A Patient's Story: Rebuilding Life after Addiction

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6 hours ago
2 min read

At the end of his stay at Mildmay Hospital, Kevin bravely chose to read aloud his powerful testimony in our chapel to his fellow patients and our staff.

Having lived through and survived prolonged addiction and homelessness, Kevin's* hope is that his experience would encourage others undergoing recovery. The room responded with warm applause and supportive voices - a shared moment of courage and hope.

"Thank you for letting me take this opportunity to thank all who have guided me.

The Lord has been the first to fill that void from laying in the gutter, dirty and filling my body with poisonous substances and alcohol for 20 years and trying to kill myself on numerous occasions.

14 weeks ago, I decided that enough is enough and walked over Westminster Bridge into the hospital. I collapsed withdrawing from alcohol.

I then came to Mildmay after my detox very nervous, not knowing what to expect, but I didn’t need to worry, you all made me feel very welcome.

I cannot thank you enough for having a kind approach to me, today I feel like a new person. Drug and alcohol free and ready to hit life ahead and surrounded by my family and friends.

I hope I can use my experience with addictions and homelessness to help others in the future to archive sobriety.

It can be achieved with the right support and desire.

Thank you, you are all AMAZING!"

Kevin’s words speak to the effectiveness of our REBUILD Pathway: recovery is possible with the right support, compassionate care, and the determination to take the next step. We are grateful to him and proud of his courage in taking this big step in his recovery, and his determination and desire to help others.

About REBUILD (post‑detox) at Mildmay

Our REBUILD Pathway provides stabilisation and intermediate rehabilitation for people who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness following inpatient detox - restoring independence, strengthening motivation, and connecting people to joined‑up aftercare.

Find out more about Mildmay's comprehensive range of services for people experiencing homelessness.

Mildmay's homeless services