Addiction Recovery Stories – Rosie
Name: Rosie
Age: 30
Problem: Drugs and Alcohol
Recovery Time: 8 Months
(at time of publishing)
When did you first start using?
I started experimenting with substances when I was secondary school age. Because I looked older, it was easy to get served alcohol at the local shops and my friendship group was older too so if I couldn’t get served for any reason, I’d still have access to it. I tried everything I could; sometimes I wouldn’t even know what it was, I was just open to trying whatever was offered. Being under the influence was the most appealing state when I was in my teens. Life had thrown experiences at me in my childhood that I just didn’t feel equipped to deal with at that time and that’s why I always wanted to change who I was and the way I felt.
When did it become a problem?
In hindsight, it was always a problem but because I used and drank with other people, I believed for a long time that my relationship with substances was normal. I was just socialising. When work got busy and I didn’t have time to socialise, I still had the desire to drink to oblivion, so I did. I’d stay ‘topped up’ throughout the day and carry on at home. At first, it suited me better to drink and use like this because it was more convenient. I could control my surroundings and create an environment that I wanted to be in. I also convinced myself that drinking at home was ‘safer’ because I couldn’t get into too much trouble. I still had a lot of external things like a good job and nice cars so I was able to justify my substance use. I didn’t fit the stereotype of addict or alcoholic so I couldn’t possibly be one. It was only when I became physically dependent on alcohol and couldn’t go a day without it that I recognised it as an issue.
What made you get help?
I came to the realisation that I’d got to the point where I had two options. The first was to carry on in the cycle I was in, which was a dark and lonely place. The second was to ask for help. In all honesty, the first option seemed easier for a while but with the Covid-19 pandemic and my partner moving in with me, I couldn’t keep it hidden anymore.
Why the Basement Recovery Project?
My GP encouraged me to look into local support services and through my research, I was directed to The Basement. After a few minutes chatting to Tom, one of the Recovery Coaches, I knew I was in the right place. Having someone standing in front of me showing me it was possible to stop and stay stopped because they’d done it was a game-changer. I finally had some hope that recovery was possible.
How is life today?
It’s a new life – I’m happy. I’m peaceful. I’m content and I’m incredibly grateful. Life today is full of connection and purpose. Life isn’t without challenges but every challenge I’ve faced hasn’t overwhelmed me and I’ve been able to cope with it, feel the feelings that come with it and move forward. I see the positives rather than the negatives in everything these days and I have trust that what happens on a day to day basis is just part of the plan. Things will keep working out if I keep working on my recovery.
What would you say to someone considering asking for help?
If anyone’s doubting whether recovery can work for them, just give it a go. Don’t be put off asking for help even if you feel like you’ve tried everything. Be open-minded and try not to have any preconceptions about recovery. I was surprised by how comfortable I felt in a group setting and how I had something in common with everybody I met in recovery. Strangers quickly felt like friends and I came to see the value in opening up to others.
Coming into recovery isn’t half as scary as the prospect of staying in active addiction, that’s for sure.
Rosie
Click here for more addiction recovery stories.
“Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will.”
