I was using alcohol for many years as a crutch to cope with problems.
It finally became its own bigger problem and I knew I had to do something/seek help.
It was causing so many problems but I ended up drinking more to try and forget about them.
The problem was they were still there the next day and nothing was changing, only getting worse.
I went to my GP and was referred to Inclusion.
This group and my Key worker Pete have been a consistent support every Tuesday evening for many months. Before I went back to work I also joined Stepping Stones on a Monday morning and this was again a huge support for me. Both gave me a chance to learn, share and grow.
I learned that there is and can be a life without alcohol and I managed to reduce my alcohol intake by half.
The last bit was much harder. I was struggling to stop, after years of self medicating to try and cope with OCD and bereavement, along with other things.
What started as a coping mechanism, had started to make me ill.
It didn't take away any of the issues, only made them worse but I was on a hamster wheel and I felt like I couldn't get off.
I was functioning, but just going though the motions, very unhappy and unhealthy.
I was lucky enough to get a 10 day detox at ANA in Portsmouth and it has changed my life.
As I write this I am now 21 days free without a drink and I feel so much better and so grateful to Peter and all the peers on the weekly calls that helped me on my journey to recovery.
The biggest step is the first one, but it only takes one.
If anyone thinks they may have a problem or the problem with addiction is getting worse and ruining your life, there are people that can help and I am proof.
Last week it was our last IRP/ISFP Group (the end of the course) and one of our homework tasks was to write a letter or poem of thanks to anyone we wanted.
Sometimes life is really hard and it can be difficult to know where to start
Finding Inclusion was the key and lead me on my journey to recovery
With help from the group (all of you) it helped me carry on and see it though
Peter you don't know how grateful I am, I must surely now be your biggest fan
I am feeling well and fine
Taking one day at a time
"Recovery"
About: Inclusion Recovery Hampshire Inclusion Recovery Hampshire ST16 3AG
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