“I’ve never been more stable throughout my life as I am today”: J’s recovery story
More than 20 years ago, J first accessed support for her substance use. Since 2008, she has worked with the same key worker, building what she describes as “a special connection” over nearly two decades.
Over the years, J experienced periods where she was doing well, managing her home and family life and moving closer to her goals. At times, she came close to completing treatment altogether. At other times, things became more difficult, and she needed additional support. When that happened, her key worker remained a constant presence, providing home visits, practical help and encouragement while working alongside other services to make sure J had access to the support she needed.
Looking back, J says her key worker was “an amazing lady who I trusted 100% and always made me feel at ease.” The relationship they built meant she felt able to be open and honest about what was going on in her life. “I was able to be my true self,” she says.
Recovery isn’t always a straightforward journey, and J’s experience is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite the challenges she faced, she continued engaging with support and never gave up on the life she wanted for herself and her family. Her story shows that progress isn’t always measured by moving in a straight line and that it’s never too late to make positive changes.
A significant breakthrough came when Nottingham Recovery Network’s Consultant Psychiatrist recognised a pattern in J’s experiences that led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Following assessment and treatment from mental health services, things began to make more sense.
With the right support in place for both her mental health and substance use, J found a level of stability she had never experienced before.
“I’ve never been more stable throughout my life as I am today,” she says.
This summer, after more than 20 years in treatment, J was successfully discharged from the service. For her, her key worker and the wider team, it was a proud moment.
Today, J says she is “actually coping with life and everything it brings” and is able to “function as a normal human being with my head held high.”
She takes particular pride in the role she now plays in the lives of those closest to her.
“I am now able to do my job as a mother, grandmother, sister and daughter and have my true friends in my life.”
When asked what she would say to others who may be considering support, her answer is simple:
“Go and get help from these services as it is a life changer […] I don’t think I would be alive today if I hadn’t.”
She also credits the people who stood beside her throughout the years.
“I would not have been able to change my life without your support.”
After more than two decades of determination, J is looking ahead to the future healthy, happy and enjoying life with the people who matter most. Her story is a reminder that recovery looks different for everyone, that setbacks do not erase progress, and that with the right support and enough persistence, lasting change is possible.
