Support group is Harbouring hope

Recovery worker Robert shares his experience of service

- EXCLUSIVE STEPHEN BARK

Lived experience has proven to be a key factor in supporting people facing addiction for an Ayrshire charity.

Harbour Ayrshire recently celebrated their third anniversary after it was founded by Ayrshire businessman Clive Kennedy.

One of their success stories is Robert Hamilton from Irvine who overcame 30 years of alcoholism and now works as a recovery practitioner, helping people who face similar scenarios to his own.

Speaking to the Ayrshire Post, Robert said: "My story is 30 years of addiction-I went through five rehabs and 20-30 detoxes to the point of organ failure. I had blood clots in both legs and I was paralysed for six months and I wasn't able to walk with the pain.

"There were a lot of relationships wrecked and I had a lot of different jobs-I ran away and travelled the UK in construction.

"I was a shambles. I got told by the doctor that if I drank again, I was going to die. That was five years ago.

"Three years ago, I listened to him. I have got cirrhosis of the liver so if I do drink again, I am going to die this time.

"I didn't know what to do.

"My son reached out to Eddie Gorman (Harbour Ayrshire Project Manager) for me for support and I went onto a buddy service.