Happy With My Life: Marc’s Story
My addiction looked like someone else was living my life, making all the decisions, controlling my every action. I felt powerless, and unable to take back control. I was a passenger on a journey of self-destruction. It’s strange to say, but there was a BIG part of me who welcomed it, embraced it with open arms. We became friends! I believe what triggered my road destruction was my childhood, or should I say, lack thereof. I didn’t get the love, care and support from my parents that a child needs.
NWRC gave me the freedom to look to the future in a secure environment while also assisting me in self-discovery, self-improvement, and acceptance of my past. I was given the opportunity to make mistakes, which helped me learn responsibility and accountability, and gave me a chance to discover and maintain my boundaries. I gained the ability to understand and communicate my emotions to others. I came to realise that life does’t have to be a constant struggle. Simply put, don’t let my past, insecurity, low self-esteem, etc, determine who I am.
Here are what I consider my biggest successes. I now work in the same place that helped me find and sustain recovery. I have the opportunity to pass on to others what I have learnt from my own recovery, and hopefully play some small part in helping others get well. I am in a stable long-term relationship. I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, but most of all, I am happy with me and where my life is at.
Finding Humility: Gary’s Story
As an addict, I lived a life of solitude and misery, every day a groundhog day. The only time I left my flat was as early as possible to get my 3-4 bottles for the day. I never answered the door or phone, unless there was the possibility of more alcohol or weed. I didn’t want or encourage visitors, as my flat was an absolute pigsty. I lived in desperate unmanageability, in terms of responsibilities to society, family and myself. My physical and mental health were deteriorating badly. My feelings of despair and anxiety were overwhelming. I often hoped I wouldn’t wake in the morning. My addiction nearly did kill me in January 2021.
I came to Penrhyn in November 2021, not intending to stay too long. It’s April 2025 and I am still here! I felt a sense of purpose from the beginning, when I realised that I had a D1 driving licence which meant that I could drive the NWRC minibus. My recovery journey has had its setbacks. I relapsed in June 2022 but, with the support of staff and peers at Penrhyn House, I bounced back stronger and better able to move on.
We are a big family here at Penrhyn. We do all sorts of activities together, but we are also encouraged to do our own thing. The ‘Expedition’ walk every year is an invaluable character-building experience, testing people’s will and determination, and strengthening their recovery further.
I owe a massive debt of gratitude to Penrhyn Hostel, staff and peers. I have achieved so much, including simple things that I thought were lost to me. I now have self-respect, morals, values, principles, and humility.
Marc is a Duty Officer, and Gary is the handyman, at Penrhyn House.