Question & Answer session

In this question & answer session I talk about the reasons that I wanted to change my alcohol use, and the processes I went through in making that decision. For me it was so important that I really wanted to change, and was willing to put so much effort into making those changes happen. But I got there in the end. The hard work has all been worth it!

Personal story

I have written my personal story so that others can learn from my experiences with alcoholism and mental health problems. In my experiences, people rarely looked past the fact that I was drinking heavily to try and determine the reasons behind my drinking. In my case, there were serious mental health problems that I needed help in addressing. I think that this oversight is, unfortunately, all too common, and many people are not receiving the correct sort of help.

Introducing myself

Since entering the Bridge Project rehabilitation programme (Salvation Army, Cardiff) in September, 2007 I have learnt to live life without using alcohol. I have embraced sober living and I have been able to pursue interests that before I had been unable to do. I have completed a number of courses including a four day first aid course, a heart defibrillator course, getting my CSCS card, and completing my BICS Assessors course.

One of my biggest achievements has been completing the M.I.L.E programme. The programme is designed to train ex-substance users with the skills needed to become effective volunteers in the substance misuse field.

The M.I.L.E project is run by a lady called Yaina. She came to the Bridge Project when I had been there less than a month. She gave a presentation about the M.I.L.E and from that moment on I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to do. Since then, Yaina has been a true inspiration to me, and doing the M.I.L.E programme has greatly boosted my confidence and self-esteem. The skills that I have learnt will not only help me in my future employment, but also help with all aspects of my own recovery. It has been a fantastic experience and I cannot wait to begin volunteering in substance misuse agencies, and eventually gain full-time employment.

My long-term goal is to work with juveniles (aged 16-25) who have substance use problems. I have had the opportunity to run some groups on the Bridge Project which has given me great experience for my future work. I am also waiting to start volunteering at some local agencies in Cardiff – I can’t wait.

Favourite quote - "The most important thing is that when you keep on getting knocked down in life, keep on getting back up and fighting it" - Rocky 6