Addiction
By Helen Rutter
I read last year that County lines drug dealing was beginning to have a serious effect on communities across Cheshire East (article by Stephen Topping) I suspect that it will be a similar story in Cheshire West.
County lines is the practice of urban drug dealers (in this case from Liverpool and Manchester) expanding their operations to smaller towns, often using violence to drive out local dealers. They will frequently target children and adults often with mental health or addiction problems to act as drug runners or move cash so they can stay under the radar of law enforcement. People exploited in this way will quite often be exposed to physical, mental and sexual abuse, and in some instances will be trafficked to areas a long way from home as part of the network’s drug dealing business. As with child sexual exploitation, children often don’t see themselves as victims or realise they have been groomed to get involved in criminality.
At the beginning of this year I had the great pleasure of listening to an amazing lady, Lisa talked about addiction and the effect that this has on the addict, their family and friends. Addiction is not a spectator sport. Eventually the whole family get to play (“ripple effect”). Afterwards I introduced myself and the Chaplaincy to Lisa and a link was formed between us and CGL (Change Live Grow) and Emerging Futures.
After which an opportunity came about to take part in a family coaching /addiction course. Monica and I jumped at this chance . What an amazing week we had. We met people from all sorts of backgrounds and shared life experiences. We learned so much and grew so much on a personal level.
Addiction can take on many forms; you may use alcohol, cigarettes, food, medication or illegal substances initially like a sticking plaster to cover up a bad experience or situation you are in, thinking you can control it. Instead you may find everything spirals out of control and only makes things worse.
Change may come from within, but it doesn't mean you have to do it alone. If you find yourself or a family member in this position and you want to take control and embark on a journey of recovery, don’t be afraid to ask or seek help. We can support the addict, the family or both. Please contact us. We can offer a free confidential non judgmental listening ear for as long as it takes.
Contact Helen or Monica
Naloxone Training 13th February 2020 completed by Helen and Monica (both carry naloxone)
Using naloxone will not kill anyone
Bring people back from an overdose of opiates
Useful links
Lisa Heaps Mobile 07722 152974 Telephone 03330124714
Family Lead Email Lisa.heaps@emergingfutures.org.uk