X’s interview
I’ve been at The Well for nearly a year and I’m on my final step of the way. Can’t believe that I’ve made it this far. I was in a bad way before I came in and I was sick of it.
Most of the time we are all together as a group, going through our steps, going through the process. When we go out together, we always go in three or fours, if we’re doing shopping, and if we have trips out, we’re in a group. We keep an eye on each other.
It’s hard, being with the others 24-7 and most of all being with yourself. I’m the oldest here, as you probably guessed. I kept going: I had to, it was my last chance. I guess I could’ve held out for a bit longer, but I was close to death.
We work at our recovery steps together every day. As soon as you stop working at it, as soon as you stop the meditation, the prayers, the group work, that’s when everything falls apart again and you go down. I will need to go for to a group for the rest of my life, I will need to keep this going. I need structure in my life, I’m an alcoholic and like a lot of addicts I have no real framework.
The Well has got a really good reputation, but this one here in Barrow is the hardest. It’s also the one that is most likely to get you through. But a lot of people don’t make it, They find the process too hard, too painful, they’re not ready, or they just don’t want to change. 75% of people don’t get past step one. This group here has got a lot of people in it who managed to keep going.
I’ve really enjoyed doing the creative workshops. Today has been lovely, out in the sunshine together hugging trees. I’ve only got a few weeks left here with everyone. And then when I get out I can start my life. I never really had a life before, just a lot of anxiety. It’s exciting to get the chance to start again.
Interview September 2025
