"Not Letting Alcohol Control my life"

I have always had an association with alcohol throughout my life. However, it was only in the last five years that I began drinking extremely heavily. It started as drinking only at weekends, and then somehow it became an everyday thing. It felt normal for me—finish work, get home, and open a bottle of wine.

Over time, I started missing days from work due to hangovers. I was diagnosed with severe high blood pressure, which was certainly alarming, and now I have to take BP tablets. Going through menopause did not make things any easier.

One day, I woke up and said, “Enough is enough. I need to find my way.” I did that by attending One Recovery Bucks. When I first went, I thought, “OMG, what am I doing here?” But I persevered. The tasks involved really engaged my mind, and I started to understand that my heavy drinking was an emotional thing. I had to confront my emotions.

It was very hard at the start, but over time, the more you talk about those feelings, the better you feel in yourself. My keyworker was great at listening and helping me get the support I needed. We have to be kind to ourselves. I felt there was a light at the end of a very long tunnel.

I am so glad I went to One Recovery Bucks for help! I had a lovely lady who helped me break the habit. I feel so emotionally empowered. I can’t thank her enough for giving me my life back. I am so thankful and grateful. Thank you again.