Cheyne

Drugs & Alcohol

I first came to The Salvation Army because I needed help with my methamphetamine addiction and I knew I couldn't stop on my own.

At that time in my life my main goal was to make a lot of money and I got involved with some dangerous people. It was like playing with fire.

By the time I came to The Salvation Army Bridge Programme I felt lost, confused and empty. I also felt a bit frightened because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.

They were quite honest that the process of change would be difficult and that I'd have to go through a lot of changes and face a lot of things about myself. But they made me feel comfortable and accepted.

One of the most important things I've learned is that I can change – I don’t have to be stuck in the same rut. I'm motivated to change now that I can sense that I do have a future I can be proud of.

The Salvation Army has changed the way I feel about myself. My confidence has improved and, most importantly, I think that I'm a person who deserves to be loved and accepted. I never really knew that before – that people genuinely do care about me.

My advice to people who are seeking help would be to just take that step.

A friend once told me that the pain of staying the same far outweighs the pain of change, and I know how difficult it is to make that first step. I know the fear that you feel, but it's worth it – it really is worth it.