Welcome to my page created by me, The Proud Addict.

An insight into my addiction, mental health and everything in-between. I hope that sharing my understanding and experiences can help break the stigma attached to the horrible illness of addiction and help others be confident enough to ask for help. We hear it all the time, its ok not to be okay, I believe we need to move up to level 2-its okay to talk about not being okay

Why?

Well I’ve recently hit 3 years clean and sober from my main vices-Booze and cocaine, but stop using was just a small step in my amazing journey so far. I’ve learned a lot but understand first hand how difficult, lonely and scary it can be when you realise you need to ask for help so hopefully this will inspire others to talk and be a resource to explain my understanding of the fellowship and addiction or mental health

How?

By sharing significant points in my journey and what my overall wellbeing and head was like during. But also I’ve realised not many people know what an addict, alcoholic, Mental health suffer on the brink of suicide is actually like inside or what the journey of sobriety such as going to a recovery meeting, getting a sponsor and going through the programme actually is. I knew I had a horrible relationship with substances but asked myself was I an alki? was I troubled by trauma? Was I unique and no one would get it? The funny thing is I was trained as part of my job to look for the signs of addiction and mental health but couldn’t even see it in myself because my head would tell me I was ok. but I believe I know the answers to these questions today so let me share how I got there and why I believe asking for help is important

Will this help me?

Hopefully, but let me be honest I’m doing this to also help me, recovery isn’t like a prescription that once complete you move on, think of it more as a way of living or the tools to cope with life. So instead of asking that or some of the tougher questions above, ask yourself simply could I feel better? and even if the answer is no then brilliant, stick around and share how you got there, you might just give someone the courage to ask for help

My Journey

Lets keep it simple, I had a childhood full of worry, adolescence packed with trying to fit in, young adulthood with no real purpose or goals which led me down a dark path to a point where I thought suicide was my only option. Luckily I got help and now with 3 years sober time under my belt I am stronger than ever and continually look to find new ways to improve my wellbeing. I’m proud of the person I am today and proud that I faced addiction and mental health issues its an integral part of my story