"Alcohol Addiction/ re: RUTRAPPED"

Having suffered from alcoholism alongside mental health issues I often experienced a sense of displacement when trying to get treatment. On numerous occasions when seeing a GP ( I changed several times, either through moving, or simply because I felt misunderstood), I was more or less told to stop drinking, not offered any support, merely informed that anti-depressants would not work if I drank anyway. Obviously this is a fact, but it was the lack of compassion that made me dread going to see the doctor. Years ago I had been given support from the local Community Alcohol Team, when at the time my drinking was on a daily basis, now my drinking was not everyday, but it was getting increasingly destructive. I felt that as it wasn't an everyday occurance it was not deemed as much of a problem, that I should control my 'binges.'

Anyway, just over 9 months ago, my addiction was taking it's toll. I went, extremely intoxicated to hospital in dire need of help and support. But having seen me for 2 minutes I was told that they could do nothing for me, and to leave and return when sober. I remained on the hospital premises in the hope that someone would see me. This did not happen. To cut a long story short, I was later arrested.

Fortunately for me this story has a much more positive outcome. Whilst in the cells I was visited by Sarah from Acorn. she gave me a leaflet for R.A.M.P. At the time I did not fully appreciate the lifeline she had offered me.

I did, however, realise I had hit my 'rock bottom', and in going to do R.A.M.P I discovered, through others' that had themselves been through addiction, that things could change for me, and the course helped me start on the path to Recovery.

It was because of these mentors/ role models that my sobriety has become possible R.A.M.P led on to Bridging The Gap, and I now regularly attend RUTRAPPED??

Years ago when I was under the Community Alcohol Team, such role-modelling/ mentoring wasn't a feature in treatment, and again I felt misunderstood. This time around it has been a major factor in my staying sober.