My whole life changed the day I walked into New Beginnings

“My journey into recovery started in 2012 when I went to see my doctor about a different matter and she noticed the signs of alcohol abuse and asked me if I needed help. At that time I thought I was alone and didn’t understand or realise there was help out there. Only one thing I did know was my life had hit rock bottom.

“I was referred to the drug and alcohol services where I had a couple of detoxes, then I was offered the opportunity to go to New Beginnings and my recovery journey began.

“New Beginnings taught me how to cope and understand the road to recovery and take control of my life. After a while I became their client rep and moved onto employment, life was good but at the back of my head or maybe was it a seed that was planted – I’d be fine after a couple of years.

“Oh boy how wrong I was. In early 2015 I had relapsed within days.

“My demons were saying: “You’ll be fine it’s been a couple of years treat yourself go on if not today it will be tomorrow”

“Early September 2015 I had a detox and the opportunity to go back to New Beginnings. At first the shame and guilt kicked in, but staff members made me feel welcome and were very understanding. I started back within weeks and my true journey started.  When I accept I could never touch the substance again and with determination and help from my peers I started living again instead of existing and I get to see my kids every weekend.

“My whole life changed the day I walked into New Beginnings, I learned how to use my skill’s I’d learnt in group work from other peers and how they cope and manage with day to day life and emotions.

“I’m hoping to pick back up on my education soon, were I’d left off studying Mental Health and one day going into employment.  (Dual diagnose mental health with substance misuse) with the support all around me I will do it, if not today, be tomorrow (Happy days).”