"Managing my alcohol consumption."

Following the unexpected passing of my son in 2020, the only way I felt that I could numb the pain was with alcohol. I would drink every day just to get me out of my own head and find some peace and escape the grief. This lasted for around 4 months, until I managed to get a handle on it. 

This all resurfaced when I lost my father in 2021 just over a year later which brought everything back into focus. Again I got a handle on it and reduced my consumption after a while. Yet again I was struck with grief and stress on late 2023 when I lost my aunt.

This time I didn't hit the booze quite so hard but my drinking changed into once I started then I found it difficult to stop. It was at this point that I contacted STaRS.

The help I have received from my Care Co-ordinator has been invaluable. From initial phone conversations, through to emailed support and a face to face meeting, this has all helped and supported me to curbing my regular drinking habits, and managing them down to more alcohol free days a week.

I was able to make my own plan for drinking, use non alcoholic beers when out, and stopped buying wine for the house, and just resisted the temptation to go out and buy some when I felt like I needed it.

STaRS have been very helpful indeed in supporting me to a more healthier and manageable association with alcohol, and I am very thankful for that.