"My addiction journey"

Before coming to Asha, I had no hope. I had stopped linking in with my key worker. I was detained in a mental institution 3 times over the last year and the last time I got out I had a follow up appointment with my keyworker. I had no notion of going to it or linking in with her because of a falling out with my father.

I continue heavily with drugs. My brother stepped in and let me stay with him as long as I got help, which I did. Up until this point, I was using drugs to block out close family bereavements. I found my only wee brother dead which devastated me and I used drugs more to block it out. 

I arrived at Asha a broken man. I knew it would be tough but not as tough as it turned out to be. I went through a lot in my life and this is as hard as anything I've had to go through. I honestly can say I couldn't have got through my detox without Dr Kinch, the ward manager Eammon, Maria, Yvonne, Edal, Tracey and Tanya. They were all very supportive, encouraging and many times I felt like leaving only they had convinced me to stay and gave me the courage to keep going. If it hadn't been for them I would've left and probably wouldn't be alive by now and not writing this.    

The rest of Asha staff was very helpful but these 7 people were extremely supportive to me mentioned above. 

One thing that needs to improve is the food. It has changed a lot since I was here last and not for the better. It's not good choices and comes over dry and sometimes burnt. Chips horrendous!

I can't emphasize enough how my life has improved since coming to Asha. If I hadn't of come here and got the support from these people I would not be here today. I cant thank them enough and they have saved my life. 

Groups with Emma were helpful, I got a lot of insight into my addiction and what to look out for in the future to help me stay clean. 

The withdraws was horrible. I never stopped being sick since I came through the doors. I had night terrors and had accidents in the bed and these people I mentioned supported me the right way through it and I did not feel embarrassed or ashamed of it. They done their best and made me feel at home and respected. 

I found the 1 to 1's helpful and would like to have had more time for them during the week. But I know I was that sick I couldn't have had 1 to 1's as much as I could've. I am grateful Eammon gave me an extra week. If I hadn't of got it I might have gone out and relapsed in the 4th week. So thanks for that Eammon. I feel my physical health has improved and my mental health. 

Basically what I'm saying is if I hadn't of come to Asha I know I wouldn't be here, so thanks very very much for saving me. 

I just hope people that in the same position as I was, will get the same chance.