“ I came into Charis a broken man, totally dependent and without hope for myself. I’d been through several treatment programmes elsewhere but I relapsed. I saw myself as a failure and I fully believed I’d never change. I worked for many years as an electrician, but after a few drinks and a couple of joints I portrayed myself as a rocket-scientist to compensate for how I really felt.

Through working the programme at Charis at my own pace, I’ve gradually learnt the true nature of my problems and how to address them. I spent most of my life living and struggling in my  problems—today, I’m equipped to achieve solutions and successes. ”

Former Charis Resident who went into full time employment

“Before his admission to Charis, he was unkempt, lazy and lacked interest in anything other than pursuing his habit. He has now regained the sparkle and vitality he had before falling foul of drugs. The change in his physical appearance has been commented on by both friends and members of his family.

He now appears to be relaxed, at ease, in control of his emotions and spiritually happy.

We, his parents, having pursued all avenues in our attempt to persuade our son to abandon his habit, had come to the stage where we saw no future for him. We saw his life ruined and for us the future was bleak. We had reached the stage where we were seriously considering disowning him, because despite trying everything in our power to get him off drugs, we had failed. Now our relationship is that of a normal family. No more worrying every time he leaves the house and we look forward to his visits and company.

We feel that our son was so lucky to be able to be admitted to Charis because there are so many persons wishing to “come off drugs” and so few places offering the standards and facilities you offer at Charis.”

Mother and Father of former Resident

“ I spent 5 years in and out of detoxes, AA meetings, hospitals before arriving at Charis. Due to the nature of the programme something in me changed and I became more willing to look at myself instead of blaming everybody and everything for what was happening to me.

The first phase of the programme was when I began to get real. Having peers who are all addicted, no matter what, showed me that I wasn’t any different to others.

I feel that the staff and counsellors ensure that Charis has a loving and caring environment by their approach to recovery and this plants the seeds of hope in life for the client. The programme is not easy and without my own efforts and struggles I would not be a recovering alcoholic ‘a day at a time’, even today. I was taught to get real, in touch with my emotions and have learnt that my Higher Power, at any given time, will not give me a challenge I cannot handle as long as I practice the programme. The fact that Charis practises the 12 step programme, prepares you for life and gives dignity to the suffering alcoholic is very significant to me. ”

Former Charis Resident who went on into full time work.

“ Without Charis my former husband would now be dead. As his and my insanity grew through the debilitating disease of alcoholism, Charis became the light at the end of the tunnel in his recovery and my recovery where hope, a return to a normal lifestyle, that is one of sobriety, was the prize.

Charis provides the essentials of a new life for all addicts and their families who enter through its welcoming door, a refuge, a place of healing and somewhere where recovery can be achieved with the help of the staff’s compassion, patience, guidance, understanding, time and willingness to listen. Following the 12 step programme holds the key to a new lifestyle and the invaluable support of the staff will make life worth living again. ”

Ex-partner and former Charis Resident are now back together again

“ When I came into Charis I thought my life was over– in fact my old life was over. Charis taught me that there is another way to live, a far better way of living I knew nothing of. I will be forever grateful to Charis for turning my life around. With the care and skill of the staff I was able to come to terms with my past and work through things that I undoubtedly drank and used on unknowingly for years. Today I have a life thanks to Charis. ”

Former Charis Resident

“ I was very scared and doubtful about committing myself to recovery, but from the day I came into Charis I have experienced great love, care and security and have loved the sense of belonging I have found here. There is a strong camaraderie amongst the addicts and alcoholics in Charis, and once I learned that I was a lot sicker than I thought I was I have found this camaraderie and understanding invaluable. My quality of life, my peace of mind, my life expectancy and my happiness increase day by day thanks to Charis. They are showing me how to live in the real world and how to make the best of what God gave me. ”

Former Charis Resident