After 5 years of hell in July 2025, I decided to move away from the place I once called home. Everything I once had was gone. The Lisa everyone knew had disappeared a long time before I even knew she had gone. I had nowhere to turn, nowhere to hide. I was locked in a prison in my own head, and only I had the key to get out. I just didn't know how to and couldn't see a life worth living anymore.
I attended a 4-month rehab day programme. I worked hard on myself daily. I have the greatest recovery family who provide great support. I have the best partner, and I have my family back. I have a relationship with both of my children. I am finally their mum again.
Relocating was the best decision I ever made. I faced my fears. I went back to some very dark places and made it out. The life I live now I couldn't even imagine a year ago. I'm sharing this to show people that recovery is possible. You just need to want it. You can't teach someone to want something. It's a journey they need to choose for themselves. I hit rock bottom too many times until enough was enough.
Please don't suffer in silence as I did. I know there are many out there suffering, but there is a way out. It takes time. It won't happen overnight. It's hard. It's disturbing. It hurts like hell facing the problems you have been running from all this time, but in time you learn to live again. I am finally free, and celebrating one year clean and sober. I will never be healed, but I will never let drink or drugs be the solution to any of my problems again.
