Jess Fry, a 42-year-old woman from Gloucester, once led a fulfilling life with a successful corporate career, a loving husband, and two daughters. However, her life began to spiral out of control due to a crippling addiction to alcohol. At her lowest point, Jess found herself unable to work, care for her children, or even leave her home, consumed by isolation and despair.
“I hit rock bottom more times than I can count,” Jess recalls. “One morning, I woke up and fell to my knees. When treatment was offered to me, I didn’t hesitate—I knew I couldn’t keep going on like that.”
In September 2024, Jess checked into Abbeycare, a residential drug and alcohol recovery clinic in Minsterworth, Gloucestershire. Over the course of more than a month, she underwent detox and began her recovery process. By her fifth day, Jess describes feeling as if she had awakened from her “worst nightmare.”
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“For years, I didn’t want to face tomorrow,” Jess explains. “But at Abbeycare, I found hope. I realized I had a future and a place in this world again.”
Determined to stay on her recovery path, Jess became actively involved with Abbeycare’s aftercare community. She volunteered for their peer mentor programme, working night shifts to gain deeper insight into the challenges clients face. Eventually, Jess secured a permanent role as a senior recovery practitioner.
Today, Jess supports individuals starting their recovery journeys by providing one-on-one guidance, accompanying them to medical appointments, and helping develop aftercare plans. Drawing from her own experiences, she fosters trust and openness, helping clients confront their addiction and envision a healthier future.
“I remember how overwhelming it was to arrive, filled with guilt and unsure where to begin,” Jess shares. “Knowing someone has walked that path before you creates an instant bond that encourages honesty and healing.”
Nearly two years sober, Jess has rebuilt her relationships and regained control of her life. She encourages others struggling with addiction to seek help sooner rather than later.
“My advice? Admit you need help and reach out. Make that call—you won’t regret it,” she urges. “Recovery isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. I have learned to live life fully again, something I couldn’t have imagined just two years ago.”
Tim Pope, registered manager at Abbeycare Gloucester, praises Jess’s journey: “Her story is a powerful inspiration for anyone battling alcohol addiction and its toll on health and family. Jess has transformed her life and now provides invaluable support to those walking the same difficult path. We are proud to have played a role in her recovery and excited to see the impact she continues to make.”