"From rock bottom to living again"

It all started on a Christmas Day morning my cat that was ill just passed away that day my best friend had died a month earlier and was at my lowest I asked for help with my GP over the weeks after and got nowhere. The only way I knew was to drink to help sleep after 5 years sober it was so heartbreaking to drink but said just for a week or two. But I can’t stop it got from a few beers to bottles of vodka in such a short time. My mental health got worse in 4 months I was drinking and talking an overdose of tablets, in and out of hospital visits from the police getting in to trouble being stupid. With in a year I was at rock bottom still drinking a court case and gave up on everything. 

I knew I needed help so was reducing my alcohol intake and rang for help stinky tell me the only place I knew was Inclusion in Eastleigh where I have been before and helped stop me drinking, I rang a made a appointment to go down and speak to No wrong door with a meeting with Amber and we talked about goals to reach in 6 months. 

And as I got in my car to go home I said no way I can achieve all that but felt better that I had started my recovery. First thing was to stop the drink I reduced to no sprits beer only then from a case to 4 cans. I then had more appointments with Amber and was feeling positive every time I went. I then only drank after 10pm so the shop would be shut so I could not get any more and it worked. 

Soon I had stopped but if anything happened that made me upset or worried I would drink that day. I told Amber and she said about a course just starting up with her and Ellie emotional coping skills that I attended and completed I was feeling great but had a court case coming up I really didn’t know what to do so I spoke to Amber about it on a walk with a coffee in my village and so glad I did she gave me advice and even picked me up to go with me.

It was one the most scared I have ever been, going that day to court, but was there with Amber, and in a few hours was done a fine and probation. 

It was out the way I could now stop thinking about it and work on my recovery again it’s been about 5 months without drinking and I’m exercising every day by walking I’m getting help from probation with money and my mental health and finding it all helpful. 

My time has come to an end working with Amber but helping me move on to a new group in Fareham to keep up with help and support. 

What I have achieved in the months working with Amber has surprised myself and people in the village all saying how well I look and been so supportive I feel like I have a life again.

A big thank you to No wrong door in Eastleigh and everyone that has helped me to get this far 

A big thanks to Amber for everything you have done for me the walks and coffee, food banks and the colouring book to help me relax. 

Thank you again it’s been emotional but got through it.