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In Northern Ireland, drug and alcohol use significantly impacts individuals and families. ASCERT, leading charity in alcohol and drug services across Northern Ireland, offers a range of intervention services through their “Steps to Change” programme. This community-based early intervention service provides vital support for adults and adult family members affected by substance use, promoting positive change and reducing harm.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Real Stories of Change: Mark’s Journey of Recovery through ASCERT\u2019s Northern Ireland Drug Support Services<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cEveryone has a story. But remember only what we do now defines us, not dark pasts. In brief, I battled heroin for 7 years. Every relapse was a failure but through counselling I see it as a setback. Also, it allows someone to pose questions, add clarity to your behaviour, and ultimately allows you to gather and utilise the necessary tools to change your thoughts and control your feelings.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recently, I stopped injecting coke which I found hard. We chase the dragon, but we never catch it. We end up in the dark, alone, cold, and insatiably hungry for more. Addiction doesn\u2019t discriminate, I\u2019ve seen strong people overcome by it.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My counsellor never so much as batted an eyelid when I told my story. The open-minded demeanour and non-judgemental stance provided me with a rock, finally.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We are equally our own worst enemies and greatest help. Remember, historically, every great leader or thinker was at rock bottom before they became victorious. Isaac Newton was laughed at over gravity. Columbus too, over sailing for America. Reality is subjective. You need to make your space between your ears a realm of possibilities, not a prison of persecution.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It felt like being lost in a fog until ASCERT[\u2018s Northern Ireland drug support services] provided me with a light to guide my way. Help is OK, our society is based on helping each other out. In saying that, push yourself, and take control of your life back. The best decisions are often the hardest. Don\u2019t be a statistic. Look forward and forget the hurt because the more you let it define you, the more you are letting those who hurt you control and imprison you.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Counselling made me reassess my needs. We don\u2019t need drink or drugs. We need self-worth and value, compassion and forgiveness for ourselves, and also mindfulness.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As for others and their bullshit or toxic shit, let it go. Are they a stress factor? If so, cut them out. It\u2019s better to have nothing on your own terms than something negative on someone else\u2019s. I felt so weak and alone in my first session. Embarrassed even and secretly doubtful of it all.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Within five weeks I was shown realistic tools to combat triggers, cravings, and how I saw relapses. Counselling breaks things down, and helps you reassemble where you are at. And again, help is OK. It\u2019s amazing support, totally empowering as opposed to patronising or being lectured.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Be open and expect to be challenged. Don\u2019t trust your brain. Trust in your ability to regain control. I\u2019ve had bad self-esteem but now I am ready to push forward.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For anyone considering this service just remember you deserve a chance to be happy and live happily. You are a real person. Brave people take the risk. Change can spark transformation, but addiction will eat our core resolve. No relapse is a failure. No empire was built without losing battles. Learn from setbacks. Make rules that work for you. And if you can\u2019t find a way, make one. You will get people who will triumph on these setbacks. Please acknowledge they lack value therefore don\u2019t warrant headspace or attention.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n From a once jaded, severely hooked guy with no faith in himself, I wish you not luck but certainty in your fight. Only in the darkness of rock bottom can you see the brightest stars and you will never know what you really want until you taste what you don\u2019t like. Anyway, better to get out there than sit in the house being boring.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In conclusion, rant over, I would say ASCERT, other than the massive emotional support, has definitely helped my coping skills. Catastrophising when I started but now more relaxed and measured in what I think and feel so as to nip some negative thoughts in the bud.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My relationships have improved as I avoid toxic people now. I learned to take stress more seriously as a trigger and learned strategies to cope better. My resilience is actually staggering now because I know I have the tools to stay strong. I carefully revisited past trauma in a very structured way as opposed to becoming upset from talking about the past. And lastly, my quality of life now has windows of opportunities and not closed doors trapping me in.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can do it. Don\u2019t question it. Just say it. Take a deep breath and move forward. You don\u2019t become a legend without a war. No pretend shiny answers or right way to go, just what is right for you.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cRock bottom became the solid foundation on which I built my life.\u201d J.K. Rowling.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Mark\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Overview of Steps to Change | Available in the Western Trust | Northern Ireland Drug Support Services<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Steps to Change is available to anyone over 18 years old living in the Western Health Trust area of Northern Ireland. This confidential service offers a structured programme of support tailored to individual needs, helping them set realistic and achievable goals to reduce alcohol or drug use. Here\u2019s a closer look at what the service entails:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Information for Those Needing Help<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re concerned about your drinking or drug use, Steps to Change offers confidential support to help you make the necessary changes. Whether you\u2019re struggling with current substance use or have made changes but find it challenging to sustain them, the programme is designed to assist you in achieving your goals.\u00a0 Steps to change is available across all main towns in the Western Health Trust area, and sessions can also be conducted over the phone if needed. Not in the Western Health Trust? Check out ASCERT\u2019s other <\/span>Northern Ireland drug support services: all services | ASCERT<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n FAQs<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n It is a community-based early intervention service for adults and family members affected by alcohol or drug use in the Western Health Trust area.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Anyone over 18 years old living in the Western Health Trust area of Northern Ireland.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Yes, all support provided by Steps to Change is confidential.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Referrals can be made by the individual seeking help, their family members, friends, or professionals through the online form on ASCERT\u2019s website.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The programme offers one-to-one therapeutic counselling, relapse prevention support, and support for family members affected by a loved one\u2019s substance use.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Conclusion<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ASCERT\u2019s Steps to Change programme is a vital resource for those affected by alcohol and drug use in Northern Ireland. By providing tailored support and involving family members in the recovery process, ASCERT aims to reduce substance-related harm and promote positive change in communities. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, consider reaching out to ASCERT for support.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For more information, visit <\/span>ASCERT\u2019s Steps to Change page<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Promoting Positive Change through Northern Ireland Drug Support Services<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ASCERT is dedicated to providing Northern Ireland drug support services that empower individuals and families to overcome the challenges of substance use. Our mission is to reduce drug and alcohol-related harm and promote positive change in our communities<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Find more of ASCERT\u2019s <\/span><\/b>Northern Ireland Drug Support Services:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n
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