Hi my name is Roz Humphrey and I decided to start this group after my retirement from working in the field of substance misuse for approximately 24 years. I personally went through problems in addiction myself when I was younger and have been abstinent for many years now. Along with Dave Beddows I have started the Living in recovery group to support people once they have stopped using all substances. In my experience it’s when you stop using substances to cope that you realise some of the issues you have with dealing with emotions and situations. This along with living in a world where using substances is a normal part of socialising with others. My hope is that this group can fill a gap I have seen after you have stopped using and no longer require the statutory substance misuse services but still need to cope with life without turning to substances again (as after all it’s all we have done for years). I have found through my personal and professional experience that talking to others who have been through similar experiences really can help. No two people’s journeys are the same, but I don’t think anyone can really understand addiction unless you have been there. We also offer support in the group through learning coping skills to deal with emotions and difficulties relating to life. These include cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing techniques. The group is confidential and sometimes we discuss some very emotional subjects as many of our members have been through trauma and we support them with those issues and any other issues that are brought to the group. The criteria to attend the group is simple you must be abstinent from all substances and that includes alcohol even if that was not your drug of choice. We ask that if you relapse you should be at least 3 days sober before you attend the group. We have group rules which you will asked to agree to if you decide to attend the group. Group structure
At the beginning of the group we ask if people would like time to talk about anything. We take a break halfway through so people can have a cigarette and a coffee or tea. Depending on how many people wish to talk we would then do some skills work as a group using members experiences and examples. We ask, if you are able, to make a small donation towards expenses ie tea coffee, handouts etc. If you would like to join the group and you meet the above criteria you can just turn up, we meet every Tuesday evening at 5pm at the address above, or you can send a text or call the number in our contact details. We look forward to meeting you.
