be common knowledge with them. I was about to lose all that due to drinking. Now, it is already increasing quickly in profitability without me having to put in any more hours or effort – simply because I am sober. Life is freaking great.
If you have read this far then you are probably starting to realise that you also may have a bit of a problem when it comes to alcohol and maybe have not seriously put thought into where your current life is going to end up. Reach out now to the Freedom Room before you start to lose the things you can never get back.
Leo’s Parents Brisbane.
We were losing our son Leo to alcohol. Many people told my husband and me that he would grow out of his drinking and it was normal for a 21-year-old. Deep down, we knew it wasn’t normal, and he needed help. After trying different resources available out there, nothing was working. At my wit’s end and desperate for help, the stars aligned, and I found the Freedom Room online and rang Rachel. She was honest, warm and compassionate. From the very first meeting with Rachel, Leo knew she was the real deal, kind, empathetic and someone who was always going, to be honest with him. He agreed to start the program. We are early days, but already his life has changed immensely. He is not drinking, not missing work and rebuilding relationships. He attends his meetings and takes one day at a time, all because of the amazing Rachel and the Freedom Room family. We can’t thank Rachel enough for the dedication, love and support she has shown not only our son but our whole family. Forever grateful!
J.P Brisbane
I cannot rate The freedom room highly enough; alcohol has affected every part of my life and destroyed it almost completely. Rachel told me that she could help me quit and for good. My life has since completely changed, and I am so thankful. It’s a fantastic thing to be a part of and not as scary as you’d think. On Monday, 7th November 2022, after several suicide attempts, I was at my worst. I drank 2 litres of spirits daily while trying to work and survive. Everything in my life had fallen apart. I knew something had to change, and I was desperate; I don’t believe I even had one more day of drinking or living left in me. I called up the Freedom room. I spoke with Rachel and told her my story, and that I wanted help, Rachel explained that the freedom room could help me, but I needed to be detoxed safely first due to the amount I was drinking. I needed to be medicated in a detox unit safely, as there was a massive risk of me seizing once my body started withdrawing from alcohol. Rachel gave me a telephone number to call (I don’t feel it is appropriate to mention the facilities I contacted). The Number just rang out constantly. I tried again and again…… I called the freedom room again, and Rachel gave me two other numbers; the first said they could get someone to contact me in about 3 months! And the next told me they could not help me. I called Rachel again. Long story short, Rachel gave me 5 telephone numbers, and NO ONE could help me. I called again and begged Rachel, “WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET SOME F@#KING HELP? I SOBBED.”
Rachel wrote me a letter and said I needed to take the note to my GP, The GP prescribed me Valium, and Rachel helped me detox safely in the freedom room. If Rachel had not taken that risk and seen me as a person and not just a number, I believe I would be dead now, 100%. Rachel risked getting into trouble to save my life. No words cover my feelings about Rachel Acres and the freedom room. Once I was detoxed, I joined the 12-week program and still attend the Freedom Room today. Rachels counselling and understanding have helped me through some tough PTSD memories and my life has turned around completely.
Anonymous Brisbane
On the outside my life looked pretty perfect, successful career, two beautiful children, a house and all the material things one could need but deep within myself I knew something wasn’t right as I would need to drink 2 bottles of wine a night to zone out, relax and tell myself that I worked hard, kids were fed, bathed and ok and i deserved me time, however that me time was me not being present with my kids, forgetting what I had done on those nights, poor quality sleep, hang overs everyday and that was just the weekdays. Weekends were an excuse for an extra bottle because i could sleep in and get take away for the kids and it was up to them on how they wanted to spend their weekends because it was “mum’s time”. I am proud to say that i realised 17 months ago that my life and my childrens lives were becoming unmanageable and something needed to change and that was my drinking. The Freedom Room and Rachel have given me my life back and taught me how to sit with my emotions and not drink on everything that happens in life whether it is sadness, stress or even happiness, through living sober i now get to enjoy those feelings instead of numbing them with drinking. I am finally living the way i should be with gratitude, happiness, selfworth and yes even a huge love for myself that I have not felt before. With Rachel’s guidance and the support of the Freedom Room you will learn to live the life you and your family deserve, it truly is the best decision i have ever made for myself and inturn my family have the most present, loving and understanding mother and I am now proud to be who I am as a human being.
Karen Brisbane
“Rachel and the family at the freedom room are just the best. I was supported and encouraged from the moment I walked in, shaking and crying. What Rachel has created is beautiful, and what I feel is missing from AA and other places I have tried. My relationship with alcohol is no more. I feel alive again. Thanks, team. “
A.Brook Brisbane
I can’t recommend this service enough, if you’re concerned about your drinking and am unsure what avenue to take as AA isn’t your cup of tea, the dr’s just want you to try medications, your therapy sessions don’t seem to make a difference or you have a family and a job to care for so rehab is out of the question than Rach and the people in Freedom Room are definitely worth giving a shot.
It’s a no judgement, affordable program that focuses on not only helps you put the bottle down but helps you to get to the bottom of your drinking or drug of choice. The tools you are taught help you to live a happy and full life and become a genuinely decent person all round.
Rach saved not just my life but my relationship with my partner, my daughter, my family and myself. She has not only helped me with alcohol but also with my marijuana use as well as my ADHD and BPD (which I am now in remission for thanks to this program) I have found a group of people I can call my tribe, true friends who are always there for me and I am so grateful.
I would be so lost without the freedom room, reaching out to rach has been the best decision I ever made.
Jeff Manuel
“TFR changed my life. I had hit rock bottom,was about to lose everything that mattered to me in my world. I came to Rach, hopeless,a mess. Through my first three months doing Rach’s program and workshops my life changed dramatically. Gone was the angry,selfish man I was. In his place was a man that had found a sense of peace. Relationships started to mend,life had more meaning than my next drink or fix. I’m still working on myself, I have to for the rest of my life,but with the tools I have acquired from TFR and the love and support I get from Rach and the other guys from TFR I know this new man looking back at me in my mirror is here for the long haul. To anyone who is wanting or needing help to break free of their addictions,you can’t go past TFR. The love and support,the wisdom and knowledge can help change your life. At the start of my journey,Rach promised me if I listened and worked the program she’d give me the best version of myself that I’ve ever known or been,and guess what,she has. I’ll forever be grateful for what Rach and TFR have given me. “
Dave T Moreton Bay
“I reached out to the freedom room when my family was at breaking point. My drinking had been out of control for many, many years. I went to see rachel, and she made me feel comfortable straight away, with no judgement, just understanding. My first meeting was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be; getting help like this was out of my comfort zone and something I had never done before. My wife felt instantly the same when we had our family session also. I realised very quickly that getting sober is very complex, and it is not something we can do alone. I have made lifetime friends at the freedom room, and the support you receive from everyone is something I have never felt before. Alcoholism is a deadly disease, and the freedom rooms program works. If you think your life will be boring without alcohol, you are very much mistaken, your life is only just starting, and you are guaranteed a lot of laughter in the freedom room meetings. I have never met anyone like Rachel; she has dedicated her life to helping others get sober and clean. “
Adam
“My name is Adam, and I am proud to be part of the freedom room. I was struggling with alcohol in my life. I was a daily drinker, but after several thousand attempts to stop, I just couldn’t. I finally got the courage to call, and the rest is history. I met Rachel for our first chat, and I was as nervous as hell, and yes, she is qualified; trust me, I checked. I struggled with anxiety and depression most of my adult life, and it’s almost 15 months since my last drink and my anxiety and depression are virtually gone. The programme at the freedom room and the other members I have met have changed my life. I am free from alcohol and have a better life than I ever expected. No shit, this really works; I guarantee that if you follow Rachel’s direction, you can also be free”.
Rebecca
“To put it simply, my life had become completely unmanageable due to drinking. Sure I had a job, car, roof over my head, kids going to school, but I was constantly sick, angry, bitter, foggy, resentful, selfish and unmotivated. I was not the mother my kids needed me to be. I was a slave to alcohol. Drinking it, or thinking about drinking it. 24/7. It was killing me, and not slowly anymore. I was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease at 32yrs old! Finally I found Rachel and the Freedom Room and with her compassionate, understanding and experienced approach I am now 10 months sober and have no intention of ever drinking again. To say I’ve got my life back is an understatement. I’m not the old me prior to drinking, I’m a new and way better me. It’s not just about stopping drinking; the Freedom Room has provided me with the tools, resources and sober connections to help rebuild a life better than I could have ever wished for. The difference? Rachel has been there. She knows what you’re going through and she knows what works. “
Anonymous Morayfield
“I am what many would consider a ‘functioning’ alcoholic. I had a job and family. However, the way I drank every day to oblivion, was slowly killing my mind, body, and spirit. I could not envisage a life without alcohol; but when I tried not to drink, I felt like I was “doing time”. Alcohol had control of me and my life. I tried to get into rehab, but the cost was prohibitive and Moonyah was impossible to get into, so I found my way to AA. Whilst AA got me sober, I did not have good sobriety. I was miserable not drinking. I then started to feel that I did not belong in AA and that’s when I found The Freedom Room. Rachel Acres has taught me so much about the disease of alcoholism and provides me with tools, support, guidance, and a network to help me manage my alcoholism in a cost-effective, positive, and supportive environment. I cannot express enough the need for what Rachel is doing, as it is the only program that provides an all-encompassing continuous solution to alcoholism and provides often much-needed guidance and support to assist in navigating life and all that entails”.
Anonymous. Brisbane
“I highly recommend engaging the freedom room, and meeting Rachel Acres! When my husband died, my world ended. I took solace in drink. And I kept going. It was dangerous and, after 6 years of alcohol abuse and using it as a band-aid, I needed to stop. But not so easy, I found, to disengage from this legalised drug. I had met many grief councillors, but Rachel surpassed them all. The non-judgemental solace Rachel provides is key. Whomever you are, whatever’s happened, whatever you’re up against, there’s no judgement here, just friendship and understanding. Rachel will be kindly and consistently honest with you. It’s not easy … I cried … a lot … and we fought a few demons … but I felt strong in doing it. My life started again. Rachel enabled me to soberly face things I’d been avoiding … supported me all the time, creating a safe and kind space to fall apart, and build up again. The group. One of the most giving non-judgemental groups of people I’ve ever met. Rich, poor, business owners, tradies, executives, students, mums, dads, all genders and walks of life. No judgement or hierarchy, just people who understand and care. If you need a support group. This is it. If you don’t think you need a support group but are reading this, you likely do … and this is it. The freedom room could be the answer. Try it. It was worth every penny and more for me.”
Sarah, Aspley
“Just wanted to say thank you so much. I appreciate the time and effort you have put in for me. Your business has 100% helped me on my life journey and my loved ones. I couldn’t thank you more, it’s so life-changing.”
Brooke, Chermside
“Thank you Rachel for all of your hard work and dedication to the program for the benefit of us. Your passion and the time you give is very much noticed and appreciated. Learnt soooo much and just love these workshops. You rock and are an awesomeness of amazeballs and I am privileged to have found you. ”
Nigel, Brendale
“Rachel is an exceptional women, the extreme time, effort and energy you expel, on a daily basis, could only be described as monumental. All in good faith, to help and guide others, in their darkest times and despair. I for one take my hat off, to you. I personally thank you immensely, from the bottom of my heart. The world is made a better place, because of the actions of people like yourselves. ”
Karl, Aspley
“The Freedom Room has changed my life forever. I have not touched alcohol since my first appointment with Rachel in March 2021. My family cannot believe the change in me or our lives. I will continue to be forever grateful. Just listen and learn. I never thought living sober was possible.” .
Kate, Brisbane
“Rachel saved my life. I had nowhere to go and was desperate to get sober. She showed me what I needed to do and supported me all the way through. I am now over three years sober. I couldn’t have done it without her. ”
Emma UK.
” Rachel is my inspiration. She has taught me a whole new way of living and giving me tools that keep me sober every day. The thought of drinking alcohol rarely enters my head these days. Thank you, Rachel, from the bottom of my heart”
Dave Bray, QLD.
“At first, I thought I was just a heavy drinker and binged every now and then. I guess I was in denial however The Freedom Room put all the scattered puzzle pieces back in place, helped me understand myself, my life, my drinking and my worth. Once I reached my point of desperation The Freedom Room along with my very supportive family helped me put my life into perspective. I attend AA however without The Freedom Room I wouldn’t be where I am today. AA is not for everyone but the 12 Steps are and they work. The Freedom Room uses a holistic approach to understanding an alcoholic and why we are the way we are. It’s not our fault, it’s a medical condition but The Freedom Room knows how it feels and what to do to get better and fit into live a normal, happy and productive life. Thank you The Freedom Room and my family. “
Leanne AC.
” When I first went to the freedom room, I think I wanted to be shown how to drink safely. Rachels kind, caring manner and words soon helped me understand that my problem was deeper than I had allowed myself to believe. By going over my past drinking history, it became apparent that I had been drinking alcoholically for many more years than I cared to admit. I am working through a program of recovery at the freedom room. I cannot thank Rachel enough for what she has done for me already.”
Bruce, Warner.
“Rachel’s approach to recovery is based on a spiritual understanding of personal growth within ourselves. Looking at the barriers and the boulders that kept me drinking for so long. She has a gentle and understanding approach and has helped me deal with many things that other professionals have not been able to. Rachel can relate to absolutely everything I say, as she has lived the same life as me regarding alcohol. I had drunk every day for over 20 years and could not stop. At the time of writing this, I am 7 weeks sober. Rachel is saving lives, and I am so grateful that I was guided to her. “
Anonymous Brisbane.
” I was at my wit’s end, and I thought I would die, but Rachel; shown me there was hope and made me see life through a new pair of glasses, she pointed out the positives in my life when I only saw doom, gloom, and unhappiness. If you are struggling with alcohol, I cannot recommend the freedom room highly enough; Rachel has undoubtedly changed my life for the better”
Nancy SA
” I had been sober for four years when I first started working with Rachel. Although I was sober, something was missing. Emotional sobriety is what Rachel called it, and that is what I have today “, .
Natalie Brisbane.
“For many years, I have been trying to quit drinking alcohol, with periods of sobriety here and there, I haven’t been able to do it, this time, with the Freedom Room, it has been different, I have felt supported, I have held myself accountable, and I have reached out for the help and support which has been there. You re-educated the way I think and feel about drinking, and today I can honestly say, if you offered me an alcoholic drink, I wouldn’t want it. Thank you, Rachel. You make being sober desirable.”
Cheryl. South Brisbane
“I went to the freedom room to see Rachel as I had a problem with my son, who is an alcoholic Rachel went above and beyond to help my son. She was meeting us outside the freedom room at a place that was convenient to me as my son was in a wheelchair. Unfortunately, my son is not ready or willing to receive help. The freedom room’s motto is that they care about people and not profit; this is what I saw. Rachel never charged us a cent; she just wanted to try and help”
Tanya Strathpine.
“I never knew what freedom meant until I started the 12-week program at the freedom room. I thought I was choosing to go to the bottle shop and buy a bottle of wine or two most afternoons. Since learning from Rachel what Freedom really means has changed my whole life and changed my ideas on how I wish my life to be in the future, today, without the chain of alcoholism wrapped around my neck, I am free to make choices. I joined the freedom room program to help me stop drinking, but I also got way more than that, and I will always be so grateful,”
Anonymous – Brisbane.
“Before finding Rachel and The Freedom Room, I was at my rock-bottom. I was anxious, depressed and angry at the world but most of all myself. I was heavily dependent on alcohol as well as marijuana & I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had tried other programs, including detox and rehab, in the past, but nothing stuck.
Rach taught me how to deal with life beyond the alcohol with grace and courage & was there for me every step of the way. I have never met such a compassionate, raw, honest and loving person.
This program has given my daughter her mother back and my mother her daughter. I’m now present for my partner and he is no longer fearing for my life. I now have confidence & serenity.
Rachel has given me the gift of life and I, and my family are forever grateful.”
Leanne Redcliffe.
“My beautiful daughter has been battling her demons for too long and as a mother I ached for her everyday for many years. However, by herself she found The Freedom Room and our prayers were answered and I thank Rachel, Camilla and the supportive team members from the bottom of my heart for returning me my daughter sober, strong, proud, happy and in control of her life. My daughter is a young Mum also and now a wonderful one. I cannot thank you enough from all our family for the wisdom, strength, support and friendship you have given her.”
L. Brisbane
I want to thank you so much for everything that you have done for me. Life has changed so completely and I could not have even begun to contemplate where I am right now without you and the support of the Freedom room team and community. To be able to live free of the effects and impact of alcohol is a real freedom.
Joe Redland Bay.
The Freedom Room has given me my life back. You can not do this independently; I would only get a couple of days of sobriety before drinking again. I tried to stop drinking a million times, and my family had had enough of me. I almost lost everything. The family at the freedom room will support you, guide you, and love you. Let them help you; I am so glad that I did.
* Some of the names used have been changed to protect the anonymity of our clients