FOR the last month the Telegraph has been telling the inspiring stories of local people who have recovered from drugs or alcohol addiction and putting the spotlight on the vital services that have helped them.
We have highlighted these individuals and groups as part of Recovery Month, a nationwide initiative which aims to celebrate everyone’s journey from addiction to recovery.
In recent weeks sobering statistics have made it clear that addiction to drugs and alcohol is still a huge problem for Inverclyde.
Data from the National Records of Scotland showed that more than 50 people locally died due to drugs or alcohol in 2023, with the area’s alcohol death rate the highest in the country.
By sharing successful recovery stories and information about local services, the Tele aims to show those struggling with these issues that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
WEEK ONE
A brave Greenock woman who was trapped in heroin addiction for nearly 20 years told how a recovery cafe saved her life when she was left homeless after losing her partner.
Keiley Archibald told how after hitting an all-time low, she found the Your Voice Recovery Cafe, and a whole community that has helped to turn her life around.
The Inverclyde community united for a candlelight vigil to remember all those who have died from drugs and alcohol addiction.
Local groups stood together in Clyde Square in a show of support for families and to raise awareness of the devastation left behind.
The recovery community came together for a special festival to offer hope and ensure no one feels alone.
Hope in the Square organised by Your Voice was once again a massive success with music, art and support.
WEEK TWO
A leading local drugs worker said the news that Inverclyde has the country’s highest alcohol death rate came as no surprise.
The shock statistics came less than a month after it was revealed that the area had one of Scotland’s highest drug death rates.
A Greenock man who came within hours of losing his life due to alcohol addiction spoke of how his brush with death sparked his journey to recovery.
Fraser Mitchell bravely shared his story as part of the Telegraph's focus on recovery to show others struggling with addiction that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.
WEEK THREE
The Telegraph spoke to Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs, a lifeline Inverclyde service has helped hundreds of local people cope with the alcohol or drug use of their loved ones over the last four years.
We met with support workers at the Jericho House recovery project who told of the work being done to support women through their recovery journey.
An Inverclyde mum says she would have died if it hadn't been for the ‘life-changing’ support of Jericho House.
WEEK FOUR
The talented artist at the helm of one of Inverclyde's newest visitor attractions has spoken of how the words and works of George Wyllie inspired his journey to recovery.
Willie Sutherland had a lifelong ambition of becoming a full-time artist - but 30 years as a functioning alcoholic stopped that dream in its tracks.
Team Tele decided to show their commitment to helping people by taking a naloxone training course.
Naloxone is a drug which temporarily reverses the effects of a potentially fatal opioid overdose and gives time for the emergency services to arrive and administer further treatment.
A residential rehabilitation centre which has saved more than 1,000 lives since it opened over three decades ago lifted the lid on its vital work as part of the Tele’s month-long focus on recovery.
We paid a visit to the Haven in Kilmacolm to hear about its lifesaving programme.
A chef who lost his business and his sense of identity during his battle with drug addiction told how he had rekindled his love of cooking thanks to the Haven.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here