My name is Rob and this is my story.
I had a very stable upbringing probably the best and happiest times of my life. Through my teenage years I was very active and loved all sports especially football and I am a proud Tottenham supporter. I bummed around doing all kinds of jobs when I left school but eventually went back to college and gained my City and Guilds in floor and wall tiling. By this time, I was in my early 20’s and only socially drank. I always enjoyed a bit of a pint but had no problem with alcohol. It sort of crept up on me in my later years “30” something, I think. I was working for the same builder for ten years and I think this is where the drinking culture began, everything I did whether after work or socially involved drinking of some sorts. I noticed I started to need a drink at home more and more. Then I got laid off at work and I had more time on my hands and my drinking got worse, mostly sat drinking on my own. Through my 30’s and 40’s I lost both my mother and father and as the only single member of my family it seemed to hit me the hardest. I supposed I suddenly realised I was now on my own and my parents had been my world.
I was in a bad way through my late 40’s and early 50’s, although I think I realised I was more dependant on alcohol than I had thought but I still didn’t feel bothered by it. I had several detoxes in hospital and self-detoxed many times in my flat. I remember laying there shaking and sweating, not a pretty sight at all, but I would still pick up another can eventually. I was 50 I lost a good friend; he was himself alcohol dependant and still I carried on drinking. I ended up in a hostel in London, another culture of drink and drugs, a bad move for me. I moved to Great Yarmouth hoping my life would change. I got a job and things got a little better, but I was still drinking. I ended up in a house of multiple occupancy, which was even worse and drink and drugs were prevalent throughout my time there. I felt scared and alone but I did not know what to so. I steadily got worse, self detox after detox and then one day I was being sick and blood! I feared death.
I was rushed to hospital and I prayed to God many times for help and I was finally heard. Thank God for the High Support Unit (HSU) at Herring House Trust, a shining light at last.
This has now become a home for me, at last I belong and feel safe, I have not felt like this for so long. I am a happier person with-in myself and enjoy every aspect of this wonderful set-up we have here. Thanks to all the staff and HSU group for becoming my new family. Love from Rob
