An ex-GP who spent 40 years working in the NHS has told how The Salvation Army’s Gloucester House in Highworth saved his life after his own journey through alcohol addiction.
Nicholas, 65, shared his story at a special Open House event at The Salvation Army's residential addictions recovery centre.
The event celebrated recovery, connection and hope, with former residents sharing testimonies about their own journeys as testament to the work Gloucester House does.
Nicholas, who is now sober and rebuilding his life, spoke about the stigma surrounding addiction and the vulnerability of professionals.
“Addiction is a life-threatening mental illness," he said. "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.
“Professionals are a high-risk group. One in six doctors in this country is an addict of some sort. One in 20 GPs is an alcoholic, let alone other substances.
"The type of work we do is highly stressful, and the type of person who chooses that career often has a tendency towards addiction anyway.
"We think we have our lives sorted — but we don't.”
Before coming to Gloucester House, Nicholas had already sought help twice. One of those centres was a facility where seven of the eight patients were doctors and the eighth was a politician.
“Two things worried me about that: number one was that the main drug of choice was not alcohol — but cocaine.
"And secondly, I was the oldest one there by about 30 years. So, these were all young doctors, young doctors, young addicted doctors.”
His experience, he says, shows that addiction reaches every profession and every level of influence — and that recovery is possible for all of them.
Nicholas said: “Addiction doesn't discriminate. I was a doctor for 40 years — a very successful career. But in the last six years, I ran into problems with alcohol.
"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.”
Reflecting on his time at Gloucester House, Nicholas spoke of the brotherhood and mutual support that sustained him through an extraordinarily difficult period.
During his stay, he lost his uncle and his mother, his wife announced she wanted a divorce and his closest friend in the centre relapsed — all within a two-week period.
Now, over a year sober, Nicholas is planning the next phase of his recovery. Still a registered doctor, he hopes to work within addiction services, both in detox facilities and in support roles, using his professional skills and lived experience to help others.
Nicholas said: “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 opportunity to tour the centre's therapeutic gardens and learn more about the holistic programme that helps men rebuild their lives from alcohol and drug addiction.
Guests included Swindon Borough Council officials, Health Services representatives, fundraising partners, former residents, and local businesses.
Maz Hyde, programme manager at the centre, said: “Gloucester House has been a beacon of hope for 65 years.
"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.”
Nestled on Highworth's High Street, the 13-bed male-only Lifehouse provides a faith-based rehabilitation programme.
Its holistic approach includes individual therapy, core recovery sessions, and community integration through volunteering with local charities.
By providing residential care, peer support, and access to vocational training, Gloucester House empowers residents to break the cycle of addiction and gain the confidence and practical tools needed to live independently.
Further information, including how to make donations, can be found at www.salvationarmy.org.uk/gloucester-house
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