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Recovery has given me a meaningful life, transparent and full of trials, challenges and blessings... Recovery gave me back my family. I have been given a second chance.
- Bronagh's Story
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I started trying new things... I have become very fond of extreme sports such as marathons, trail running and ultra-running. For me it’s very important to still seek that positive feeling...
- Brian's Story
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My life now is a million miles away from what it was like before. I have a wonderful, loving partner and a three-year-old son who I adore. I count myself very lucky to have been given a second chance.
- Darragh's Story
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This was a big achievement for me; getting through the programme and living independently for the first time in my life... Forty-three years later I am still part of the staff team and it has been some experience.
- Paul's Story
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Being able to talk in a safe environment about why we were in the room was eye-opening and gave me the confidence to not be afraid to open up and talk about my feelings.
- Gary's Story
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Coolmine gave me the skills to love myself, compassion, the confidence and resilience to bounce back and it gave me the opportunity to find my strengths.
- Jennifer's Story
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To say my life has changed is an understatement. I thought the life I live today was only for other people, but I am living the best life I ever could have dreamed of, and it all started in Coolmine.
- David's Story
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I never thought I’d be working a good job and running a home while still being a full-time mother... I believe recovery doesn’t give you your life back, it gives you a fresh start at one.
- Shannon's Story
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Recovery has changed my whole life around. It has given me good relationships in my family... It has given me so many great opportunities, new friends and a beautiful godson from Ashleigh House.
- Rebecca's Story
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Being able to put my head on the pillow at night, knowing I haven’t hurt myself or anyone else is priceless. Your toughest day in recovery is still 100 times better than your toughest day in addiction.
- Robert's Story
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I was pregnant with my third child and found out that Ashleigh House was Ireland’s only residential addiction service that houses women and their children... My beautiful baby boy was born when I was in Ashleigh House.
- Danielle's Story
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I’ve recovered the broken relationships I had with my family, with my daughter and I gained these relationships back and so much more since coming into recovery.
- Ian's Story
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Going to Coolmine is the best thing I ever did... Coolmine is the first treatment centre I was ever in, and it’s going to be my last... I have my house now, I have my daughter back in my life and I have that bond back with her.
- Joe's Story
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I had this worry that it would be different for me as I’m a Traveller. But this wasn’t the case and I was treated like everyone else in there, just a bunch of men looking to change for the better, no labels!
- Joe's Story
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When I arrived in Coolmine I always remember being greeted with a lot of warmth... This was the first time I felt the weight I had been carrying for so long was finally easing.
- Rachel's Story
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I am, to the present-day drug free and working to support others in addiction and recovery. I have now rebuilt my relationships with my children, family and friends. I am very proud of the work I put in... I will continue to offer my support, advice and lived experience to those who need.
- Bernard's Story
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Every single day I am so happy and grateful that I’m a productive member of society again. It’s something many people take for granted, until you’ve lost it all.
- Emma's Story
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People showed me love in my darkest times and cared for me when I couldn’t care for myself, the staff and the lads in lodge, and that’s why I’m doing
great today.
- Paul's Story
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Everything I have in my life now I never had, for the most part. I had three children who were in care before I went to Coolmine Lodge so I got them back, but everything else I newly gained or never had before Coolmine and I will be forever grateful to Coolmine for that.
- Paddy's Story
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For me, going to Coolmine was like winning the lotto... Take a chance on yourself or you’ll never know what it’s like to come out of the place where you were.
- John's Story
