This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

My recent recovery from alcohol dependency

Posted By Authur

"My recent recovery from alcohol dependency"

About: CGL Birmingham / East Hub

(as a service user),

I was in a depressed, sad state of mental health after being unemployed and alone for many years. 

I felt like there was no point in life and had all but given up on myself.

I rarely went out except to get shopping.

After being switched from ESA benefit to Universal Credit, I was shocked when I realized I was in debt and was drinking about two three litre bottles of cider.

I knew I couldn't just suddenly stop in case I had a withdrawal seizure.

I phoned reachout and had an assessment.

Shortly afterwards, I began going to their meetings at Shard end and felt better knowing I was not alone.

After just a few weeks I had cut my drinking right down to about a quarter of what I had been drinking and after another few weeks I stopped.

I had help from my GP who prescribed me diazepam for a couple of weeks. 

Medication

Medication

I have been completely sober now for over three months and am taking courses for improvement at East Hub.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Lydia Broom, Service User Involvement Lead at Change Grow Live Birmingham, The Service User Involvement Team, Change Grow Live Birmingham 4 years ago
Lydia Broom
Service User Involvement Lead at Change Grow Live Birmingham, The Service User Involvement Team,
Change Grow Live Birmingham

Submitted on 13/03/2020 at 14:57
Published on Care Opinion at 14:57

picture of Lydia Broom

Hi Authur

Thank you for sharing your story.

I'm Lydia and I'm part of the team who responds when people share stories and feedback.

First and foremost, I found your story to be really inspiring!

It sounds like you were facing multiple challenges before you sought support and I feel like your story helps to raise awareness about how mental health and unemployment can affect somebody's life.

It's amazing to hear that you have been abstinent for three months and I hope other people will read about your experiences. I feel your words have the potential to help others who may be affected by similar issues, to realise recovery is possible and that they too can make positive changes.

I am going to share your story with the team at the East Hub so that the staff there can share it with other people who approach our service for support, in the hope it will show them there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I feel you should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved through your hard work and commitment and I wish you all the very best for the future.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your story.

Lydia

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k