News / Chandos House
‘It had been impossible to break through the cycle of addiction’
Flyn’s addiction to crack and heroin destroyed his relationship with his family, his job prospects and left him with drug-induced psychosis.
When he was first admitted to Chandos House, the 22-year-old says he could not see a future for himself. Now, three weeks into his treatment, he has already gained back a spark of his former self and believes it will be possible to turn his life around.
“I made a lot of mistakes,” he tells Bristol24/7, speaking openly in the safe privacy of one of the wellbeing pods at the rehab centre in Redland.
is needed now More than ever
Chandos House is Bristol’s last remaining residential addiction treatment service, but faces closure this month due to funding cuts if enough money isn’t raised to secure its future.
Chandos House is due to close this month
Flyn wanted to share his story to highlight the life-saving work taking place there.
“I was taking a lot of drugs and hurt my family and destroyed my relationship with my parents,” he continues. “I had been using crack for two years and heroin for four months. I was very addicted to drugs and losing the plot and having visions. I had drug-induced psychosis. It’s very difficult to deal with.”
Flyn says his issues with addiction stemmed from being bullied by his peers, including via social media, that affected his mental health and led to drug-taking.
“I was not thinking through the consequences, I was so caught up in my own issues,” he admits.
“My family have been there for me in so many ways – they have always tried to support me and do everything they can for me. I have a thick skin on the outside, but on the inside, I’m really hurting.
“I just want to be free of crack and heroin and to have a good and active life. The first week here was really difficult – it’s not an easy journey. Psychosis knocked all the life out of me, but Chandos has transformed me.
“All my idols are really hard working grafters and I feel like I can have that life now because of Chandos.”
In a heartfelt letter to James Dickinson, the director of Chandos House, Flyn’s mum shared her own thoughts.
“I had been feeling full of despair about my younger son, finding it impossible to break through the cycle of addiction he was in,” she said. “The local substance misuse service that he had been attending for two years was unable to do this with him either.
“When James offered him a place at Chandos House, I sat down on my own crying with relief and wonder.
“We are in week three now and detox is over. I have witnessed his creativity and sense of belonging to the world returning gradually in these weeks. The terrible isolation of addiction has eased off. The re-set button has been pressed, the future is uncertain – as it is for all those in recovery. One day at a time.”
Will Self is one of the celebrities to offer his support to Chandos House
There is still chance to donate via: www.localgiving.org/appeal/chandoscrisis/.
Read more: ‘We remain hopeful for the miracle that might yet revive our fortunes’
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