David’s Story

The following is a brief personal report regarding my experience and journey of personal recovery at Moving On. Before I begin, I would like to contextualize my experience by providing my background in hope that it displays as much personal context as possible and then outline the outcomes that I have reached as a result of the work that I have achieved at Moving On.

I’m a 31-year-old man that has struggled on and off with addiction for years. My drug of choice was Diazepam and Cocaine. Throughout my early 20’s I struggled with anxiety and depression although at the time I had been unable to place a label to how I was feeling, I just knew that I not want to deal with life.
I had a tough upbringing as most people I know have, at 14 I was supported by the children homes service due to an unstable home environment and lack of school attendance so I was never one for opening up and speaking of my thoughts and feelings but I do remember feeling so low on one occasion that a “friend” had recommended that I try a “blue.” This is not a ‘this isn’t my fault story’ it’s the truth as I see it. The feeling that the diazepam gave me alleviated my struggles however briefly. Which consequently led to a dependency throughout the years causing pain and suffering to myself and those around me. Ater years that one ‘blue’ turned to 30-50 a day habit and through the company that I had kept and poor choices I made had led me to the abuse of cocaine/crack cocaine.

I believe I joined Moving On in late April of 2022. At the time I was a homeless depressed, anxious insomniac drug-addict, lonely as a result of my actions. I knew I had to make a positive change once and for all, it was one of the best decisions I have made in some time.

The initial impression of Moving on was positive and was evident through my perception of the program and initial interactions that I had with members of staff. I Was treated with respect, dignity and felt truly acknowledged as I shared with my key worker and continue to do so as and when required.

Phase 1 was perfect for me because it had reintroduced me into a ‘classroom-like’ environment – something which I hadn’t been accustomed to in years, not only because it had eased me back into the feel of things but because it provided useful information and understanding that was beneficial to me. Such as being able to identify thoughts and feelings and differentiating between urges and cravings. Perhaps things that may seem obvious for some but to me had no distinction at the time. The facilitator was also attentive and sensitive to the atmosphere of the environment. Small things such as the use of inspiration, humour and personal insight that goes a long way.

I would describe phase 2 as ‘LifeSkill's, Identification and Personal Responsibility.’ Phase 2 has provided me with life changing information which is tailored to the individual (as a whole) and not a cookie-cutter one-size fits all build. For example, the ‘Mind Traps’ module provides information relating to thoughts, feelings and how to positively challenge negativity that may arise from destructive thinking patterns. After learning that these ways of thinking had a label behind them confirmed to me that I was not alone, I felt as though deep thoughts and feelings that I had were tangible, validated and for once felt like there was something I could do by practicing these positive principles. The facilitators of phase 2 were also insightful, respectful, humorous when necessary and inspiring.

I won’t comment on phase 3 because I have not completed it yet. However, I would like to say that the contrast in my life between April and at present is much better. I have my family I have Love and hope in my life, something I hadn't even imagined back then, for that I'm grateful of the support of Moving On and my own determination to get the best out of the program.

I would like to conclude my experience by defining Moving On in a ‘nutshell:’ Moving on is a welcoming environment that provides the user with life-skills, information, and beneficial techniques which is underpinned by the promotion of self-responsibility and encouragement in the fight against addiction.

By no means do I believe am I cured because I know that addiction is an ongoing fight but at least I have the tools and greater determination to be able to continue my sobriety. Thank you very much.