When I first joined Red Rose, I was apprehensive. I wondered how it would work and how other people could help me an make me feel welcome. I joined my first zoom meeting without my camera on and just sat and listened. I think I did that for my first 2 meetings. However, by my 3rd meeting I was ready to show my face on camera and chat to my peers. I suddenly felt a rush of support like I had never felt before and felt comfortable sharing my story that I had hidden so well for the past year.
You see, I’m addicted to drugs. Not one person judged me or made me feel like I was a failure although I was beginning to hate myself and the addiction that had gripped me so tightly. After a couple of weeks, I not only joined the women’s group but I also began doing other Red Rose Zoom meetings where I would see familiar faces and people who thrive off each other’s support. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when I’ve been on groups and felt no self-worth beforehand but yet again the group instantly picks you up! I always come off group feeling powerful.
So, I made a choice… this addiction needed to be taken control of and with the help of the Red Rose staff I made a self-referral to and adult social worker for rehab. I am beginning my journey in there next week. The process from me doing the self-referral to actually being admitted into rehab is less than 3 weeks. I will spend 3-5 months in there. My son’s birthday I will miss and Christmas with my beautiful children. But… what’s one birthday and one Christmas for their mum to get clean and be happy and healthy again? I’m sure I will make up for it when I’m well again.
If you’re struggling out there, please reach out to Red Rose. I feel like I’m a part of the family and you will too. Xx
