James L

"I recently climbed Kilimanjaro, something I wouldn't of entertained a couple of years ago whilst in active addiction."

The Chestnuts

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James L – Former client at The Chestnuts

Life was a vicious circle of being heavily dependant on using my drug of choice (cocaine). I was isolating myself whilst using and became depressed as a result of it all. I was unemployed, my partner had left me, my relationship with my children had broken down, and I was very lonely.

The therapist I was seeing recommended Steps Together because of the 12 Steps Program and the location which is in the midlands. This was during covid lockdown, and I had to travel back from France which is where I was living at the time. I know other treatment centres had stopped taking in people due to covid so I felt very lucky and relieved that Steps Together were able to take me in.

There were no obstacles stopping me from going into treatment, I knew I had to go into addiction treatment!

It felt very daunting for me on my arrival to Steps Together, I felt scared and apprehensive. I tried to mask this was arrogance. I was made to feel welcome and was looked after by the team at Steps Together. It was lunch time I arrived so all the other clients where there when I arrived which helped me feel at ease.

The most important thing I gained from the therapy programme was how to love myself. Without this, I would of struggled to buy into everything else as I didn’t care enough about myself. Hilary Betts therapy sessions also had a huge positive impact on me.

As part of the therapy programme at Steps Together,  I’m an outdoors person so the spiritual walks were great for me. During those times times I found it easier to speak with the support team that accompanied us on those walks.

Since using the services at Steps Together I now have the best relationship with my children because I understand myself better. In life generally I am a lot calmer, patient and have more time for people, especially for my family. Because of this, my work life has improved as well as my social life.

I have taken up more sports/outdoor activities as I have now have the energy and drive to do them.  I recently climbed Kilimanjaro, something I wouldn’t of entertained a couple of years ago whilst in active addiction.

If there was one word to describe my experience at Steps Together it would be ‘Rewarding’. At times, I found my time at The Chestnuts difficult as I struggled adjusting to the changes I needed to make to myself in my way of thinking. But that hard work over a 6 week period has given me so much back, since I left treatment almost 3 years ago.

Rewards –

  • I feel 100% better in myself now I’m clean.
  • I love myself.
  • Being a good dad for my children. I’m present in their lives.
  • Being able to form good strong relationships with family/friends.
  • Work life is better and so I can provide for myself and my family.

If you’re experiencing difficulties with addiction or poor mental health try not to be so hard on yourself, seek professional help through a therapist and talk to someone. Being stuck in our own heads is not healthy when we start to think negatively. Should you need additional help, please contact a treatment centre.

You are not alone in how you feel. There is help and support to get you through. You can change.

Get help today

To take your first step please call or fill in the form and a member of our team will be in contact as soon as possible.

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Please fill in the form or call 0330 175 7031.