ESH came into my life at the point of no return; I had attempted to end my life; a victim of alcohol addiction. At 57, I had nowhere to turn, a broken man, physically and mentally.
As a community provision, I had never come across this organisation even though I am an experienced manager of statutory health services. I thank God, or a ‘higher power’, or whatever spiritual influence was around at the time that our paths crossed as there is little doubt that had this wonderful organisation not become part of my life, my future was bleak, empty, meaningless and destined to end early, in abject misery.
I had honestly reached the point whereby I had become so helpless and hopeless that ending my own life had become a serious reality, resulting in hospital admissions; a physical and mental health wreck, yet another victim of alcoholism. Like many others, the chronic and relentless effects of alcoholism had almost destroyed everything I ever lived for: my family, my career, my friendships, my economic wellbeing, my physical health and my sanity. I had known for some years that I lived with a drinking habit that was gradually becoming worse.
Again, like many others, I thought I could handle this myself and hide my problems behind other life stressors. I tried on many occasions to control my drinking but each time I managed to go a few days without alcohol, I was so fragile that my reaction to stress was to crawl into a bottle and wallow in self-pity.
I spent 28 days at ESH and went through a controlled detox programme followed by a daily programme of group and individual therapies and activities all designed and delivered by people who know what they are talking about. Why? Because all of the staff, volunteers and those associated with ESH, are in recovery and bring a unique range of skills, experience and support to prove that the programme works.
My short spent time at ESH has brought me to a new beginning in my life.
With the experience and support of the dedicated team and other service users, I am no longer helpless and hopeless but now hopeful that I do have a life and a future….a future built on solid foundations of honesty, commitment and positivity.
Thank you ESH…..you have saved my life!
Simon
