CHAPTER 2: The Road to Recovery
From *The Redemption Journey* by William “Bill” Doody
“Bristol became the place where my past stopped chasing me, and my recovery truly began.”
A Couch in Bristol — A Lifeline from My Sister
After the breakup and the end of that chaotic relationship, I moved to Bristol. It was my little sister Liz who offered me a couch to sleep on. She was the only one from my family still speaking to me at the time. That act of kindness probably saved my life.
Drifting, Arrest, and a Turning Point in Cardiff
I was released with no probation, no oversight, and no real support. For six months, I drifted. I tried to stay clean, tried to behave, but I was still the same person inside — full of pain, resentment, and confusion. Eventually, I ended up in Cardiff, shoplifting from a supermarket. I was arrested and facing another stretch in prison. But this time, something different happened.
Breaking Away from the Hells Angels
At the time, I was involved with some prospective Hells Angels, and I was scared to leave them out of fear of violence. They didn’t know I had been released from Cardiff police station at 3 am, so I had a chance to disappear. I was living in a Salvation Army hostel and had heard about a day centre that provided free lunches. I walked through the back streets to avoid bumping into the Hells Angels and went there to hang out instead.
The First Glimpse of Recovery at NA
While there, I met a guy who was volunteering. After a night of taking drugs, I hadn’t intended to, I mentioned to him — for the first time in my life — that I thought I might have a problem. I know people who knew me then would laugh at the denial, but addiction is good at making you think it’s not that bad. He told me about a Narcotics Anonymous meeting that night and offered to meet me there.
Facing the Court — A Chance Instead of a Sentence
That evening, I walked to Whiteladies Road. My legs were sore from the walk, but I managed to make it. That meeting was where I first learned about addiction. It wasn’t a straightforward realisation — I never used drugs constantly — but when I did, I lost control. I couldn’t use it socially. Trouble followed me.
Bristol: A Safe Zone for Change
As I learned more, I realised how drink and drugs had contributed to my downfall. I contacted the Bristol Drugs Project and applied for funding to attend Chandos House treatment centre. At the same time, I was due in court for shoplifting. The judge reviewed my treatment plan and imposed an 18-month probation order. Bristol became the place where things started to change. With support from probation, and for the first time, someone truly listened. They didn’t just see a criminal — they saw a man on the verge of something else. A man who might, just might, be willing to try. That order provided the support I desperately needed to make a real start — and I did so well that after nine months, I was discharged early.
Giving Back: Volunteering and Support Work
I stayed in Bristol. The city had become something of a safe zone for me — a place where my past wasn’t constantly chasing after me. I connected with the recovery community and began showing up, not just for meetings but for life. Gradually, things started to fall into place. I found work. I made connections. I began rebuilding my sense of self.
The first thing I did was give back to others. I was so grateful to be free from drinking or using drugs. I started as a volunteer at homeless night and day shelters, trying to help people access the various support agencies in town. Eventually, I obtained some paid work as a support worker in a unit for homeless people with mental health issues, and I did this for about a year.
Carrying the Message — Narcotics Anonymous Outreach
I became deeply involved in the Narcotics Anonymous scene, engaging in outreach to prisons and treatment centres. I shared my story to inspire others and demonstrate that reform is possible. I even ended up chairing the South West Area of NA — this was about five years into my recovery.
Building Relationships in Sobriety
There were relationships too — not all of them successful, but we genuinely tried, and I did it sober. They always concluded on good terms, not in chaos like before.
From Recovery to Enterprise — Starting a Business
After five years of giving back to the community that saved me, it was time to focus on advancing myself commercially. I was offered a full-time job by a local recovery contact renovating fireplaces at the back of his shop. Eventually, he supported me in establishing my own flue and chimney renovation business. I’ve always been good with my hands, and I knew how to graft. The work was physical and honest—putting in effort and seeing the results. That was something I had forgotten. I took pride in it. The business started to flourish. I became ISO9001 registered. I had contracts, clients, two vans, and tools. I was running my own life—legally and responsibly. And for a while, that felt incredible.
Reconnecting with My Children
Prior to this time, I had also reached out to reconnect with my children from my previous relationship. It took another five years of proving myself before contact was re-established and I was accepted as a reformed person. However, I never missed sending a birthday card or Christmas gift. Even before I began working, I would send a small monthly amount for child maintenance, which increased over time. I had to push for contact— their mother was reluctant to risk it for a long time. I understand. I wasn’t a good person back then. I remember her saying once, “You’ve always been a bad bugger and you always will be.” That motivated me because deep down, I knew she wasn’t right.
Becoming a Father Again — Josh’s Story
During those first five years in recovery, I also had a son with Down syndrome, Josh. His mother and I had a brief relationship, and while we didn’t stay together, we always maintained good communication. Her husband, Josh’s stepdad, also became part of that support. We agreed on custody, I paid support, and I stayed involved in Josh’s life. I love him deeply and am always there for him. I mention this because it mattered. I didn’t run away from being a father, even though I was still rebuilding my own life.
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