(Image: Supplied)
A North East man who says a recovery service "saved my life" is sharing his story to help others overcome drug and alcohol addiction.
George, 30, from Guisborough, began drinking at primary school before progressing to regular use of cocaine, ketamine, benzodiazepines, tramadol and alcohol.
Speaking as part of Recovery Month, he said: "I fell into the feeling that drinking, doing drugs and waking up in strange houses miles away from home was the only way for me to have a good time, to feel like a normal person.
"I lost a lot of friends that I had had for years, I threw myself into despair, convincing myself that they were the problem and I was not doing anything wrong.
"If total self-destruction was the price for feeling good, then it was a price I was willing to pay over and over again."
George has shared his addiction recovery story (Image: Supplied)
George eventually contacted WithYou, a drug and alcohol support service in Redcar and Cleveland, but cannot remember exactly how or when because of his substance use.
He said: "I couldn’t tell you the month, or the year, or who it was.
"But I know looking back that getting that help probably saved my life."
Since contacting the service, George has stayed sober longer than he thought possible and received vital mental health support.
He said: "I was able to be diagnosed properly and get medication that does what I felt the drugs and drink used to do, but without the negatives."
George now volunteers for WithYou and hopes to join its staff to help others facing similar struggles.
He said: "WithYou saved my life, and now they are giving me the chance to help others, and knowing that I have the chance to do that brings me ineffable joy, something far greater, more meaningful, and longer lasting than the fleeting and perilous ‘happiness’ that I acclimated myself to.
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"I thought happiness was something I could only find through drugs and alcohol. Now I have something far more meaningful.
"I have purpose."
WithYou is a national charity supporting people affected by drugs, alcohol and mental health issues.
In Redcar and Cleveland, WithYou works through the THRIVE partnership, offering employment advice, mental health support and links to local health providers.