Richard, a former crack cocaine user from South Wales, had to temporarily move away from his young daughter to enter rehab to overcome his addiction. The 28-year-old claimed that “it is definitely easier to get crack than a takeaway.” Richard had to travel 200 miles away from his home to Leicester to begin his 16-week rehab programme followed by a year volunteering for a substance abuse charity. He stated that he had to leave to start building a better future for his daughter.
Crack cocaine is a solid form of powdered cocaine that is usually smoked. It is a Class A drug , and a person can be sentenced to up to seven years in prison for possession and life imprisonment for dealing. The UK has consistently been the second largest consumer of cocaine in Europe after cannabis. UK police forces seized the largest quantity of powder cocaine ever recorded last year.
Richard knew that he had to make a change in his life for the sake of his daughter. He told the BBC Three documentary “Drugs Map of Britain” that “You’re willing to do anything to get it. You’ll sell your shoes off your own feet to get crack.” Referrals to abuse treatment centres for crack addiction have increased by over 50% in Wales from 2016 – 2021. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the only option for those trying to overcome a crack addiction.
Richard hopes that his experience will offer hope to others looking to kick their crack addiction. After completing his programme, he stated that he feels “free of addiction” and is “a changed man.” He now aims to help others in overcoming their addiction, and he wants his story to give others hope. The BBC Three documentary “Drugs Map of Britain,” a four-part series, is available on BBC iPlayer and on BBC Three on Tuesdays at 22:15 GMT.
If you need support or advice regarding addiction to crack cocaine or other drugs, the BBC Action Line can provide links to organisations that offer help
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More