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CLEANING UP THE MESS SO I COULD RISE I started smoking cigarettes at the age of 12 and was introduced to Ecstasy when I was 16. I eventually went on to try cocaine. I began taking these substances out of curiosity, but they soon turned into addictions that went on to ruin my life. One of the worst experiences I had was after overdosing on drugs at a 24-hour party. This ordeal left me so distraught and helpless that in that moment, I decided to quit everything – the drugs, the alcohol and the cigarettes. However, my efforts made no difference and I was unable to rid myself of my addictions. I felt stuck and hopeless. “I grew up surrounded by a family who drank, smoked and partied all the time, so the addictions I developed began at a young age. troubled I was invited me to the UCKG HelpCentre to get the support I truly needed. eventually lifted from my life. It was not an easy road, but I was determined to change for both myself and my child. There I understood addiction is more than the substance. It has a root and I have the power to pluck it out of my life. Attending the meetings and practicing the guidance given, addictions were It took a lot of perseverance and hard work, but every moment was worth it because today I am completely free. I am a great mother to my daughter, I value myself and I am now engaged to a man who truly loves me. I am a completely different person now because I chose to rise above the addiction and start afresh.” Elisa Bosepa My reckless lifestyle led to an unexpected pregnancy. For the first month of my pregnancy, I was so addicted that I continued taking drugs and living a dangerous life. That was until a friend who knew how DID YOU KNOW...? be lifted from addiction GOOD FRIDAy|3PM also at 7am, 10am and 7.30pm EVERY 19 SEC someone is incarcerated for drug law offenses. 53% Victims believed the offender(s) to be under the influence of alcohol in over half (53%) of all violent incidents, or 704,000 offences. Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions and depression. 33,000 People in the UK die from alcohol-related causes each year. libertyradio.co.uk you are what you listen to 13 G o o d f r i d ay, m a rc h 3 0 • 3 p m |