She has rebuilt her life and received “absolutely amazing” support in her ongoing rehabilitation
After years of struggling with addiction, Emma Lynch is now marking more than two years in recovery.
The 35-year-old has faced addiction since a young age. Now she has rebuilt her life with the support of the South Eastern Trust’s Ward 15, a specialist inpatient addiction unit based at Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick.
Following a three week stay on the ward, Emma has spoken about the positive impact the service has had in supporting her ongoing rehabilitation.
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She explained: “I had been suffering with addiction for 20 years on and off, just to the point where it was just too much. The doctor referred me to Bernagh House and it was very much me wanting to put in the work and go, as a patient, into Ward 15, you cannot do it on your own.”
During her time on the ward, Emma completed a detox programme and participated in a range of sessions focused on understanding addiction. With the support and guidance of staff, she also developed a ‘Sober Living Plan’ to help maintain her recovery after discharge.
She added: “March 4 2024 was my first day sober. I really have continued on. I go to recovery meetings and take part in the Recovery Shed, there is a whole range of different groups that I attend.
“The staff here are absolutely amazing. There are staff who have a history of addiction and when they are talking to you, helping you, they do know what they are talking about. They are so compassionate and there is no judgement.”
Senior Nursing Assistant, Declan Hampton who works on Ward 15, described the rewarding nature of supporting patients through their recovery: “Every day is different. Being here is such a good opportunity for me to learn. There are people walking through the doors as one person and coming out, after their three weeks, as another. To see that is very rewarding.”
Occupational Therapist, Anna Milligan, also part of the Ward 15 Team, highlighted the importance of helping patients build meaningful lives beyond addiction.
“The essence of Occupational Therapy is to help people do the things that they want to and are able to live a meaningful life. Part of my role is to break down barriers for the individual. We work together to create a Sober Living Plan which highlights what they are going to do once they leave the ward.
“It gives structure and purpose to their day and supports them to live a life they enjoy. For some people, being in recovery can feel quite restrictive, my role is to help people discover a new life for themselves.”
With over 30 years’ experience, South Eastern Trust, Health Development Specialist in Alcohol and Drugs, Ed Sipler, emphasised the importance of a team approach in supporting recovery: “We work as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team to help people gain control of their lives, to move away from alcohol and drugs, improve their self-esteem and strengthen their coping skills.
“I often ask patients as they prepare to leave after three weeks, ‘What are you walking out of here with, that you did not have when you walked in?’ They are leaving with self-respect, a sense of control and a toolbox of skills they can use to stay sober. Whether they continue to use that tool box, that is the key.”
Ed added: “We are proud to see people walk of here with their heads held high.”
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