Harry's time out

Harry needed time out in order to re-establish normal patterns of positive living

Harry said that his continuous drinking had made it impossible for him to cope in the community where it was now a daily problem for himself, his family and his neighbours.

He needed time away to deal with his alcohol problem. He wanted to get away from the crowd of ‘friends’ who were using his place to drink in on a regular basis.

Together with all his mounting financial problems Harry knew things had to change.

Contacted by his care manager who knew that Harry needed a structured ‘dry’ environment that gave a variety of social activities at a pace Harry would be able to relate to.

After his admission Harry settled well into our community and found support from people who shared similar experiences. He participated and contributed in the weekly group meetings which he found helped his motivation for recovery.

Initially he found it difficult, as many in recovery do, to re-establish a pattern of normal sleeping, eating and exercise. He said that this was where he found some of the activities at Francis House very positive and helpful to him.

He enjoyed the sports activity in the mini-gym and as he liked being outside he also joined in community therapy activities in gardening.

After a period of three months rehabilitation Harry decided he was ready to return back to his own accommodation. He said that now his pattern of daily living had returned to normal he felt strong enough to face the normal stresses he would encounter such as shopping, paying bills etc.

Harry stays in touch and is still sober.