Charlie

Drugs & Alcohol

Every time I was drinking, alcohol got the better of me and I ended in court. The effects were devastating – family violence and assault. I realised I had to do something about it, it was a very big problem.

I was in the court cells when I met an old school mate of mine and he told me about The Salvation Army Bridge Programme.

I remember being a bit nervous when I walked in, but I thought anything’s got to be better than what was happening in my life at that time.

The counsellors were awesome, really open and genuine and I felt as though no matter what I’d done I wasn’t judged.

They work with you at your own pace – there's no pressure. They treat you like a person and not like a number.

Life's a lot clearer now that I’m free of dependency on alcohol or drugs. I’ve got my thinking back, I know who I am and I know I don't want to be the person I was.

I’ve got my relationship back together, my kids are doing well, I’ve got more motivation and I’ve now got plans and goals. I can see the future brighter than I've ever seen it.

If you want to make the changes, ultimately it comes down to you. If you keep an open mind and if you really want a change, you can do it. It really isn’t that hard.

The Salvation Army gives you self belief and the tools to work with. If you give it 100% then you can take 100% out – and that’s what The Salvation Army can offer you.