After battling alcohol and substance abuse for over a year, I finally succumbed, seeing no way out, to the dreadful decision to take an overdose.
After an ambulance being called I was admitted to Bournemouth Hospital and the care I received, in particular the assessment from the mental health team, was incredible and have today made me use this to take the step needed to recover from this dreadful addiction. The nurses and staff at MMU Bournemouth were incredible, my thanks go out to them wholeheartedly. I'm sorry but I don't recall each of their names now.
On my being discharged I visited my GP Practice immediately, for further referrals and was equally impressed how the matter was handled by my doctor at Arnewood New Milton surgery. I have attempted to broach the subject on many occasions prior, but always came up with an excuse and left the surgery, not mentioning it. I was sorry it came to such potentially catastrophic measures to bring attention to it, but at least I recovered a dreadful experience only thanks to those mentioned above and am now starting to recover with the care and support of my local NHS Services.
Being determined to not slip and keep the process going I followed up with a self referral by my doctor to 'Inclusion New Forest', I called them outside the surgery and was told I can drop in as they are open that day from 10 until 4pm. I went along to to the address, un-named, un-numbered and un-marked, I was a little distressed to have to ask around as to the whereabouts of the 'Drug & Alcohol Service' advertised to be at 'Parkland Place' but was determined to not abandon it and leave, as I knew if I did, I wouldn't return and may well relapse within 24 hours. Upon eventually finding the place, behind completely closed blinds, I stated to the person at reception I would like to self refer based on the information given to me by my GP, I was rather dismayed when they said; well, we're not really open today, I had stated I had called first and told to come down and they replied ..well they shouldn't have told you that, we're only open Tuesdays and Fridays.... I'll see if anyone's around...Even now I'm surprised, I didn't walk back out..
I was then approached by an unknown person who simply said; You here for a chat and pack? I said I have no idea what that is, while stopping myself leaving at that point, they ushered me through to another room and went through some very basic questions and said I should expect an assessment within 2 weeks.
I must admit this last visit was in stark contrast to the incredible service and support received at Bournemouth hospital and Arnewood surgery, I felt let down by the reception at Inclusion New Forest in New Milton at such a difficult time.
In almost every other circumstance I would completely accept these things, but when you're on a knife edge to carry on with attempting recovery or slipping completely it's just at that time that those first steps are so important.
"Alcohol and Substance Abuse Care"
About: Inclusion Recovery Hampshire / New Forest Inclusion Recovery Hampshire New Forest BH25 6DJ Royal Bournemouth General Hospital Royal Bournemouth General Hospital Bournemouth BH7 7DW The Arnewood Practice Milton Medical Cen The Arnewood Practice Milton Medical Cen New Milton BH25 5JP
Posted by DunkUK101 (as ),
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