Drug and alcohol support - Harley's story

Watch Harley's video to see how his relationships changed with his family when he started to take drugs and alcohol. Find out how he is working to repair those relationships.

Harley's video transcript

[Title card] Kent County Council Alcohol and Drug Support - Harley's story.

[Harley sits down on a bench in a park, he is facing away from the camera to be anonymous. Throughout the video, we see Harley's hands rubbing together in thought and the tapping of his feet]

Harley: "I was out in a pub and someone just offered it to me once. I was drunk as anything and then next thing you know, one thing led to another. It mainly started off only doing it with alcohol and t hen it got to the point where I could wake up at eight o'clock in the morning and then just do the drugs all the time .

"I got myself in like nine and a half grant in eight months. I was doing half an ounce in 12 hours. Point 2 away from having a heart attack, left the ambulance and done another three and a half grams. Yeah, ruined my life at the minute.

I've been trying to get help through doctors, not just for drugs, but for mental health-wise for the last three years. The pressure it put on my family, it wasn't nice. I was like, no, something needs to be done now. Because I've lost friends."

[Harley walks through the park facing away from the camera]

"I've pretty much lost my home. I've got a little sister, it's not nice. And the effect it has on my mum, and it's not nice seeing them upset all the time. Everyone says it's easy to quit, but when you're in that situation, it's a lot easier said than done.

"So it's nice to have a bit of guidance, and then the rest of it is all on you really. So if you want the help, then you'll go and get it.

"I think it's just having that initial support and someone to talk to and guide you through. That's all you need is a little guidance at the start."

[End card] For more information visit kent.gov.uk/alcohol-and-drug-support