Where it all started…

My recovery journey started in November 2015 after finishing my 10th prison sentence for shoplifting and fraud.

During the end of my prison sentence I had an unexpected visit from a IOM officer and a YSS support worker asking whether I would like to move to a different town and into a supported living recovery project.
I didn’t think I needed any help and sent them on their way, but after returning to my cell and contemplating my future after 18 years of addiction I couldn’t see any other way of battling this on my own.
I wrote a letter to YSS and took them up on their offer.
I entered ABT and not knowing whether I wanted to stop using I had several relapses which ended with me back on the streets and an attempt on my own life. I feel this was down to quick reductions on methadone and not being able to handle the severe withdrawals.
I knew then in 2018 that I had to take my recovery serious. I had another attempt back into supported living, got support from services and began listening to the suggestions of professionals and peers.

The change in me…

I am now clean from methadone after support from Telford STARS which involved an easy and slow reduction, I hadn’t been clean from any sort of street or prescribed pharmaceutical opiates for at least 17 years.
I have kept my self busy which has really helped my recovery for instance volunteering and building a strong support network with SMART and NA and AA.
I now have a new life that I have always been seeking. During my recovery I have been very lucky to pass my driving test, acquire a car and share a home and dog with my supportive wife who I was blessed to have met during my journey.