On this Episode of Your Choices Matter, our podcast explores the impact of the decisions we make, on our lives and the lives of others. This is a publication that is designed to support people who are in recovery from substance and alcohol dependency.

In today's episode, we embark on a powerful journey alongside a remarkable woman named Jackie.

Jackie bravely shares her story of childhood trauma and its lasting impact. She paints a vivid picture of the challenges she faced, the relationship issues she endured, and the difficult choices she made along the way. However, her narrative is not purely one of hardship.

Through resilience and determination, Jackie has embarked on a path of healing. She is now committed to breaking free from the cycle of negative experiences and sharing her story to inspire others.

This episode delves into the following:

• The lasting effects of childhoodtrauma: We explore how early experiences can shapeour present and how to navigate their influence.

• Breaking free from negative cycles: Jackie's story serves as an inspiration forthose seeking to overcome challenges and make positive changes in their lives.
• The power of sharing our experiences: Jackie demonstrates the impact ofvulnerability and how it can empower others on their own journeys.
• The importance of seeking help: We highlight resources and support available through the Your Choices Matter programme, empowering listeners who require help to take the next step.
• A powerful testimony: Providing valuable insights into the complexities of human experience, the power of choice, and the importance of seeking support.

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help with drug and alcohol dependency, please reach out to the Your Choices Matter program. Caring professionals are waiting to assist. Details can be found on our website at www.yourchosiesmatter.uk.

We encourage you to share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Jackie's inspiring story and the valuable resources offered by Your Choices Matter.

For anyone needing help to make changes to their alcohol or drug use, please reach out for help to Derbyshire Recovery Partnership on 01246 206514 or see the GRID website for more details: ⁠⁠https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk

Disclaimer: A note on addiction and recovery

This episode shares a powerful personal story of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. While it provides an inspiring example, it's crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. There are many different paths to recovery, and a variety of treatment methods are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional help.

A note on alcohol dependence

It is important to recognise that for people drinking or taking drugs at high levels, such as those described in our Podcasts, professional help to reduce drinking is usually needed. Attempting to stop drinking or taking drugs without the right support can be life-threatening.

Alcohol dependence often means drinking daily, and a person may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they delay or reduce the amount they drink.

There are services that offer expert advice and specialist support for both drug and alcohol addiction. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service that provides this kind of help, including access to a medical detox in either community or inpatient settings. They are easy to access and can be reached at 01246 206514.

https://www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk/

On this week’s intensely personal episode of the Your Choices Matter Podcast, married couple Ben and Steph share their raw, emotive story of Ben’s clandestine battle with alcoholism and how he finally found the path to sobriety and self-redemption.

In an exposé on the secrets and lies that support hidden addiction, Ben reveals how he concealed heavy daily drinking from his family, while maintaining external appearances as a high-functioning working professional and family man. Steph opens up about the traumatic emotional impact of working through the path to recovery and the challenges to the important trust that exists inside a relationship. 

In an intimate look inside the cyclical nature of addiction, we hear how Ben’s alcohol abuse fuelled deep denial about the severity of his problem, leading to incidents of unacceptable behaviour that ultimately push his steadfast wife to confront him and accelerate his rehabilitation.

Now two years sober and helping other families battle similar demons through their Recovering Together programme (delivered by Kelsey Family CIC) the podcast delivers a profound message of hope - that with a genuine desire and commitment to change, robust support systems and a shifted mindset, sustained addiction recovery is possible.

If you want to know more about the Kelsye CIC, you can visit this website or email the team on [email protected]

If You Need Help Contact:

• The Your Choices Matter team via the website ⁠https://www.yourchoicesmatter.uk/⁠

For anyone needing help to make changes to their alcohol or drug use, please reach out for help to Derbyshire Recovery Partnership on 01246 206514 or see the GRID website for more details: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk⁠

Disclaimer: A note on addiction and recovery

This episode shares a powerful personal story of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. While it provides an inspiring example, it's crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. There are many different paths to recovery, and a variety of treatment methods are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional help.

A note on alcohol dependence

It is important to recognise that for people drinking or taking drugs at high levels, such as those described in our Podcasts, professional help to reduce drinking is usually needed. Attempting to stop drinking or taking drugs without the right support can be life-threatening.

Alcohol dependence often means drinking daily, and a person may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they delay or reduce the amount they drink.

There are services that offer expert advice and specialist support for both drug and alcohol addiction. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service that provides this kind of help, including access to a medical detox in either community or inpatient settings. They are easy to access and can be reached at 01246 206514.

https://www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk/

Welcome to the latest episode of the Your Choices Matter podcast. Today, we hear the powerful story of Loghan, who made the brave decision to break free from addiction. His raw and honest words give insight into the immense challenges of detox, rehabilitation, and the ongoing work of recovery. While his journey has been difficult, Loghan stands as an inspiration that a better life is possible through courage and commitment.

• Loghan shares openly about his battle with addiction and the painful process of detoxing. He spent 6 months in a rehabilitation centre working to transform his life.
• He explains that while he is making progress, the road ahead will still involve challenges. Recovery is an ongoing process.
• Loghan mentions the 12-step programme has been a crucial part of his recovery journey. We've linked to an article explaining more about this approach, its history, and how it works here.

Loghan's story highlights that with determination and support, people can rewrite their stories. There is always hope, and we all have the power to create change.

You do not need to be alone if you are struggling with addiction. There is help and support and remember 'your choices matter' and small steps today can lead to transformation.

We thank Loghan for courageously sharing his story and wish him the very best on his recovery journey. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of resilience next time on the next Your Choices Matter podcast episode.

If You Need Help Contact:

• The Your Choices Matter team via the website ⁠⁠https://www.yourchoicesmatter.uk/⁠⁠

For anyone needing help to make changes to their alcohol or drug use, please reach out for help to Derbyshire Recovery Partnership on 01246 206514 or see the GRID website for more details: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk⁠⁠

Disclaimer: A note on addiction and recovery

This episode shares a powerful personal story of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. While it provides an inspiring example, it's crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. There are many different paths to recovery, and a variety of treatment methods are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional help.

A note on alcohol dependence

It is important to recognise that for people drinking or taking drugs at high levels, such as those described in our Podcasts, professional help to reduce drinking is usually needed. Attempting to stop drinking or taking drugs without the right support can be life-threatening.

Alcohol dependence often means drinking daily, and a person may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they delay or reduce the amount they drink.

There are services that offer expert advice and specialist support for both drug and alcohol addiction. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service that provides this kind of help, including access to a medical detox in either community or inpatient settings. They are easy to access and can be reached at 01246 206514.

https://www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk/

Dive deep into the extraordinary life of Tony Lomor, a former professional footballer whose journey extends far beyond the pitch. From scoring goals to battling alcohol and cancer (five times over!), Tony's story exemplifies the raw power of human resilience.

In this emotional, raw and inspiring episode, he sheds light on the choices he made (and we all make) and their profound impacts on our lives.

Tony's heartwarming dedication to making his daughters proud, even amidst life's fiercest storms, resonates with the underlying theme of our episode: the significance of each decision we take.

This Podcast is part of the 'Your Choices Matter' programme by Elastic FM, offering a beacon of hope for those seeking recovery from substance and alcohol dependency.

Visit yourchoicesmatter.org.uk to explore further. Don't miss this inspiring episode!

If You Need Help Contact:

• The Your Choices Matter team via the website ⁠⁠https://www.yourchoicesmatter.uk/⁠⁠

For anyone needing help to make changes to their alcohol or drug use, please reach out for help to Derbyshire Recovery Partnership on 01246 206514 or see the GRID website for more details:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk⁠⁠

Disclaimer: A note on addiction and recovery

This episode shares a powerful personal story of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. While it provides an inspiring example, it's crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. There are many different paths to recovery, and a variety of treatment methods are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional help.

A note on alcohol dependence

It is important to recognise that for people drinking or taking drugs at high levels, such as those described in our Podcasts, professional help to reduce drinking is usually needed. Attempting to stop drinking or taking drugs without the right support can be life-threatening.

Alcohol dependence often means drinking daily, and a person may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they delay or reduce the amount they drink.

There are services that offer expert advice and specialist support for both drug and alcohol addiction. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service that provides this kind of help, including access to a medical detox in either community or inpatient settings. They are easy to access and can be reached at 01246 206514.

https://www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk/

My second Podcast as part of the You Choices Matter programme is with Wayne From Derbyshire. Our programme is all about helping people who are in recovery from dependence on drugs and alcohol to find help and support.

As we learn in this interview, the process of recovery starts with honesty, an acknowledgement of the issue and starting to confront the significant challenge of addiction.

This is a truly authentic, sometimes sad and raw but definitely no-holes-barred summary of living a life battling against the addiction to alcohol and the impact that has on all aspects of a person's life.

If You Need Help Contact:

• The Your Choices Matter team via the website ⁠⁠https://www.yourchoicesmatter.uk/⁠⁠

For anyone needing help to make changes to their alcohol or drug use, please reach out for help to Derbyshire Recovery Partnership on 01246 206514 or see the GRID website for more details: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk⁠⁠

Disclaimer: A note on addiction and recovery

This episode shares a powerful personal story of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. While it provides an inspiring example, it's crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. There are many different paths to recovery, and a variety of treatment methods are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional help.

A note on alcohol dependence

It is important to recognise that for people drinking or taking drugs at high levels, such as those described in our Podcasts, professional help to reduce drinking is usually needed. Attempting to stop drinking or taking drugs without the right support can be life-threatening.

Alcohol dependence often means drinking daily, and a person may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they delay or reduce the amount they drink.

There are services that offer expert advice and specialist support for both drug and alcohol addiction. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service that provides this kind of help, including access to a medical detox in either community or inpatient settings. They are easy to access and can be reached at 01246 206514.

In the year 2012, Sue Curr almost lost her life to alcohol abuse. After a major health scare, the Doctor said her organs were in such a bad state that she might not live. As Sue lay on her hospital bed, a defining moment occurred and she resolved never to drink again. Since that day more than 11 years ago, Sue has managed to stay in recovery and she now draws on her experience to support people in a similar situation.

This is a genuinely fascinating, sometimes sad but detailed and inspiring story of a lady who slipped to the depths of despair but found her way back to a positive and fulfilling life by making conscious choices every day.

Sue can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by mobile 07802 544 805

If You Need Help Contact:

• The Your Choices Matter team via the website ⁠⁠https://www.yourchoicesmatter.uk/⁠⁠

For anyone needing help to make changes to their alcohol or drug use, please reach out for help to Derbyshire Recovery Partnership on 01246 206514 or see the GRID website for more details: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk⁠⁠

Disclaimer: A note on addiction and recovery

This episode shares a powerful personal story of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. While it provides an inspiring example, it's crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. There are many different paths to recovery, and a variety of treatment methods are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional help.

A note on alcohol dependence

It is important to recognise that for people drinking or taking drugs at high levels, such as those described in our Podcasts, professional help to reduce drinking is usually needed. Attempting to stop drinking or taking drugs without the right support can be life-threatening.

Alcohol dependence often means drinking daily, and a person may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they delay or reduce the amount they drink.

There are services that offer expert advice and specialist support for both drug and alcohol addiction. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service that provides this kind of help, including access to a medical detox in either community or inpatient settings. They are easy to access and can be reached at 01246 206514.

Every choice we make in life is important. As all human beings make choices literally every minute of the day, it’s easy to forget that our progress in life, together with some of the most positive and negative experiences we encounter, can often be attached to our decisions.

Sadly, some people find themselves in a situation where they make too many of the wrong decisions. And some people don’t make the wrong decisions because they don’t care, they take the wrong path for many reasons – sometimes because they did not have the support and guidance as children, sometimes because challenging life situations force them down a given path.

The Your Choices Matter programme, created by Elastic FM and supported by Derbyshire County Council, is designed to support people in the Midlands who are in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse.

This Podcast channel will share the opinions of experts, but also the stories of people who have been affected by addiction to alcohol and substance – not just the people who suffer the reliance on alcohol and substances -  but also the families who are affected by the situation.

If You Need Help Contact:

• The Your Choices Matter team via the website ⁠⁠https://www.yourchoicesmatter.uk/⁠⁠

For anyone needing help to make changes to their alcohol or drug use, please reach out for help to Derbyshire Recovery Partnership on 01246 206514 or see the GRID website for more details:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk⁠⁠

Disclaimer: A note on addiction and recovery

This episode shares a powerful personal story of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. While it provides an inspiring example, it's crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. There are many different paths to recovery, and a variety of treatment methods are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional help.

A note on alcohol dependence

It is important to recognise that for people drinking or taking drugs at high levels, such as those described in our Podcasts, professional help to reduce drinking is usually needed. Attempting to stop drinking or taking drugs without the right support can be life-threatening.

Alcohol dependence often means drinking daily, and a person may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they delay or reduce the amount they drink.

There are services that offer expert advice and specialist support for both drug and alcohol addiction. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service that provides this kind of help, including access to a medical detox in either community or inpatient settings. They are easy to access and can be reached at 01246 206514.

Short initial broadcast Podcast to explain what Your Choices Matter is all about