Angela's story - a journey from addiction to recovery

My miraculous journey from addiction to recovery and the programme at Hayes Grove Priory.


Mine is every alcoholics story……………..

I am so pleased to be given the opportunity to pass on my experience of addiction and my life today in recovery.

I feel I must start with what my life had become in respect of my alcoholism

I started drinking in my late teenage years and at that time I was drinking socially. My drinking gradually progressed over the years, and I realise now that I was drinking in a dependent way linked to life experiences that I was unable to manage.

This culminated in my chronic addictive behaviour in connection with alcohol. I became totally powerless over it. I can’t call my experience a life before I came into the Priory, I can only to refer to it as a lonely existence. As an honest person I became a dishonest shadow of myself – confused and isolated.

Before being admitted to the Priory I was not functioning at any level. I could manage to get out of bed daily but could not clean myself. I slept in my clothes, I was incontinent most of the time. I vomited every morning and had the shakes, my life was hell. My weight had plummeted, I had no appetite and felt very weak, physically and psychologically. My family were worried that I had alcoholic dementia due to my lack of memory. My daughter would cry, but I still could see nothing wrong with me. The alcohol nearly destroyed me and everything around me.

Eventually I became sick of being sick and having no power over the addiction. I asked my husband for help and remember saying “I’m sick of living in this hellhole”.

My first experience of Hayes Grove Priory was when I telephoned in May 2007. I arranged for a free assessment with an Addiction Therapist.

After the assessment I was admitted the same day for a detoxification, I felt numb, but knew, deep down that things would be alright. I felt I wanted to do something about my drinking. I do however remember some emotions, fear and apprehension. At that time my husband had also given me an ultimatum, stop drinking or the marriage is over.

The detoxification was horrendous mainly do to being so thin and weak. My family remained very concerned. The detoxification lasted around four days. Throughout my detox my experience of the medical team at Hayes Grove was how professional, kind, considerate and gentle they were. I did not feel judged. I felt very safe. In hindsight I now believe my strength both emotionally and physically started to improve at that point.
The Therapists had introduced themselves to me throughout the detox period. So after four days I felt strong enough to attempt to join the Addiction Programme. I attended all the sessions, and although foggy at times did grasp quiet early on the concept of recovery.

When I started to understand why I could not stop drinking and that I had an illness for me that was my turning point, and when I knew I would remain abstinent. The compulsion was lifted from me.

On week three of the programme I was introduced to Aftercare. I didn’t know what to expect but I trusted the Priory, and knew this would be part of my recovery for the next year or so. I was afraid of leaving the Priory cocoon, but now I knew I could still be connected to the Priory for another thirteen months which was invaluable as a continued support network.

After completing Aftercare I trained to become a Peer Supporter. I now help run the Aftercare Workshops weekly, which still gives me, in turn, support, and I now am privileged to see others grasp recovery. I find it joyous to see others get well, I understand their fears and can help to encourage them to attend weekly to maintain recovery.

The Priory encouraged me to attend the AA fellowship which adds another string to my bow of recovery.

I have remained abstinent since attending the programme, and have been well now for three and a half years.

To sum it all up – The Priory Hospital Hayes Grove Addiction Treatment Programme has saved my life, and has given me a new one.

Angela 2010.


( All the above are Angela’s own words )

Coping with workplace stress

Employees all over the country are feeling the pressure of job insecurity as the recession bites in the private sector and massive cuts are threatened at public sector organisations.

There are a number of telltale signs of workplace stress which include:

• Disrupted sleep pattern
• Becoming increasingly emotional - anger, tearfulness, anxiety or depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Becoming negative and lacking confidence
• Headaches, general aches and pains
• Loss of appetite
• Becoming overly-focused on work to the exclusion of other activities
• Forgetfulness
• A need to check and double check things
• Shutting out friends and family
• Feeling unable to cope
• Missing breaks
• Taking work home


It is quite natural to feel slightly worried or anxious if you are experiencing a particularly busy time at work or involved in an important project.

In fact, this can help people become more focused and more alert as the natural response of adrenaline kicks in.

However, it is when this escalates into acute anxiety that it can start hindering a worker’s ability to cope, have an adverse impact on their health and affect their ability to do a good job.

Job insecurity, which is rife in the current economic climate, is another trigger for work-related stress.

There are a variety of factors that can make people feel overly stressed at work:

A poor working environment
• Long hours
• How someone gets on with colleagues
• Job insecurity
• The management style of the company
• An imbalance between the requirements of the job and an employee’s capabilities
• inflexible working hours
• Too much or too little responsibility

Stress is the second biggest occupational health issue in the UK after back problems. It is estimated* that 11.4 million working days were lost in 2008/9 through stress-related illnesses.

If the warning signs of work stress are ignored, they can lead to bigger problems. This can go beyond interfering with job performance, but lead to physical and emotional health problems.”


Here's a guide to avoiding work-related stress.
• Prioritise your work-load and make sure you have a good work-life balance.
• Don’t over commit yourself. Delegate or drop things that are not absolutely necessary.
• Make sure your work environment is comfortable.
• Have regular breaks during the day – even a few minutes can help.
• Talk to someone about how you are feeling.
• Keep physically fit through regular exercise and healthy eating.
• Be aware of excessive smoking or drinking alcohol as this will only make matters worse.

If you are suffering from stress at work you should not suffer in silence but seek help at an early stage. Concerns should be raised with your manager or HR department.

There are cases where it becomes advisable to seek medical help via your GP who can refer you to experts such as the Priory.

Dr Ian Drever, Priory hospital Woking