"My journey from despair to recovery"

My journey with CGL started just over 3 years ago. After suffering from bad pain in both my shoulders my Doctor prescribed me an opioid based painkiller after the 1st tablet I did not know this drug would slowly take control of my life for the worse. The 1st step is always the hardest and making the call was that 1st step The 1st meeting had been arranged and anxiety was brought on by the unexpected how would I be looked upon would I be judged but all this was just fear of the unknown. I was greeted and put at ease straight away I was given the respect and humanity that being a addict I would not of expected or thought I deserved. I was told about the services that CGL offered and I was told that I was in control of how I dealt with my addiction so when I was ready to stop taking the painkiller the plan was put in place it would be replaced by another medication.

I started the 1st real steps to recovery and it was a tough few months as I started to transition from the path of addict to recovery. All through the journey I was always in good contact with my CGL worker. Along came COVID and like everyone else this was unprecedented times for not only myself but for CGL but we kept the dialog going through phone calls and if needed zoom calls. Roll on 2 years and we entered the end the end of strict non meeting covid rules at this time I was assigned a new worker Iidiko who would remain my worker right up to today.

She really understood me straight from the 1st phone call and once again put me at ease with out judgment She was always guiding me  giving me advice and help but always making me feel I was in charge of my recovery that really did not sink in until I needed it I started to attend a weekly group that was so beneficial not only in my journey but also of those who also attended the meetings. after a few of these I decided with Iidiko that I was ready to reduce my medication.

I should also mention the communication between CGL and my chemist was superb I was never left chasing my script and also the chemist and the staff was superb never judging me or looking down on me and always asking if I was ok and if I needed any further support.

So the 2nd part of my Addiction was alcohol that I really wanted to remove this as well as I could see this was also a problem. Again I faced it with the full help of CGL and my worker Iidiko the support was outstanding again and all the time I was made to feel comfortable and in control of my own recovery. As of the 2nd of August I'm 58 days from my last drink and the tools I've learnt from CGL have left me feeling like a new person. My time with CGL and working with my worker Iidiko as left me inspired so much that my main Focus is to use my experience in recovery and help other who are struggling in the same way that I was and if I can use what I have learnt in recovery to help just 1 person then that would be great.

I can not thank the people who help those coming in to the service and the job they do.