"All the staff are so supportive, open and caring"

This is my second time here at the Dame Carol Black Centre for recovery. The first time I came, I thought I would get off alcohol dependence and begin to be able to moderate my drinking. Two years later, I am back with a different mind set and greater commitment to sober living. 

When told that I would be here over the Christmas holidays, I was not too keen. However, it only took 10 minutes to consider everything I had been offered, understanding that this is what I had been wishing and hoping for, and that actually this was a Christmas gift or miracle. It saved me from another season of all day drinking, blackouts, spending money, hurting others and putting myself in danger.  

My drinking since my last stay had become even more out of control. Following my first detox, I didn't drink for 5 weeks. Then I travelled back home to celebrate my wedding with family and friends. It was there that those first drinks led to 2 years of heavy drinking and alcohol dependency. I was drinking vodka, beer, wine and other spirits every day, and eventually the time of day became irrelevant. 

My journey to accepting my addiction had been difficult but each experience here has been an absolute blessing. All the staff are so supportive, open and caring. All needs are considered and met. I have been lucky to meet other amazing people who suffer with addiction whilst I have been here. We support, share, and have fun with each other. This is an excellent facility and I can only sing its praises and express how grateful I am for the opportunity to be here not once but twice. I have learnt a lot. I feel stronger, brighter, healthier and more committed to my recovery. I will leave here with a great sense of knowledge and pride in myself. 

I would love to come back because it is so lovely here and gives you a step back from life and your current dysfunctional patterns of existing, but never do I want to reach the place again where I need to come back. I can only express my deepest gratitude for this help and experience. Dame Carol, you rock and you help serve as steady and grounded rock that teaches people that they can be stable, safe and happy again. 

Thank you