My first post introducing me

I was born in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. From an early age I became involved in alcohol, drugs, crime and violence. I am not sure if it was in this order, it may have been the violence first, considering the sectarianism that divided my community and the entrenched gang culture, it probaly was. I quickly found that I could not do llife unless I was under the influence of some mood altering substance. ...So for most of my life I was on everything but rollerskates. I was always part of a sub-culture, gang culture, criminal culture. Then I went down for a long one in prison, jail culture. After that I became addicted to class A drugs and that lead me to Londons homeless culture. Out on wintry nights, stoned out my brains, looking for dry cardboard to cover me as I sleep. Living the dream uh? I realised how difficult it was for me to change, I believed I couldn't. Since then I have discovered that anyone of us can change our beliefs, no matter how deep they may be ingrained. In the summer 2003 I walked out of a rehab clean and sober. I had no money and few clothes. From that day I have been given the opportunity to be in a position where I can help other people change themselves and the life they are living. To help them be comfortable, to help them be okay, to help them be right. I have my own Addiction Recovery Consultancy and I offer Bespoke Coaching specialising in helping people recover from drugs, alcohol and an offending lifestyle. My book A Cruel Healing depicts my recovery out of addiction and crime. Described is the adversity I faced and also the social stigma and negative attitudes around addiction that were, I see in retrospect, limiting my development towards positive change. These attitudes still prevail and contribute towards people not getting recovery. If we could change this attitude and rid addiction of the stigma attached to it there would be more people recovering and contributing to society. One person healed has the power to contribute, mend communities, build futures. I hope you reflect on my writing, I hope it inspires you, moves you, and wherever you are in life I hope it is revealed to you that you are greater than you ever dared think you were!  Feel free to leave a comment or if you prefer e-mail me.