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Tackling Drugs, Saving Lives
In their week-long campaign, the Kent Drug and Alcohol Action Team show local communities what is being done in their area to reduce drug-taking. More Details View Transcript
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Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives Campaign took place between 8th - 12th June 2009.
View Synopsis
CATHARINA MOH reports.
ANON, Ex-Drug Addict: 'I've had every possible low point that there could be, I really have been there. I've had the worst possible life that you can imagine. I just couldn't stop taking drugs, and when i did stop taking drugs, I couldn't stop committing the crime. If they hadn't of kept trying, if they hadn't of kept chipping away at me, then I wouldn't have had the opportunity to take the help when it was offered.'
Set up on Gravesend High Street, the Kent Drug and Alcohol Action Team have been organising a series of events throughout the county. The theme? Tackling Drugs, Saving Lives.
They're showing local residents what's being done to cut down on drug taking and how they're protecting families and communities.
SALLY DUNCAN, Kent Drug & Alcohol Action Team: 'We've got Turning Point, K.C.A and GASP; they're all services that are in Gravesend to support people with drug and alcohol issues. We're engaging with the community so that people that do have a problem with drug and alcohol or if they know somebody with drug and alcohol problems -- that they know that there are services out there.'
It's estimated there are more than 4,000 problematic drug users in Kent. The most vulnerable amongst us are often the hardest hit. For one man, the realities of drug abuse and the damaging effects it can have are all too familiar. He'd been homeless from the age of 11.
ANON: 'I've lost entire families, I've nearly killed myself on several occasions. I've robbed people, I've burgled people. I was so entwined within the lifestyle that even though I stopped using, I couldn't stop committing and it took a lot more willpower and it took a lot more support. Slowly I started making small tiny little gains and every time I made a small gain it's something more I can add to feeling good about myself.'
There's a number of ways people can get help in Kent- One option's going to KCA- a community drug and alcohol service. They have centres across the county.
PETE DUNGER, K.C.A UK: 'From the time the person walks through the door, the clock starts ticking for us. We have targets, of course, for different modalities and we occasionally have waiting lists but generally, I think for certain services it would be a three week maximum from when you walk in the door to when you are actually seeing your key worker and up and running with your service.'
Every pound spent saves society the crime and health costs of drug addiction. And evidence shows that drug treatment can have long lasting benefits for users, their families and our community.
ANON: 'Three years ago I was looking at a life sentence, and now I'm starting university in September. Don't give up giving up, that's something I can say.'
ANON, Ex-Drug Addict: 'I've had every possible low point that there could be, I really have been there. I've had the worst possible life that you can imagine. I just couldn't stop taking drugs, and when i did stop taking drugs, I couldn't stop committing the crime. If they hadn't of kept trying, if they hadn't of kept chipping away at me, then I wouldn't have had the opportunity to take the help when it was offered.'
Set up on Gravesend High Street, the Kent Drug and Alcohol Action Team have been organising a series of events throughout the county. The theme? Tackling Drugs, Saving Lives.
They're showing local residents what's being done to cut down on drug taking and how they're protecting families and communities.
SALLY DUNCAN, Kent Drug & Alcohol Action Team: 'We've got Turning Point, K.C.A and GASP; they're all services that are in Gravesend to support people with drug and alcohol issues. We're engaging with the community so that people that do have a problem with drug and alcohol or if they know somebody with drug and alcohol problems -- that they know that there are services out there.'
It's estimated there are more than 4,000 problematic drug users in Kent. The most vulnerable amongst us are often the hardest hit. For one man, the realities of drug abuse and the damaging effects it can have are all too familiar. He'd been homeless from the age of 11.
ANON: 'I've lost entire families, I've nearly killed myself on several occasions. I've robbed people, I've burgled people. I was so entwined within the lifestyle that even though I stopped using, I couldn't stop committing and it took a lot more willpower and it took a lot more support. Slowly I started making small tiny little gains and every time I made a small gain it's something more I can add to feeling good about myself.'
There's a number of ways people can get help in Kent- One option's going to KCA- a community drug and alcohol service. They have centres across the county.
PETE DUNGER, K.C.A UK: 'From the time the person walks through the door, the clock starts ticking for us. We have targets, of course, for different modalities and we occasionally have waiting lists but generally, I think for certain services it would be a three week maximum from when you walk in the door to when you are actually seeing your key worker and up and running with your service.'
Every pound spent saves society the crime and health costs of drug addiction. And evidence shows that drug treatment can have long lasting benefits for users, their families and our community.
ANON: 'Three years ago I was looking at a life sentence, and now I'm starting university in September. Don't give up giving up, that's something I can say.'
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