"I now smile, and feel content within myself"

I have struggled with my addiction to Alcohol for many many years seeking help both through community addictions and various Inpatient Units but found myself relapsing time and time again. In desperation I sought help again through my keyworker Eoghan. There I was referred to The Asha Centre.

Before Asha, I was full of fear. Fear of facing life as it is. I used Alcohol to numb my fear alongside shame, guilt, worry, grief and any feelings that I didn't want to have. Alcohol gave me confidence and it was the answers to all my problems. At first it did but as days turned to months and months years, my dependency increased and tolerance became higher. I just couldn't live without it. Eventually the confidence left and I became a lost soul. Full of anxiety, I became depressed, isolated myself from those I loved. I was physically, mentally and emotionally unstable. I just existed. I needed help!

In deep depths of despair I was thankfully offered an Inpatient place at The Asha Centre and I accepted.

Full of anxiety and nerves of what I would be faced with on entering The Asha Centre, the thoughts raced through my head. Would I be liked? Would I see eye to eye with the staff, patients etc. But on arrival to ASHA I was pleasantly put to ease when greeted by the lovely Aidy who welcomed me with a smile and very friendly manner.

Eamonn the Ward Manager whom I had previously spoken to over the phone was amazing. He introduced me to his wonderful staff whom I can't thank enough for their genuine care and attention whilst I was there. I felt loved and cared for everyday and the atmosphere was always positive and uplifting. On my bad days there was always a listening ear to reassure me that it was okay not to be okay and emotions are a healing process.

I've learnt so much about myself and others through the group sessions. Seeing how my life had been and how the one I will be leading from here on, there is no comparison.

From the nurturing help of nursing staff Maria, Yvonne, Tanya, Tracey, Edel, Sean, Doctor Kinch, Emma the Social Worker and all the bankers. These kind, caring, pleasant, loving people who taught me so much about myself and life again that I'd been blinded to all those years in Active Addiction I can't thank you enough. These are amazing people inside and out. Kitchen staff Valerie and Eimear the domestic always bright and bubbly.

The Asha Centre gave me a sense of purpose. Taught me my strengths. How to recognize when I'm slipping into bad habits. To love and care for myself and others. I now smile, I feel content within myself, a new found power to say no, especially to my addiction. My attitude and outlook of life has completely transformed. Drink is no longer a part of my life and hand on my heart believe it. Thanks to Asha this is my time for Recovery. xx