Day 1.

It was an anxious and nervous start to the day. My bags were packed and I was ready to start the journey of new beginnings and a new chapter in life – Recovery. Alcohol has always been an issue in my life and after losing many friendships and relationships, it was time to accept my issues. A family member took me to rehab and I was quiet the whole way and shaking due to so many thoughts going around in my head.

I was very anxious about arriving as the fear of the unknown and not knowing what rehab will be like stuck with me. Upon arriving I was welcomed by a nurse, introduced to the other nurses and staff, and then made to feel comfortable. Then it was time to see the doctor and start the admissions process.

My recovery journey now begins and my phone was taken away from me to prevent distraction. Not having a phone will take some getting used too.

After my admission process, I was put on detox. A bottle of wine a night, sometimes two, sometimes three and mostly with cider. I knew it would be hard to come away from.

I could not control my emotions and was randomly crying. My detox included taking diazepam, to ease the tensions I was feeling. I have never had diazepam before and throughout the day, I was given 5mg at a time, this worked and I stopped crying, as much, and felt a lot more relaxed.

I filled my day by talking with other residents and playing sudoku. No phone, no tv. This is something I am just going to have to accept and get used to. For the first time in a long time, I had proper meals for lunch and dinner. Then reality kicked in that I will be in rehab for four weeks. This thought made me feel a bit down, anxious and nervous about the rest of my time here.

In the evening, I was given 10mg of diazepam so that I got a good sleep. One more day down here and hopefully I move to the main facility.

Let the recovery begin!