From alcohol addiction to helping others

With seven prior drink-drive convictions, John was told by the judge that if he didn’t sort out his alcohol issues then he was going to be serving time in prison.  

John had been battling with his alcohol addiction, and for the last three years had been homeless and living between his storage shed and his van. His future was looking grim. A referral to a social worker at Catholic Social Services (CSS), helped John on his way to accessing some vital programmes to help him with his addiction.

He managed to complete an eight-week residential bridge programme run by the Salvation Army and then went on to attend programmes run by Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CAD), with additional help from Care NZ.

Through advocacy provided by the CSS social worker, John was finally able to give up sleeping in his van and storage shed, and move into a secure and affordable home through Kainga Ora (HNZ).  John finally had a proper home.

John is now alcohol free and has successfully completed four months home detention. Despite all his challenges, John is helping others who have battled addiction issues, acting as a mentor and peer support to them.