Getting clean and sober

“I’d been drinking for about 30-odd years. It had got progressively worse. I’d actually been in rehab three previous times and then I came to Woking Priory. I attended the addiction treatment programme. I was an absolute mess when I came in. I think I truly hit my rock bottom and it was getting…my mental health was absolutely atrocious; I was considering doing some silly things.

“I am now coming up to 18 months clean and sober. And in those 18 months, I have joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). I go twice a week, I’ve done the steps, the 12 steps, which has improved my life immeasurably. I’m now a scout leader, I’m now taking an active part in the community, reaching out to help others less fortunate. It sounds like I’ve done a lot, but I’ve just done what I was told - it’s as simple as that. It’s a very simple programme.   

“Coming back here, it’s stirred a few emotions. All positive though. And to be frankly honest, if it wasn’t for this place, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”