WORK has begun to attract more people to adult drug treatment services across Cambridgeshire by the charity which secured a £3.5million council service contract. National charity Addaction took over services on May 1 after it was chosen to do so by a join

WORK has begun to attract more people to adult drug treatment services across Cambridgeshire by the charity which secured a £3.5million council service contract.

National charity Addaction took over services on May 1 after it was chosen to do so by a joint initiative between Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust.

Staff have been transferred from previous service providers to Addaction, with more posts to be created and more volunteers to be recruited.

Anna Whitton, Addaction implementation manager, said: "We are now looking to focus on the development of service user groups.

"We have got a mobile van which needs a respray before it hits the road. And in about a months' time we will have a fully operational outreach team as we are recruiting more people to that."

Detective Inspector Bill Chapman said the police " shares the ambition of seeing drug-free streets and seeing families making drug-free choices.

"We will continue to robustly target those making money out of the supply of illegal drugs and use our full investigative powers to disrupt that supply.

"But perhaps not as well known, we will help to direct those who need and want help towards agencies who can provide professional treatment and help them escape misuse."

• Addaction's drug treatment services covering Fenland are based at Church Mews, Wisbech.

CONTACT: 01945 584444.

MAN WHO BROKE DRUG HABIT NOW LOOKING TO BECOME VOLUNTEER

AFTER breaking a 14-year drug habit, a Wisbech man has his sights set on becoming a volunteer worker for Addaction.

Andy (pictured) started using cannabis when he was 12, first trying out crack cocaine when he was 14 and experimenting with other drugs before deciding to join the Army aged 16.

"That didn't work out too well," said Andy, originally from Luton, who moved to Wisbech four months ago.

"I was just messing about and met this guy with the same sort of like-mindedness.

"Then I came out and pretty much from there, aged about 18, started mixing with the wrong crowd. I started stealing and burgling, day in, day out."

Aged 19, Andy was admitted to a psychiatric ward and, from there, visited a rehab clinic for about sight weeks.

"I left and within an hour I was using drugs again," said Andy. "I was not ready for rehab. Everyone kept telling me to go so I did."

Spells in and out of prisons and psychiatric wards followed until Andy was arrested for a burglary aged 24. He was remanded in custody and appeared in court via video link.

Andy, now 28, said: "I was mates with the guy who was my duty solicitor and I thought 'what am I up to?'

"He was a year older and a duty solicitor and I was up for a burglary hoping I didn't get a couple of years in prison. I knew then I needed rehab."

In 2004, Andy went to a rehab clinic in Oxford. He described it as the "hardest thing" he has done.

Three-and-a-half years later, he has broken his habit and is in the process of becoming a volunteer worker.

"That's my goal," he said. "I now think I have got a lot to offer from my knowledge of nearly 14 years of using drugs.