Carl's story
Carl realised his hedonistic lifestyle was taking its toll when he found himself starting arguments with strangers and stepping in front of cars.
Until recently, the 41-year-old Cambridge man would spend most weekends off his face on drugs and alcohol.
“I was losing the plot, self-harming. I wasn’t rational. Something had to give. I was getting verbally aggressive and getting in a lot of accidents. I was never suicidal but I walked into traffic just to see what would happen.”
Carl, not his real name, realised he had a problem after counting 15 empty wine bottles on the floor following a bank holiday weekend.
He sought help from The Bridge, a confidential service providing advice about drug use, based at 154 Mill Road, Cambridge.
The Bridge also offers support for families and parents and counselling and assessments for people with drug problems.
Carl praises the support of both his GP and the Cambridge-based drug advice provider.
“The Bridge was excellent, really supportive.”
Since getting help, Carl’s cleaned up his act. He’s studying at a local college and wants to eventually get a job in healthcare.
He hasn’t touched alcohol since last New Year’s Eve and no longer takes illegal drugs, he says.
“If you mix with friends who you have to drink with to enjoy their company, they aren’t worth being with.”
To contact The Bridge call 01223 214614.