How to cope with Christmas as a recovering addict

Christmas is also a notoriously difficult time for addicts as many are in with family for extended periods of time and alcohol is free flowing, so Nathan is also happy to discuss what to do if you are struggling during the festive period.

Preston local, Nathan Jones, ten years ago found himself stuck in a deep cycle of addiction. Nathan enrolled himself in rehab but is passionate about breaking addiction stereotypes.

Nathan’s story beings just after his 16th birthday in his town in North Wales when he had his first alcoholic drink. His first taste of alcohol sadly landed him a night in hospital. Unfortunately, this was the beginning of a cycle of experimentation and subsequent addiction. Nathan was curious about drugs in his teenage years and when offered cocaine in his local pub, Nathan was fascinated by the impact of cocaine. He said it felt like being strapped to a rocket, it was something which enthralled him. He began to fuel his addiction by gambling and borrowing sums of money. Nathan was arrested for possession, severed his relationships and declared bankruptcy. His addictions didn’t just stop at drugs, but also included alcohol, sex/ porn and even sunbeds.

One morning in 2012, he hit rock-bottom after a cocaine-fuelled weekend in Manchester. Waiting for the train back to Wales and having not slept for three days, he didn’t want to live but he didn’t want to die. Nathan needed help and shares that this is a unique feeling most addicts go through.

After spending a month in rehab, he wanted to help others through the turmoil he experienced. With a counselling degree and diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapy in hand, he set up the London Centre for Addictions which offers a range of treatment for those living with substance abuse and sexual addiction.

Nathan’s centre has recently launched a free weekly introductory group session for anyone who is struggling with a substance or behavioural addictions. During the sessions, Nathan is keen normalise addiction by each sharing stories and recovery; offering hope to the individual. The centre now has an active client base of 30- 40 people.