Alison, 15
I’m a 15-year-old drug addict. I started using and drinking when I was 13.
I had my mind set on getting a good education when I went into secondary school. Instead I met with bad company. I started experimenting with different drugs. I started with alcohol on my confirmation. I loved it. Before that I always said I would never touch drink or drugs because I saw too much of it in my family.
A few friends and I used to go mitching and buy bottles of gas. Then one night at a disco I tried hash and I have used it every day after that. My head was wrecked from it. A few months before my granny died I started taking ecstasy it was the drug of my choice. I robbed my mother and father and my friends just to get my hands on ecstasy. Then when I got addicted to them, I’d keep taking and taking till I’d drop. I fought girls on the street and then robbed their phones and jewellery and sold them. I started dealing to have money to feed my addiction. I had money all the time then, so that I could buy coke and speed. I got known and made a bad name for myself around the town. The guards watched me. I started hating everyone. I got expelled from two schools and got thrown out of home. I wouldn’t listen to anyone that told me I had a problem. But one weekend I was out all weekend I came home and went to bed. I got up for work the next morning and passed out. My mouth was locked and my father couldn’t open it. I woke up in the hospital and I didn’t know where I was. It gave me a fright and made me come to Aislinn.
During my six-weeks I built a relationship back with my family, got an apprentice position and I’m feeling excellent with the help of the staff. I’ve a clear head and I’m able to get on with my life without drink and drugs.