My early experimental drug use resulted in a long and chaotic addiction to heroin and benzodiazepines. As a result of my addiction I also experienced prison, homelessness, and long-term prescription drug use. During the last two years, my life has changed dramatically. I am now on a steady dose of methadone and abstinent from all other drugs. I am enjoying family life and volunteering, and I am hoping to use my experiences to educate and support others. 
My name is Chris and I’m 30 years old (although I was slightly younger in my photo!). For twelve years I was addicted to cocaine and as a result I lost my home, my girlfriend and my self-esteem. In September 2007, I went to my local Addaction where, with the help of my fantastic key worker, I managed to kick drugs.
Visit my personal page
I experienced many years of addiction before stabilizing on methadone. Since then I have worked as a user advocate in South Wales and I also write a newsletter 'The Heroin Herald' for substance users and practitioners. During the last year I have completed a methadone withdrawal plan, from 250 ml to zero. I am currently enjoying a creative writing course, whilst contemplating the next stage in my life.
Visit my personal page
My heroin use resulted in the breakdown of my marriage, the loss of contact with my children and homelessness. Since October 2007, I have been on the Bridge Project, a residential rehab in Cardiff. I have stopped using heroin and am currently stabilised on a methadone prescription.
I've only just started volunteering with Wired In, but I can't wait to get my teeth into it. I hope to get involved in everything I can with them.
Visit my personal page.
For thirteen years I was a serious alcohol user. My alcohol use severely impacted on all aspects of my life. Since November 2007, I have been on a rehabilitation programme and have been dry. My life has changed dramatically. I want others to learn from my story and gain hope that alcohol addiction can be overcome. I also want to help others understand the link between mental health issues and chronic alcohol use – so that effective steps can be taken to tackle these issues. 
Hello, I'm Kevin! For many years I struggled with heroin/crack addiction, I'm now 2 years into my recovery and have been volunteering with Wired In a little longer than that. The reasons that I started volunteering were mainly just because I wanted something positive to do with my time, but I ended up getting a lot more from it - increased confidence, boosted self-esteem, good friends, incredible support, all in all it's been an amazing experience.
I battled with my heroin addiction for about thirteen years. My addiction stripped me of my family, my friends and my happiness. I have now been off heroin for five years, having found stability on a methadone script, and have been volunteering with Wired In since 2005.
I've got involved with lots of different things, including - speaking at conferences, having my personal story put on film, I was even interviewed on the BBC news. All in all it's been an amazing experience being a Wired In volunteer!
Visit my personal page.
I'm the mother of a recovering heroin addict, Kevin. Throughout his addiction I supported him as best I could, but it went on for around 10 years, on and off, and it was very hard to deal with. I didn't have any one who understood anything about addiction to talk to, and as it was my first experience of it also. I didn't know what to expect or even hope for.
