My name is Liam, I’m 31, I have lived through a long 10 years of alcoholism.

In my early 20s I had no idea I had a problem with drink, although at that time others were beginning to tell me I might have an issue but I wouldn’t listen.  Eventually, around the age 25 I tried to stop drinking on my own, however, I then realised I actually couldn’t stop drinking. 

I started attending meetings that would help me, my first was a smart meeting locally, I was still in active addiction and even though I was going along to meetings my drinking still continued.  My drinking and my way of life meant I was the centre of attention and I had multiple incidents with local gangs and eventually the police and around this time I decided to go into a treatment centre away from home, near Lancaster, for 3 months and for the first time in years became sober.   

After leaving treatment I moved on to live in the Adullam house where I stayed for over a year.  Both the treatment centre and Adullam gave me a safe environment to recover and tools that I needed to be able to live a healthy life.  Adullam also gave me a sense of belonging and a welcoming community and I made some brilliant memories there.  

I am now currently nearly 2 years sober and loving life, I am still a member of AA and am currently studying to be a therapist as well as working part time, I’m also in a loving relationship and have my first baby on the way.