Craig continues to grow from strength to strength. He is now on a New Deal Placement with our Project.

Looking back on the last six or so months I have found it a very enjoyable and valuable time. Starting back in December I left a secure environment to return back into society. A society I left when I was a physical and emotional wreck. The prospect of returning was a daunting one. One of anticipation and fear. Fear of not being accepted I think. I didn't want to return known as a junkie, but something I would probably come in contact with.

I spent Christmas with my family and it was a really welcoming time, something I had often failed to appreciate in the past. Leaving rehab at this time was quite a difficult one. With everyone on a high with the festive spirit and the need for me to stay drug free. This wasn't a good combination really. I found myself going out with my mates all over Christmas and drinking every night which I found hard not to, due to my new life without narcotics. And I knew I had to be aware of what was around for me. I constantly bumped into people on the street that I had used with in the past and this was a constant reminder of how far I had come and how far I would plummet if I was not careful. It was quite disturbing how they looked. This in turn though gave me more determination to succeed. I knew the first few months would be the hardest but I had to deal with it, this was my stuff.

It only seemed two minutes before I had returned to St Anne's to become a volunteer. Working with the 'In Your Face' drama team. We have been to a lot of different schools both private and government maintained secondary schools where our production has been met with great appreciation, which for me has been very rewarding. I take a lot from the production and I probably don't realise yet how much it has done for me in respect of self-esteem, assertiveness, and confidence. All major contributing factors in staying clean.

I started college doing a Criminology course, which I have now completed and really enjoyed. Meeting new people has been good for me due to all the other people I know in Blackburn are associated with T.H.O.M.A.S. Since I left the reconcile project my main problem has been being away from my family and friends. Something I occasionally find quite hard to deal with but the more new people I meet the better. Keeping busy is the hardest thing to put up with. This is the time you spend thinking and it can be bad to think too much.

Things are looking good, I have got a work placement at T.H.O.M.A.S. and it is allowing me to get back into a life of work. Everyone has made it easy for me to settle in. The main thing is I'm enjoying myself whilst slowly getting back into a society that holds so much for me.

In September I am returning back to college to study Sports Science. A course I will gain a lot from and which I should excel in because of the nature of the course. Choosing the right college has been difficult, wanting to go to the best college has its disadvantages. Moving on again starting a fresh away from home. Although on the other hand, it gives me a great opportunity to meet new people, and open myself up to new experiences.

I don't know what my long-term future holds but in the short-term college, having fun, staying clear of Heroin are my main priorities. Bolton have just been promoted to the Premier league so things are definitely on the up.

'There is no point looking back in anger, least not today.'