Then:

'I was drinking 3 bottles of wine a day. All times of the day, every day, it started creeping into the morning.

'It took over my life; it took over my body. I became physically dependent. I was slowly killing myself. I wanted better for me.

'I thought, enough is enough. I went to some dark places. I reached out to Resolve. I had a perception of what groups were like. I was terrified. I thought people might recognise me. I was desperate to get well, even cutting down was tough.

'The groups were not as bad as I thought they would be. I was with like-minded people. There was no judgement, we are all in the same boat.

'Someone would say something, I would relate too. I was not going mad. There’s no stereotype at the group of ‘hello, I’m an alcoholic – rather it’s ‘how’s your week been?’

'I guarantee I would walk in feeling rubbish and walk out feeling that little bit lighter. And that’s down to the group.

'It’s an illness. I don’t have a choice. Towards the end it was taking over my body. I had to drink to keep safe. People in the group got that. People outside the group, didn’t’.

Now:

'I feel fantastic. It’s 9 months clean now, the longest I have ever been without alcohol.

'I like the Resolve regulars, we are like a little family. We all check in. If one of us has a blip, we’re gutted for them – and say ‘you’ve got this’

'We’re all in the same boat – I am 9 months sober, everyone says well done. We’ve seen each other at complete worst – when we see improvements, it’s all down to Resolve.

'I’ve learnt a lot more. I still don’t know why I started, but I’m learning what it does to your head, the triggers. I am doing things now that make you tick, rather than make you miserable.

'My Key Worker at Resolve is everyone’s champion’

Kirsty, currently attends Resolve.

I have worked closely with the Restart team and they have transformed my life. I am now a co-partner in a gym, where I mentor young people from the streets through boxing. I am determined to ensure others do not repeat the mistakes I once made. Giving back to the community has completely reshaped my own life, giving me a deep sense of pride and an immense feeling of achievement.

Michael, first came to Restart May 2025

‘Resolve literally saved my life’

‘Four or five years ago, if people had told me where I would be now – having my own car, going on holiday, enjoying life – a sober life – I wouldn’t have believed them.’

‘It was Resolve who changed my mind set. Through group work, through work sheets, through activities, through self-help, the groups were so so helpful.

‘The counselling from Resolve allowed me to talk about areas of my life I needed to resolve. It helped me accept my sobriety.

‘Others thought I was useless, I was worthless and Resolve helped me at that point, otherwise I would have been stuck in that cycle of addiction.’

‘I’m so grateful to Resolve. Resolve has taught me to be grateful for what I have got’

‘There are so many things I do know, without thinking about it, that come from my Resolve tool kit.

I asked my son what he hated about when I drunk and he said "all the arguments between you and dad.  😢  I'm glad it doesn't happen anymore after you got help  😊"  

Lynne, attended Resolve 2021-2023

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