"When I started to connect with people, and got involved with Turning Point's activities, I learnt that this is the way to live away from that insidious cycle of addiction."
Salma told us about what her life used to be like and what happened when she reached out for support:
“I had a tough time while in active addiction, my life was chaotic and unmanageable, I didn’t know where or who to turn to; I was on my death bed. I was using crack and heroin for about 10 years, I would use it every single day, every minute of the day. There was a point when I was working, but I ended up losing my job as I wasn’t fit to go to work, my physical health rapidly declined to the point I was not able to do anything but use drugs daily.
“I engaged and disengaged with Turning Point and wasn’t taking it seriously. But when the using got worse, I started to engage with the groups they offer: the recovery skills group, women’s group, the mindfulness group and Park fit. I can say that this gave me a structure and the basic tools of how to start living a sane life.
“My life changed incredibly when I put the drugs down. Anything is possible with support, willingness and connection. I am 28 years old and I’ve achieved recovery, thanks to my willingness, admission to rehab, the support from Turning Point and the people that care about me. I am a grateful recovering addict with 1 year 4 months and 12 days clean. Rehab for me was the best thing that happened to me as it gave me an opportunity to leave London and try to get better, I had mixed emotions about it at first, but when I got in, I knew this is was the start of my recovery journey.
She shares why connection with others was so important in her recovery:
“For anyone who is reading this, the opposite of addiction is connection. I used to be so isolated, I was paranoid and scared to leave my flat, I would hear voices due to psychosis and used to never open my curtains due to my using. I was in complete fear everyday while I was using.
"I got the opportunity to go on a trip with Danny who is the Park fit fitness lead for Turning Point. I went hiking for three days, met a wonderful bunch of people and still have connection with them today.
“When I started to connect with people, and got involved I learnt that this is the way to live, away from that insidious cycle of addiction.”
She tells us about becoming a peer mentor and the impact that had:
“I’m currently a peer mentor at Turning Point, after completing their peer mentoring course. I never thought that I would be in a position where I would be in a working environment; being able to impact and help people. I have lived experience and if it means sharing my experience to help someone who is struggling, then I will. Helping people makes me feel really good, every time I finish work, I feel satisfied. In my mind it’s like I’ve done everything that I can to help someone on that day. Also, being in this environment gives me hope and makes me stay strong and resilient; I never want to go back to using drugs again."
You can create positive change in your life too. Get in touch with us.