When I first decided to get sober, it was for the wrong reasons. My physical health was poor, my mobility was not good at all, it was 2004 and I had been drinking heavily for 20 years, yet I was doing it for my family.
Of those last 10 years, I spent lots of time in hospital with physical trauma including broken bones and cuts, and internal problems such as pancreatitis, damaged liver, various infections and generally poor health. I spent time in jail and many police cells, lost a few jobs and destroyed lots of relationships.
An opportunity came up at ESRA about 2 years ago to become a recovery coach helping people in different stages of their recovery. I facilitate 3 groups and do lots of signposting. This enables me to help other people in the early stages of recovery to overcome obstacles that I faced in the early days of recovery.
I have had so much support from ESRA including one to one meetings, many training opportunities, help in finding work and also with preparing for interviews.
I now feel very well equipped to help other people in their recovery, something that gives me a lot of satisfaction. Recovery is an ongoing thing in my life but I will never forget the people that helped me and gave me confidence.
