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Care Opinion

Recovery

Posted By woodpeckergd58

"Recovery"

About: Inclusion Recovery Hampshire

(as a service user),

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

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Responses

Response from Amanda Winetroube, South Sector Manager, Inclusion nearly 2 years ago
Amanda Winetroube
South Sector Manager,
Inclusion

Submitted on 06/07/2022 at 15:22
Published on Care Opinion at 15:22

Thank you for your recent post and giving us valuable feedback.

Firstly congratulations in what you have achieved so far in your recovery! It sounds like you have come a long way and I want to acknowledge how much courage it would have taken for you to take the first step. Recovery is not easy but by reaching out for support and for putting the work in you have been able to make positive changes in your life.

I am delighted that you have found the support from Pete and the groups so helpful and supportive in your recovery journey. I will pass on your feedback to Pete and the Aldershot Team and would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for the future and yes as you say - take one day at a time!

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