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Jay’s story


Since starting his recovery in 2018, Jay has worked closely with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), an NHS APA member. Jay’s story not only highlights the personal challenges and triumphs of recovery but also underscores the importance of the collaborative efforts of APA members in supporting those on their path to recovery. Read Jay’s experiences below.


“Did I have a problem with drink and drugs? At the time, I said ‘yes’ because I was people-pleasing. I managed to get some clean time; around eight months, but I think this was for a reconciliation with my wife. Eight months on from that and I was back at it, causing more pain and more misery to my family, employers and friends.”

By 2022, Jay’s substance use had led him to feel he was at rock bottom.


“I’d lost everything: marriage breaking, living on my own, no job, no money, no hope, no self-existence."

After a few falls that resulted in hospital admissions, he realised things had to change.


Jay entered detox for five weeks, and saw his body slowly rebuild its strength. However, he knew that physical recovery was just one part of the process.


“My head was still unaware of what I suffered from.”

Recognising the need for deeper recovery, Jay made the decision to enter rehab:


“I realised I had to do this for myself not anybody else. After all, if I wasn’t well, how was I going to help anybody else?”

Jay stayed in rehab for eleven months, where he learned about the nature of his addiction and started his mental recovery. He was able to understand his condition better and how to manage it, but this took time and dedication.


“Life isn’t easy. I’m nearly eighteen months clean and sober, and living life on life’s terms is very hard. I didn’t realise how hard sometimes.” 

Since leaving treatment, Jay has been dedicated to helping others who are experiencing addiction. He completed the Practically Volunteering Course with GMMH Achieve and the Dynamic Intelligence Course with the THOMAS organisation. He has used his lived experience to work as a member of GMMH recruitment panels and has participated in various workshops including the MORE-KARE trial workshop.


“I found [it] interesting and also [a] privilege [for me] to do; to give feedback as recovering service user. It’s very important to me to give back from my experience, strength and hope in any way I can,” he explains.

Jay is now involved in the GMMH Addictions Research Conversation Huddle (ARCH), a group of experts who discuss future research and study opportunities. He is eager to continue contributing to future workshops and decisions within the group. Looking ahead, Jay’s goals include maintaining his sobriety, moving into a new house, and writing a life story book about his recovery journey––things that seemed impossible eighteen months ago. He also hopes to reach out to schools to offer support and spread the message that there is help available.


“For me, staying connected with services is another tool I use to help me throughout my day."

Reflecting on his journey to where he is now, Jay describes it simply:


“From near death to now is a miracle.” 

Thank you to Jay for sharing his story, and to our fantastic member trusts that help to make experiences like Jay’s possible.

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