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Many people around the UK suffer from drug addiction or alcoholism. However, those who have had little or no experience at all with this illness will often tar all addicts with the same brush; they will brand them as ‘lazy’, ‘bad role models’, and ‘terrible people’. But are they really?
Addiction is an illness that affects the way an individual behaves. Through no fault of their own, the individual can begin to act in a selfish and almost unfair manner, which can be distressing and frustrating for loved ones. Nevertheless, this does not make this individual a bad person; they are just individuals who need a bit of assistance in getting their lives back on track. There are many charities and rehabilitation clinics around the UK that specialise in helping these people overcome their addiction and go on to lead a healthier, sober life.
Exciting Approach to Recovery
Comedian and actor Russell Brand, or ‘rustyrockets’ as he is more commonly known as on Twitter, has become the official patron of an alcohol and drugs addiction charity and has praised the Birmingham-based charity that assists those who are suffering from an addiction and helps them find work. Brand has become close friends with Steve Dixon, who founded the charity. “The charity has a new and exciting approach to recovery, which starts with getting people off drugs and ends with them becoming entrepreneurs. There will be less junkies in Birmingham and more Richard Bransons. Surely that’s a good thing?” he said.
Perfect Place for Recovering Addicts
Brand has committed to publicising the charity using social media and by planning to make an appearance at three separate events over the next twelve months. The small charity assists more than 300 people in overcoming their addiction every year and has donated a massive £1 million to the Recovery Central dry bar, which sells absolutely no alcohol and is the perfect place for recovering addicts to ‘hang out’.
Genuinely Interested
Speaking about Brand, Mr Dixon explained, “I first met him at an event two years ago, and he seemed genuinely interested in our different approach to tackling addition…by giving people aspirations, skills and the training they need to stay clean whilst going through recovery. He turned up as a surprise guest at our Recovery Central launch in May and spoke to service users and other delegates about his own experiences and how he faced his own struggles. During the tour of the centre, he agreed to be our first official patron, but even I have been surprised by his level of commitment. He’s regularly on the phone talking to me about our plans and we’ve both come up with some exciting ideas for fundraising in 2017.”
The initial launch night will take place on December 10th, with Brand acting as host for the evening of entertainment, laughs and reflection at the Hilton Metropole hotel.
Fully Supported
Many people will fall victim to addiction at some point in their life, and this can be an extremely challenging experience. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from an addiction and are unsure of how to tackle the issue, speak to us here at Middlegate.
We will help you to find a rehab provider that will tailor a treatment plan to suit your specific needs, which will, in turn, boost your chance at a full recovery. Our friendly counsellors will make you feel completely comfortable discussing your situation. If you have any further queries or questions about our free and confidential service, then do not hesitate to give us a call or an email today and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Source:
- http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/russell-brand-birmingham-fewer-junkies-12276274