Danny's Story: “My addiction wants me to be alone and not asking for any help”

“Connection to others is the opposite of addiction.”

★ Danny, Hub Volunteer

When Danny first came into the Hub, he says he was:

“Depressed, drinking alcoholically & felt very alone.”

At the time, things felt bleak:

“The Hub gave me some hope that things could improve & I wasn't alone in dealing with all my problems. At that time I felt like alcohol was my only friend.”

But slowly, things began to change.

“Life today is definitely more healthy & positive.

Although I don’t feel like I am out of the woods yet, I have fixed my liver that was borderline cirrhotic & my mind is in a better place.”

I have more connection with other people in Brighton, the hub club recovery group & the recovery community in Brighton & Hove in general.”

That connection has been a big part of his recovery:

“My addiction wants me to be alone and not asking for any help.

It's essential to not feel alone in my struggles. I was very used to dealing with many difficult situations on my own & didn't really trust or have faith in other people at all.

But being part of a recovery community has helped to restore my faith in other people in general.

The past 15 months has taught me that connection to others is the opposite of addiction!”

Over time, his role at the Hub has changed too:

“I went from a client who kept relapsing to a responsible volunteer.”

“The Hub now gives me a base to connect with friends in recovery, other peers with similar issues & a chance to give back as I now volunteer there.”

And looking back on it all:

“It’s been a team effort, I couldn't have done this alone.”