“I knew I had no other choice if I wanted to change my life”

I had my first drink at 16. I remember the initial confidence that alcohol gave me, which quickly turned into a regular habit. It didn’t seem too concerning at first, but things escalated during my time at university. By my second year, the combination of lockdowns, regular cannabis use, and an increased reliance on alcohol led me down a darker path. I thought I was just like other students, but over time, I started drinking more and more, particularly after I graduated and got a remote job.

The lifestyle seemed perfect at first - no commute meant I could stay out late the night before, and I could go drinking straight after work. No-one was there to stop me. It turned into a vicious cycle of drinking alone and isolating myself from others.

The biggest challenge I faced was the way alcohol controlled my life. It became my escape, something that seemed to quiet my mind, but at the same time, it made me paranoid, angry and anxious.

My relationships suffered, and the people I cared about most - my family and friends - bore the brunt of my worsening attitude. It wasn’t until my addiction reached a new extreme in late 2023 that I realised how bad things had become. That’s when I finally listened to my therapist’s advice and checked into Priory.

When I first sought help, I had mixed feelings. Part of me didn’t want to admit I had a problem, and the idea of going to rehab at 23 made me feel like a fraud. I remember coming round to the idea of getting help while I was very drunk, watching a YouTube video about Priory and reflecting on how far my addiction had taken me. I had been in therapy before, but nothing as intensive as rehab, and I was nervous about what treatment would entail. Still, I knew I had no other choice if I wanted to change my life. A few days later, I was there.

During my first few days at Priory, I was humbled. I questioned whether I should even be there, and I definitely had moments when I wanted to leave. But I knew deep down that this was where I needed to be. Group therapy, which I was initially sceptical of, turned out to be a game-changer. Listening to others and sharing my own experiences showed me that I wasn’t alone. I could relate to the struggles of others in ways I hadn’t expected. The isolation that addiction brings was replaced by a sense of community, which was very empowering.

The staff and programme at Priory were excellent. Group therapy, one-to-one sessions, and the overall environment created a safe space for me to heal. The team was supportive, and I felt like they genuinely cared about my recovery.

Looking back, I can’t believe how much my life has changed. I’m now a year sober, running my own business, and rebuilding my relationships with my family and friends. I feel confident, grounded and optimistic for the first time in years.

My advice to anyone struggling with addiction is to approach treatment with an open mind. It’s easy to be in denial, but the sooner you confront the reality of your situation, the better. Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking too far ahead. Take it one day at a time. And most importantly, remember that recovery is possible - you’re not alone in this journey.