Former GP shares powerful story of recovery after Gloucester House “saved his life”
By Charities Correspondent
A former GP who spent 40 years working in the NHS has shared how The Salvation Army’s Gloucester House helped him overcome alcohol addiction and find hope for the future.
Nicholas, 65, spoke about his journey at a special Open House event at the residential addictions recovery centre in Highworth, Swindon, where former residents came together to celebrate recovery, connection and new beginnings.
Now more than a year sober, Nicholas is rebuilding his life and hopes to use his experience to help others facing addiction.
Speaking about the stigma surrounding addiction, Nicholas said:
“Addiction is a life-threatening mental illness. It's not a poor lifestyle choice. You don't wake up one morning and think, 'I'm going to be an addict today.' Addiction chooses the individual, not the other way around.”
Nicholas said his own experience had shown him that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their profession or achievements.
“I was a doctor for 40 years — a very successful career. But in the last six years, I ran into problems with alcohol,” he said.
“I tried all the scientific approaches, the psychology, and I understood an awful lot about it. But I was still relapsing. Then at Gloucester House I found faith, but truth be told, faith found me. Once that happened, the 12-step programme became something I could do practically.”
Before arriving at Gloucester House, Nicholas had already sought help twice.
But it was the combination of practical recovery support, faith and the sense of community at Gloucester House that helped him make lasting progress.
His time at the centre also coincided with an extraordinarily difficult period in his personal life. During his stay, he lost his uncle and his mother, while his wife announced she wanted a divorce. His closest friend at the centre also relapsed.
Despite these challenges, Nicholas continued his recovery with the support of those around him.
Now, he wants to turn his experience into something positive by helping others.
Still a registered doctor, Nicholas hopes to work within addiction services, including detox facilities and support roles. He also wants to speak to medical students about the risks of addiction and the importance of seeking help.
“I'd like to go to medical schools and talk to fourth and fifth-year students. Say to them: you're a high-risk group for addiction. Listen to what I've got to tell you. Lawyers, teachers — we're all high-risk.”
The Open House gave guests the chance to tour Gloucester House’s therapeutic gardens and learn more about the holistic programme that supports men as they rebuild their lives from alcohol and drug addiction.
Guests included Swindon Borough Council officials, health service representatives, fundraising partners, former residents and local businesses.
Maz Hyde, programme manager at Gloucester House, said the event was an opportunity to celebrate the progress made by residents and recognise the support of the wider community.
“Gloucester House has been a beacon of hope for 65 years,” she said.
“Today was about celebrating recovery, honouring the courage of the men who walk through our doors, and thanking the community that supports us. Nicholas's story reminds us that addiction can affect anyone — and that recovery is possible.”
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Based on Highworth’s High Street, Gloucester House is a 13-bed male-only Lifehouse providing a faith-based rehabilitation programme.
Its holistic approach includes individual therapy, recovery sessions, peer support, volunteering opportunities and access to vocational training, helping residents develop the confidence and practical skills they need to move towards independent living.
For Nicholas, recovery has brought a new chapter — and a chance to help others find theirs.
To support the work of Gloucester House, visit Gloucester House | The Salvation Army.
