The future’s bright, thanks to HAGA.

 

I felt like a criminal – I was afraid I would be punished

I had barely stopped drinking when I got my first appointment to attend an assessment at HAGA.

 

I had just suffered a relapse and was feeling very shaky, sick, angry with myself and fearful of almost everything and everyone. I didn’t think I could even make it to the meeting, but got there somehow, wondering how awkward and embarrassed I would feel, if people would look me up and down, if I would stand out as a ‘newcomer,’ even in some way if I would be ‘punished’.

 

Not a bit of it! In fact, as soon as I walked through the doors I entered into a warm, welcoming almost homely atmosphere.

 

There were people sitting around on sofas, chatting, reading magazines, making tea in the kitchen or working on a computer. I could feel immediately that it was a safe and comfortable environment. Nobody accosted or accused me (inwardly I felt like a criminal).

 

 

Everyone who works there seemed to genuinely care, were (and are) very approachable and ready to listen and comment, but didn’t patronise or give orders!  

 

I have been going to the women’s group for a few weeks now, and realise that my first impressions were right. I am not a person who talks easily about myself, especially in front of a group, but the non-threatening and relaxing environment encouraged me to speak up without feeling self conscious. 

 

It’s a chance to share your thoughts and fears with others who are struggling but fighting too, and with the professionals who are on hand to listen, discuss and support.

 

Mary (42), Haringey

 

This was my thought as I approached HAGA for the first time. I’d admitted I’d had a problem with my drinking and spent sometime using the excuse. You know, “Of course I’m drunk. I’ve got a drink problem. What do you expect?” But the time had come to retake control of my life.

 

I attended an assessment session designed to uncover the ways in which HAGA could help. It was not as formal as you might think - no tick box questionnaires - more like a friendly chat with someone who understood my problems. I went through a detox programme lasting a week.

 

I had to attend the Day Centre daily for monitoring and collect the dosage for the next 24hrs. Throughout this process I felt that how I was managing was the most important issue. Not just whether I was drinking or not, but how I felt, both physically and mentally.

 

Once the detox process is completed you are expected to demonstrate your commitment to your recovery by attending the centre daily for two weeks. There are a lot of complimentary therapies on offer - aromatherapy; acupuncture; massage & group activities. You can do as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.

 

What happens after that is up to you. You’ll be allocated a key worker to assist you in deciding where to go from where you are.

 

The most important thing about HAGA is that there are no yardsticks for you to beat. All clients have been through what you have been through.

 

The staff are friendly because they understand and do not judge you in any way. It is a SAFE place where you can go and relax and have a laugh with people who know the road you’re on.

 

 

Bill (38), Tottenham

 

In July 2003 I was hospitalised for four days due to an attempt I made on my life whilst in a drunken stupor, and before I could be discharged I had to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. 

 

The psychiatrist and I identified that an enormous amount of my troubles were due to, and traceable to, my problems with alcohol.  Before I was discharged the psychiatrist gave me a small leaflet with information regarding an organisation called HAGA, and urged me to contact them.

 

A week or so later I did contact them, and it was explained to me that they would need my hospital records before I could be helped by HAGA.  My expectations at this point was of a very medical organisation, set in a very sterile clinic-type environment.  It was only through sheer desperation (I was also homeless at this time) that I made contact with HAGA.

 

After receiving my hospital records HAGA assessed me and explained what they could do for me, including one-to-one counselling and group therapy. The most important thing to me though, was that they offered temporary housing.

 

The atmosphere at HAGA was not what I had assumed. Instead of the ‘sterile clinic’ I had expected, the main client area was very comfortable with sofas and a large television, the staff were friendly and approachable. I have never seen anyone wearing a uniform at HAGA. 

 

Numerous issues (benefits and housing included) were quickly resolved, which allowed me to concentrate on the deeper problems I was encountering in my life – the alcohol abuse and depression which had dominated my life for so long.

 

Now I live in my own flat and feel I have made great strides in identifying, and changing my response to, issues which I used to ‘solve’ with alcohol. I still visit HAGA a couple of times a week, just to get out of the house and say hello to a few people. I would attribute a lot of the progress I have made in the last few years to HAGA and I remain profoundly thankful for the help and support that I‘ve received from them.

 

Bob (38), Seven Sisters