"Opiate Dependancy"

In early 2020 I lost my Mum to terminal cancer. Just a few years after losing my Dad to the same illness. 

I was lost, heartbroken and felt alone.

I was on a downward spiral, and soon enough my problems became worse.

Having become dependant on Codeine, I realised I could not face my battle alone. As much as I wanted to win the war, I was losing the battle. I contacted CGL in Halton and my first contact was with Tracey. 

Tracey made me feel at ease from the start, she was reassuring and understanding. It really felt like I'd had a warm blanket of protection threw over me, and that for the first time I didn't feel alone in this struggle. I felt like someone understood.

Through the support of Tracey, I began reducing my dosage, until finally I began a detox. Tracey guided me through this, allying my fears, worries and often panics. 

I also received incredible support from the rest of the team, including Stuart and John on the weekly meetings, which was, and still is, an absolute life saver. 

As I sit here today, I am Codeine free for almost 7 weeks, a position I never thought I would reach. 

Without Tracey and the team this would not have been possible. 

No matter my fears throughout this process, CGL, and in particular Tracey, always knew what to say. After every phone call, I would feel refreshed, confident, but most of all, I believed. I believed I could beat this. 

Without CGL it felt like I was fighting a war, alone, with no weapons. But once I contacted them for support, it was if I had a full army behind me. 

I was given a structure to work to, I had a plan, and for the first time I had an end in sight. I could see it, feel it, and believed it. 

Belief was something that was lacking when I was fighting this alone. But the expertise that Tracey, John and Stuart had, their caring and understanding nature, gave me the belief I needed to reach the finish line. 

But it didn't and doesn't end their. I continue to receive support. I continue to be given the confidence I need to move on from this. And that is something that money cannot buy. 

Without the team at CGL I would still be losing the battle. But do not be mistaken, they are also very good at reminding you of your own strength, they never want to take the credit, but today I am giving it to them. 

If anybody reading this feels in a hopeless situation, that your addiction is winning and there is no end in sight, take it from me there is. You too can have that warm blanket of protection, you too can have the support and guidance you need, contact CGL, it might just change your life, it did mine. 

So to Tracey, Stuart, John and all the other members, thank you. 

Thank you for giving me the strength to become me again. 

It is something I will never forget.