EVERY day Patrick gives thanks for that little voice inside his head that saved his life.

Returning home from an interstate football match, the struggling alcoholic booked into a motel with the intention of taking his own life.

He's not sure where it came from, but that little voice inside his head urged him to pick up the phone and call Helpline.

Patrick, who managed wine shops for a living, said escaping the clutches of alcohol was impossible.

"Eventually it led to an overindulgence and I isolated myself from my wife and daughter. Very soon our 14-year marriage was over and I was refused access to my daughter by the courts."

Patrick first sought help for his addiction two years ago under pressure from family and friends.

"I was there for 28 days, but I went there because other people wanted me to go there. I went with a closed mind and come out with a closed mind. I picked up a drink about three weeks after I left and drank for the next two years."

After his suicidal thoughts last year, Patrick had a brief stay at hospital, where he was urged to attend St John of God Pinelodge Clinic in Dandenong.

"It's going extremely well. I've got my fitness back, and I have my reason to live back.

"But this time was different. I came here with an open mind, straight from hospital, I wanted to be here. I've been 4? months sober and I feel fantastic for it."

He says he can now see his life having a future.

"I've never been five months sober since my teens. Now I have re-established my relationship with my daughter and I can proudly say I was able to see her on Christmas Day, the first time in five years.

"My life is so full now."

Patrick says he cannot imagine where his life would have ended had he not sought help. But he is constantly aware of how quickly he could be back there.

"I'll always have the addiction. It is something that will never go away, something I have to be aware of and can never become complacent about."

Patrick is now looking to return to full-time work in the hope it will also provide a new social network.

"I need to build up a social group. I wasn't a social drinker, so I isolated my friends all the time. So now I need a new social network that accepts me as the person I am today."

To those suffering in silence, Patrick says call a helpline.

Lifeline: 131 144