"Thank you so much all involved at Chapman Barker"

I arrived at CBU from A&E. Drinking round the clock and hadn't eaten any solids for 3 weeks i was in such a bad way. I kept trying to reach zero alcohol but just couldn't succeed. Anxiety, shakes, impending doom, night terrors, it was a living hell. I needed help and fast. Suicide was a very real option.

In the end i was fortunate enough to be referred to CBU via RADAR. A 7 day residential supervised detox. I felt so relieved yet apprehensive to be in there, the staff made me feel really very assured and above all that I was safe. Staffs attention is second to none, with round the clock checks to assure safe withdrawal. I have a history of seizures so was especially at risk but the staff were amazing - I really cannot thank each and every one of them enough for looking after me, especially one in particular who made my late night arrival a pleasure and the process as smooth and unobtrusive as possible. The facilities are not to be sniffed at either. You get your own room which you can lock when out. To be honest I spent very little time in my room other than for sleeping, I found the daily routine stimulus enough there was always something to do. The taps in the rooms are a little annoying but there are plenty of other communal bathrooms spotted around with better taps and sinks. Showers are good and there are a couple of baths spotted about. Very relaxing right at a time you need it. A very important aspect of recovery is a good diet. And the food at CBU I found to be of a very high standard 95% of the time - and i class myself as a very fussy eater! The ordering process is not ideal and you order meals 2 days in advance. So your first 2 days you are at the back of the queue awaiting 'leftovers'. Don't get me wrong, the food is good and everyone always gets a full meal. I appreciate the fact its a hospital not everyone can be pleased all of the time. But overall the food is hot, nutritious, tasty and sufficient. Medication is served 4 times per day and is probably my biggest gripe about CBU. Meds are essential to us all but the admin process takes ages and is performed by just 2 staff. Long queue's are the norm when at times its just for a vitamin tablet. Frustrating at times. However, I do appreciate the need for patients and meds to be very closely monitored, especially with controlled drugs. I guess it all comes down to staffing as there is certainly room within CBU for further med facilities. Group activities with a particular member of staff were brilliant, never a dull moment. I found their sessions informative, involving and professional. I couldn't have asked for a greater group of male peers at CBU, each and every one of them made me feel welcome. So in turn, I looked out for new arrivals helping them with the routines etc. There's nothing worse than being a new kid in unfamiliar surroundings, especially when you're ill! The grounds were ample to socialise and have a smoke. One complaint ecigs weren't allowed hence i smoked tobacco during my stay. Thanks CB 24 days sober x