"I WAS ONCE LIKE YOU"

A message for the suffering

"Several years ago I was in the depths of my alcoholism; I was drinking a litre of Vodka a day. I had virtually destroyed the relationship with my wife and family and was about to be thrown out on to the street penniless, I was desperate to stop drinking.

After 3 visits to hospital for liver damage, ulcers and an alcoholic fit, the consultant gave me 3 months to live if I continued drinking at the level I was, he said I would die from massive liver failure. Each time I left the hospital I tried to stop, but within days I was back on the Vodka even more than before.I tried attending AA for months, but just that alone didn't do the trick either, I needed something extra.

Then someone told me of a treatment centre and its success rate for helping alcoholics. I reluctantly agreed to attend and booked in for the 6 week residential programme. I went in still suffering the affects of withdrawal rattling and shaking, I was helped over the first few days by other recovering alcoholics, from all walks of life, people taken off the streets who had never worked, athlete's managers and solicitors, a sobering thought for this ex International Vice President.

I began the "programme of recovery" and haven't had a drink since; I have changed mentally and treat people and life differently. I once again have my health and the love and trust of my wife and family, God bless them for the help and support they gave me. I became a counsellor, learning the method I was given in the centre. It is my duty to pass this on to my fellow alcoholics.""A final word, alcoholism can be beaten there is no quick fix, it takes hard work and the love and support of your family, it also takes massive commitment from you but the rewards are incredible."

The Principal and Founder of Serenity House.