Andy, Scotland

My name is Andy and I come from Scotland. I had addiction issues myself in the past, with mainly heroin and alcohol but have been free from drugs for eight years and haven’t drunk alcohol for almost two years.

I first started trying to sort myself out when I was 21 and had various jobs mainly in the construction trade, but they were just to earn money. What I really wanted to do was help people who had drug and other issues.

Just over 3 years ago I decided to do something about it. I phoned a local drug service and asked if I could do voluntary work with them and they were fantastic.

I started doing sessional work and then I was asked if I wanted to take part in a training pilot, for people who had a problem with alcohol or drugs in the past.

It was a brilliant opportunity. I completed the course and gained an vocational qualification in health and social work.

I now have full-time job in this field. We work with males aged 18 to 30 with offending behavior around a whole range of different issues. Within the local community I’m just happy to have my career.