A CUMBRIAN man is celebrating his ninth month since breaking free from addiction thanks to the help of a local support group.

Alan Warburton, 44, is a volunteer worker in Kendal for the Well Community and a former addict who is now working to guide others toward getting clean.

After suffering with addiction for many years, Alan struggled to overcome unemployment, prison, and the loss of personal relationships.

As of May 3, he marked 293 days sober, and is excited to mark his 300th day next week.

Alan said: “I work for the treatment centre in Kendal and I’ve been volunteering since last year.

“I’ve always volunteered for the probation service.

“After doing the service with the Well, they offered me a job which started on May 1.

“I am now working as the sustenance officer where I go and stay with people going through the treatment. I help with the work loads and just have to be around to give them some support.

“I stay in the centre over night for two nights a week just to make sure everyone is alright.

“Thanks to that I’m feeling a lot freer.

“I’ve been clean for nine and a half months now. Seven days off 300 days.

“I am clean from everything. They took me in on June 8 last year when the treatment centre began in Kendal. I was one of the first people to go through the door.

“From an early age I’ve been in a lot of institutions. I wasn’t born an addict, but I was born into addiction.

“From a young age I was in care, and I have done some time in jail. It never got me clean, but it made me street wise which turned into crime around using.

“I briefly got clean and got myself a job, but I became complacent which led me back into my old ways. I lost my job and my family.

“This led to me almost walking into the sea at Morecambe because things got so bad.

“My probation officer got me in touch with the well and without that support I wouldn’t be here now.

“It’s lifesaving. The love and care is all you need and it taught me how to live again.

“Anyone out there who is struggling, I say jump at it and go give the treatment a go.”

To get in touch with the Well Community visit www.thewellcommunities.co.uk.