My Journey to Alcohol and Substance Counselling

I'm Tracy, and my journey into substance misuse counselling began with my own sobriety in 2018. Giving up alcohol transformed my life in ways I never imagined, and it inspired me to support others on their own journey of change.

In 2022, I founded an online alcohol support community, Smug Club, to provide peer support and connection for people facing similar challenges. The group continues to grow and remains an active, supportive space.

My desire to support others in a more formal capacity led me to volunteer with Substance Support Scotland (SSS) as a trainee alcohol and substance misuse counsellor. During this time, I completed an Advanced Alcohol Counselling qualification, which I undertook over a three-year period.

Alongside my volunteer role, I pursued formal counselling training at college, later progressing to a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Counselling at Abertay University.

My volunteer work with SSS soon developed into a paid role as a Community Substance Misuse Specialist, where I supported individuals and facilitated substance use support groups within the community.

Currently, I continue to work with SSS on a part-time basis as an A&E Navigator at Victoria Hospital, supporting some of the most vulnerable patients affected by alcohol and substance use. Alongside this role, I am continuing my professional development by completing my Honours degree.

I’m the heart and soul behind Real Life Recovery Co—bringing my own journey, experience, and a real commitment to helping you build lasting recovery.

I Get It...

I understand the anxiety, fear, and low moods that alcohol and substances can create. I also understand why it's so hard to let go— the buzz, the social pull, and how drinking or substance use can feel like a temporary escape from life’s pressures.

At Real Life Recovery Co, there’s no judgement and no lectures. I offer confidential alcohol and substance counselling & coaching rooted in real understanding and honest conversation. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be ready to quit. You just need to be open to the idea that things could be different. Change is possible, and you don’t have to do this alone.

Based in Dunfermline, Fife, I provide professional counselling and coaching locally, with online and telephone support available wherever you are.

You only get one life, let me help you make the most of it

Real Life Recovery Co

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