The Truth About Drugs
A ground-breaking project that has helped 1250 local drug addicts rebuild their lives in the past 12 months alone is desperate for volunteers to help many more users in need of urgent support.
New police powers, introduced in December, to 'arrest and test' criminals suspected of being involved with drugs has meant Oldham Drugs and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is now treating double the number of users it was four years ago.
In December 1998/99 there were just 300 addicts on methadone (heroin replacement) programmes in Oldham, but that figure has risen massively in recent years. This year the figure will be in excess of 1000, of which roughly 28% will be female.
The DAAT is struggling to help these people break the cycle of drugs and crime, the latter often a by-product as users seek to feed their costly habits. However, while the team does receive Government funding, much of the work is carried out by volunteers.
It needs the help of people like 20 year old part time shop assistant Sam Birch. Sam's brother died a year ago , aged 30, after using heroin for 11 years. She started working as a volunteer last year after her family received no help with her brother's addiction. "The lack of support made me feel angry. We did not know anything that was going on - we had no information. They never gave us a chance to ask. Watching people come here helps me see that some people can beat their addiction".
Like many other volunteers, Sam received training from the DAAT team before becoming a counsellor. As well as people like Sam who have never taken drugs, many of the counsellors are reformed users.
Volunteers help users to return to normal life while they are weaned off their habit. But with only 44 volunteers at the moment , co-ordinator Steve Samuels said they are barely scratching the surface. "The volunteers come from all walks of life. The one thing they have in common is a bit of life experience and willingness to help."
For more information call Steve Samuels on 0161 624 9595.
