Support for Andover's drug addicts is making a huge difference to those taking it.

That's according to a recovering user who's turned her life around thanks to the help of staff at the town's support centre on New Street.

23 year old Alison's vices were alcohol and cocaine, but after a brush with the law, she was ordered to get help as part of her probation.

She took part in both group and one-to-one therapy sessions, as well as activities including fitness classes, art and holistic treatments like Reiki to find a way out.

Alison chose to speak to Andover Sound, under a false name, and explains how she found herself becoming an addict: "I was a bit of a rebellious kid - everyone else was doing it and I thought I had to ge one better, be the one that could drink the most, or take the most and be the last one standing. But that ended up leading to an addiction.

"I do voluntary work now, I feel comfortable going into an environment with people who haven't had addictions, I can work within a 'grown-up' environment. I know that sounds really strange, being a grown-up, but with the addiciton, I always felt like this little child.

"With all the help that I've had at the CRI, it's helped me to build myself back up and do voluntary work, with kids that have substance misuse issues and all-sorts."

To find out more about the support services available to people with drug and alcohol problems in North West Hampshire, click on the link below.