"All the staff genuinely care"

Strangely, as a long term alcoholic and drug addict, I absolutely despise the taste, smell and the stigma of alcohol! I was simply trapped in a vicious circle of increasing dependency over many years which ultimately led to me letting my life hit rock bottom or hover there just above.

In the past I had been to several rehab facilities, and, some were helpful, but in most cases based their treatments on quasi-religious methods of trying to alter a patients character.

Then I was given the opportunity to be admitted to the Woodlands facility in Bulwell, Nottingham... (just a few hundred yards from my home as it happens) and WOW! what a facility it is! I've read negative comments, and the very few that are written are related to the food.....I gained over a stone in weight in just ten days, so, can't be all bad.

The facility in it's entirety (in my opinion anyway), runs like a very well oiled machine! All suggestions seem to be looked into and encouraged and as far as the day to day facilities and fabric of the ward, there is very little more a patient could ask for.

Where the Woodlands comes into it's own has to be the dedication of the staff, it was clear for myself and the other patients I came to know, that every member of the staffing team genuinely care and are there because they want to make a difference in the quality of those in their care... all the staff, domestics, managerial, students, staff nurses etc are approachable at any time of the day or night... a quality that becomes invaluable to a nervous wreck of a patient out of their comfort zone and quite possibly in a lot of pain and distress.

There are both practical activities and preventative discussion groups available daily along with holistic therapy NONE of which are forced upon the patient, but most find themselves wanting to join in as what is on offer tends to be well structured and enjoyable... (the bike ride I tried has made me buy a bike a day after discharge... : ) )

I just want to thank the staff and let them know what a great job they do... Thank You guys... I don't have to hope to succeed on my next and final hurdle, the dreaded methadone detox! I know if I come back, I'll sort it at the Woodlands... : )