Hey Chris,
I just want to start by saying there are a few things you mentioned which actually are really important steps towards a secure, independent and happy future (I'm sure reading your story that you will get there).
While the hungry jacks job isnt the glamour life really some of the best jobs you can have as a young person are COLES, McDonalds, Officeworks etc. This is because every employer knows what you can accomplish having worked in these roles. They are all looked on really favourably and if you are a hard worker will always provide a channel toward both increased responsibility and $$$. Be proud of your ability to hold down a job through all these difficulties its a major achievement and you can wear it as a badge of honour when youre feeling like the situation is hopeless.
Together with government support (centerlink) you can start putting money away but the second key is the maturity in living alone (which is often as hard).
Having experiences with drugs and alcohol doesn't make you weak, but better informed on what may hold you back. We all have vices, but we have to make the choices as to how many we indulge in. Believe me there are so many ways to feel amazing that don't cost a week's wages in a few hours. Exercise, friendships and accomplishing self-determined goals are the trick.
Set yourself challenges:
Learn to cook a new meal (youre gonna spend a lifetime cooking, may as well get good)
Manage a weekly budget. Grow your savings.
Learn something new (youtube is great for this (school of life, eddie wu, etc).
Make a new friend who shares which betters you.
As you accomplish yourself you will not only gain the confidence to move forward but become the best judge of who leads you forward and who holds you back. Youre young enough to accomplish anything. There is more time ahead of yourself than you can imagine. Ask for opportunities to show people how you talented and determined you are. Build the structure for your new life and surround yourself with thoughts who make you grow.
