"I’ll never take my addiction for granted"

I was a teenager when I started drinking, I used to look a lot older than my mates so I’d be able to get served fairly easy, which made me feel good as well as seemingly earning me respect form those around me. I started to realise alcohol had become a problem for me when it started impacting my life. I would often lose my things and I'd have no memories from the previous day, others would often have to tell me embarrassing accounts of what I had done. Due to my drinking I separated from my wife and children, huge financial lose and employment, the respect of others and my mental wellbeing was at an all-time low.

I realised I had to regain my control on the situation and stop what I had been doing. This started by reading books on addictions and opening up to people close to me, I even altered my routine, instead of going to the pub I would go for a walk as well as not taking any money out of the house. I eventually spoke to my doctor who referred me to a psychotherapist and CGL. I was initially quite sceptical about CGL as I had never done anything like that before, but this soon faded as my time with them was amazing. They were very informative with absolutely zero judgment. Winston, Simone and Luke are great role models, supportive without being patronising.

I had seen some posters and heard other people’s experiences of Intuitive recovery while I was at CGL and I decided to do some research into what it was. After reading about it and speaking with Simone I didn’t hesitate to sign up. Once referred Luke responded very quickly and walked me though everything. It was great to have an outline and structure of what my plan would be.

Since sitting the course I have been able to rebuild my inner strength to resist temptation. I have improved in avoiding certain people and places that I know will bring me down. I have been using the iron fist and transposing skill to dramatically reduce my substance use. I am going to continually apply the techniques I learnt from these sessions and I’ll never take my addiction for granted.