"My experience with this service is a positive one"

Since coming to prison for the 42nd time! (joking). I've been here numerous times before but first time interacting with DARTS which has been an eye opener and it is serving me very well indeed.

I was open minded to idea of groups as I have severe anxiety which has took a back seat for the first time in a long time and my guard has been lowered which is nice for my mental health.

Group work is very inspiring and I can relate to many peoples past experiences, I'm glad I'm ready to address my issues for first time I've ever been mentally strong and got my drug use in order as I know this is half the problem sorted.

I'm given tools slowly, my tool box is getting bigger and better tools to help me for when I'm released in the future and put in to practice what I've learnt in here, also my age is a big factor in my attitude to my recovery also the fact I'm bored in using drugs daily for the last 20+ years I've been doing it day in day out 24/7 365 which has took its toll on me and slowly ground me down and made me so mentally hurt I'm constantly finding myself judging people who I can see as new to the drug scene and want to tell them it is a slippery slope.

I've lied, deceived, manipulated that many times with my drug use it comes hand in hand with taking drugs like a horse and carriage, I've been finding myself giving advice more and more to people on drugs who are young and still got the innocence about them.

I'm sure I'm going to be told any day that I am a whining old man and a know it all! My experience with this service is a positive one, my worker Beth is very helpful and polite and easy to approach and talk to.