For the past few years, I have had a metaphoric noose around my neck, chaining me to an addiction I couldn’t escape.
A personal trauma in my 30s triggered a pattern of drinking to try to cope with the mental anguish that eventually became so bad it developed into a full-blown addiction.
By that time, my drinking was out of control and I was well and truly a slave to the habit. The addiction became so all-consuming, I ultimately couldn't do anything without alcohol. This led to me becoming very depressed and suicidal on more than one occasion.
After finally stopping drinking, I had 21 years free of alcohol. However, two and a half years ago, a trigger relating to my trauma led me to start drinking again.
For quite a time it seemed "under-control" but once again the same patterns developed...making sure I never ran out of alcohol and drinking secretly which led to becoming totally isolated. This time, however, I was having nasty falls - needing trips to A&E. There were a couple of times I went to bed without realising until the next morning that I didn't turn off a stove element.
During an A&E admission toward the end of last year, I talked to a social worker about my drinking. The hospital referred me to Tūmanako Oranga wellness Centre and Manawa Ora withdrawal service.
It has been an absolute gift from God. I underwent a safe and well-controlled medical detox with a fantastic, professional detox nurse while staying on-site for a few days. Another registered nurse was on-site, which gave 24 hour nursing cover.
I was given wonderful nourishing meals, which included fresh vegetables grown on-site. The support and care I received was so genuine, compassionate and non-judgemental, I was in tears when it came time to go home. The manager of the centre is another gift from God, brilliantly suited to her position.
The staff embrace people with their genuine love and caring and provide a wrap-around service following detox. This has involved day activities and the Te Rongo Pai group at the wellness centre.
I am now receiving one-on-one counselling with a Mahana Southern Maori Mental Health and Addiction Counsellor and she is helping me in dealing with the trauma that I had pushed to one side for so long.
I feel WONDERFUL now to be alcohol-free. I don’t miss it and I am just grateful for the huge support in enabling me to finally let it go.
To have this service in Invercargill is AMAZING and such a gift.
