Day 5.

06:30 wake up.

Still in detox so remaining at the castle for all meals.

Medication is reduced to morning and evening, and emergency medication is still available.

Starting to feel more comfortable with the set daily routine and making friends with more peers and existing peer friendships are growing stronger.

Slowly starting to understand the 12-step programme and the path to recovery.  Also gaining more of an understanding that the path I am setting, I will be following for the rest of my life, which I feel positive about and not scared of.

Group session today I shared my views on the peer who was expressing themselves.  Slowly I feel the diazepam wearing off and my natural personality is coming back again, I am still having random movements though where the drug is taking over.

I attended grief group today and shared the loss of my father.  This got me highly emotional and I had to go to the nurses after for some more medication, but it felt good to finally let built-up emotions out and I got support from other peers in the group.

One of the peers left of their own accord today, which made me a bit sad, as we were starting to form a good friendship and getting to know each other.  This is the first time I have realised how rehab is not for everyone, and we all have different paths to recovery.

Film night , which was relaxing as I have not watched a film for a while.

I feel that I want to extend my stay over the 4 weeks, as I can see the benefit of not rushing my recovery.  This I will discuss with the therapist on Sunday.  I want to come out of rehab with a greater understanding and take more positive measures to prevent relapse on discharge.

This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.  I am starting to see a brighter and more fulfilling life ahead.

Looking forward to tomorrow and continuing the path of recovery.