I self-referred to Aldershot Inclusion in October 2021. I attended groups and key worker sessions but struggled to admit I was an alcoholic and did not fully engage. The staff were amazing as I was so anxious, they welcomed me without judgement, I felt listened to and cared for which allayed my fears somewhat.
My key worker suggested a detox in March 2022, but I did not think I needed it, that I could do it myself and all the other thoughts that come with being an alcoholic in denial. But they had planted the seed, and I finally agreed to a detox in October 2022 for 10 days which was funded by Inclusion as I was so broken and in a very dark place. I wanted to stop but couldn’t. After the detox I did not drink for 2 months and apart from a few AA meetings, which I decided not to continue with as, again, I thought I could stop by myself, I did no other recovery work, and I relapsed catastrophically with dire consequences. I referred myself back to treatment centre where I had my detox and self-funded for a 2 month stay. I had the courage to do this due to my previous admission through Inclusion and in hindsight I think my recovery was destined to take this path.
When I came out of rehab I re-engaged with Inclusion, partaking in everything that was on offer and attended AA meetings. Inclusion provided counselling with their in-house counsellor, and I managed to talk about my life for the first time ever as the counselling was meaningful and targeted to my alcohol thinking. What a great service and I started to find some peace of mind and forgiveness which was essential to my staying sober.
I found myself able to talk to others who were at varying stages of their journey and to give them hope that we can be free from substance misuse and they were genuinely grateful that I was listening to them. That made me consider volunteering and I was fully supported and encouraged by staff here at Aldershot.
I have been a volunteer for a year now and have reached stage 3 and I am loving it. I have some autonomy and am running the peer support group and can co-facilitate other groups when needed. I am exploring aftercare support here at Aldershot as there is currently a gap in the service. This is only possible with the great team behind me and supporting me. Not only do I get to help others, but it is an essential part of my recovery. For the first time I have a real purpose in my life, my daughters have their mum back, and I am loving being present for my grandchildren and experiencing the joy they bring me. To say that Inclusion saved my life is an understatement.