For most of his adult life, Steven battled addiction. Crack, heroin, and benzodiazepines consumed 28 years, leaving him with chronic health conditions, stints of homelessness, fractured relationships, and repeated spells in prison. His only clean periods were during incarceration, and each attempt at recovery had previously ended in relapse.
By February 2024, Steven’s situation had become critical. At 52 years old, his health was rapidly declining due to COPD, and he was living in a flat under a police closure order for anti-social behaviour and drug activity. Isolated, estranged from his family, and surrounded by drug use, Steven feared he might not survive much longer.
Then he met Wirral Ways’ outreach team.
Together, they began to unpack the complexity of his situation — addressing not just his substance use, but his living conditions, health concerns, and the emotional weight of being cut off from family. Through daily visits and wraparound support, Steven began medically assisted treatment (MAT), which brought vital structure and stability into his life.
The turnaround didn’t happen overnight. Steven experienced setbacks, including a brief relapse, but he kept going. He completed a detox at Parkland Place in February, and with support from both Wirral Ways and his now reconnected family, he entered rehab at Oasis Runcorn in April. By June, he had successfully completed the programme.
Today, Steven is living in fellowship-supported housing and actively attending mutual aid meetings. He’s rebuilt relationships with his family and is focusing on staying well and giving back. Now considering becoming a volunteer, Steven is looking to use his lived experience to support others on their journey.
His story is a powerful reminder that, no matter how long the struggle, recovery is always possible with the right support, persistence, and belief.