Weekly Health Tip: Catriona Petit - Hope Kitchen

Is 2025 the year that you start on the road to recovery?

“I was sick of being sick, of being sick in the head and physically sick,” said James (not his real name), 36, Oban.

January is a time of year when, for some of us, we become more aware of the possibility that we, or a family member, may have a problem with alcohol or drugs.

Like James, the realisation can creep up on us, and the use of alcohol and drugs can be masking and causing lots of other issues in our lives.

For James the decision to get help was literally a “life and death decision”.

He said: ”I would black out and I was scared of what I had done the night before. I accepted that I was powerless over drugs and alcohol and I needed help.”

For James Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) made the difference.

“I reached out to AA and things started to change. I got a sponsor and started the AA programme. It takes commitment and hard work. You need to want to do it for yourself and believe a better life is possible.

“When I was drinking I was always in financial trouble and I couldn’t keep a job down. Now I have higher aspirations and through the programme I have learnt to love myself and know that I can achieve the things I want like being a good reliable father and make a difference in the community.

“I am glad I reached out. I started stopping months before I eventually did and I had lots of false starts but I have been sober now for one and a half years and I am rebuilding my life. If I can do it then anyone can.”