A Scunthorpe woman who was addicted to drugs and alcohol for many years has said she “wouldn’t be here now” if it wasn’t for the help of a North Lincolnshire charity.
Louise, who first began drinking at 15 and used drugs for the first time at 16, has praised the “amazing team” at the Scunthorpe branch of national alcohol, drug and mental health charity With You, who helped her get her life back on track.
She credits her recovery worker, Richard Hopper, and the staff at the High Street branch for helping her to overcome her addictions once and for all, and said that moving to the area is the “best decision” she has ever made. She now wants to help others who have found themselves in a similar situation.
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Louise said: “My first ever cigarette was a spliff [cannabis]. I started using drugs around 16. I started drinking when I was about 15 and was an alcoholic by the time I was 17. I was using every day. I didn’t realise back then that there may have been help available.
“I decided to leave school as I had quite a traumatic childhood. I didn’t want to go home, so I ended up on the street, surrounded by friends who did drugs. I then moved to Cardiff several years ago and was there for about a year. A friend introduced me to speed. Through him, I met another guy and we became a couple.
“It was an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. He re-introduced me to weed, alcohol and he introduced me to crack cocaine. I didn’t know what it was – he referred to it as ‘bones’ and was literally pushing it on me. If you love someone, they don’t do that. If they say they love you and say ‘try this’, don’t even think about it, walk away. They don’t love you.
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“It was constant drugs, drinking and my mental health was deteriorating. I stopped seeing family members. I ended up overdosing a number of times. I didn’t want to be there.”
Louise said that if it wasn’t for With You, she wouldn’t be here now.
“They are an amazing team,” she said.
“I’m looking towards working for them supporting others going through traumatic experiences and still going through their recovery. My life has turned around so much and I know I’ll never go back to that place. I have a really supportive partner now.
“Before, I couldn’t see life – it was all dark. Now it’s amazing – I can see how bright the world is. If ever you’re influenced by anyone, don’t do it. They don’t care about you. If you ever do fall into that chaotic drug and alcohol-induced life – seek help. It will be the best choice you ever make.
“I’ve matured a lot over the last year. A lot has happened for the good – I joined a lot of groups. Moving to North Lincolnshire is the best choice I’ve made; the people up North are amazing. Life is bright and there is a future out there – a good one. Even if you feel like there’s no hope. Seek some help.
“I haven’t smiled properly for a long time and a few months ago I laughed out loud. I’m smiling all the time now – every single day. Everybody’s got it in them to change. I didn’t think my life was worth anything until I found this group and With You.”
Kate House, Service Manager at With You in North Lincolnshire said: “I hope Louise is as proud of herself as we are of her. She has come so far and worked so hard to get to this point. She is an inspiration to others and continues to attend our groups to continue her journey and to support others in theirs.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drugs in North Lincolnshire contact northlincsadmin@wearewithyou.org.uk, call 01724 857633 or visit their website at wearewithyou.org.uk.
You can also use the webchat if you are worried about your alcohol or drug use.
Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
