" I instantly felt I had someone who was on my side OASIS - Drug & Alcohol Support "

Last year, my Mum finally began treatment for her long battle with Alcoholism - my Dad and I were so pleased that she finally sought the help she so desperately needed, however at the same time we found ourselves very much venturing into the unknown in terms of how to cope with everything and help her.

Addaction (the brilliant team who were looking after her) recommended I speak to a group called Oasis who provide support for the families/carers of drug and alcohol users across Lincolnshire. I called and spoke to a very friendly lady who arranged a telephone meeting with my contact (the fab Kim!)....I wasn't really sure what to expect at the time - the whole situation with Mum was quite intense and I was at a complete loss in terms of what to do to help her and my Dad through it.

In just that first one phone call, Kim gave me so much amazing advice. It was great to finally talk to someone who really understood what I was going through and the challenges I faced. She listened to my worries and understood my feelings of fear, anger and helplessness about the situation (and I never felt judged regardless of what I said). She also gave me some really fantastic practical advice about way in which to handle difficult situations, and ideas about how to help both Mum and Dad. When I put the phone down, I instantly felt I had someone who was on my side, looking out for me and who genuinely cared about what my family was going through.

During one phone call before Christmas, I was feeling particularly anxious - the warning signs that my Mum was drinking again were all there and I was very nervous and unsure about how to handle it. I talked it through with Kim and the advice she gave me put me completely at ease. For the first time, I realised there was only so much I was able to do without it taking over my own life....as long as I was there to give help and support when my Mum was ready to be honest and ask for it, that's all that mattered. After the chat, I had a really calm conversation with my Mum and we made some great progress.

Oasis now call me once a month and its great to have that as a 'check-point' in terms of how we are all coping and how things are progressing. Life can take over a bit sometimes and you can get caught in the moment - that time with Kim is so helpful on so many levels it really helps me focus my mind, get things off my chest and most importantly, help my Mum (who is really trying hard to get better).

In my mind, Oasis are an invaluable support to the families/friends of alcohol/drug users, and I can only hope that anyone in my situation picks up the phone and gives them a call as they have literally transformed my whole mindset and approach to things.....I simply could not have got through the last 6 months without Kim! Hopefully someone from Oasis does get to read this - if you are - THANK YOU!!!!! xx