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Personal stories: From those who have been there

Read the stories of real people to learn more about substance misuse and ways to tackle the associated problems. These voices are invaluable awareness raising tools and a source of inspiration for those with problems and their families. We can also learn so much about service provision by listening.

Our volunteers tell us that working on their stories has been a rewarding experience. They have the opportunity to learn more about themselves and help others.

Mark Saunders
Mark battled with heroin addiction and eventually found stability on a methadone script. He is currently on a methadone reduction plan.

Kerry Manley
Kerry supported her son through a traumatic addiction and his dramatic recovery! Here she shares her experiences, hoping it can give others' hope and understanding.

Ross JM
Benzodiazepine and alcohol addiction took over Ross’ life. Following a harrowing detox, Ross now runs an online forum for people with similar experiences.

Mark Drewett

Mark is currently serving a sentence in HMP Bullingdon. Read his whole story, from chaotic addiction to peaceful recovery.

Tim Tweedy

Tim’s experimentation with the ‘social’ drug speed, eventually led him into the isolated and lonely world of addiction. Read the first two parts of his story.

Karen

‘My whole Benzo experience started when, following a doctor’s advice I abruptly stopped taking an opiate pain killer and this sent me into ‘cold-turkey’ withdrawal.’

Jennifer Robinson

Jenny was prescribed valium for 31 years. Her problems began when she tried to stop taking them. She now campaigns to raise awareness of the problems associated with prescription drugs.

Dean
Twelve years ago Dean Byfield began following the crowd on his estate, drinking and taking drugs. But the novelty wore off and left him feeling suicidal and desperately ill. Here he tells how he not only discovered the will to live and recover, but turned his experiences towards helping young people from falling into the same trap.

Stuart
"Get some of this into yourself, it'll take away some of the pain" he said. So I did. I felt this warm euphoric feeling come over me and sure enough I did feel a little bit better. Little did I know that what heroin gave me, it would eventually take away. I started using heroin regularly as it seemed to anesthetise me to the world of pain I was in and I justified it to myself as a 'jail thing' - something I would never do again upon release.

David Wright
No-one sets out to be a fully fledged heroin addict. David Wright's nightmare all started as a bit of fun… Read his full story and more


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