During Recovery Month, Emerging Futures celebrates the support and success stories that prove recovery is possible.
Addiction can affect anyone, at any point in their life. Yet society continues to stigmatise addiction, preventing many from seeking the help they desperately need. As we mark Recovery Month, it’s crucial to emphasise that addiction is not a personal failure, there is overwhelming evidence that with the right support it can be overcome.
Addiction is not about choice or willpower, it’s a complex medical condition that affects brain chemistry. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines it as a chronic disease, a perspective shared by the NHS, which emphasises the loss of control as a key factor. Misunderstanding this reality fuels the stigma, isolating those struggling with addiction and keeping them trapped in shame.
Emerging Futures works to change this narrative. For ten years, we’ve empowered individuals to break free from addiction, rebuild their lives and move forward. With thousands of success stories, we proudly stand with our recovery community to show that lasting change is possible for anyone.
EVERYONE KNOWS SOMEONE IMPACTED BY ADDICTION.
We all know someone who has been affected by addiction – whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour. According to the ONS, there are 777,000 frequent drug users in England and Wales. In England there are an estimated 602,391 dependent drinkers and only 18% are receiving treatment.
Yet, despite its prevalence, addiction remains a taboo subject. During Recovery Month, we’re highlighting some of our own inspiring stories from people who have battled addiction and now help others do the same.
Oli, a criminal justice worker, has been in recovery for nearly two years. His story reflects the darkest places addiction can take you: “I’ve taken pretty much every drug I ever got my hands on. I lost friends, family, jobs and almost my life. Just over three years ago, I ended up on life support. When I got out of hospital, my landlord got somebody from the Basement Recovery Project to call in and have a chat with me.” Today, Oli’s substance-free. “The best advice I can give is to engage with group work and learn about the illness. Realising I wasn’t bad, but sick, was a turning point for me.”
Christian, our Worcester Community Team Leader, reached his lowest point in 2017, feeling isolated and unable to quit using. “My partner left me, took my son. I had nothing. I couldn’t go on living my life in despair.” A phone call to a friend and attendance at a 12-step meeting saved his life. “Today, I have my family back, a master’s in psychology and a career with purpose.”
One of our support workers in West Sussex, Aaron, began his recovery ten years ago in a homeless hostel. Introduced to a fellowship, he slowly rebuilt his life. “I went to college for the first time, learned to sail, and haven’t used since 2015. Now I’m working towards a degree.” Aaron stresses the importance of community in recovery. “It’s about finding people who have gone through the same experiences and lifting each other up.”
Tamara, a Housing Support Worker in Gloucester, battled alcohol addiction and was at risk of losing her son before embarking on her recovery journey. “Three years ago I knuckled down, went through four detoxes and attended SMART Recovery meetings.” Tamara’s advice to anyone struggling with addiction is to volunteer to help others. “I’m now in a paid position with EF and love the challenges it brings.”
These people are not only free of addiction, they stand proud and are shouting about it. They have turned their experiences into their power. The power to help others succeed on their own journeys.
CHALLENGING STIGMA AND ENCOURAGING CHANGE.
Many still view addiction as a moral failing, deepening the shame that prevents people from seeking help. But recovery is not only possible, it’s happening every day. With the right support, anyone can overcome addiction and build a meaningful life.
***
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t wait. Reach out to Emerging Futures for support and begin your journey towards a better future. info@emergingfutures.org.uk. Tel: 03330 124 714.
