“After years of using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with ever-worsening mental health issues…it was time to ask for some help”

Read Chris’s story as part of #AlcoholAwarenessWeek24

Chris’s Story

After years of using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with ever-worsening mental health issues, alcohol finally took over as the primary cause for concern in my life. It had reached a point where the perpetual cycle of drinking to numb had become all-consuming and was impacting every aspect of every day, and it was time to ask for some help to address the issue as it became clear that what I was trying to do, was not working.

I contacted Reach and immediately knew that it was the right decision. From the initial conversation, through to my weekly meetings with my Recovery Navigator, Sam, being supported by individuals with lived experience and had come out the other side, was both inspiring and reassuring. Through their compassion and understanding, I felt like there was a way out of the situation I was in for the first time and we worked on a plan to make this happen. I do not believe I would have made it to where I am today – living the life I have always wanted with clarity and on life’s terms – without their support and I cannot thank them enough.