It took me 10 years to realise I had a problem

Recovering addicts, who asked that we do not use their real names, spoke to the Sunday Mail about how cocaine has blighted their lives.

They also praised the work done by Cocaine Anonymous in helping them to try to beat their habit.

Dad Mark, 29, from Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow, has been clean for around 12 months, having first taken cocaine at the age of 16.

He decided to seek help last year after his partner walked out on him with their young son because of his drug use.

Mark added: “I don’t know why I became addicted to cocaine.

“It took me 10 years to realise I had a problem. I had to do something to get my family back.

“I was bingeing on cocaine, locking myself away and spending up to £800 a week.

“When I hit rock bottom, I considered ending my life and was admitted to a psychiatric unit at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow.

“However, the only thing I found that helped was CA.”

Mark first began taking cocaine when he was 16 while on a football holiday in Portugal with friends in 2005.

He added: “Cocaine quickly became a normal part of my life.”