I introduce myself regularly as being “In Recovery” and I assume people would know that I’m talking about addiction, as in my case a “Recovering Alcoholic”, but after our discussion at the reporters meeting, I realised that there are so many things’ people can be in recovery from or indeed have recovered.

The definition of recovery means – “to return to a normal state of health, mind or strength.” ‘Normal’ is a bit vague, but I feel in this case it’s a positive description. Health wise I have recovered from any physical dependency of alcohol, so I can function and go about my daily routine without needing alcohol and I do not suffer from any withdrawal symptoms either. However, addiction centres in the mind its behavioural and that is why I will always be recovering, I will never have this side of it boxed off.

It’s not as grim as it sounds, I am forever learning about myself, my behaviour and my reactions. How to process different emotions, how to accept life on life’s terms, how to forgive and let go and, over a period of time, I am building up a defence against any notion my mind tells me that a drink would be a good idea.

RECOVERY TO ME IS: FREEDOM. PEACE OF MIND. CHOICE. LOVE. LAUGHTER. HUMILITY. EMPATHY. THE BENEFITS ARE ENDLESS