"From breaking point to recovery"

In May 2024, my life hit a breaking point. As a business owner, father of two, and partner, my drug use spiraled out of control, leaving me paranoid and disconnected. After a particularly bad episode of drug-fueled paranoia, my partner insisted I see a GP. Reluctantly, I went—convinced it would be a waste of time. I was wrong. My GP referred me to **One Recovery Bucks** in High Wycombe, which is funded by the NHS, and that decision changed my life.

I decided to take time off work and fully commit to my recovery. From the start, I was assigned a recovery specialist who laid out a weekly timetable of programs and helped me create a plan. He also guided me toward Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous groups, both locally and in London. I enrolled in two incredibly helpful courses: **INSPIRE** (2 hours a week for 4 weeks) and **LEARN** (2 hours a week for 8 weeks). These courses taught me about addiction, how the brain works, and the triggers—like alcohol—that were driving my drug use. I learned how to create routines and plan my days to combat boredom, which was a major trigger for me.

One of the most valuable aspects of my recovery was attending the **Peer Support group** every Thursday. Hearing other people’s struggles and sharing my own helped me form a supportive network of people who truly understood what I was going through. We laughed together, cried together, and supported each other 100%. I also attended the **Just for Today group**, where we did regular check-ins, read from the AA book, and sometimes listened to guest speakers. These sessions helped me feel grounded.

Another highlight was joining the **art club**, which was not only a lot of fun over coffee and biscuits but also a creative outlet I hadn’t realized I needed. The **Recovery Café** became a place where I could network, make new friends, and enjoy some really good food. On Fridays, I went to **meditation classes**, where I finally learned to quiet my mind and breathe in ways that created the stillness I had been searching for. Meditation became a cornerstone of my recovery, and I now practice it regularly at home.

In August, One Recovery even organized a coach trip to Bournemouth, which was an absolute blast and a great way to connect with others while enjoying a day at the beach.

Today, I stand as a completely different person. After months of hard work, I was discharged by my recovery worker, Marius, who was an incredible guide throughout this process. His thought-provoking questions and unwavering support stopped me from veering off course more times than I can count.

Through **One Recovery**, I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought possible. I discovered I was codependent since childhood, and understanding that has been crucial to my healing. I now recognize the triggers that could lead to a relapse and can address them before it’s too late. My relationships have been rebuilt, and I’ve regained trust—something I never thought I’d be able to do.

I’ve spent thousands on therapists and coaches in the past with little lasting change, but **One Recovery Bucks** has been, hands down, the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It has helped me become the person I’ve always wanted to be, and for that, I am eternally grateful.