I Started Doing Drugs at 12—I Never Imagined Where I’d Be 26 Years Later

In the late 1990s, a 12-year-old introduced to heroin experienced a dark future of addiction, criminality, and incarceration. Growing up, the individual felt different and believed there was something missing. The turning point was the first encounter with heroin in school toilets. Over the next two decades, life continuously revolved around addiction, leading to numerous setbacks.

In 2017, the individual decided to seek help, attending a 12-step recovery meeting. With support from fellow recovering addicts, they were able to accept help and embarked on a new life path. Motivated by the desire to assist others, they founded Getting Clean, a volunteer group providing peer-to-peer support and hope. The organization evolved into a Community Interest Company, engaging in various community activities and now employing over 300,000 people in England.

The message to those struggling with addiction is that recovery is available, and seeking support from others who have walked the same path can make a significant difference.