The addictions’ team at Bernagh House in Downpatrick has pulled Mark through following a series of relapses
33-year-old Mark Fitzsimmons’ spiral into addiction began when he was just nine years old.
Mark, who hails originally from Belfast, has credited the South Eastern Trust’s Downpatrick Addictions Team at Bernagh House and his time spent as a patient on Ward 15 for the support he has received in his ongoing recovery from addiction.
Having experienced an environment of addiction at such a young age, Mark shared how alcohol and painkillers began to take hold of his life before he spent time to overcome them in residential addiction treatment centres, Carlisle House and Newry’s Cuan Mhuire.
“I was at the end of my tether and I was not helping myself,” said Mark. “I have had a few relapses, it happens to the best of us but I turn up everyday and I try.”
Mark shared how the Addictions Service and the support received at the Downshire Recovery Shed in Downpatrick, that welcomes men and women of all ages to empower them on their journey to recovery has helped him.
“I would not have left the house unless it was to get drugs, now I am leaving the house in the morning to come to a group or to go to the Recovery Shed. It is such a relaxed and welcoming environment. The people are 100 per cent,” said Mark.
Mark added: “If you are out there going through misery, going through pain with your addiction then what else is there for you?
“There is nothing left. You can take ownership of this addiction and push yourself forward. You can try and move forward to better yourself.”
Mark shared how the support he receives from the South Eastern Trust’s Addiction Team Peer Support Worker, Mark Sharkey-Greenhalgh has been invaluable to his life adding: “I would not be standing here today if it was not for Mark and the staff here.
“Mark and the staff have all been so supportive, they push you forward and they are genuine. They want you to get better. They are there to help.”
For those struggling or trapped in addiction, Mark’s advice is to first and foremost, to ‘reach out.’
“And go to your GP who will refer you to the Community Addictions Team for help, for support.
