"I felt judged for my history"

I am constantly faced with the label of being an "alki" loser and not worth the time of day.

My most recent experience was at Withington Hospital for an appointment with a doctor about a brain disorder. I felt the doctor was rude, judgemental and dismissive having, I assume, formed a picture in their mind that it was my own fault for drinking so heavily over 2 years ago, and left me no solutions to my cerebral atrophy.

They agreed to see me in six months, accused me (under their breath and thought I may not have heard) of smelling of alcohol, but made me feel that I was not welcome. No compassion and no understanding.

I have problems with my teeth, so regularly use clove oil to ease the pain so maybe that is what they could smell.

I have been sober for over 2 years now but would urge all organisations involved in rehab to strive in educate and increase awareness on addiction and not put us in the class of the worst of the worst.

My sister-in-law who came with me was physically shaken, as was I, and was a great support to me. We cried together with anger, dismay and the shock that a doctor could be so heartless, unfeeling and blind to a problem affecting so many people.