A FORMER drug addict has told of how he owes his life to a Northside addiction support service that supported 368 local people last year.
The positive work and impact of Finglas Addiction Support Team (FAST) was highlighted when the service’s new premises was officially opened by President Michael D Higgins last week.
The bright and airy facility on Wellmount Road is a far cry from the bleak and uninviting prefabs in which the community-based service has operated from for the last six years.
From the new centre drug users, recovered users and their families will be offered and provided with treatment, advice and support.
A former drug addict from the Finglas area who had been hooked on drugs from the age of 14 described how FAST helped him to get clean.
“Within a few short years I was on everything I could get my hands on from crack and heroin to all sorts of tablets,
? he told Northside People.
“I had got to a stage where I destroyed all those around me emotionally through my lying, cheating and stealing.
“I first made contact with FAST in 2006 when they were giving away free tea and sandwiches and I was spending all my money on drugs.
“I was the last to realise how desperate I had become because I wouldn’t admit defeat until I went to FAST and began to see myself for what I was.
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The former addict, who didn’t wish to be named, got clean on his second attempt and is now rebuilding his life and relationships with his family. He has come full circle and now works as a recovery coach with FAST.
The FAST service was first established by volunteers in 2004 and according to General Manager Barbara Condon, for every person caught in addiction, an average of eight people consequently suffer.
“Our centre here at FAST hopes to alleviate the effects of addiction for all – both the substance abuser and family members – and to help those affected to build a stronger family unit,
? she stated.
“Recovering as a family allows healing, encourages forward movement and provides the recovering drug user with a support structure that is essential to his or her success.
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It was announced last week that a new Recovery Coach Programme will be offered by Dublin City University School of Nursing in partnership with FAST.
It’s the only course of its kind to train those who are in recovery from drug addiction to help others who are struggling with the process of recovery from detox through to aftercare.
On completion of the 12-month part-time course, the coaches will work on a voluntary basis with FAST.
Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU, said the college was delighted to be able to support FAST through this new programme.
“The impact and prevalence of substance abuse is devastating, not only to the individual and the immediate family but also for the local community,
? he stated.
“Tackling the problem is one of the most difficult challenges we face in Ireland and I am delighted that DCU can play its part in supporting FAST’s very important contribution to the Finglas community.
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