"Feeling supported"

I self referred to Newport IOW Inclusion back in October 2024, due to recently suffering a breakdown in my mental health and becoming rather unwell. I was abusing drugs and occasionally alcohol when my children were in the care of others. I was burning the candle at both ends and pouring from an empty cup.

I had my initial assessment face to face with Danni. A week or so later I received a call from Jim and ill be totally honest, I was hoping for a female worker initially due to personal reasons/preferences, but Jim instantly reassured me, put my mind and nerves at ease and thoroughly explained the treatment he offers and talked me through the process and steps towards recovery.

After a month of weekly sessions and continuous support, I had managed to identify my triggers, I learnt better coping mechanisms and also how to manage urges/cravings. I was discharged and didn't feel as though I required further support, however, I had a minor lapse. Which I feel was triggered by a medical termination I hesitantly underwent. I needed my full attention on recovery to become the best version of myself for my children. It was at that point, I knew I required further Relapse Prevention Support. I self referred again and as soon as Jim returned from leave, he promptly contacted me. During my BST support, my alcohol intake increased but I didn't see this as problematic as I was abstaining from class A drugs. Jim identified and brought it to my attention that I was switching addictions, he then continued to support me weekly to help abstain from alcohol.

Jim has always been professional and supportive, we built a great rapport and I found working with Jim extremely beneficial. In just that first month of initial support, I learnt so much around addiction and felt supported at all times! I managed to turn my life around and completely change the narrative with Jim's help. Jim taught me how to identify triggers. I thought that keeping myself really busy/distracted would help ease urges and cravings but Jim recognised that this was one of my biggest triggers...I was burning myself out physically and mentally. Jim encouraged me to add more structure to my day and to purchase a diary to keep track of my weekly appointments/commitments. This allowed me more time to relax and reflect and an opportunity to fill my own cup back up.

Jim has been one of the most supportive professionals I have ever worked with. I've dealt with multiple professionals throughout this journey of recovery from multiple different agencies/authorities and the level of support I received from Jim has been an absolute godsend throughout this terrible time in my life. Jim has always made himself available if I am in crisis and has always offered the best advice, words of wisdom and amazing analogies. Due to Jim's help, I've managed to abstain from Class A's since November. I'm organised, my routine is structured, I have the confidence to attend the gym 3 x a week and I look and feel the best version of myself yet! I'm mindful I've still got more work to do and enjoy the work I do with Jim, I shall be eternally grateful for Jim's continuous support.

I am now looking into volunteering with inclusion, I've learnt so much about addiction, some through experience but I've learnt the most whilst engaging with inclusion and working on myself. I'd love to help others and turn this negative time in my life into a positive for someone else in a similar situation! Thank you