JanineSeptember is National Recovery (drugs/alcohol) Month, this year’s theme is “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.”
Leeds resident Sally shares key tips with Natalie Tharraleos from her path to recovery
Can you introduce yourself?
Hi my name is Sally I’m from Leeds. I’m a recovering alcoholic. I haven’t drunk alcohol for over 3 years now. If I had not achieved this I would have died as the Ethanol (alcohol) which is a poison, had left me with stage 4 fibrosis of the liver.
What advice can you give to someone living in Leeds worried about themselves or another person?
The advice I was given by my Mum was to contact the GP. This route gives you a chance to know what you are dealing with (any harm caused) and gives you the opportunity to be referred to Forward Leeds. Alcohol can lead to brain damage which is what happened to someone close to me, and can also affect all other areas of your life, or ultimately take your life.
Is there another route for support if people don’t want to visit their GP?
Yes, you can self refer to Forward Leeds. forwardleeds.co.uk/ They host 5 WAYS Recovery Academy, the Leeds centre for those in recovery from an alcohol or drug misuse issue. It is an aftercare service/community
forwardleeds.co.uk/locations/five-ways-recovery-academy/ They offer mutual aid groups which you can go to in person or do over video calls, and these include AA and SMART meetings, creative sessions including music and creative writing, mindfulness and lots of tips and discussions on how to reach and maintain recovery. Personally I went to Forward Leeds, St. Anne’s Rehabilitation Alcohol Services then I accessed support from 5 Ways. The 5 Ways Recovery Academy’s support and expertise has been life changing as you can see in my photo. There is loads to get involved with such as trips, residentials, themed group sessions all while making social connections with other people with the same lived experience.
If you could give some tips on how to stop drinking alcohol what would they be?
Me before and after recovery
- Actively engage with services, you have to work hard to keep your addiction going….you have to work hard to come off it. Follow services and support groups on social media.
- Join community groups. Active addiction can be isolating. Isolation can fuel addiction. Thousands of people across the city of Leeds are in the same situation as you. You are not alone. Keep up to date with what is happening in your local area. Get involved!
- Accept it. Substances are addictive. The addiction has to be battled but it’s worth changing your thoughts as well as your behaviours. Accept that to change you must learn. I learnt by going to peer support groups at 5 Ways where friendships are formed easily. I also learnt so much from the staff at 5 Ways. The teachers are truly amazing and knowledgeable. They do lots of classes and groups. Their timetable can be found online. Everyone can benefit from learning more about drugs and alcohol addiction, and the skills and tools you can use to stop using alcohol or other addictive drugs. The group leaders and members are so welcoming.
- Be positive. Your worth it 🙂 Short term pain….long term GAIN! If you try something and you don’t like it…..try something else.
- Do it! Your mind (the addiction) will try convince you that you can’t be without alcohol. With time and support it gets sooooooo much easier. You can improve/save your life.
- You could visit and support a local business that actively supports those in recovery such as Wren Bakery in Mabgate Mills LS9, which is a gorgeous cafe with cakes and delicious coffee. Wren Bakery supports women who have faced disadvantage through developing key employment skills and experience, providing hope of a brighter future. www.thewrenbakery.com
- Spending time with people in recovery helps maintain recovery. Support from other people who understand the difficulties you may face is really helpful.
I’m also really excited that Leeds has been chosen to be a Inclusive Recovery City. An inclusive recovery city is a place where there are opportunities and options for people to access a diverse range of recovery resources, where they become part of a supportive community but also where they give back, not only to the recovery community but to the city or town more broadly as well as others
Watch this space….
I’m really excited that Leeds has been chosen to be a Inclusive Recovery City. Our City aims to champion our Recovery community.
The aim of this International Project is build on a foundation of strength. Successful community enterprises support the individual person and this in turn has a positive impact on the rest of our communities and it’s happening right here in Leeds.
Next month we will share more news of some of the amazing local projects that make Leeds an excellent city to choose the path to recovery in.
Time to reduce the stigma and judgements. Take care.
Sally in a city centre Carnival parade with RJC Dance 2023. Sally volunteers with this outstanding Leeds dance charity. RJC director Kathy Williams said “Looking fabulous Leeds West Indian Carnival 2023. Best Troupe RJC Dance. Natrobeat.”
