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Drug users tell of recovery
30/03/2009
Drug addiction and alcohol dependency are not inevitable and those seeking help to recover their lives must not be written off, Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing said today.
In an article written of an event, What's Your Story? bringing togewther individuals who have recovered or are recovering from addiction and professions and voluntary groups providing support, Mr Ewing said nothing was 'inevitable or irreversible'.
"All of us working to tackle the misuse of drugs are in no doubt about the often considerable challenges which we face. We are rightly realistic. But we must never be fatalistic.
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"One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is meeting many courageous people who have or are battling addiction and have recovered their lives. I'm pleased to be meeting some of them today.
"They are testament to the fact that drug addiction and alcohol dependency are neither inevitable nor irreversible.
"And by ensuring our strategy and investment are delivered with a greater focus on outcomes, we can help more drug users to find recovery, better support people to overcome alcohol problems and secure a safer, stronger and healthier Scotland for all our people."
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This morning the Minister also attended the 10th anniversary celebrations of Turning Point Scotland, whose clients include individuals with addiction problems - as well as others with learning disabilities, autism, mental health problems or who are homeless.
Susan Deacon, Professor of Social Change at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, and a former Health Minister, is chairing What's Your Story? She said:
"I'm pleased to be taking part in today's event, which gives a voice to those whose lives have been directly affected by drugs.
"Too often the debate on drugs policy is dominated by statistics and soundbites at the expense of a human dimension.
"This conference provides an opportunity for people to share their views and experiences and so help shape future policy and services."