Page 14 - MENTAL HEALTH: The Yorkshire Post Covid-19 2020 Help E-Mag

Leeds based Start Recovery now delivering video counselling for drug and alcohol problems.
Recovery from alcohol or substance misuse is
a difficult and very personal step to take, and everybody's journey moving into recovery will be different. Many different aspects of a persons life can affect how they achieve and sustain recovery, and few will achieve recovery in the same way, but there are, core areas or similarities that people wishing to enter into recovery can focus on:
A secure base.
An individual in recovery needs a secure place which feels safe for them, a roof over their heads, and enough income for basic needs such as food and warmth. Choosing healthy food so as to give the body and brain enough nutrients to repair itself is also important.
Finding a purpose to life.
People need to find a purpose in life in their recovery in order to keep going, this may be family, or a job, or simply keeping your sanity!
New, healthy routines can be established and exercise should be encouraged as early on in recovery as possible.
Hope.
This is important, otherwise recovering from any addiction would be pointless. Often being around other people who are in recovery is extremely helpful for the individual in early recovery.
This gives them support and an understanding that achieving and sustaining recovery is possible, learning from people who have been through similar experiences.
Hopelessness plays a large part in keeping individuals stuck in old, irrational thought processes and we have to work hard at looking at our own thoughts, perceptions, emotions and belief systems before we can start to fully recover.
Self-discovery
Recovery is like starting out in a whole new life, often described as "been reborn" or "living
in reality, rather than
in a bubble". In time,
the sense of self is no longer caught up in the cycle of guilt, shame and hopelessness,
and emotions start to surface that have often been suppressed for years.
This can be
overwhelming
to begin with
and the first
few months
can seem like a
roller coaster of
ups and downs,
but the rewards
of putting into
practice what
you have learned
on your journey
into recovery, and
observing small,
positive changes in
yourself, start to bring about larger changes which start to fall into place - It may
be a cliche, but positivity really does breed positivity!
Support
Support is essential for recovery (especially in
early recovery). It is extremely hard to
try to even begin to
explain to family
and close friends
what it is like to
crave or have
triggers, or the
anxiousness and the
irrational
thinking that
consumes the individual who is going through
addiction.
Recovery from an
addiction is a learning and
an un-learning process and at Start Recovery
we can help you
overcome your
personal battles and support you through
your personal journey and help you achieve your road to
recovery.
If you would like us to help you then get in touch.
Tel: 0113 328 0211 Email:help@startrecovery.co.uk Website:www.startrecovery.co.uk
About me:
Mark Franklin S.A.C Dip, FADP
Alcohol and substance misuse counsellor
My experience includes working for drug and alcohol services in London and Yorkshire, where I have worked with a diverse cross-section
of people from all different backgrounds and communities.
With over 7 years in the field, I have had extensive training from some of the best specialists in the country, and I continue to develop my style and knowledge as an ongoing process, so as to deliver most up to date information and data
available to the client.
I have experience in residential rehabs, psychiatric hospital wards, detox units, day programmes, facilitating groups and creative therapies with a special interest in
emotions and neuroscience.
I utilise a combination of techniques that include
C.B.T, R.E.B.T, Memory reconsolidation and Person-Centred Therapies alongside relaxation techniques/mindfulness and practical neuroscience evidence-based advice.
I am fully enhanced DBS
(Disclosure and Barring Service) checked.
I am an accredited member of The Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners (FDAP). Membership number 2315.
Watch this video to find out more: https://youtu.be/KzvHSxZEci0
We’re here for you.
We’re Mind in Bradford, your local Mind mental health charity. We believe no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone. We’re here for you in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. Today.
We’re here to help you look after yourself during the coronavirus outbreak. It is understandable to feel worried or anxious at this unsettling time.
Call Guide-Line: 01274 594594
Confidential telephone helpline for adults and children.
Lines open 12pm- 12am every day.
There are things you can try that could help your wellbeing: www.mindinbradford.org.uk/self-help/coronavirus