Hello my friends, every body. I was reading on the web pages and media about the savage unnecessary cuts to addiction services.
As some of our community know I am an reformed alcoholic been clean 12 years this March. I have so much time for those in our community. Who are going through this difficult time and period of their lives.
I will always support those members who need to talk and sometimes feel the need to offload with their feelings and emotions. Add to that the mental wellbeing and anxiety addiction causes.
According to media reports local councils have cut 60% budgets to services dealing with alcohol and drugs.
Because of this other issues are unfolding . Especially those of our community who are elderly or disabled. Because of reductions in budgets. Plus the benefit situations many of our community endure.
Cannot attend or go to group therapies which are there to help and guide those with problems. Falling in between the system and just not getting any help and support they desperately need.
I know from my own personal experience I have a friend who is employed in addiction clinics most of his working life. Been told he was made redundant . His position not filled.
Absolutely shocking to me because helped me with my problems. Understanding those like himself. He is now employed doing something else. Spending time not doing the job he was trained for. What a waste.
Must share also that do know after care is non existent. One of the big fears is the fragile state of your mental wellbeing. I know this my many posts on this forum.
In the old days you came out of a clinic as in patient transferred to a ARP. Which is a Addiction Rolling Programme. Usually a group session. Now been cut and disbanded.
Even my length of absenteeism some days have issues and know my own mental health.
The problems are becoming to those who have an issue or a problem where to turn to.
Alcoholism is a disease and should be treated as one.
There are charities and associations out there that do good work in helping those to follow a path. Always worth contacting many have sign posting to recovery services and are taking up a lot of the case loads.
One final point. If you think you have an problem with alcohol or drugs then seek the advice of your Doctor. Honesty is the best policy. I myself was not honest with my alcohol intake and carried my secret with me for thirty years.
Till it got to the place where I had to do something. You know what you are doing and the mental hurt and harm.
Now use my time to educate others who wish to be like myself.
Please take care.
@thespiceman
