Addiction to Drugs/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer the effects of most illegal drugs. I can advise on what it takes to be in recovery and what to expect.I can offer advice to active users on how to minimize risks and steps they can take to think about stopping.I can give information about Rehab and other treatments that are available.I can address all the other,crucial factors apart from stopping using which play a very important role in the treatment and recovery process.I can answer questions from family,friends and partners of a drug user and how to cope if you live with a user.I can offer general information and advice around drug addiction and recovery.

Experience in the area

I am a recovering drug addict with much experience of all the 'how's' regarding going about getting clean. I have been there and I know what its like to be 'in' it and also 'out' of it.I understand how difficult it is to reach recovery and I can offer help and encouragement.

Publications

I have been asked to submit a piece of writing for a chapter in a book about the recovery process of drug addiction and the role that treatment-individual and group therapy play in reaching recovery and abstinence. The book will be available in November 2009.

Education/Credentials

I have schooling up to A-Level standard and what I offer here is valuable 'life experience' credentials.

What do you like about this subject?

I like this subject because it gives me a place to talk so freely about Drugs and all that goes with it and its a subject I know a lot about and passing on my knowledge and experience if I can help someone is a great reward.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to reach many people who are affected by Drug Abuse whether it be the user and/or their family to offer some understanding and support and explanations regarding stopping using and ways to get help.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

How to detect someone who is lying about doing Heroin because you can tell by the pupils of the eyes that they have used-the pupils would be the size of pin heads and the eyes can't lie! Only applies to Heroin though and maybe any codiene ingredient medicines.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

After all Drug addiction is a topic best swepped under the carpet by society but its still prevelent.Families sometimes have a hard time accepting that their child/relation is an addict and they feel shame and always worry about what the 'neighbours' think. So its a very Taboo subject.