Mark Aiston’s powerful rehabilitation message about overcoming addictions
One of South Australia’s best-known media personalities has posted a remarkable video explaining why he will enter rehabilitation and raise awareness for mental health.
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Media personality Mark Aiston has revealed the reasons he will undergo rehabilitation in a Melbourne clinic for personal addictions in a compelling video.
In a post to his Facebook page, the former TV presenter with ABC and Network Ten, and radio host on Triple M, Mix 102.3 and FIVEaa, said he had taken this path because addictions with gambling and alcohol had “destroyed my life”.
The veteran broadcaster said he will attend a Hader Health Clinic, specialising in personal addiction, in the Victorian capital for 10 weeks but wouldn’t tell anyone he was “cured” when he came out.
“It’s a lifelong journey,” the 59-year-old says in the video recorded while he drives around the streets of Adelaide with his dog Jack in the back of a convertible.
“I’ve been doing these silly things since I was 14. I’ve felt a fraud and worthless and haven’t been completely honest with myself. You lie to a lot of people you love and it’s time to stop the lies.”
Aiston, who wants to be an advocate for mental health awareness, said he was feeling both “excited and scared” about entering rehabilitation.
He said he feels he still has “a lot to offer in life”.
He is not ashamed to seek help but is sorry his addictions and behaviour had affected many people including “my former wife and daughter”.
“I feel it is a brave move but one I do not want to be ashamed of and neither should you if you follow in my path,” he added.
“How and why it’s come to this is irrelevant … it’s just where I’m at. Addictions have destroyed my life and upset a lot of people and it has to stop.
“My life has been so rich in so many ways yet so destructive as well. And not just self-destructive, my lifestyle and addictions have affected many, including my former wife and daughter. And for that I am truly sorry.”
One of South Australia’s most recognisable faces and voices for more than three decades, Aiston told The Advertiser in 2017 he had hidden behind an “invisible mask” for much of his long and successful media career.
The former sports broadcaster, a regular of the Ten Network’s Melbourne Cup coverage, has received support on his Facebook page and from former colleagues, including dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey, John Letts.
“I wish him well,” the winning rider of the 1972 and 1980 Melbourne Cups said. “It takes a lot of courage to face your demons.”
Aiston said he would be creating a weekly blog to record his journey.
“I will be documenting the next three months of my life, not for people to feel sorry for me or to make money from or to impress, but simply to show what is possible when you put your head down to break the grip of addiction.”
You don’t need to suffer alone. If you need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
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