“When I moved into YMCA I was alcohol dependent, however, I didn’t recognise myself as an alcoholic. Whilst living at YMCA there was a period of time where I was completely sober for 5 months, but I had no knowledge of my addiction. I thought that I would be able to give up alcohol through my own willpower, all on my own. After 5 months, I began drinking again, and more heavily than ever. After 3 months, I was taken to hospital, having developed stomach ulcers, which were life threatening, as well as breaking my back whilst under the influence of alcohol. The 2 days leading up to being taken to hospital I had decided that enough was enough and I wanted to stop drinking, but I knew this time, I couldn’t do it on my own.

The staff at YMCA had been inviting me along to the support groups run for those in addiction for a whole year, and I finally decided to take them up on the offer. I knew that this time around I needed to approach the psychological aspect of recovery properly, and the groups helped me to do this. I learnt about triggers, the thought process behind wanting a drink, the cravings and the substance misuse. I learnt in great depth about the illness of alcoholism and this has enabled my recovery process. If I came across any triggers that evoked the desire to drink alcohol, I learnt how to cut these thoughts off. I learnt practical tools to put into practice when those cravings, thoughts or triggers present themselves in my life.

Alongside this, the groups have given me structure and have helped me to focus. In the very early stages,  I couldn’t see how the groups would help, but I knew I had to continue with them. Looking back over the last 11 months I can see how much I have learnt and how putting it all into practice has enabled my recovery journey. I continue to go to the groups so that I can pick up anything I might have left behind when I first started. My relationship with my family has greatly improved and I have a wonderful relationship with my beautiful daughter and grandson. Now that I am sober I am able to find enjoyment in the small things of day to day life.”