My recovery journey with Red Rose Recovery
After struggling with alcohol addiction for over 15 years, being in and out of hospital, detox, and rehab, losing my job and driving licence through drink driving, escaping a long term controlling marriage, moving out of the family home, missing out on my son’s school years, and then discovering I had pre-cancer, I made the decision that enough was enough. I wanted to stop for good so I could hopefully begin rebuilding my life.
In February 2025, I went into a residential medical detox yet again, and after 11 days returned home alcohol free. That is when I discovered Red Rose Recovery in Preston.
I plucked up the courage to go into their office. I introduced myself as a failure because I kept relapsing, but I collected a timetable and registered. I felt very anxious going in, but I was welcomed with open arms into what felt like such a non-judgemental, safe space.
Two days later, I returned for my first group, Risk of Relapse, which was great: a room full of like-minded people sharing their stories, led by a facilitator with lived experience. The following week I attended two groups: LIFE (Living In Freedom Everyday), which helped with practical steps like budgeting, employment, and life mapping, and the Risk of Relapse group again. I carried on attending two groups each week for a while, then also got involved in the Recovery in Nature group. That took us out into the countryside to enjoy the benefits of fresh air, exercise, volunteering, and building healthy new friendships.
Eighteen months on, I am sober, employed in a responsible role, and volunteering to run my own wellbeing groups. I have my own lovely home, my driving licence back along with a new car, I am helping my son as he prepares for university, and I am heading on holiday abroad for the first time in 30 years!
I would just like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone at Red Rose Recovery who listened, pointed me in the right direction, and supported me through the hardest moments of my journey. Without this amazing support, I would not be where I am today.
