"I just appreciate they didn't give up on me"

I have had problems with alcohol and drug addiction for a long time and all the criminality that goes with it. After losing my brother in law and my father in quick succession I wanted to change the direction my life was going in a

I went to the Oasis centre every day, travelling to Wycombe from Gerrards Cross each day. after 10 or 12 weeks I was asked to go to Stars to continue my treatment. I thought that I would be able to be put on a prescription as soon as I was moved to Stars but the same treatment as from Oasis continued for a few more months.

I understand that it is important that they know a person is serious about wanting to stop their addiction before prescriptions are handed out but I must admit it was disappointing. I carried on going though as I was determined to change my life.

The stealing did not stop straightaway, I was driven to steal food and most of my money was going on bus and train fares to get to Oasis and Stars. I have in the past few weeks had help in getting a bus pass and this had been a great help so maybe this support could have been given earlier.

Another reason I was sometimes forced to steal food was that I'm diabetic and didn't want to keep getting hypos. I did end up in hospital a few times because of this. I was very frustrated by this as I was determined to change my life.

I have now been clean for several months. I recently had a health check where they assessed me fit for work, my GP was amazed.

I still love going to Stars even though the journey there and back often leaves me feeling exhausted, I just appreciate they didn't give up on me. My key worker has been brilliant.