Aisling’s story

"Residential rehab was a necessity for me and for many of the women I have worked alongside professionally."

Former Clouds House client Aisling* shares her story

This was my experience. I was unable to successfully stay stopped in the environment that I was living in because I was incredibly isolated and needed to rebuild a sense of community which was positive, rather than chaotic and hostile.

I found that opportunity residential rehab gifted me was that all my physiological needs were met, which meant that I was operating from a much more resourced base level. My needs for safety and security and love and belonging were also met within a supportive, encouraging community.

I advocate tirelessly for other women who have complex substance or alcohol misuse histories to access residential rehab because the combination of therapeutic interventions, alongside strong boundaries and kindness supported me to begin to make the changes that were necessary to build the foundations for a life well lived post rehab.

It was very much a starting point and one which I am so grateful to have been gifted in 1996, because I am still living a life that I could never have imagined and am thriving, rather than merely surviving. I am deeply grateful to have been given this lifeline.

*Name has been changed