I sought treatment for my alcoholism initially over ten years ago, primarily through Alcoholics Anonymous as I was living at that time in another area. I enjoyed a long period of recovery and sobriety at this time, during which I was evaluated for and received a liver transplant at Addenbrooke’s hospital, giving me, quite literally, a new lease of life.  Unfortunately, I allowed the pressure of life to effect my sobriety and I relapsed for a short period.

I was, however fortunate enough to discover and access treatment at Open Road in Maldon Road.  With the intervention of the staff at Open Road, my relapse was short lived, and I have enjoyed a long and fulfilling period of sobriety, which, God willing, will endure for the rest of my life. I am extremely grateful to the staff of Open Road, for their help and support during this period of my life. It is owing to my own experience that I recognise and promote the earliest possible intervention in the treatment of substance abuse. This is, in my opinion, the single most important and critical factor in the treatment and rehabilitation of clients.

I was offered and accepted a programme of one to-one counselling and alternative therapies including homeopathy, shiatsu, and ear acupuncture and I made frequent use of the drop-in facilities for informal group therapy and social intercourse. I was fortunate that this support and treatment was so readily available in the town where I lived.

As time passed and my sobriety became firmly established, I felt that it was time to progress my rehabilitation to a higher level and re-join society by helping-even in a small way- other people struck by my illness, for I do perceive addictions of all types as an illness, a sickness of the mind body and soul. I could think of no better way of thanking Open Road than to apply to work as a volunteer at Colchester. I also recognised that I would be continuing my long term treatment by re-building my self confidence by working with others and using my experience as an alcoholic and recovered alcoholic, and working for what I knew to be a good professional team at Open Road.