Robert's Story
Robert is a 33 year old male who has just recently completed the residential rehab programme at Littledale Hall. This is his story in his own words.
I always knew from the age of 16 that alcohol was a problem to me as I always had to drink to excess. Being a time served plasterer, drinking always seemed an acceptable part of ‘making a living’. By the time I was 25 years old my drinking had become so problematic that I could no longer hold down a job. I was now alcohol dependent and was drinking from the moment I got up in the morning till when I went to bed. My life had become out of control, I was shop stealing alcohol if I ran out of benefit monies, I was arrested on numerous occasions for being drunk and disorderly, was convicted of drink driving, and started doing crazy things like jumping in the canal because I was hallucinating. At 29 I was diagnosed with epilepsy following frequent experiences of fits and blackouts.
In 2007 I went to residential rehab twice, the first time I lasted six days and the second time three days. After leaving both rehabs I immediately went back to drinking. At this time I had a partner of four years who also had an alcohol problem and she was part of why I struggled to get my ‘head into’ the rehab programmes.
I was now drinking at least ten cans of special brew a day and topping up with ‘Right Frightening’ cider. I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror, I had stopped washing myself, and was only one step away from becoming the ‘town drunk’. My three children from a previous relationship who I have regular contact with were obviously also being affected by my behaviour.
In early 2008 I felt it was time to make my ‘do or die’ decision. I broke off my relationship with my partner and committed myself to undertake rehab for myself and my children. I asked to be given another chance to undertake in-patient detox and rehab again. With the support of alcohol services and my social worker, I commenced the rehab programme at Littledale Hall in July 2008.
At the beginning I struggled with the programme and wanted to leave. I was physically ill and felt like a zombie after the detox. Being set in my ways and fearful of change I had to convince myself to take rehab just one day at a time. As I progressed through the programme my ability to trust in others grew as did my self-esteem. In April 2009 I completed the programme and I am now in the aftercare phase.
I have applied to do the 2 year Diploma in Paramedic Practice at UCLAN and I am looking to resettle in the Lancaster area. Rehab has enabled me to start a completely new chapter in my life and without exaggeration has quite literally saved my life, given my boys their father back, and provided me with the opportunity to pursue a fulfilling life.