It is sometimes difficult to understand and appreciate how a person’s life can change so dramatically once they have a substance misuse problem. There is still a considerable lack of understanding and awareness about the nature of drug and alcohol misuse.

“Well it’s their fault.”

“It’s easy enough to stop. Why don’t they just use a little will power?”

These people are not the renegades of society. They come from every aspect of life. There have been many parents who have been shocked when their son or daughter confesses they have become addicted to heroin.




"I used Cocaine to ease the pressure of work. I started taking cocaine when I started work in the city. I didn’t do it that often at first but when I began to earn more and I let the pressure of work get to me, I started taking it more often. I knew I was addicted when I was slipping out to the toilets during work hours to do a line. My work colleagues soon caught on and my boss pulled me aside on several occasions.

"Eventually I was sacked so my income stopped and I couldn’t fund my addiction. I took to working the streets. It was a ghastly time in my life, which luckily came to an end when I met a wonderful man who was prepared to help me. Clive saved my life. It didn’t happen overnight, but with determination, support and love I’m now on the straight and narrow."

Liz aged 26