Balazs' Story - Hope after Three Decades of Addiction

 I arrived at rehab after three decades of drug and alcohol addiction. I found it really tough to go through changes at the beginning. My body didn’t know if I was coming or going. I really struggled but through my journey I got closer to the Lord. 

After 14 months in rehab I arrived at Hope House where I also got loads of support, love and help. I will have been here two years next month. Thanks to the program and help I went through lots of changes. I have been working in Abbey Baptist church part-time as a warden for about 15 months now and before that I was working voluntarily for them. 

Today my life is much more manageable. I have got my little routine. I go to Lifegroup once a week, I go to the gym several times a week and I am feeling Ok about myself which is more than I ever did before. 

I got baptized last October, I needed God’s help - after 38 years of addiction it was deeply rooted in me. I am still changing today and with my faith it allows me to make better choices which is a vital outcome in my life. Before I was always trying to change the way I felt because I never felt OK as a consequence of the choices I was making. 

Today I am coming to the end of a college course NVQ Level 2 Ambassador of Lived Experience, to be able to work in drug and alcohol services with guys from the same background as me so I can feel joyful about where I can give the most to others. 

Today I am so grateful to come to a place like Hope House where I have had the opportunity to put my life back together. I now have hope and I am looking forward to tomorrow.