"Suddenly life didn't feel so bad."

I'd had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol for many years, but recently it was starting to get out of hand. I would wake up in the morning and my first thought was my next drink.

I work from home and have a responsible job, requiring attention to detail. Most days I would drink whilst working and by late afternoon I was fit for nothing.

It all started to have a huge impact on my family who were tired of seeing me passed out most nights. After having a particularly bad day, to which I cant remember how it ended, I woke up the next morning covered in bruises where I'd fallen and had injured my knee. I felt defeated, ashamed and very lonely. It was then I realised I needed help before I lost everything.

I went to my GP, and she referred me to Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery Service (STaRS). Within a few weeks, Natalie contacted me and I got booked in. I attended my first meeting with fear. I didn't need to. For the first time in months I didn't feel alone; I felt she understood, she listened, sympathised and then offered advice.

Suddenly life didn't feel so bad.