Barry turned to heroin after a relationship broke down

As a report criticises Britain's drug laws, he explains why follow-up support is vital for staying off drugs.

My name is Barry, and I'm a recovering addict.

I had 10-12 years of using recreational drugs and drink, and then I graduated to heroin.

'Continual madness'

It was an accumulation of things, including the breakdown of my first long-term relationship. It seemed to cure my problems.

But it took over within a short space of time. It took over everything.

It was just ongoing madness, continual madness.

You're not responsible when you're doing that stuff.

First and foremost I'd like to be drug-free and happy Drug laws 'need overhaul'

The children weren't going to school every day like they're supposed to.

I couldn't hold a job down. I was in and out of prison.

I used to think about getting help pretty much every day of my life.

Just before my first boy was born I attempted to get help, and I went into short-term treatment. I lasted about three hours.

I had to do it differently this time.

'Challenge'

Going on from detox into a residential treatment centre for me was an absolute must. I've tried it the other way so many times and it's never worked.

Every day was a challenge. Friends I used to have from when I was using heroin, many of them are dead now due to their addiction.

For me, it's about moving away from the area where I come from, to distance myself from my lifestyle.

First and foremost I'd like to be drug-free and happy. But obviously to do that I have to be employed.