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"Reaching out for help was the best decision I ever made"

About: Community Mental Health Services / Community Addiction Service

(as a service user),

I was a service user of the Community Addictions Team from May 2023 until June 2025. I honestly can't fault this service.

When I first entered my recovery from alcoholism in August 2023 I was initially known to Mary. The support, care and treatment I received from Mary was exceptional. She took me through relapse prevention work and supported me to stay on track. She was my only support during the initial months of treatment and during this time she referred me to Downshire Hospital for inpatient rehabilitation.

In January 2024 I was transferred to The child and family practitioner Maria. The work I completed with Maria was mainly around hidden harm. The time spent with Maria was invaluable. I was able to reflect open and honestly on my behaviour when I was in active addiction to alcohol. Maria helped me to understand my disease in a respectful and non judgemental way.

My children had been removed from my care for their own safety as when I was in active addiction I was unable to safely care for them due to my loss of control and poor decision making. Maria was my advocate and supported me through the social services process, including court proceedings. I honestly cannot thank the Community Addictions Team enough. Dr. Carville, Dr. McAlinden, Maria, Mary, the nurses in St. Lukes and the admin team who all went above and beyond to support my recovery journey and who I will be forever grateful to.

Your words of encouragement and your unwavering belief in my capacity to recover will never be forgotten. I am very grateful to have my children home again and to continue thriving in my recovery from alcoholism- thanks to everyone in the Community Addictions Team for being such a huge part of my journey and for always believing in me.

Reaching out for help was the best decision I ever made and I would encourage others who are struggling with addiction to speak to their GP and request a referral to this team.

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Responses

Response from Lydia Scholes, Community Addiction Services Co-ordinator, Mental Health and Disability Directorate, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 2 months ago
Lydia Scholes
Community Addiction Services Co-ordinator, Mental Health and Disability Directorate,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 01/08/2025 at 09:18
Published on Care Opinion at 09:18


Dear scorecardgq64

Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us your story and share your kind and thoughtful words about the care you received from Mary and Maria, and Dr Carville and Dr McAlinden. I have passed on your message to these staff and shared your gratitude with our team. We are truly touched by your feedback.

In addition, as a result of your feedback, I have nominated Mary, Maria, Dr Carville and Dr McAlinden for a GREATix award (certificate of excellence). This is to acknowledge that they have reflected the Trust values, which in turn has enhanced the experience of care you received.

We are absolutely delighted to hear about the positive journey you have made in your recovery, and the impact this has on you and your children. It’s wonderful to know that the support you received made a meaningful difference along the way.

Wishing you all the best in your continued recovery.

Lydia Scholes

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