What a difference a year makes for ex-crack addict
SHE was the drug addicted, prolific thief who has, quite remarkably, won her old life back.
Pathetic Caroline Best was so ravaged by her addiction that she was given just 12 months to live.
Ms Best, 36, looked like a woman twice her age following years of drugs and spells in prison.
Her addictions to crack and heroin had caused her heart to start failing and doctors would not operate until she was free from drugs. Now she says: “I am living proof an addict can recover.”
Her new healthy lifestyle has resulted in her no longer needing heart surgery.
Her story began when PC Stuart Toogood, from Erdington neighbourhood police team, decided to help the former shoplifter.
Last August she attended a rehab facility and now, after intensive help, she lives in a ‘dry’ house and is marking 12 months clean – free from the drugs seemed certain to take her life.
A rejuvenated Ms Best is also repaying the help she received – by helping other drug addicts turn away from crime.
She said: “Thanks to Stuart Toogood, I’m now a productive member of society and I thank him for helping me do something I couldn’t do on my own.”
Having spent the past 15 years in and out of prison, Ms Best is now staying out of trouble and supporting Pc Toogood to work with other offenders in a bid to get them out of a life of crime.
Happily she no longer needs heart surgery as the faulty valve repaired itself, thanks to her healthy lifestyle.
Pc Toogood said: “Our Offender to Rehab Programme has successfully placed nine prolific offenders into rehab. Of the five who have completed the programme, one has gained fulltime employment at Timpson, two have worked as volunteers for Birmingham Mind charity and completed adult education courses.
“They have also been ambassadors for West Midland Police and presented at several business conferences to raise awareness of the programme and the benefits of it for the business community.
“Two people are in aftercare at dry houses – one should be progressing into employment soon while the other is about to undertake adult education courses.
“Four other people are currently in treatment and doing well. Several others are in the process of being assessed for rehab placement.
“This has resulted in a huge reduction of shop thefts in and around the Birmingham North and East regions as many offences were being committed by a core group of offenders.”