Craig tells all about his life as the son of two addicts

His mum sent him a threatening message, seen by the Tele, warning him not to go to the newspapers about his life under their care.

When approached by the newspaper, his mum refused to comment.

However, Craig has obtained paperwork from Dundee City Council providing evidence that his home life raised concerns with his teachers.

It recounts that they would regularly wash Craig’s clothes for him and would give him access to the school showers.

They also used to find fresh, properly-fitting clothes for the growing teenager.

Craig said his life began to crash around him after his dad was paid off.

He said: “At that time my mum and dad started doing drugs.

“They would regularly be at home snorting cocaine and smoking weed.

“Life became awful and mum and dad were regularly fighting. They would accuse me of stealing drugs, which I never did, and I would spend much of my time in my bedroom.

“There is no way I have ever – or would ever – take drugs. I have seen the devastation they can cause. I hate drugs.”

He added: “I became seriously depressed and I did consider ending it all. I didn’t think I could take any more.

“No teenager should have to deal with what I did.”

Craig said his life began to take a turn for the worse when he started secondary school, which led to him truanting because he became a target for bullies.

In a single year he missed school 64 times.

“I was only allowed to shower once a week at the weekend and there was never any hot water,” he said.

“My clothes were never washed and I grew very dirty and smelly.

“It was disgusting and I was bullied at school.

“I just couldn’t stand going in because I was so embarrassed about my personal hygiene.”

Craig eventually found himself a part-time job but when he got home his parents would demand his wages to buy drugs.

He said: “I quickly realised they would take my money, so I began buying food on the way home to feed the family.”

Up until then he had gone to foodbanks. Then last October Craig decided he’d had enough and he ran away from home.

He said: “I went to Action for Children and they helped me get my life back on track. I had to do something to protect myself.

“I’m now doing really well and am living in my own flat and learning to budget and live off my benefits.”

He said: “I’m positive and hopeful for the future. My childhood was ruined and I’m learning to block it out.

“I want to speak out because no kid should have to go through what I went through and I want people to know that it’s happening right now i n Dundee under people’s noses.”