Finding help to kick the habit

The Tele articles today and yesterday highlight the real life issues for people involved with drugs.

Both the women we interviewed yesterday, who have admitted they are addicted to drugs, said they were desperate for more help.

Kelsey Harper, 26, and Sharon Low, 49, both believe that being able to undertake rehabilitation would be the answer.

Sharon explained she has been taken off her methadone programme, which has resulted in her using whatever drugs she can get hold of.

She said: ““People ask why I don’t stop if I claim I really want to. The honest answer is that it is hard and I’m lazy. That’s being as truthful as I can be.

“I know I have to help myself but when you suffer crippling withdrawal symptoms it is so hard. And it is so easy to get drugs in Dundee.

“I have begged to be put back on a methadone programme but it’s not happening. I just don’t feel I’m getting enough help when I ask for it.”

Kelsey said that she is being forced to take 105ml of methadone a day, way more than she wants to take.

“The methadone transforms who I am and I know I will have to take it tomorrow, the day after that and the day after that.

“I need to start reducing my methadone but they insist I stay on this amount. I don’t understand why. I don’t want to be taking so much.’’

A spokesman for Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership said: “While we cannot comment on individual cases, where someone is being prescribed methadone, this would be as part of an agreed plan.

“Any alterations to prescribed medication would be made following discussion as part of a multi disciplinary approach, taking into consideration other drug use and stability within current treatment.

“We would encourage anyone who has concerns their recovery plan is not progressing to contact the service directly to discuss it.

“Integrated Substance Misuse Services can provide community and in-patient detoxification as a planned intervention along with a range of personalised support options.

“If anyone requires support with their recovery plan, we would encourage contact with Integrated Substance Misuse Services on 01382 632542.”

Sharon (left) and Kelsey.