by Katie
(Manchester, UK)
My drinking crept up on me and before I knew it, I was in hospital after an overdose. That was three years ago.
Until that moment, I was in denial that I had a real problem. I had always enjoyed a drink most evenings, but after the death of my Mother and the stress of working and looking after two young children, my drinking escalated.
I started to hide my drinking from my husband. I would conceal vodka in water bottles and place them around the house. I would make feeble excuses to go out and buy more. My drinking caused arguments and put an enormous strain upon my relationship; but I still did not stop.
I began to drink in the mornings in an attempt to stop the emptiness I felt inside. I drank at work and I drank when I was with my children.
On one occasion, I was so drunk that I fell and hurt myself. My young children did not know what was going on and my husband returned home to find them frightened and confused. He threatened me with divorce, but I still reached for that vodka bottle.
I was drinking a bottle of vodka a day towards the end and my days were filled with fear.
After my suicide attempt,I vowed to stop drinking and I did. At first, it was not easy, but I have a new lease of life and we are a happy family again. I take it one day at a time, my children deserve a sober, happy Mummy.
I am a Mental Health Counselor who is licensed in both New York (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2015. I have worked in a residential setting, an outpatient program and an inpatient addictions program. I began working in Long Island, NY and then in Guelph, Ontario after moving to Canada. I have since settled in North Carolina. I have experience working with various stages of addiction, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, stages of life concerns and relationship concerns.
I tend to use a person-centered approach which simply means that I meet you where you are and work collaboratively to help you identify and work towards accomplishing goals. I will often pull from CBT when appropriate. I do encourage use of mindfulness and meditation and practice these skills in my own life. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion.
I recognize that reaching out for help is hard and commend you for taking the first step. We have professionals available who would be happy to help you move closer to reaching your goals related to your drinking concerns. You may reach these professionals by calling 877-322-2694.