Mark Fitzsimmons now hopes to encourage others into recovery
A Belfast man has spoke about how his life started to spiral into addiction at just nine years old as he hopes to encourage others into recovery.
Mark Fitzsimmons has opened up about his struggles with drugs and alcohol from a young age as he speaks about the support that he has received with the South Eastern Trust’s Downpatrick Addictions Team at Bernagh House who are helping him on the road to recovery.
He has recently spent time on Ward 15 of the unit as part of his addiction recovery treatment and says that he was introduced to alcohol and painkillers from a young age and has spent time in residential addiction treatment centres, Carlisle House and Newry’s Cuan Mhuire.
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“I was at the end of my tether and I was not helping myself,” said Mark. “I have had a few relapses, it happens to the best of us but I turn up everyday and I try.”
Mark shared how the Addictions Service and the support received at the Downshire Recovery Shed in Downpatrick, that welcomes men and women of all ages to empower them on their journey to recovery has helped him.
“I would not have left the house unless it was to get drugs, now I am leaving the house in the morning to come to a group or to go to the Recovery Shed. It is such a relaxed and welcoming environment. The people are 100 per cent,” said Mark
Mark continued, “If you are out there going through misery, going through pain with your addiction then what else is there for you? There is nothing left. You can take ownership of this addiction and push yourself forward. You can try and move forward to better yourself.”
Mark said the support he receives from the South Eastern Trust’s Addiction Team Peer Support Worker, Mark Sharkey-Greenhalgh has been invaluable to his life. “I would not be standing here today if it was not for Mark and the staff here. Mark and the staff have all been so supportive, they push you forward and they are genuine. They want you to get better. They are there to help.”
For those struggling or trapped in addiction, Mark’s advice is to first and foremost, “reach out.” “Go to your GP who will refer you to the Community Addictions Team for help, for support. It is a misery being in that trap of addiction, with the help and support you can better yourself.”
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