Addiction help on hand over Christmas

A support group says people battling addiction face challenges over Christmas, which brings pressures through social events

A community group which helps people recovering from addictions says help is on hand over the festive holidays which can be a challenging time.

A Better Tomorrow is seeking to help people who are battling drugs or alcohol addiction from relapsing during the period.

Scott Morgan, managing director of the Telford community interest company (CIC), said there were "pressures" as people wanted to "fit in" at social events.

He told BBC Radio Shropshire people could still enjoy themselves but it was important to plan, adding support groups were still running over Christmas.

"You feel like you are missing out and you get invited to family dos and work dos. So there is pressures," he said.

"But it's about keeping yourself safe and you can do that, you can still go out and enjoy yourself without picking up a substance and without picking up a drink.

"That's the message we want to get over."

Mr Morgan said "with the right people around you", and attending groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, people could access the necessary help.

He advised: "Plan - know when your groups are, know where you can go and you've always got a listening ear and someone to support you."