"My road to recovery"

Before I came to ASHA I was waiting a long time and felt anxious to start my journey. I've been a functioning alcoholic this last 50 years and struggling this last 10 years. It came to stage I couldn't function anymore physically or mentally. Nobody wanted to know me, friends or family, because of my selfishness plain and simple. All me me me. I needed help. 

I came in to ASHA and realized I came to the right place to get help. Very helpful people and understanding. You realize you're not alone with this problem. It helped me to be honest and stop the lies and admit I needed treatment. Medical treatment I received was good and it made me feel like I was a part of something positive and that I mattered. No one judged me. 

There's times it can be boring but it takes all types of moments to help reflect on the issues I was facing. I needed that me time to think hard about life in general, about my lies and deceit while I abused substances. What I would like to say to anyone reading this is you need to be honest to yourself and find out who you are. I found it valuable talking to staff and patients about my addiction. The routine in ASHA was extremely helpful. At home I had no routine so this is important for me. You need to learn to love and be loved and find yourself again. 

Just because you're a man doesn't mean you can't cry. Grief or joy. I had to let my walls down. I wish I had done this program 30 years ago.